Gullible bargain hunters at Argentina's largest bazaar are forking out hundreds of dollars for what they think are gorgeous toy poodles, only to discover that their cute pooch is in fact a ferret pumped up on steroids. One retired man from Catamarca, duped by the knock-down price for a pedigree dog, became suspicious he had bought what Argentinians call a 'Brazilian rat' and when he returned home took the 'dogs' to a vet for their vaccinations. Imagine his surprise when his suspicious were confirmed - he had in fact purchased two ferrets that had been given steroids at birth to increase their size and then had some extra grooming to make their coats resemble a fluffy toy poodle. Previously considered an urban legend of the giant La Salada market, local television news in the capital, Buenos Aires, discovered that the unidentified man was not alone - another woman had been told that she was buying a Chiuhuahua, but ended up with a ferret. Both the woman and the retired man have not filed complaints. Typically, toy poodle puppies cost upwards of $1,000 in the United States and a ferret will usually set someone back around $75. Compared to Mumbai's infamous Dharavi slum, La Salada is a self contained micro-economic center of the Argentinian capital, largely filled with skilled Bolivian workers who have migrated. A stark contrast to the sprawling wealth of some parts of Buenos Aires, La Salada is a collection of small and informal workers, distributors and entrepreneurs - some lucky enough to sell ferrets as dogs for $150. Conned: How can a ferret ever look like a toy poodle?
Ferrets typically have brown, white or mixed fur and are around 51 cm in length - which includes a 13 cm tail.
They weigh around three pounds and have a lifespan of 7 to 10 years.
When happy, ferrets may perform a routine known as the weasel war dance - which is characterized by a series of hops and frenzied attempts to bump into things.This is often accompanied by a soft clucking noise called dooking.
When upset ferrets make a hissing noise.
Toy poodles are known for their intelligence and are around 25 cm tall and weigh around nine pounds.
If a toy poodle exceeds 25 cm height, it cannot compete in any dog show as a toy poodle.
Toy poodle have long lifespans and have been known to live as long as 20-years.
They are described as sweet, cheerful and perky and lively and love to be around people.
No longer an urban myth: People in the Argentinian market of La Salada are being sold ferrets (Brazilian rats - right) given steroids so that they resemble toy poodles.
The 'Brazilian rat' was fed steroids at birth and groomed so that it resembled a toy poodle.
Cute: A white toy poodle puppy stares lovingly at the camera - toy poodles typically cost upwards of $1,000
A typically fully grown ferret - not on steroids - is still smaller than a fully grown toy poodle.
La Salada in Buenos Aires is the biggest illegal market in South America. A high range of products is offered at the market for half the usual price.
COON RAPIDS, Minn. (AP) — A bald eagle has visited a Minnesota tribute marking the 17th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks. The national bird landed Tuesday on top of a firefighters’ aerial truck parked on a highway overpass in the northern Minneapolis suburb of Coon Rapids. Members of the Andover Fire Department were gathered to pay tribute to the nearly 3,000 people who died in the attacks and to the 9/11 emergency responders. To read more on this story, click here:Bald Eagle Lands On Fire Truck During Sept. 11 Tribute
Officials are pleading with residents in parts of the Carolinas and Virginia to evacuate ahead of Hurricane Florence, but certain city dwellers aren't able to leave Namely, the lions, tigers and giraffes at the Virginia Zoo, and the more than 100 dogs and cats at the SPCA shelter in northeastern North Carolina. "I am planning for the worst and hoping for the best," said Judy Anthony, the manager of the SPCA shelter, which is in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. To read more on this story, click here: Lions,Tigers and Shelter Pets Will Ride Out Hurricane Florence in Place
It's inevitable that you will need to leave your pup home alone. Some pets handle this well while others react with anxiety, fear and plain-old boredom when they have been left behind. What’s a loving pet owner to do? Veterinarian Katherine Miller of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) offers her advice. Understand doggy nature Dogs are a social species and evolve with packs. They bond very strongly with their human companions. The more strongly bonded the dog is and the less experience he or she has being left alone, the more stressful it will be. “Leaving domestic dogs home alone all day is a really modern situation,” says Dr. Miller. “Typically, they had things to do, because they were following people around or working on farms. They aren’t evolved to deal with what to do with themselves when they’re alone.” Teach pets to entertain themselves Too often, people shower new pets with attention, giving the pup days on end of constant interaction. When the daily grind goes back to normal, the dog is left wondering where his playmate went. When settling a new pet into your home, it’s essential to get the animal acclimated to being alone for increasingly longer time periods so they can to cope with the separation. Give the pet toys to play with, especially ones to chew on, so he or she is less likely to nibble your favorite slippers. Crate-train to start It’s important that your pet be content in a small space such as a crate, just in case you need to confine the animal for their own safety. “You want your dog to earn house privileges and show he can be trusted,” says Dr. Miller. If you give the dog the run of the house right away, he or she is much more likely to get into things. Wear the pet out If the pet is going to be alone all day with little stimulation, make sure it has plenty of stimulation before you go. Go for a long walk or jog or play outside so the pet is thoroughly pooped — even if it means an early morning for you. “If he’s not well exercised, he’ll get bored and get into stuff,” says Dr. Miller. Stick to the routine Dr. Miller’s dog has had the same schedule since puppy hood and they have never had a problem. “In the mornings, we go out for a run, then she’s confined in the kitchen where she gets a toy that has a treat inside,” Dr. Miller says. “Later, the dog walker comes and she gets let out, and treated to another toy that I’ve filled with wet food and frozen.” Bottom line: Being consistent is key. Follow the 8-hour rule Dr. Miller recommends not leaving your pet alone for more than eight hours. You may need someone come let the dog out in the middle of the day or figure out another way for your pup to have a break. “It’s more humane for a dog’s well-being, not to mention their bladder and bowels,” she says. And when you’re home for the evening, set aside some time for your pooch to exercise and socialize so they aren't pining for attention while you’re away.
