Wednesday, April 30, 2014


Credit: photo by David Berkowitz

Where to Eat in New Orleans

It is true that New Orleans isn't exactly suffering from lack of delectable eating establishments. There is the famous Mother's, where you can find arguably the best shrimp po-boy on the planet. There is the even more famous Caf Du Monde, where you can indulge yourself on the powder-coated delight of beignets while sipping the most perfect cup coffee you could ask for. If you have a hankering for a brunch cuisine like no other, there is the ever-popular Brennan's, where you do not want to leave without trying their version of Bananas Foster. If you desire a high-end dining experience, the Victorian atmosphere of Commander's is for you. Of course, there is also the famed Acme Oyster House, a seafood lover's dream. Or if you are in the mood for a dining event with a watery view and a jazz band, you can take a dinner cruise down the Mississippi River aboard The Paddlewheeler Creole Queen.


The list of famous New Orleans restaurants is seemingly endless. However, in our last trip down to The Crescent City (AKA my husband's hometown), we happened upon a decidedly un-famous restaurant that ended up leaving the biggest impression of all. We had arrived late into town, after 11:00 on a Friday night. Tired from our five hour drive but ravenous, we simply hoped we could find something open at that time of night that wasn't a bar or a burger house. What we found was the open-all-night City Diner. When I say it looked like a hole in the wall from the outside, I dont mean that it appeared unsavory or dangerous. There were no ruffians skulking about or anything. Really, the exterior just looks like an ancient Denny's, and the inside was no prize either. Still, it was clean, and it was open our only qualifiers for that time of night. We certainly did not have very high expectations for the culinary experience we were in for. Boy, were we unprepared for the surprise in store for us!


I wish I could describe to you the infinite delectability of the "Bottomless Breadbowl" that I ordered. Shrimp and crawfish, steeped in a creamy cheese sauce, pooled inside the yummiest French bread bowl I've ever put into my mouth. It was purely heaven. Tom ordered an equally scrumptious Cajun omelet, which consisted of shrimp, Andouille sausage, and crawfish, cooked in an egg omelet, served with the same type sauce. If I've ever eaten better food, I can't remember when. Even Tom, who is a bit of a culinary snob, seeing as though he hails from New Orleans, agreed that The City Diner was some of the best "eatin'" he'd had in a long, long time. We also loved the fact the prices were reasonable, and the informality of the wait staff was downright charming. Funny, how out of all of the famous fine dining restaurants that New Orleans has to offer, it was that little hole in the wall diner that left the most looming impression. So, if y'all plan on going down to The Big Easy any time soon, please be sure and pay a visit to the City Diner, because I want them to be there for a long, long time.

The City Diner, Metairie, LA, New Orleans

Posted on 8:45 AM

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Tuesday, April 29, 2014


Canine incontinence, often considered as a dog behavioral problem, is actually a medical condition that requires appropriate medical treatment. Although it is a more common problem among older dogs, it may also affect dogs older than the age of 2. Dog incontinence can also be urinary, since it is considered as a behavioral problem, it is often tried to be rectified by obedience and behavioral training, which only adds to the dog's suffering. As a dog owner, it is essential that you identify the problem of canine incontinence and watch out for the signs, so that it can be treated on time. Knowing about the causes of canine incontinence can help you prevent and deal with this dog health problem.

Canine Incontinence Causes

The most common of the canine incontinence causes is old age. Older dogs develop this problem due to the loosening of their sphincter as they grow old. Their bladder muscles also tend to weaken and this disables them from holding back urine. Young dogs may face this problem due to a bacterial infection. Infections like aspergillosis, prostatitis and cystitis are the ones that mainly cause incontinence problems in dogs. Female dogs can be incontinent due to bladder or urinary tract infections. A condition known as ectopic ureter can cause incontinence in neutered female dogs. Canine incontinence after surgery is also a common post-surgical problem in dogs. Other common causes of dog incontinence include tumors, stress, neurological disorders and hormonal problems.

