Animal Literature

Hyacinth Macaws Pictures

2012-11-28T02:00:00.000-08:00

Canadian Moose Pictures

2012-11-27T00:00:00.000-08:00

Humans: Going Beyond the Primate Ancestry

2012-11-26T00:00:00.000-08:00

What makes monkeys and other primates so close to humans? Why is there a significant bond that cannot be objected? Besides similar anatomy, behavior and characteristics, the family Hominidae, well includes our kind, our species, the Homo sapiens together with the apes, chimpanzees and the bonobos.

According to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, “Besides similar anatomy and behavior, there is DNA evidence. It confirms that humans are primates and those modern humans and chimpanzees diverged from a common ancestor between 8 and 6 million years ago. There is only 1.2 percent genetic difference between modern humans and chimpanzees throughout much of their genetic code.

Are we just one of those primate species with origins from Africa and other parts of the world? As far as the National Human Genome Research Institute is concerned, we actually share roughly 96 percent of our DNA with chimpanzees, our closes living great ape cousins today. In fact, most of the 4% difference
found was in the duplicated non-gene segments. These genes apparently are the ones responsible for the capability of speech and the great control of it, the senses like smelling, hearing, digesting proteins.

Are we still in denial? Although there is still so much to be learned from the study of primates and humans, one fact remains. Apart from the similarity of our internal organs, the number of chromosomes in our cells (46 for humans and 48 for the apes) with our relatively known ancestors, human beings are special and that we have gone beyond being treated as a primate and have developed a human brain that is 3 times larger in volume than the other great primates.

Human brain based on the body size ration is considerably bigger and massive and it has a larger cerebral cortex with a much higher concentration of neutrons. Although it is not surprising that anatomy has a major similarity, the poignant difference between the great apes and humans is the more complex
form of mental ability that allows creation of great and innovative ideas and complex technologies, no other primate of its kind has excelled. Verbal communication and speech is the other capability that humans have developed through time.

Why are we using computers, going to schools, driving cars, learning unceasingly and developing new and exciting things for the great future?

Caring for Immobile Dogs

2012-11-25T03:45:00.000-08:00

Dogs that went through an accident or have a certain illness could become immobile. They could lose the ability to move and control their legs, have difficulty walking or end up lying around all day. This is a sad situation but there are still a few things that dog owners can do to help their pets be able to move again.

Therapy

Dog owners can now sign their dogs up for physical therapy sessions at their local animal clinic or hospital. There are some physical therapists that specialize in animals but some vets are also knowledgeable about the practices and therapies to help dogs be able to walk again. Dogs who undergo therapy, especially the ones that are ill with degenerative myelopathy, tend to develop the illness slower and regain control of their paws.

Ramps

Little things like ramps and elevations can help your dog get around the house or into your car a bit easier. You don’t have to purchase those expensive ramps, you can just create one out of some wood or even just get the inexpensive ones. These help your do move up the stairs, get into cars and even go from one floor to another in your house.

Booties and mats

If your dog has a hard time standing up because it can’t control its lower limbs anymore, let them wear a bootie so that they can have a better grip on the floor. Another way to help them out is to place mats on areas in the house where they might need to turn. This helps to avoid them from slipping and tripping. This helps dogs with arthritis and degenerative myelopathywhen keeping their balance and not falling off.

Wheelchairs

If your dog has completely lost its ability to move its hind legs, then getting it a wheelchair will help. Ask your vet id they can offer a good doctor that can fit your dog a wheelchair. Don’t just get any readymade one since this could not be the right fit and size for your dog.

Medication
Although some immobility problems are not curable, you can still help minimize symptoms by giving your dog some medication. Other vets would just advise some additional food supplement and extra exercise. Before giving your dog any form of medication or food supplement, make sure that the vet approves it first. Regular check-ups are also advisable.

The Pygmy Goat Makes an Interesting Pet

2012-11-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

Traditionally, goats are farm animals but they also make good and interesting pets. Some people tend to prefer a goat as a pet instead of a dog or cat, depending on how they want a pet to be. There is a wide variety of goat breeds available but the most sought-after as pet is the one that is the friendliest and the smallest, the dwarf breed….introducing: the Pygmy Goat.

How do you intend the Pygmy goat to be as a pet? Are you expecting it to guard the house from strangers and intruders? Well, you cannot train a pygmy goat to serve as a watch-goat. Are you looking for a pet that you can cuddle and sleep with? A dog or a cat can be your companion on bed at night but not a pygmy goat. It can still be a great and wonderful pet to have given some requirements and limitations.

Because of its small size, its stature is hardy, robust and compact with thick and wooly undercoat making them more adaptable to any kind of climate. In fact, a pygmy goat could be able to reproduce in-season and out-of-season if you care enough to have a house filled with all those pygmies.

A Pygmy goat is a small breed of goat that is extremely sociable, playful and intelligent. They are the ones that are seen being petted on zoos, their amiable character defines them. Their miniature size is not limited to the energy and agility it shows, making them active and never-restful, always seen on – the-go, as if driven by something. Since this goat type is not used for the main purpose of getting meat or milk as compared to the other breeds in the farm, they serve as remarkable pets for people who want something different than a dog but can still behave like one. They love being handled, petted, treated lovingly and also longs to follow around the house when permitted.

