At birth, a baby cockatiel weighs only 4 grams and is the size of a small thumbnail, according to tieltreasures.com. At about 6 days old, they open their eyes! The tiny bird grows fast and by day nine is eating a whole teaspoon (or two) of food three or four times a day! The blue color on the wings starts to appear as well as the crest feathers. The baby’s feathers don’t open up until it is two to three weeks old. When the little bird it about 3 weeks old, it will venture off for its first flight. A full grown cockatiel can weigh from 100 – 250 grams. This video shows amazing footage of the growth of two cockatiel hatchlings. The growth these birds go through in 30 days is unbelievable – they go from completely helpless to full grown birds.
Albany, New York - A person’s dog or cat could soon be a loyal companion in both life and death. The state Assembly this past week gave final legislative approval to a bill that would give cemeteries the option of offering to bury people with the cremated remains of their family pets. The bill sponsors, Assemblyman James Brennan (D-Brooklyn) and Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer (R-Erie County), wrote in a memo that cemetery organizations are increasingly being asked by their lot owners for permission to be buried with their pets. The two lawmakers cited statistics showing 62%, or about 72.9 million U.S. households, own a pet. “With this increased ownership has come a significant shift in the desire of New Yorkers to have their pets interred in their grave, crypt or niche,” they wrote. According to the bill, cremated pet remains must be disposed of by placing them in a grave, crypt, or niche. A cemetery would not be obligated to offer the option. And religious cemeteries are exempted from the legislation. Leona Helmsley, the hotel magnate dubbed “The Queen of Mean” who died in 2007, had in her will that she wanted her pampered pooch “Trouble” interred with her in the 12,000-square-foot family mausoleum in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Westchester County once the Maltese went to doggie Heaven. But while Trouble was cremated after her death in 2011, she could not be buried with her former master because of the state law prohibiting it. Helmsley, who cut two grandchildren out of her will and evicted her son’s widow after his death, had left her beloved dog a $12 million inheritance, though a judge subsequently reduced it to $2 million. The bill allowing for humans to be buried with their pets passed the Senate in March and the Assembly this past week. Gov. Cuomo spokesman Richard Azzopardi wouldn’t say whether the governor will sign the bill into law, saying only it will be reviewed. The state in 2014 enacted a regulation that allowed pet cemeteries to accept the cremated remains of humans who wanted to spend eternity with their pets.
Leona Helmsley, who died in 2007, had will made demanding that her dog be buried with her.
Both Hemsley and her dog died before the bill was pushed for owners to be buried with their pets.
For the past 28 years, dogs from around the globe compete for the title of the 'World's Ugliest Dog' and this year a blind Chihuahua-Chinese Crested mix took home the win for the unusual contest in California. Jason Wurtz's dog named SweePee Rambo won the competition that aims to show the inner beauty of dogs that aren't aesthetically attractive for 2016 on Friday at the Sonoma-Marin County Fair in Petaluma. SweePee, who has a blonde Mohawk, is blind in both eyes, and her right is blue. The four-pound female dog has lived with her owner Jason for the past 17 years in Encino, California. As a prize for taking home the title, the pooch who wears doggie depends because of old age, received a trophy and $1,500. Wurtz told ABC News that SweePee was a gift to his ex-wife, but he took full ownership of her after they divorced because she though the canine was ugly. This isn't the first time she competed in the competition. Wurtz said she has been in it three times in the past, but this is her first time winning top honors. The runner-up and third-place winner of the competition also receive cash awards and special titles. Each year since its inception, the contest looks to celebrate the 'homely hounds and the humans who love them.' “We're proud to celebrate all dogs and pets by showing that no matter their imperfections, they are adoptable, lovable and a great add to any family,” said Erin Post, CEO of the Sonoma-Marin Fair, in a statement prior to the contest.
The event this year included a ‘Fashion Faux Paws Fashion Show' and a 'Beauty and the Beast Walk' that featured Miss Sonoma County court walking rescue dogs that were available for adoption down the catwalk. Prior to the contest, Himisaboo became Internet famous after many, including his owners, compared the unique mop on his head to Republican Donald Trump's infamous hair. Karen Spencer, marketing director for the event, said: “The dogs love it, they get so much attention, get petted, treats and are told how cute they are. Some have unusual teeth, unusual hair, sometimes they are bulldogs who always look silly due to their bottom teeth, there's always a real variety. Despite being in an ugly dog competition so many people tell them “you're so ugly you're cute”, it's all about their inner beauty.