Treatment for Canine Incontinence

Canine incontinence can be easily treated if detected on time. It is essential not only to stop the problem of accidents at home, but also for the overall health of your pet dog. Here are a few methods that can be adopted for canine incontinence treatment. Read more on dog incontinence treatment.

Canine Incontinence Medication
Canine incontinence medicines include Phenylpropanolamine that works well for this problem by tightening the sphincter and the bladder walls. This is especially beneficial for older dogs facing this problem. For incontinence caused due to ectopic ureter, surgery will help solve the problem. Hormonal problems causing incontinence can be rectified using a drug known as DES (diethylstilbestrol) which is a synthetic form of estrogen. It works well for female dogs facing incontinence problems after being neutered. The above mentioned medication should be administered only after consultation with a veterinarian. Treating the dog by yourself can cause various complications and may also be harmful for its health.

Canine Incontinence Products
Dogs suffering from incontinence can be managed by providing them incontinence products like doggy diapers, pee pads or a diaper garment. This will also help prevent messing on the floors and when outside the home too. These products are washable or disposable and are hence very convenient to use.

Canine Incontinence Remedies
Apart from the solutions mentioned above, some natural and herbal remedies can help deal with canine incontinence problems. Homeopathy has a number of medicines that can help solve incontinence problems. These include medicines like kreosotum, causticum, equisetum, ferrum phosphoricum, pulsatilla and bryonia that are absolutely safe and can be administered to dogs. Herbs like corn silk, berberis, oatstraw, uva ursi, rashberry leaf and saw palmetto are also useful in treating dog incontinence. Veterinary acupuncture and chiropractic therapies can also help treat canine incontinence.

Your pet dog will require your constant support and care while dealing with incontinence as most of them tend to feel guilty for their act of involuntary urination. Make sure you reassure it and help it overcome the problem with love and care. Maintain hygiene and cleanliness around your home, especially around the dog's bedding, to prevent infection and diseases that can be caused due to canine incontinence.

Posted on 9:27 PM

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Did You Know?
Adolf Hitler was one of the many owners that had a German Shepherd, with TV stars like Rin Tin Tin and Strongheart making it big during their viewing period.The Deutscher Schferhund which translates into German Shepherd dog, was first known to herd sheep, also protecting them from animals who tried to prey on them. These dogs are usually used for working purposes, like police work, sniffing baggage and belongings for narcotics, helping out the injured in accidents and fires, and so on. They're strong dogs, with a willingness to learn and engage in active play. They bond well with their owners, and strangers as well, depending on the dog's upbringing. They tend to have a protective streak that makes them overly watchful of family.

Things to Consider While Choosing a German Shepherd Puppy

Adopting puppies are something not all people do, because of the worry of whether the puppy will fall short on one's expectations. When looking up a place that gives away puppies for adoption, it is important to first find out the following...
  • Whether they were stray to begin with
  • Attacked and then rescued
  • Physically challenged and in need of a home
  • Ill and in need of attention (where adopting party would step in to take care of them and bring them back to complete good health)
Many people would rather have a flawless puppy to take care of, than one that would be the cause of burden and frustration. The key here is to exercise your love for pets and be patient and kind when dealing with such animals. Do extensive research online depending on what kind of German Shepherd puppy you want...
  • Do you want a healthy one?
  • Would you like a single pup or more from a newborn batch?
  • Would you care for an abandoned one that qualifies as healthy and problem free?
  • Would a physically challenged puppy interest you?
Once you decide on what kind of puppy you want, then go ahead and look for places that give these puppies away for adopting owners. You can always call up the people in charge of the adoption and quell your doubts by questioning the current nature of the puppy/puppies before you go ahead and adopt them. Websites also sometimes list out everything about the puppy in question in a segregated manner, so that you have all your info laid out in front of you before you decide to adopt the little pup.

Finding German Shepherd Puppies for Sale

There are many companies that provide people with adoption options. If you'd like to give these pups a home, with good food and the company of people who will love him/her, then you're on your way in carrying out a good deed.