The big guide for small pet lovers and everyone who loves little nose twitches, big floppy ears, or soft furry feet. Small pet fun facts, a printable daily care checklist, and everything you need to know about how to love and care for: Rabbits, Guinea pig, Gerbil, Hamster, Rat, Mice Specialty Pets, like Chinchillas, Hedgehogs, and Ferrets To get your copy, click here:Big Guide For Small Pet Lovers
No matter how well trained your dog is, and how diligently you keep to your potty-break schedule, sometimes pee happens. Whether on the carpet, hardwood floor, or anywhere else, prompt action is the best way to make sure that dog urine won’t leave a lasting impression . . . and smell. And even if you come upon a dried urine puddle or stain, there are still things you can do to remove the smell. New Urine Stains on Carpet or Fabric Your dog just peed on the carpet. Now what? Luckily, you probably have the tools for the job right at hand. Place a thick layer of paper towels over the wet spot, and, if possible, under it, as well. Cover that with a thick layer of newspaper. You can stand on the paper for a few minutes to help it absorb the urine more quickly, or just leave the paper until most of the urine is soaked up. Then remove all the paper and rinse the area with cool water. Blot up all the water, either with towels or a wet vac. Fair warning: the soggy towels are probably going to stink, which is a good thing, because it means you’re drawing out as much of the urine and its odor as possible. To read more on this story, click here:Uh Oh! My Dog Peed on the Floor! How to Get Rid of the Smell of Dog Urine
I did not write this post, it is a “Reprinted from StubbyDog.org” . About: StubbyDog StubbyDog is a non-profit, 501(c)(3), focused on changing public perceptions of pit bulls. Our vision is a world where every pit bull has the right to a good life. Our mission is to help people rediscover pit bulls as lifelong friends.
Pit bulls “suddenly snap.” It’s true. One minute they are lying upside down on the couch snoring, and the next minute they hear the word “walk,” or “rawhide,” or “ball,” and they suddenly snap. From 0 to Mach 90, they are doing zoomies down the hall, tongue flapping, tail tucked for turning aerodynamics. Jump in front of this joyful train, and you could indeed accidentally get knocked down! (photo by Donna J. Griffin)
Pit bulls’ jaws are unlike any other dog. Again, it’s true. Bullies have a singular type of jaw that enables smiling unlike any other! The lips curl up and wrinkle, and you can’t help but laugh at that happy pink tongue bobbing with each big breath, those shiny white teeth and those big twinkling eyes. (photo by Ronny A. Roberts)
Pit bulls are tenacious fighters. Ever try and fight a pack of pit bulls for the couch? The bed? A soft, cozy blanket? It’s true, they love a comfortable place to sleep and would rather lie right on top of you or each other than be alone on the cold, hard floor. (photo by Janet Podczerwinski)
Children beware. If your child has a phobia for canine kisses, then he or she definitely better stay clear of pit bulls. Pit bulls have a special radar just for children. Smell one, and they start to lick their lips. They can’t wait to find that little kid and cover them in kisses. (photo by Colleen S Moore)
Pit bulls are the ultimate guard dogs. Maybe all robbers need is a little love? If this is the case, then yes, pit bulls make excellent guard dogs. Most will be happy to greet robbers with their wiggly butts. They may even show them where the couch (and TV) is, where the coziest bedroom (and jewelry) is, and invite them to stay and cuddle awhile. (photo by Cristina Falcon Seymour) Those of us who really know pit bulls, know that they’re just dogs (OK, maybe they’re especially cuddly and goofy dogs). Now let the world know the truth about pit bulls!
Gullible bargain hunters at Argentina's largest bazaar are forking out hundreds of dollars for what they think are gorgeous toy poodles, only to discover that their cute pooch is in fact a ferret pumped up on steroids.