We really work hard to show the world that dogs who have deformities or unusual characteristics are still very lovable and adoptable.” They're still beautiful inside and often they are the dogs who struggle to find homes from dog shelters. The judges look at the dogs, they look at their appearance but also at how the dog interacts with others and what kind of personality they have. 'Most owners of our contestants tell us they picked a dog that have been left in a shelter for a long period of time and because nobody wanted to adopt them.” Last year, Quasi Modo, a short-spined dog from Loxahatcheee, Florida took home the coveted title. The dog who looks like a hyena beat out 26 other dogs to win the contest.
Winner: Dogs from around the globe compete for the title of the 'World's Ugliest Dog' and this year a blind Chihuahua/Chinese Crested mix named SweePee (above) took home the win for the unusual contest.
Jason Wurtz's dog named SweePee won(above together) the competition that aims to show the inner beauty of dogs that aren't aesthetically attractive for 2016 on Friday at the Sonoma-Marin County Fair in Petaluma.
SweePee, who has a blonde Mohawk, is blind in both eyes as her right is the color blue. The four-pound female dog has lived with her owner for the past 17 years in Encino. Wurtz is pictured above left.
Wurtz told ABC News that SweePee (above)was a gift to his ex-wife, but he took full ownership of her after they divorced because she though the canine was ugly.
Heather Wilson of Payette, Idaho, holds her dog Himisaboo the 2016 World's Ugliest Dog contest. The mop on Himisaboo's head has been compared to Republican Donald Trump's infamous hair and many thought he would win.
Each year since its inception, the contest looks to celebrate the 'homely hounds and the humans who love them.' Above a dog named Grovie looks on during judging at the contest.
Erin Post, CEO of the Sonoma-Marin Fair said: “We're proud to celebrate all dogs and pets by showing that no matter their imperfections, they are adoptable, lovable and a great add to any family.” Above a Chinese Crested dog named Rascal Deux is pictured.
Rascal Deux sported an animal print jacket for the unusual competition along with a hot dog leash.
Yvonne Morones of Santa Rosa, California, holds her dog Scamp during the 2016 World's Ugliest Dog contest.
Ugly dog contestant Icky gets his paws sniffed by judge Neal Gottliebs during the judging of the contest.
Grovie from Santa Rosa, California, looks on during judging at the competition on Friday.
Linda Elmquist of Tucson, Arizona, holds her dog Josie during the 2016 contest in California on Friday.
Cathy Kennedy of Petaluma, California, holds her dog Precious during the competition.
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For the past 28 years, dogs from around the globe compete for the title of the 'World's Ugliest Dog' and this year a blind Chihuahua-Chinese Crested mix took home the win for the unusual contest in California. Jason Wurtz's dog named SweePee Rambo won the competition that aims to show the inner beauty of dogs that aren't aesthetically attractive for 2016 on Friday at the Sonoma-Marin County Fair in Petaluma. SweePee, who has a blonde Mohawk, is blind in both eyes, and her right is blue. The four-pound female dog has lived with her owner Jason for the past 17 years in Encino, California. As a prize for taking home the title, the pooch who wears doggie depends because of old age, received a trophy and $1,500. Wurtz told ABC News that SweePee was a gift to his ex-wife, but he took full ownership of her after they divorced because she though the canine was ugly. This isn't the first time she competed in the competition. Wurtz said she has been in it three times in the past, but this is her first time winning top honors. The runner-up and third-place winner of the competition also receive cash awards and special titles. Each year since its inception, the contest looks to celebrate the 'homely hounds and the humans who love them.' “We're proud to celebrate all dogs and pets by showing that no matter their imperfections, they are adoptable, lovable and a great add to any family,” said Erin Post, CEO of the Sonoma-Marin Fair, in a statement prior to the contest.