Before you decide on getting a Pygmy goat as pet, learn what to do and know what to expect. As much as they can be affectionate and docile, sometimes their oozing energies cause them to be very curious and inquisitive, often times sticking their horns at the wrong place and at the wrong time.

Pygmy goats despite their being domesticated are still considered herd animals and they cannot survive alone. They need a mate (one partner will do) and if possible, more of its kind to create an atmosphere of where it is designed to thrive successfully. A reasonable amount of space is needed with all the shed, beddings made of straw or shedding all depending on the number of pygmies you have or planning to have. Living in the city may pose some space limitations and certain laws of your area, so better comply with these entire first, before making things happen for a pet Pygmy goat.

Pygmy Goat Video

Mona Monkey

2012-11-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

Most people are just content to have a regular pet that does not create any hassle or special treatment but there are others who want to stand-out in the crowd having a different kind, an exotic pet that pushes the pet owner status a notch higher than the rest. Maybe it’s a symbol of having a unique pet or
basically because exotic pets are fun to have and “uniquely yours” for the taking.

Of the many lists that would tackle wild or exotic pets to have, the Mona Monkey, undoubtedly is always part of it. An Old Word Monkey that lives and urvives mostly in Western Africa, the Mona Monkey is native of Nigeria, Angola, Congo, Cambia and West Uganda. They can also be spotted on the island of Grenada which was believed to be brought to the island by pirate and slave ships during the 18 th century. Grenada is a three-island state located in the Eastern Caribbean at the southern side of the Windward islands which is about 100 miles north of Venezuela.

Primates and monkeys are classified into two basic groups: the Old word and the New World. The Old World and the New World monkeys are typically identified by the form and structure of their noses. Old Word monkeys such as the Mona Monkey has broader noses with a wide septum separating outwardly directed noses while the New World have more narrow ones. Old World Monkeys would include the baboons and the macaques.

Mona Monkeys love to live and thrive at the middle and tops of trees in the rainforests making them as arboreal species rather than terrestrial although there are a few known Mona monkeys that stay in forests and swamps and sometimes on farmlands.

The body length of a Mona Monkey is from 32 to 53 cm and its tail is surprisingly so long that reaches up to 67 to 90 centimeters. This is where they got their name “mona” with its Moorish root and the extensively long tails. Not only is the length of the tail so unique and extreme, but also its color. The top portion of the tail Mona monkey is black at the top portion with a black tip and under it is somewhat lighter and greyish. Identically, they have white lips and have greyish-yellow cheeks with a distinctively bluish gray on the top half of its face.

Weighing about 15 to 20 pounds, the Mona Monkey’s life span reaches to early 20’s and even 30’s, one major reason that it can make a great and long-time exotic pet. It also tops the most exotic pets to own with a pricy tag at $6,000 to $8,000, much closer to the DeBrazza’s at $10,000.00

Despite the staggering price, just like any monkey, they love to climb because of their arboreal nature, fairly sociable and friendly. Their diet requirements are pretty simple and easy to prepare that consists mainly of insects, fruits, leaves and sprouts. What is so amazing about this specie is their ability to store food in their cheek pouch which has a storage capacity as big as the stomach extending to both sides of the neck from the lower teeth.

Mona Monkey Video

Funny Animal Picture

2012-11-23T01:16:00.000-08:00

Pricy Pets for Sale

2012-11-23T00:00:00.000-08:00

Does price really matter when it comes to have a ‘best friend’ at home? As much as there are cheap and inexpensive pets for sale, there are also pets with lavish prices and high price tags. You see, pricy pets obviously come with a very expensive price tag, in which not all pet lovers could easily buy even in their lifetime. How far can pet lovers splurge to have a one-of-a-kind pet?

Some can only wish and dream to have a $4000 kind of pet, but for others, the price is not a problem at all. If you consider cats, you can have a variety of expensive and luxurious ones from the Bengal Cat, the Savannah cat and the white lions. However, in this list you can have choice between primate pals that could remind you of the Planet of the Apes, of course, minus the ‘taking over the earth’ kind of thing.

Snow Macaque – these are small primates that can look small but can still grow as big as 2 and 4 feet in length, not considering the tail and would need a high and large enclosure of up to 30 feet squared. It is also known as the Japanese Macaque with grey fur and red face, palms, soles and bottoms. Very intelligent and clean, these known primates have the innate quality of washing their food before eating it. They live up to thirty years or more. The Snow Macaque is a threatened species and would therefore need a special permit or license to have one as a pet. Price range of this pricy pet is $3,500.00.

Squirrel Monkey – they are small and adorable and comes from the tropical forests of Central and South America. They grow up until about 2 pounds making them really cute and cuddly. They are also highly smart just like most primates. Squirrel Monkeys are very sociable, friendly, affectionate and easy to get
along with. Their unique style of marking territory is by squirting their urine onto their hands and feet, and leaving the smell wherever they go. Price range of this cute monkey is $4,000.00.

DeBrazza’s Monkey – an old-world monkey endemic to the wetlands of Central Africa, the DeBrazza’s Monkey has a very interesting look which mainly features a noble beard like a monkey professor. They also have pouches on their cheeks which serve as food storage during foraging. They also have a reddish brown back, an orange crescent-shaped mark on the forehead, has white eyelids and white muzzle. Male De Brazzas are larger that grow up to 15 pounds while females weigh about 10 pounds. Price range reaches to as high as $10,000.00

Chimpanzee – Well, who can resist a chimpanzee? Usually called a chimp, there are pros and cons in owning one. They can be so irresistible when they are babies but can be aggressive and dangerous when mature. Very intelligent and strong, chimpanzees can climb curtains, overturn tables and chairs, knockoff anyone easily when annoyed. Price range is a whopping $60,000-$65,000.00.