PuppyFind
This place gives you the opportunity to buy a puppy from any kind of German Shepherd breed - be it pitch black, snowy white or the well-known brown and black coat that they come in. All you have to do is search for the dog breed by putting in the details of looking for a particular German Shepherd, and they enlist puppies for sale. Information on German Shepherd temperament, care, origin, training and so on, is also provided on the website.

Pets4You
Here you can look for your breed by selecting it from the drop down list of breeds. Whether you click on Alsatian or German Shepherd, listings for the same will come. Choose from a variety of breeds, and give those adorable homeless puppies a nice homey shelter.

How to Take Care of a German Shepherd Puppy

German Shepherd puppies need a lot of care and attention initially, but are later on easy to train and instruct. There are certain things that need to be kept in mind while taking care of these animals, to ensure that they live a good and healthy life.
  • Exercise: An Alsatian (German Shepherd) needs adequate exercise to avoid problems like becoming mentally challenged if under exercised or even destructive in nature. Make sure you take him/her for regular walks or provide a big yard/lawn area for it to run about actively. Constantly play with him/her in your backyard by playing fetch or tossing a Frisbee about. German Shepherds need to keep their energy levels up.
  • Training: German Shepherds are smart dogs, and can easily pick up instructions and training commands. You won't face any problems in training your dog.
  • Grooming: A German Shepherd coat needs to be brushed constantly, since these dogs are known to be seasonal heavy shedders. To avoid hair from accumulating in your home, brush him/her habitually. There is no need to give these dogs a bath regularly, as this can cause the skin to get irritated, due to an imbalance of oil present in it.
  • Trimming: Claws need to be trimmed on several occasions, to avoid them from causing damage or bad scratches to owners/others. You need to also check their ears in case trimming hair off from there is needed.
  • Diet: Avoid feeding your dog junk, except for the occasional dog treats that aren't meant for humans, but specially for dogs. This ensures that he is healthy, clean and free from any problems related to digestion.
  • Illnesses/Problems: A German Shepherd can suffer from problems like epilepsy, dog fleas, allergies, chronic eczema, hip and elbow dysplasia and keratitis (when the cornea becomes inflamed) to name a few.
In any case, if you take care of your German Shepherd in the right way, and do whatever is necessary to keep him/her fit, rest assured that they'll do just fine.

Now that you know where to get German Shepherd puppies for adoption and how to choose one, I hope you find it in a soft corner from within to give these little guys a home. Dogs need someone to attach to as family, and it'll be a nice addition to your home to give you company, security; not to mention cheer you up. If you don't like dogs, I'm sure their puppy eyes will do the trick and melt your cynical insides. Get adopting already!

Posted on 9:07 AM

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9 Little Known Frog Facts

If you live in an area with lakes and trees, you've probably stumbled across a frog once or twice in your life time. They are actually pretty interesting creatures and have much different bodily functions than humans. This list is 9 facts that you may not have known about frogs.

9. Frogs belong to zoological class called Amphibia; they are cold blooded vertebrate animals.

8. Frogs have teeth on the upper edge of the jaw which are referred to as Maxillary Teeth. The funny thing is, they don't use these teeth to chew their food; they are used to hold the food in place before they swallow it whole!

7. Frogs take between 12 to 16 weeks to go from a tadpole to their full grown state.


6. Frogs have a special kind of ears called tympanum that connect to their lungs. When they hear sounds, not only do their ears vibrate, but so do their lungs.

5. When a frog swallows a meal, his eyes will close and his eyes will actually drop into his throat forcing the food down into his belly.

4. Frogs hind legs are so strong they are capable of jumping up to twenty times their own body length in a single leap. They are one of the best leapers on the planet.

3. Frogs don't drink water through their mouths like humans; they absorb water through their skin to stay hydrated. They are also capable of absorbing oxygen not only through their lungs, but also through their skin.

2. It is hard to monitor frogs that aren't in captivity, but statistics show that the average from in captivity lives from 4-15 years. One person even claims their European Common Toad lived to see 40!

1. The biggest frogs known to man are currently the Goliath frog. They are roughly a foot long and way upwards of 8 lbs! This is the size of a house cat.