The event this year included a ‘Fashion Faux Paws Fashion Show' and a 'Beauty and the Beast Walk' that featured Miss Sonoma County court walking rescue dogs that were available for adoption down the catwalk. Prior to the contest, Himisaboo became Internet famous after many, including his owners, compared the unique mop on his head to Republican Donald Trump's infamous hair. Karen Spencer, marketing director for the event, said: “The dogs love it, they get so much attention, get petted, treats and are told how cute they are. Some have unusual teeth, unusual hair, sometimes they are bulldogs who always look silly due to their bottom teeth, there's always a real variety. Despite being in an ugly dog competition so many people tell them “you're so ugly you're cute”, it's all about their inner beauty.
We really work hard to show the world that dogs who have deformities or unusual characteristics are still very lovable and adoptable.” They're still beautiful inside and often they are the dogs who struggle to find homes from dog shelters. The judges look at the dogs, they look at their appearance but also at how the dog interacts with others and what kind of personality they have. 'Most owners of our contestants tell us they picked a dog that have been left in a shelter for a long period of time and because nobody wanted to adopt them.” Last year, Quasi Modo, a short-spined dog from Loxahatcheee, Florida took home the coveted title. The dog who looks like a hyena beat out 26 other dogs to win the contest.
Winner: Dogs from around the globe compete for the title of the 'World's Ugliest Dog' and this year a blind Chihuahua/Chinese Crested mix named SweePee (above) took home the win for the unusual contest.
Jason Wurtz's dog named SweePee won(above together) the competition that aims to show the inner beauty of dogs that aren't aesthetically attractive for 2016 on Friday at the Sonoma-Marin County Fair in Petaluma.
SweePee, who has a blonde Mohawk, is blind in both eyes as her right is the color blue. The four-pound female dog has lived with her owner for the past 17 years in Encino. Wurtz is pictured above left.
Wurtz told ABC News that SweePee (above)was a gift to his ex-wife, but he took full ownership of her after they divorced because she though the canine was ugly.
Heather Wilson of Payette, Idaho, holds her dog Himisaboo the 2016 World's Ugliest Dog contest. The mop on Himisaboo's head has been compared to Republican Donald Trump's infamous hair and many thought he would win.
Each year since its inception, the contest looks to celebrate the 'homely hounds and the humans who love them.' Above a dog named Grovie looks on during judging at the contest.
Erin Post, CEO of the Sonoma-Marin Fair said: “We're proud to celebrate all dogs and pets by showing that no matter their imperfections, they are adoptable, lovable and a great add to any family.” Above a Chinese Crested dog named Rascal Deux is pictured.
Rascal Deux sported an animal print jacket for the unusual competition along with a hot dog leash.
Yvonne Morones of Santa Rosa, California, holds her dog Scamp during the 2016 World's Ugliest Dog contest.
Ugly dog contestant Icky gets his paws sniffed by judge Neal Gottliebs during the judging of the contest.
Grovie from Santa Rosa, California, looks on during judging at the competition on Friday.
Linda Elmquist of Tucson, Arizona, holds her dog Josie during the 2016 contest in California on Friday.
Cathy Kennedy of Petaluma, California, holds her dog Precious during the competition.
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If you’re a dog owner, there’s probably one thing you dread about holidays like New Year’s Eve or the Fourth of July. Fireworks scare dogs. Imagine you have no idea what fireworks are. Suddenly you see bright lights and hear explosions coming from the sky. You’d be pretty terrified, too. Fireworks wreak havoc on animals, and vet visits skyrocket around holidays where fireworks are common. Dogs, with their sensitive hearing, are especially vulnerable, and many hurt themselves trying to escape or hide. They can run and risk getting lost hit by cars.
There’s no doubt that a stunning fireworks show can be the highlight of anyone’s night. The bright lights and explosions are mesmerizing, causing us to forget the negative effects of the fireworks themselves. Many pet parents understand the anxiety and stress loud fireworks have on animals, but these details are usually overlooked by event planners. However, one little town in Italy is finally putting a stop to the noise.
Collecchio, a small town of 14,000 people located in the province of Parma, is making headlines in the pet parent community. Recently, a bill has been passed to make the use of loud fireworks illegal, in hopes of reducing stress on household animals and livestock. The people of Collecchio were recognizing some of the more severe side effects of fireworks on animals, such as anxiety, disorientation, and in extreme cases, burns or eye damage. Chickens are also less likely to produce eggs after the stress of a fireworks, causing issues in the farming community.