Consider Expensive Exotic Cats

2012-11-22T00:00:00.000-08:00

There are people who just want to have unique pets, not just based on their looks and breed but also one that caters to their status symbol, something that can talk about their class and stature in society. These pets, can be pet cats that come in different kinds, looks and sizes and also widely differ in how they are managed and cared. Most of all, they can be totally distinct among others because of the price tag it connotes.

Talk about prices, these pets are, the most expensive ones ranging from approximately $800 to $138,000. These pets are generally legal in the United States but may be limited to other states and areas. It takes not just the availability of cash to purchase these expensive pets but also information on care and even special licensing for some.

Bengal Cat – This exotic feline is a cross between a common domestic cat and an Asian Leopard cat which is small, only weighing about 10 pounds but its price is not small and cheap at all. The buying rate runs between $800 to $3,000.00 depending on the size and the age of the cat.

White Lion Cubs – Would you consider a cute and white lion cub as a pet? Their white fur does not mean they are an albino of some sort. It is actually caused by a recessive gene known as the chutiya or color inhibitor gene, highly varied from the albinism gene. However these white lion cubs have a rare color mutation of the Kruger subspecies of Lion. Believe it or not, white lion cubs’ price range from $120,000 to a staggering $138,000.00 that tends to grow humungous through time reaching over 300 pounds of muscle, teeth, claws and all. In fact, their size requires a considerable amount of food consumption which is up to 20 lbs. of food per day.

Ashera Cat- This is not an ordinary cat at all. It looks pretty expensive and hybrid. An Ashera cat is a breed created by mixing the bloodlines of a domesticated cat, an African Serval and an Asian Leopard Cat. The produce is a 30 pound extraordinary cat taht is domesticated, affectionate, loving and very intelligent. The price too, is extraordinary which about $22,000 is to start with depending on the size and maturity.

Savannah Cat – This cat has basically the same bloodline as that of the Ashera but with a lower price of $5,000 for a start. They are noted for their slender, tall bodies and their big ears. It is one of the newest breed in the world and the cross-breeding takes time for it to be successful.

Fun and Full of Character Game with a Cause

2012-11-21T00:12:00.000-08:00

Most often, you can find dinners, concerts and shows that are made and organized with a specific reason- some to raise funds, help the needy and work for a certain cause. Where else can you find benefit organizations that offer such novel deeds?

Much to some people’s surprise, an exhilarating free game is taking the Android market by storm. Where else can you do charitable work other than the ones mentioned? However, you can now play and have a time of your life while engaging in a fun-filled dog-flying and full of character game that does not only entertain and provide a non-stop action adventure but also support a brilliant and philanthropic act of kindness to man’s best friend, our stray and orphaned dogs.

An aerial combat game for Android, Daredogs is the first indie game that Bugbyte Productions has produced with virtually a great cause to support. Playing this game will automatically give away 10% of Bugbyte’s income to selected dog shelters and other pet-based charities. What is also worthwhile to note is that instead of the 10%, it will be increased to a total of 20% when the 5 million downloads mark is achieved. This does not look a pretty ambitious, don’t you think with a valuable and more meaningful cause to propagate.

Now, doing charity is not only limited to one-time appointments and spur-of-the-moment activities but a regular kind of giving every time Bravo, the star of the Daredogs aerial gaming flight, flies into the air to win the Daredog Pilot’s trophy.

Developer Bugbyte Productions provides players a game of invigorating fun, daredevil acts and thrilling adventures with equally four exciting game types to play; Race, Dog Fight, Capture the Bone, Pirate Heist and of course there are boss battles mixed in throughout Daredogs.

The game is so easy to play and to some extent enticing, you would not want to let go. There are Daredogs features that offer the following for a more enthralling game experience: 4 different modes, 4 different playable dog characters, 25 unique tournament opponents, 7 unique tournament bosses and a plethora of unique weapons to choose from.

In Daredogs, you will be playing as Bravo, although you can also shift to other three known characters. The Daredogs tournament is the name of the game and Bravo tries to re-claim the friendly skies when his Daredog pilot-father died. With so much more to offer, Daredogs is a unique and electrifying game that makes a difference in Android, definitely a fun and full of character game with a worthy cause.

Daredogs Video

Do You Love Animals? Start a Pet Sitting Business

2012-11-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

If you happen to love animals, maybe the pet sitting business is just perfect for you! Not only do you love animals, but also, you can convert this love to some extra bucks that does not require experience. In fact, the main qualifiers to be an effective pet sitter is the love for animals, the time you can render plus cleaning their mess is not at all, a big deal!

Although it would be easy to start with your driving motivation, you should prepare everything first before actually making a big leap for pet sitting, because the task might not be as simple as it projects to be.

Considering a pet sitting business may require low costs but it not that easy as you think it is! A good amount of knowledge and preparedness can equip you to become the most sought-after pet sitter in your neighborhood. With these tips, you can think about pushing through with your plan of action or not.

First, check out your area and neighborhood. Is there an existing pet sitting entity? If there is, set an appointment and discuss with the owner about the challenges of the business. In this manner, you can also decipher if there is an additional requirement to have another pet sitting business apart from the current one already at work.

