Abandoned by Their Parents, Baby Flamingo Take Their First Steps at the Prague Zoo

Baby flamingos who were abandoned by their parents have been learning to walk around the Prague zoo. This will help to socialized so they can easily reintegrate with the rest of the flock.
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For Years Dogs Have Been Called Man's Best Friend - Study Shows That Cats May Be The Real Best Friend

A new study suggests that the bond between cats and their owners is far more intense than imagined...particularly for cat-loving women. Apparently cats remember and return kindness, and they have a strong influence on their owners. Are you surprised, or does this seem like common sense?

It's an unfortunate truth that many people think that the only reason cats act affectionate toward humans is to meet their own selfish needs. But a new study reveals what most Catsters already know: Cats attach to their people as social partners, not just the person who feeds them.

The research, which has been accepted for publication in the journal Behavioural Process, suggests that the bond between cats and their owners is far more intense than imagined -- particularly for cat-loving women.

The study is the first to show in detail that the dynamics underlying cat-human relationships are nearly identical to human-only bonds.

"Food is often used as a token of affection, and the ways that cats and humans relate to food are similar in nature to the interactions seen between the human caregiver and the pre-verbal infant," co-author Jon Day, a Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition researcher, said. "Both cat and human infant are, at least in part, in control of when and what they are fed!"

The study, led by Kurt Kotrschal of the Konrad Lorenz Research Station and the University of Vienna, was conducted by videotaping and analyzing the interaction between 41 cats and their owners over long, four-part periods.

Owner and cat personalities were assessed in by separate tests before the videotaping began. In the cat assessment, the authors put a stuffed owl toy with large eyes on a floor so the animal would encounter it by surprise.

The research showed that cats and their owners had a strong influence on one another; in fact, they often controlled each other's behaviors. Extroverted women with young, active cats enjoyed the greatest synchronicity. Cats in these relationships only had to use subtle cues like a single upright tall move to show they wanted friendly contact.

While there are plenty of men who love cats, and cats who love men, this study and other research reveal that women interact with their cats more than men do.

Cats also seem to remember kindness and return it to their owners. If a person complies with their cat's wishes to interact, the cat will often comply with the owner's wishes at other times. The cat may "have an edge in this negotiation," since owners are usually already motivated to establish social contact.

"A relationship between a cat and a human can involve mutual attraction, personality compatibility, ease of interaction, play, affection and social support," co-author Dorothy Gracey of the University of Vienna explained. "A human and a cat can mutually develop complex ritualized interactions that show substantial mutual understanding of each other's inclinations and preferences."

What do you think? Cats vs. Dogs as man's best friend.

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Study Shows that Pets Accidentally Ingesting Medical Marijuana and Going to the Emergency Room has Quadrupled Since 2005

Northwest Portland residents Ginger McCarthy and her husband, Michael, spent what they thought was a perfect day at Mill Pond Park on Sunday with their standard poodle, Coco.

That is, until after a few hours after they returned home and Coco began to act strangely. The dog looked dazed, her movements were jerky and she had trouble walking. “She looked like she was having a seizure,” McCarthy says.

At DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital that evening, McCarthy was shocked to discover that her show-quality poodle was exhibiting the classic signs of marijuana ingestion – especially after Coco released her bladder on the lobby floor.

Oregon and Washington veterinarians recognize those distinctive symptoms with increasingly frequency, as marijuana ingestion becomes more common at their clinics.

DoveLewis has seen marijuana-related toxicity cases increase from about 11 percent of all toxicity cases in 2011 to nearly 20 percent in 2012 and the first few months of 2013, says communications director Kate Goudschaal. The hospital treated eight cases last month.

At Tanasbourne Veterinary Emergency, Dr. Shawn Thomas estimates he treats at least one to two cases each weekend and about 20 or 30 cases in the last two years – and that’s likely a low estimate.

“There are very specific clinical signs,” says DoveLewis staff veterinarian Dr. MeiMei Welker. “They’ll walk in, and we can almost diagnose it by the way that they look. They’re having trouble walking, almost like they’re drunk, and they’re really sensitive to any kind of stimulation.”

Dribbling urine is also a telltale sign.

Dogs can get sick from ingesting it in any form, Welker says, from marijuana leaves (which are less potent) to “bud butter.”