Legislation in Collecchio now states that silent fireworks must be used for events, in replacement of noise making ones. The government is hopeful that this will reduce “acoustic stress” on the animals, without eliminating fireworks from events completely.
Columbus, Ohio - Until a new law was passed this spring, it was against the law in Ohio, along with many other states, for firefighters or paramedics to provide basic first aid to dogs and cats rescued from house fires, car accidents or other crisis situations. Only licensed veterinarians could do that. The legislation passed recently makes Ohio one of the first states to protect first responders who administer lifesaving aid to pets, companion animals or police dogs in crisis. Animal advocates say they hope the statute, which they liken to laws protecting good Samaritans who come to the aid of injured humans, removes hesitation for first responders who might have concerns about tending to injured pets. The law will allow first responders to, without fear of liability, provide oxygen, perform mouth-to-snout resuscitation, try to stem bleeding, bandage and even administer the overdose antidote naloxone to dogs or cats that have ingested opiates. Liability has been a concern because owners of pets have sued first responders who treated animals that ended up dying. "It's another layer of protection for the good guys," said Cory Smith, director of public policy for companion animals at The Humane Society of the United States. Ohio's law, which follows a similar action by Colorado in 2014, came about after Bob Swickard, the director of an EMS service in a small town in northeastern Ohio, contacted state Republican Rep. Tim Ginter with concerns about a recent rash of on-duty injuries to police dogs. In seeking guidance from a veterinarian on first aid for dogs, Swickard said he found "a missed loophole" — it was clearly illegal for EMTs to treat animals. He and Ginter were especially concerned that paramedics couldn't administer naloxone to police dogs that came in contact with prescription pain pills or heroin. "There is the possibility that a dog could get a snout full of something and go down," Ginter said. "The best that they could do before this law was to call either a veterinarian to come to the scene or call for transport." Dr. Ed Cooper, head of emergency and critical care at Ohio State University's Veterinary Medical Center, said that as a result of the law, which takes effect Aug. 31, some veterinarians are reaching out to first responders to provide basic training, and first responders are beginning to seek it out. "The hope in having this law passed is really just to give first responders the opportunity and extend the option without the potential for recourse to assist pets as well as people in these kinds of crisis situations," Cooper said. "So (veterinarians) certainly see it as a positive thing." What the law doesn't do is require first responders to treat animals, nor does it now make it OK for people to call 911 when their pets get injured or sick. People should still call emergency animal hospitals in these situations. Smith noted that with two-thirds of American households having at least one pet, it stands to reason that first responders are going to encounter injured animals on the job. "Really, it's just about building humane communities," she said. "I think when first-response agencies and local governments and especially state governments plan around the fact that animals are such a huge part of our lives, it can only lead to good things."
In this Dec. 9, 2010, file photo, Amira Bichara, right, gasps in relief when a golden retriever rescued from a house fire begins breathing normally, as a firefighter and resident administer oxygen in Kettering, Ohio. Under a new Ohio law taking effect Aug. 31, 2016, firefighters and EMTs can provide basic first aid to dogs and cats rescued from house fires, car accidents or other crisis situations, treatment that only licensed veterinarians could legally provide under existing law.
In this Oct. 24, 2008, file photo, Perkins Township, Ohio, firefighters administer oxygen to a dog rescued from a house fire in Sandusky, Ohio. Under a new Ohio law taking effect Aug. 31, 2016, firefighters and EMTs can provide basic first aid to dogs and cats rescued from house fires, car accidents or other crisis situations, treatment that only licensed veterinarians could legally provide under existing law.
In this June 24, 2008, file photo, fire paramedic Kelsey Ward administers oxygen to a pet cat that suffered smoke inhalation before it was rescued from an apartment fire in Enon, Ohio. Under a new Ohio law taking effect Aug. 31, 2016, firefighters and EMTs can provide basic first aid to dogs and cats rescued from house fires, car accidents or other crisis situations, treatment that only licensed veterinarians could legally provide under existing law.