Second, consider the costs to be entailed, the investment you need to make and the minor other requirements to start this kind of business like place, staff and other worthwhile matters.

Third, a business license is a must-have. In any kind of business, you need to prepare necessary documents that would secure you from any legal concerns in the long run.

Fourth, be covered. Most clients would inquire if you have insurance for the protection of their pets. It is also a protection on your part to be set-apart in case there are untoward incidents. The insurance can have you covered all the way.

Fifth, you can work hand in hand with a veterinarian. Doing this can help you be at tuned with animal welfare, health and wellness. You can also refer the animals to the vet for their added clientele as well as help contain any condition in case you suspect something is wrong with the animal.

Dealing With Anxious and Stressed Pets

2012-11-20T00:00:00.000-08:00

Do pets also get anxious and stressed-out? The answer, no doubt, is a big YES! Just as we human get anxious, panicky and stressed out, so do our most huggable pets. They can be stressed by a simple car ride alone, a regular check to the vet and even a quick visit to the grooming shop. Thunderstorms may also cause their anxiety and a lot more leading to severe separation anxiety and phobias in some cases. It is also a fact that even when the stress, not all animals are stressed in one and the same thing. For example, a dog may be stressed and disturbed when there is a party held in the house while other dogs remain unperturbed and seemingly enjoying the revelry.

We become oblivious of the fact that our pets suffer the way we do and often times, these anxiety attacks are disregarded and abandoned. Since most of our pets do get stressed-out, it is important to note the common cause of stress, so we can do something to alleviate and better still, get rid of it. Apart from the car ride, visit to the vet and grooming shop, these lovable creatures also become anxious by the changes in their routine or the environment as a whole. This would include major changes in the family’s life like moving to another neighborhood with a different climate or even the arrival of a new baby in the family.

Small changes that occur can also affect pets that are so used to the same place. Rearranging the furniture can stress some pets. The addition of another pet in the house whether of the same kind or breed can heighten stress elements because of territorial reasons.

Since stress, especially chronic stress can greatly affect the health and wellness of human beings, it is but proper to deal with it. Each pet is unique. Therefore, there is no remedy that could be made generic to all pets. What works for one may not be effective to the other. While behavior modification is vital in dealing with chronic anxiety and phobia, there are natural remedies to ease anxiety and stress among pets. Tranquilizers usually stop the violent behavior but will not really ensure a total stop to anxiety attacks. Therefore, it is not the prime solution for anxiety attacks.

Through the use of flower essences using extracts of flowers, each essence addressing a specific trait or personality type. Flower therapy was developed by Dr. Edward Bach during the 1930's. Dr. Bach was a conventionally trained physician who studied immunology and was involved in the development of a number of vaccines.

Rescue Remedy is the best known essence and produces a calming in many nervous pets. It is composed of the essences of 5 flowers: cherry plum, clematis, impatiens, rock rose and Star of Bethlehem.

Conjunctivitis in Dogs: Treatment and Cure

2012-11-19T00:00:00.000-08:00

If you are a dog owner, this problem in dogs is no stranger to you at all. Conjunctivitis in dogs is the most common condition that a number of dogs could have in their lifetime. This is the state wherein the conjunctiva of the dog’s eye becomes irritated and infected causing some burning sensation, pain, itchiness and inflammation of the eye. For purposes of discussion, the conjunctiva is the delicate membrane surrounding the eyelids and covering most parts of the dog’s eyeball. Most often than not, the dog is not able to open its eyelids because of the pus and other discharges.

The main causes of conjunctivitis in dogs are brought about by fungi or bacteria or just mainly from allergies inflicted by some allergens or environmental factors like foreign body intrusion or trauma. Most vets are immediately able to determine the cause of the condition by the color of the discharges from the eye of the dog. When the discharge is green or yellow, the infection is caused by fungi or bacteria while watery and clear discharges would mean that there is a type of allergy the dog may be experiencing.

The constant rubbing of the eyes, endless irritability and unhygienic discharges are the most common symptoms for Conjunctivitis. When left untreated, the condition becomes worse over time and may pose a more harmful effect to your beloved pet dog. In treating conjunctivitis in dogs, it is very important to decipher the underlying cause before going through some treatment option based on the dog’s specific condition.

When caused by bacterial and fungal infection, most Conjunctivitis in dogs is simply addressed by a topical and broad-spectrum antibiotic in the form of prescribed eye drops. However, when the eye is inflamed, there are vets who prescribe topical steroid eye drops to help reduce the inflammation and itchiness.

Sometimes, when the bacterial infection persists, samples will be cultured to help detect the particular antibiotic or even a combination of numerous antibiotics to get rid of the infection. When there is a virus singled-out that may cause the condition, an anti-viral eye drop is then prescribed to eliminate the swelling and redness.

There are, in some cases dogs that have chronic conjunctivitis especially during extreme weather conditions. This is effectively addressed through oral medications and other advanced medications to help treat the condition successfully.

Sea Lion Facts

2012-11-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

Sea lions are often mistaken for seals, in the sense that they are considered as a seal and not as a TYPE of seal, which they actually are.

Defined by the presence of ears and a thin coat of fur, sea lions are the more popularly known varieties of seals, with numerous entertainment franchises featuring them, in comic books, children’s books and in movies.