Posted on 3:20 AM

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Monday, April 28, 2014


Just like we humans, dogs too suffer from fever that could be caused by a number of reasons. Fever in dogs is an extremely important sign of ill-health of the dog and should not be ignored. Most commonly, it is a physiological sign of an inflammation or an internal infection. It may go unnoticed that your dog is suffering from fever, until the dog starts showing signs of being unwell. In cases like this, you need to start treating the dog immediately as the fever may already be high. There are many things you can do to reduce the temperature in dogs. As a responsible pet owner, you should be aware of at least a few of these methods including the dog fever signs and symptoms.

Medication

Fever can be caused due to various reasons like infection, nutritional deficiencies, bites from other animals, an abscessed tooth, dog worm infestations and immune system disorders. If the fever is too high, it is best to opt for veterinary treatment to lower dog fever. Consulting a vet may also help diagnose the cause of fever and your dog will be treated accordingly. Mild fevers that are not persistent can be treated easily at home by following some simple methods and remedies. The most common method of dog fever treatment is the administration of a low dosage of aspirin along with food to your dog. However, make sure you talk to the vet before giving aspirin or any other antibiotic to your pet to avoid any side effects.

Remedies

You can use a number of dog fever remedies at home only in case of a mild fever. The first and most important remedy for dog fever is to keep your dog constantly hydrated. Make sure that it drinks plenty of water, preferably cool water, at equal intervals. In case it refuses to drink water, you will have to put in small amounts using a medicine dropper or a needle less syringe or offer it ice cubes to suck on. Wrap up your dog in a cool towel to lower fever and provide some relief. You can also rub some alcohol onto the dog's tummy to reduce the fever. Cool the temperature around your house and make sure there's fresh air around so that your pet feels better. Placing a cold compress on its tummy or forehead will also help lower the dog's temperature.

Dog Fever Symptoms

The symptoms of dog fever may not be enough to detect the level of dog fever. Also, you cannot really tell if the dog has a fever or not by checking the wetness of its nose. You should, therefore, make use of a rectal thermometer to obtain your dog's temperature. The normal body temperature for dogs ranges between 100.5 and 102.5 degrees. If the dog's temperature is anything above 103 degrees, it would mean that it's running a fever.

The following are some common symptoms of dog fever.
  • Loss of thirst and appetite
  • Lethargy
  • Excessive nasal discharge
  • Vomiting
  • Unhealthy color of gums
  • Excessive panting
The remedies and medication mentioned above will help reduce fever in dogs and you should monitor your pet's temperature at equal intervals. Consult a vet in case the fever is persistent and if you notice that your pet's health is deteriorating instead of improving. Reducing and eliminating fever is extremely important for your dog's health and well-being.

Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only and does not in any way attempt to replace the advice offered by a veterinarian on the subject.

Posted on 8:41 PM

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Dogs are not naturally averse to food, as they are found to relish even garbage and other waste food products. But sometimes, you may find your canine getting disinterested in food, without any apparent reason. In such cases, you may try some appetite stimulants for dogs. However, before starting with such stimulants, you have to take your dog to the vet, so as to rule out the possibility of any medical condition that may be the reason behind this condition.

Loss of Appetite in Dogs

Appetite loss in dogs may be due to various reasons, including medical ones. Some of the commonly found reasons are medical conditions, like, intestinal obstruction, digestive problems, kidney or liver problems, respiratory diseases, intestinal parasites, dental or other oral medical problems and worm infestation. Apart from medical problems, other factors too, can negatively affect a dog's appetite. They include stress, anxiety, lack of exercise and change in weather. Even aging can be a reason for lack of appetite in dogs. It has also been noticed that some dogs give up food for a day or two, as a natural detoxification process. Such fasting is not found to be a problem, as far as they remain active. But, if they avoid food for more than two days, or if they have other symptoms, then, you have to take them to the vet to rule out the possibility of any underlying disease. If there is no apparent reason for your dog to get disinterested in food, then, you may try appetite stimulants, after consulting the vet.