McCarthy isn’t sure exactly what Coco ingested at the park; all she saw were breadcrumbs, so she suspects Coco consumed either the remains of marijuana-infused baked goods or cigarette butts.

Treatment

Typical treatment involves inducing vomiting, if the dog arrives to the hospital soon enough after ingestion, to remove as much of the substance from the dog’s system as possible.

Veterinarians may then treat with intravenous fluids and activated charcoal, which binds to the THC and helps prevent further absorption.

Complications can arise if a dog consumes enough marijuana to make it vomit, Welker says. If it’s sedated, it runs the risk of suffering from aspiration pneumonia, which happens when vomit is inhaled into the lungs.

“Most of the patients are going to do pretty well, even with minimal treatment, but we do get patients that come in nearly comatose and with a low heart rate,” says Dr. Jonathan Wisniewski, a relief veterinarian at Emergency Veterinary Clinic of Tualatin.

The severity of the reaction is generally dose-dependent, he says.

Wisniewski, who is also an associate veterinarian at the Emergency Veterinary Hospital and Animal Urgent Care in Eugene, has done extensive research on a relatively new therapy for treating severe marijuana toxicity called intravenous lipid emulsion therapy.

The treatment involves injecting fat droplets that bind to the fat-soluble THC and help leach it out of the bloodstream, allowing the animal to excrete it more quickly.

Marijuana toxicity in Washington

Even before Washington voters legalized the possession of marijuana in November, pot has been among the top toxins at Olympia Pet Emergency in Olympia, Wash., says medical director Dr. Blair Burggren.

“I would say it’s safe to assume we get at least one call a day on a dog that either ingested or potentially ingested it,” he says.

Since it was legalized for recreational use, he has noticed a slight increase, primarily in the ingestion of products containing marijuana or THC, such as baked goods.

Statewide, the legalization doesn’t seem to have had a huge impact – yet – on pot ingestion in pets.

“I do anticipate it coming down the pike,” says Dr. Donna Mensching, veterinary medical director of Veterinary Poison Emergency Treatment Services, a service of the Washington Poison Center.

She believes it will become more of an issue once the substance is legal to sell.

Mensching is concerned about the impact of “medibles” – the cannabis-containing foods that might seem very tempting to dogs. They may consume higher amounts of the substance because it’s in a tasty treat, and the food may contain additional toxins, such as chocolate.

“The thing about dogs is that they have no stop button,” she says. “They will eat as much as they can of something and as quickly as possible.”

She also worries that once marijuana is sold legally, it might open the market for higher-end versions of the drug, which will likely contain higher contents of THC.

If there is an upside to the legalization, Mensching hopes that it will remove the fear or embarrassment people may have to admitting that their dog ingested pot.

Veterinarians say it’s much better to be forthright so they can treat your pet properly.

There are other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as neurological disease or brain tumors, so disclosing that information may save expensive diagnostics such as blood work or an MRI.

“We only want to know for medical reasons. We don’t report them,” Welker says (adding that they won’t judge, either). “It can really simplify things if they come forward with that information.”

If you do suspect that your pet has ingested marijuana, you should have a veterinarian check it out just to be safe.

And like any toxin, please keep it out of reach of pets.

“Just because the voters of Washington agreed that marijuana is now legalized and acceptable does not mean that it’s safe for your pet,” Burggren says. “Make sure you’re careful and keep it locked up.”

Tips:

• If you suspect your pet ingested pot, don’t try to induce vomiting at home. The hydrogen peroxide people sometimes use to cause vomiting can irritate the stomach lining and cause even more vomiting, putting your pet at risk for gastroenteritis.

• Keep any medical marijuana in a drawer or somewhere out of reach of pets.

• If you do suspect your pet has induced marijuana, call a veterinarian.

     Dogs that get into their owner's medical marijuana stash can become very sick — even die, vets say.

                          Marijuana-enhanced baked goods can be a danger to pets.

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Man Buys Two Toy Poodles for $300 - Vet Confirms that They Are Actually Ferrets on Steroids

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.

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Bald Eagle Lands On Fire Truck During Sept. 11 Tribute

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



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Lions, Tigers and Shelter Pets Will Ride Out Hurricane Florence in Place

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




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How Not to Greet a Dog - Please Take Time to Read

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Does Your Pet Show Signs of Separation Anxiety? Tips On How To Calm Your Pet

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.