The 1994 full length feature Andre, a heartwarming story telling of how a family had managed to “adopt” a sea lion into their lives, stands to be one of the most well known movies featuring a sea lion character, with the sea lion’s name Andre used as a household term in describing and defining sea lions in certain parts of the world.

Highly trainable and generally quite composed in the company of human beings, sea lions are known to come in six species, with their populations known to cover tropical and sub-arctic regions, with one known species, the Japanese Sea Lion, already described as extinct.

As living creatures, sea lions have a lifespan that ranges somewhere between twenty to thirty years. Their weight and size is determinant on their species type, with the Settler’s Sea Lion known to weight as much as 1,000 kilograms or 2,200 lbs, measuring a 10 feet in length.

In terms of their dietary habits, Sea Lions are known to consume vast quantities of food, with sea lions eating an average of 5 to 8 percent of their body weight in food on a daily basis. This may not sound much, but that 5 to 8 percent is known to be somewhere at 15 to 35 lbs, saying something about how voracious sea lions are when talking about food consumption.

Protected by different government enforcement agencies, particularly for sea lions living close to human populations, the sea lion continues to be one of the more well loved water-based mammals in the world, with their silly and cute antics standing out as an attribute which sides with them.

Sea Lion Facts Video

Pet Life – Listing your Dog as a Therapy Dog

2012-11-17T05:49:00.000-08:00

If you want your pet to become more than just a home and family dog, try having it listed as a therapy dog at your local clinic, hospital or other health facility.

Pets have long been used to make us feel better, especially dogs. People of all ages react well with therapy dogs, which help them stay happy through their recovery. Therapy dogs are also great when it comes to children since it gives them something to look forward to while they get well.

But not all dogs are eligible to become therapy dog. Your dog may not have the right personality or could be sick with dm in dogs. This could affect their ability to help the therapist. Dogs that are well socialized are great for the job, but dogs that are hesitant with strangers may need more training. Below are other things that you need to watch for before signing them up.

Handle well with the handler

Not unless you’re actually the one handling your pet, your dog and the handler must have a good relationship with each other. Most handlers are commonly therapists or health care professionals who took up a specialty in therapy, so they should know how to deal with your dog and the person they are interacting with. Check how your dog reacts and moves around with the handler to see how they work together.

Heath

Your dog’s own health should also be taken in consideration. If your dog has illnesses like arthritis, joint problems or dm in dogs, they may not stay as therapy dogs for long because of their illness’s progression. Same thing goes to dogs that are sickly. You’ll want to make sure that your dog is healthy and fit before training them to become a therapy dog.

Personality
As mentioned earlier, your dog needs to have a sociable personality. If your dog is really open and welcoming to strangers, then they could make the perfect therapy dog. You have to watch their temperament because your dog might be rough with the patients.

Size

Toy dogs are wonderful therapy dogs, but medium and large sized dogs also do very well with this job. When it comes to large therapy dogs, you have to be really watchful especially with younger children. You dog could over power them and hurt them by accident, but most well trained therapy dogs know how to control themselves around kids.

The Mustang

2012-11-17T00:00:00.000-08:00

The Mustang is known for being one of the most popular horse breeds out in the world, with Ford immortalizing the horse with its Mustang line of muscle cars.

Found in the North American west, the horse’s ancestors were initially brought by the Spanish to America’s shores, where it eventually grew as a wild, free range breed of horses.

The 2004 film starring Viggo Mortensen and Omar Sharif entitled Hidalgo, shared the story of legendary distance rider Frank Hopkins and his mustang Hidalgo, recounting an adventure involving a race in the Arabian desserts in 1891. Based on a true story, the movie revisited the exotic and exciting allure of the wild frontier, as well as brought viewers to the mysteries of the Arabian desserts.

As horses, the mustang was once considered to be wild horses, though their “wild” status is no longer one which holds true to the breed. Today, it is the Przewalski’s Horse found in Mongolia that is considered to be truly wild, in the sense that they still roam free without the intervention of human populations.

Different Native Americans are known to have utilized horses as domesticated “beasts of burden”, with a number of those horse breeds known to be part-mustang. With the mustang’s “feral” attribute, not all mustangs are known to have been kept or integrated into communities or households, but they can still be found free roaming in certain parts of the United States.

As a horse breed, Mustangs are among the more well known, a status which had been propelled by Ford’s ascription of the “mustang” name. Though wild horses, a number of them are known to have been domesticated, with Hidalgo being one example.

Mustang Video

Canadian Moose

2012-11-16T05:13:00.000-08:00

Canadian moose, as creatures, are quite interesting, proudly standing as the biggest of the known deer species in the world. Also known as the Eurasian Elk, Canadian moose are defined by their twig-shaped antlers in males, as well as antler varieties bearing the palmate antler convention.

The 2006 released animated feature, Brother Bear 2, stands to be one of the few mainstream children’s features which had Canadian moose characters, with the film taking after the original story left by the 2003 released Brother Bear.

Featuring the voice talents of Mandy Moore, Patrick Dempsey and Jeremy Suarez, Brother Bear 2 proved to be quite impressive as a Disney sequel title, far from the expectations viewers had expressed on other Disney sequels like Jungle Book 2 or Cinderella 2.

In its telling, the movie featured two Canadian moose characters, whose whimsy and funny personalities did well in adding some significant spice to the movie’s overall plot. Though the personalities of real Canadian moose are not exactly mirrored by the moose featured in Brother Bear and Brother Bear 2, the depiction of Canadian moose as inquisitive creatures was effectively sent out as a message to the movie’s viewers of all ages.

With the Canadian moose known to be found in almost all parts of Canada, estimates have pegged Canadian moose populations to be somewhere between 500,000 to 1,000,000. With moose subspecies also found in Finland, Russia, Sweden, Norway and in the United States, Canadian moose stand as the more active representatives of the moose species in the world.

Canadian Moose Video

Pot Bellied Pigs

2012-11-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

Pot bellied pigs are truly misunderstood creatures, with almost everyone convinced that they’re simply eating machines that are only good at just that – eating.

But as different pet owners of pot bellied pigs would attest, these pigs are actually more than just constantly consuming eating machines, with their intelligence and capacity to adjust to moods being an established pot bellied pig trait.

The 2003 released Charlotte’s Web: Wilbur’s Great Adventure managed to focus on this pot bellied pig trait, through Wilbur’ the movie’s main character. Learning about the value of friendship from Charlotte the spider, the movie delves into the value of friendship, just as the original Charlotte’s Web storyline managed to successfully do so.

Though not as commonly kept as domestic pets like cats and dogs are, pot bellied pigs bear attributes which make them ideal as household pets. They are highly trainable and quite intelligent, as well as generally playful and quite interactive with people.

A pig sty may be classically described as smelly and unkempt, but the truth about pot bellied pigs is that they are actually clean creatures which are odor-free. The association of pigs with being dirty hails from the ascribed production-inclined conditions of pig stys, where pigs aren’t kept as pets, but rather as food commodities.

With an average lifespan somewhere between 12 to 18 years, pot bellied pigs, with all their attributes and characteristics, make for great domestic pets, even with their voracious appetites, a trait which remains to be true about pigs.

Their appetites may come as a downside for some pet owners, but as their intelligence and companionship traits would define them as great pets, true pet lovers can simply consider their diets as part of the pleasures of keeping a pet pot bellied pig.

Pot Bellied Pigs Video

Orangutans

2012-11-14T22:52:00.000-08:00

Orangutans, as one of the more well known great apes of the world, have been popular as pop icons, with countless orangutan characters playing integral roles in the development of storylines and plots.

From the wizard/librarian-turned-orangutan in the Discworld series by award-winning author Terry Prachett, to the spotlight focused on an orangutan character in Babe: Pig In The City, orangutans are also quite popular as plushie toy collections and other forms of child-friendly merchandise products, with such items drawing inspiration from their popularity as mainstream media characters.

Only found in Asia, orangutans are known for being one of the more intelligent ape species in the world, with researchers and scientists noting how wild orangutans actually use tools and other implements in getting tasks and chores done. Also known for their learning abilities, the orangutan’s capacity to take on “tests” and “challenges” have piqued the interests of different experts for years, along with their actual capacity to have distinct individual personalities.

Defined by their reddish-hued coats, the orangutan’s physical attributes define them as arboreal creatures, spending most of they days up on the canopies of trees. Contrary to most assumptions, they are quite docile but their strength does allow them to inflict serious injury when they are provoked.

Considered to be the most solitary of all the known great apes, orangutans are truly marvelous creatures, whose intelligence and unique physique have made them the target of different poachers and illegal animal trade.

Given the fact that they are only found in Asia, they stand to be at risk of going extinct, should any more damage to their natural habitats be done.

Orangutans Video

Providing Your Pet with Pet Insurance

2012-11-13T03:53:00.000-08:00

Having pets play a major role in a person’s life. Being a man’s best friend would mean, a pet is entitled to a variety of perks not all animals could enjoy. We now see pet spas and salons, pet hospitals, pet cemeteries, pet play areas and playground even training institutes. Now, how about a pet insurance? Have you considered of having and availing one?

Deciding to have a pet marks many responsibilities. Other than preparing for its enclosure, gadgets and feeds, immunizations and vaccinations, grooming and care, having a pet is also expensive. Although there are low-maintenance pets to keep, most often, having pets would sometimes drain the pocket especially when they get sick and infected with a virus.

Once you bring a pet home, you are bound to take care and the expenses that go with it. Regular health check-ups by a vet are a requirement. If you happen to disregard its importance, then you may be in trouble. For pets, prevention is always better than cure. Immunizations and vaccinations are important to prevent further harm and health issues.

What is you are in a tight financial situation and your pet dog or cat or what have you suddenly becomes extremely sick, what could you possibly do? Just wait ‘til the disease gets the best out of your pet? Of course not! Your best friend needs you at this time, so pet insurance is the answer to your needs.

Similar to man’s insurance, a pet insurance is the health insurance of your pet and it usually covers the expenses for the veterinary bills and other requirements. There are pet insurances available but may be not for all areas. Just go and search the net where to locate these pet insurance companies. To give you a brief idea, an effective pet insurance covers the following:

Kennel fees – There are days that you will be out and you can’t take care of your pet so bringing your pet to a kennel is unavoidable. A pet insurance that covers for the kennel fees and expenses is worth considering.

Pet loss – When your pet wanders away, your pet insurance should be able to assist in locating your pet. If advertising and collaterals are needed, the pet insurance should pay for such a cost.

Property Damage – Sometimes, they can’t help it, they can be destructive on your things and other personal belongings. A good pet insurance also covers and pays for the cost of damage whether for replacement or repair.