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Small Pets, Big Love: The Big Guide For Small Pet Lovers

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

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Uh Oh! My Dog Peed on the Floor! How to Get Rid of the Smell of Dog Urine

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

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Yes, Pit Bulls Suddenly Snap

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! FOLLOW US!

Do You Know What To Do When Your Pet Has Died at Home?

Do you know what to do when your pet has died at home? A recent incident that happened in the Dale City area of Northern Virginia has prompted me to share this story with you.

In February, 2011, I allowed my little Shih Tzu, Domino, who had cancer to die at home. I was with him when he crossed over. I had already made preparations because I knew his time was near. The animal hospital a few miles away had told me that if he passed and they were closed (they close at 6:00 p.m.) that I should take him to a 24 hour animal hospital immediately.

Domino passed about 4:00 p.m. My husband wrapped him in a blanket and we took him to the animal hospital, where they immediately took him to the back to prepare him. I had already planned for cremation. I received his urn a week later, and his urn now sits in my curio cabinet next to his sister, Sugar.

Cremation for a pet can be very expensive, especially if the pet is big. Domino was down to about 8 pounds when he passed. His sister, Sugar crossed over in 2008, she was about 12 pounds so of course, it cost me more to have her cremated.

Everyone can not afford pet cremations…and some don’t choose to do so. Some bury them in their backyards.

In the case in Northern Virginia, the pet owner tried to cremate his dog himself in his yard and set his house on fire.

Firefighters say Charles Harris was trying to cremate his 11-year-old Rottweiler in the backyard of his Dale City home. Authorities said he used gasoline to get the fire going, but it quickly spread to his home.

The Associate Press reports that the man tried to get several animal shelters to help him dispose of his dog’s body, but they all told him the Rottweiler was too large.

Firefighters have not said how extensively the home was damaged. No injuries were reported.

If you have this situation, please do not try and cremate your pet in your yard. Consider contacting your Vet, animal control, animal hospitals and animal shelters.

Please have this conversation with your Vet while your pet is alive to get an idea of what you should do when the time comes, especially if you have big pets. Also, for more information on what to do, click here: What to Do if Your Dog Dies at Home  or What do you do if your cat dies in your house? What do you do with the body? 


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Owner Dyed Dogs Hair, It Turned Out Much Worse – He Almost Died!

We all love to dye out hair, but for our beloved four-pawed friends it’s really not such a good idea at all, the US animal group is warning about the dangers of pet owners using human hair dye on their dogs…

The life-threatening injuries it created on this poor little doggie were more than horrendous, see for yourself…

Based in Florida the Pinellas County Animal Services (PCAS) shared on its Facebook the disturbing photos and the story behind what happened to this sweet white Maltese mix doggie.

Please be warned that the images are graphic and to see what this hair dye has done to this poor sweet doggie will make you feel truly awful, but not as much as Violet!

To read more on this story, click here: Owner Dyed Dogs Hair, It Turned Out Much Worse – He Almost Died!


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A Devastating New Video Has Emerged of a Baby Elephant Without a Trunk

A devastating new video has emerged of a baby elephant without a trunk. There are fears the little one won’t survive after it was seen wandering around with its herd in South Africa. Experts say it is unlikely the elephant was born this way and a predator could have ripped off the trunk.

It could have been torn off by a crocodile as it drank from a watering hole or the baby could have been attacked by a lion. A visitor to the Kruger National Park came across the animal and posted the footage. He is seen saying: ‘A baby elephant without a trunk? Poor thing. This is unreal, I have never seen anything like this. ‘I don’t think it is going to make it.’

A trunk is crucial to an elephant’s survival as it is used for eating, drinking, communicating and sensing danger through smell. The trunk is a fusion of the upper lip and nose and filled with more than 100,000 muscles. It is used to rip food from trees while an elephant will use the trunk to suck up water and then blow it into its mouth. Elephants have one of the best sense of smells in all animals and can detect water 12 miles away. They can also sniff out danger such as approaching predators and storms.

Elephants also communicate through their trunks as they make noises by changing the size and shape of their nostrils. Losing a trunk, therefore, is potentially life-threatening to this animal, especially at such a young age. It is unclear if the animal can be helped by Safari workers who can intervene if they are worried about an animal in their care. It could be removed and placed in a sanctuary away from harm. In 2016, an elephant calf called Mosha was fitted with a prosthetic limb after she stepped on a landmine on the Thai and Myanmar border.



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