Health claims – The pet insurance should also cover expenses for: vet pro fees, x-rays, lab tests, scanning, surgery and other health related concerns.

Reimbursement for loss and death – When your pet dies or wanders away, the pet insurance can reimburse a certain amount to be able to let you buy a new pet again. You will be the beneficiary especially when your pet is extremely expensive and the breed is one-of-a-kind.

Sharing the Bed with Your Fave Pet

2012-11-12T03:36:00.000-08:00

Since pets stand by you in good times and in bad, they can be treated with much respect, attention and love. They become part of the family so sleeping with them on the bed is not surprising at all. However, is it advisable to share the bed with your favorite pet?

There are pet dogs that have been in the family for a while and snuggling together on bed may be a remarkable experience. Because of the closeness and bond, some pet owners adapt the habit of sleeping with their pets. Mostly common among dog and cat owners (although exotic pet owners are not exempt), studies conducted by the American Pet Products Association in the year 2007 as seen in the Pet central article, revealed that 43 percent of dogs sleep on the same bed as their owners.

Although not really proven to cause an alarming effect on owners and pets, quite a number of veterinarians and pet trainers view this as not advisable. There are many benefits as to the sleeping with pet act per se but from a health view point it is not sound advice to sleep with one’s pet since this can cause allergies and uneventful respiratory problems.

Yes, bonding with a pet can reduce stress and can improve blood pressure levels as well as can harness the attachment between dog-master relationships, but other than that, the high risk to allergies and respiratory problems should be well considered. Nasal passages are more prone to other irritants during night time, thus increasing the risk of catching allergies in the long run.

You can always bond with your dog, cat or any other pet during the day but stay away from them when it is time to sleep. It is not the issue of loving and caring for your pet less but how well you take care of your health matters most.

Sharing the Bed with Your Fave Pet

Hyacinth Macaws

2012-11-11T03:48:00.000-08:00

Their awesomely stunning deep cobalt blue color, their yellow and black eyes make them instant eye candies. The largest parrot by length in the world measuring at 100 centimeters or 3.3 feet from the tip of its tail to the top of its head, the Hyacinth Macaw stands tall, proud and beautiful. Also known to be the gentle giant among the macaw species, sharing its title with the Green Wing Macaw, the Hyacinth Macaw is the most sought-after among all parrots, regal and exquisitely charming. Native to Central and Eastern South America, these majestic birds are very affectionate and easily trainable despite their size.

It is also the largest flying specie of parrot although the flightless Kakapo from New Zealand could sometimes outweigh it depending on its strength and habitat. Nonetheless, the Hyacinth Macaw is still one of the best-looking parrots that have already grown almost endangered because of habitat loss. Of the 2,500 to 5,000 species left in the wild, most of these are found only in Brazil in lightly forested areas instead of the dense areas where they used to thrive. Unfortunately, the lightly forested areas give easier access for hunters to hunt them down. Its numbers are dwindling since most are held captive or killed to make decors and giveaways for tourists in Brazil

If you are an avid bird lover, the Hyacinth Macaw is a dream bird to have however, with the price tag that ranges from $7,000 to even $12,000, sad to say, not all bird lovers could not own it in their lifetime.

They can make great pets and love to cuddle. There needs to be trust built first before the pet-master relationship progresses. Simply put, they need to trust before they will respond and cuddle with you. They are loving and are playful sometimes loves to destroy toys and other items within reach so better be ready with a lot of them. As much as they can be beautiful and sweet, they can also be demanding and spoiled. In essence it is important for training to take place as early as a young bird right after weaning, around eight to ten weeks or one that has already been exposed and socialized.

Body language, too should be carefully understood because they have their own way of communication and knowing and understanding these may prevent form future problems late on.

Their size would require a bigger and stronger cage since their beaks are sturdy and could easily break metal and wires. Its wingspan reaches up to 4 feet so a considerable sized cage is a must-do especially when they need to have an adequate space for exercise and stretching.

Hyacinth Macaws require more time, attention and resources compared to other species, so it may be not the right pet to anybody. They can be enticing, fun and cuddly but could also be nosey, destructive and insecure.

Hyacinth Macaws Video

The Pros and Cons of Homemade Dog Food

2012-11-10T08:45:00.000-08:00

If you’re a bit picky when it comes to feeding your dog, you should consider giving them homemade dog food.

You already know that keeping our pets well nourished and giving them a balanced diet is crucial to their health. It helps keep them away from illnesses, especially genetic ones like degenerative myelopathy. One of the latest trends in dog nutrition is preparing food for your pooch at home, using everyday ingredients found in your kitchen.

Contrary to popular belief, homemade dog food isn’t equal to table scraps; these are actually meals that you prepare from scratch and feed your dog. There are advantages and disadvantages when it comes to giving them homemade meals. Below are a few.

Pros

It’s cheaper

You can just make their meals for less with a bunch of scrap meat and veggies that you can buy at the grocery. While you’re shopping for your weekly foodstuffs, you can just pick up a few things for your dog as well.

You know what’s in it

The best part about cooking your own dog food for your pet is that you can control what goes into the mix. Some canned dog food brands often say that they use all natural ingredients, but they might still contain preservatives which could be bed for your dog, especially if they’re sick with degenerative myelopathy.

It contains all the right nutrients

Knowing the right ingredients, you can make a healthy home-made meal for your dog that’s enough to cover all its nutritional needs. Dogs need a good amount of protein, but they also need carbohydrates and fiber in their diet. Feeding them a home cooked-meal that has fresh and natural ingredients will give them better digestion and a healthier nutrition.

Cons

It’s time consuming

Not only will you have to cook a meal for yourself or your family, you also have to make on for your dog. Giving them table scraps is not enough for a good diet, you have to prepare a meal from scratch for them.

It may not be enough

If you don’t give your dog the right type of food, you might miss out on important vitamins and minerals that they need. Fortunately, you can give them food supplement. These can be bought at any pet shops or you can even get them at your vet’s office.

You’ll always have to check with the vet

Unlike feeding your pet processed, readymade dog food, feeding you dog home –made dog food will mean that you have to check with the vet to know if the ingredients you’re using are fine. You will also have to ask about the right measurements and proportions for their meals.

Considering a Wallaby as a Pet

2012-11-10T01:55:00.000-08:00

Why go to Australia to personally see a kangaroo when you can have a “miniature kangaroo” at your own homes? If you are searching for loving and affectionate, cute and cuddly pets you can always have a dog or a cat. However, if you want something unique, something uncommon in the neighborhood, then a wallaby can perfectly make a cute, cuddly pet without the barking, the digging and the meowing.

A Wallaby basically is a marsupial belonging to a group or category of animals called Macropods from any of about thirty species of the Macropodidae family. Kangaroos are popular type of marsupials with the main distinction of their infants being born small. They nourish themselves in their mother’s pouch for months until they are ready to explore and socialize.

In the same way, wallabies crawl into their mother’s pouch right after they are born without fur and they usually stay for six to seven months in the pouch until they are fully furred and no longer needs the warmth of their mother. There are about 20 type of wallabies and the most commonly used as pets are the Bennett wallaby and the Damal wallaby, also called the Tammar Wallaby.

Between the two types, the Bennett Wallaby is usually chosen as pet because they are more docile and they have a mild temperament. A Bennett Wallaby grows to 2 ½ feet tall and usually weighs between 25 to 45 pounds and their life span reaches to about 12 to 15 years. Bennett Wallabies are diurnal, mostly active during the day and are known herbivores, eating mostly plants although there are available wallaby foods in the market intended for mature wallabies.

On the other hand, the Damal Wallaby or the Tammar Wallaby have the same size as the Bennett but are mostly nocturnal and loves to play during nighttime. This type is more jumpy, anxious and reacts to stimuli easily than the Bennett that is why most exotic pet handlers opt to have the Bennett Wallaby because of their nature and temperament.

Like any exotic pet, the wallaby is only for people that are essentially informed and ready to care for their pet. Before making the purchase, talk to a veterinarian who knows how to take care of wallabies and find time to research more about having a Wallaby as a pet. They are loving and affectionate but they could also be naughty and uncontrollable at times. Hence, it is important to be ready and able in terms of knowledge, space availability, enclosures, family rules, climate and even local state restrictions.

Many exotic pet lovers have wallabies in their homes as house pets. They are manageable and are easily toilet trained but a good amount of preparation is needed before finally deciding on having one.

Wallaby as a Pet Video

Miniature Donkeys: Beloved Pets to Have

2012-11-09T03:08:00.000-08:00

Do you want a faithful companion for life? Miniature donkeys are becoming more beloved as pets nowadays because of its life-long expectancy of until 25 to 30 years. However, some reach close to 50 years which practically matches the number of years of human beings. They are faithful, affectionate, intelligent, helpful and easy to train.

The miniature donkey can be a great pet to have and completely affectionate, warm and trustworthy around children, often serves as a companion that lasts through time. They are most helpful to the elderly and the handicapped usually trained to pull a cart or a wagon, very dependable, and could also be conditioned to carry weight and cargo of up to 100 pounds. Since miniature donkeys are herd animals, they effectively thrive in a small pasture with other donkeys and animals. They could also guard animals in the farm to protect newborn animals from predators like coyotes and wild dogs.

For their daily nourishment, Miniature Donkeys require a small amount of grain, good quality hay, a mineral salt block, and fresh, clean water.

Miniature donkeys are known as the Sardinian donkey typically coming from the Mediterranean Islands of Sardinia and Sicily. Donkeys, together with zebras and mules come from the horse family, but donkeys differ somewhat with horses obviously, because of their ears that are much larger in
proportion. The neck, back, croup and rump, tail, legs even hoof shapes are rather unlike compared to horses, making them easily identifiable.

Although there are not many of them, they are not overly populated either. In fact, there are about 50,000 miniature donkeys in the United States alone and about 40,000 have already been identified and registered under the Miniature Donkey Registry.

Male donkeys are called jacks while female donkeys are jennets and their babies are called foals. Jennets are bred when they reach 3 years old and breeding as early as 2 is not advisable.

This breed is mainly defined by its size that is why classifications need to be mentioned Donkeys are considered miniature when their average height ranges from 26” to 36” at the withers and their weight between 200 and 300 pounds. Regular donkeys, on the other hand are classified according to size from small standard with 36” to 48”, the large standard with over 48” and under 54” for jennets and the mammoth with size that is beyond 54”for jennets and 56” for jacks.

These sweet and loving animals respond well to correct training, care and attention so it is best to prepare everything first before having them around the house. They can be companions and best friends for life, dearly beloved and trusted pets to have.

Miniature Donkeys Video