How to Stimulate Appetite in Dogs

As mentioned above, appetite loss in dogs, along with other symptoms need to be checked. Even those dogs who refuse to eat for more than two days, need medical attention. But, if the dog is healthy and is not diagnosed with any disease, then, you may try some appetite stimulants. They include medication, food supplements, herbs and alternative medicine.
  • Before starting with medication, it is always better to try some natural appetite stimulant for dogs. They include herbs like ginger, alfalfa, peppermint, dill, fennel, milk thistle, dandelion, celery seed and chamomile. You can sprinkle a small amount over dog food. Garlic is said to be very useful for stimulating appetite in dogs. Finely chop garlic and mix a small amount in dog food.
  • Even changes in diet may increase appetite in dogs. Instead of commercial dog food, you may try home cooked ones. It will be better to add rice and meat to their diet. It has also been observed that dogs like baby food, broth, home cooked chicken, eggs and fish. You may also try food enhancers that can be added to food, so as to boost your pet's appetite.
  • Some people try homeopathy, acupuncture, to tackle appetite loss in dogs. These methods are more beneficial in dogs with digestive problems. Even vitamins are said to be effective as appetite stimulant for dogs. You may consult your vet and start B vitamins or multivitamins for this purpose.
  • There are certain prescription medication that are used for treating canine appetite loss. They are prednisolone, mirtazapine and megestrol acetate. Make sure that these medication are administered to dogs, as per the instructions of the vet.
  • Some people try essential oils like rose and vetiver, for increasing appetite in dogs. You have to apply a few drops on the dog collar, so as to have an effect on the dog. You may also try to get a companion for your dog, so as to boost his appetite. An increase in exercises may also be good for stimulating the appetite of the animal.
However, before trying these appetite stimulants, make sure to take your dog to a vet, so as to check whether there is any underlying cause for loss of appetite. If there is something, treating the condition will normalize its appetite. Otherwise, seek the opinion of the vet, regarding appetite stimulants and choose the best one for your dog.

Posted on 5:22 AM

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Sunday, April 27, 2014

Lipoma is nothing but a benign tumor which is made out of the adipose tissue. These tumors are soft, painless and sometimes even movable. Lipoma is quite common in dogs, and if you have a dog, you probably might have noticed or rather felt these fatty tumors in your dog. Lipoma affects dogs irrespective of their breed so it doesn't matter if you have a St. Bernard or a Rottweiler. As the dog ages it is more vulnerable to these benign tumors like Lipoma. These tumors aren't life-threatening and most times it will not make a difference if you leave them untreated.

Lipoma are small and painless fatty tumors, which can be found directly under the skin, mainly in the legs and the abdominal part (although it can form anywhere in the body). Mature fat cells form these benign lumps can occur in various shapes and sizes. These lipomas are common in almost all breeds of dogs and the risk of having lipoma increases as the dog gets older and if the dog is overweight, though puppies and younger dogs can develop these fatty lumps of tissues. Owners usually worry when their dogs get these tumors, but, fortunately these tumors or rather lipomas, are not cancerous and they rarely cause health problems in dogs. However, there are certain things that you need to watch out for when your feel these lumps in your dog's body and they are:
  • Swelling of the skin
  • Rate at which the lump grows in size and
  • Whether the lump is fixed or movable.
If the size increases drastically or if the lump is fixed, it could be liposarcomas, which should be surgically removed and followed with radiation treatment in order to prevent problems like cancer. One should also watch out for infiltrative lipoma, which are lumps that develop in the deeper tissues, between the layers of the muscles and they are firmer than the common lipomas

Diagnosis and Treatment

True, that lipoma is not something that we should fret about, but as they say, 'better safe than sorry'. If your dog has these lumps, then it's best that you consult a vet just to be sure that it's not cancerous. The lump will be kept under observation for sometime and if there are no changes, then it's not a problem, but if the size increases or if it becomes fixed, then the vet will perform a biopsy in order to observe the cells. Otherwise, the vet will only ask you to leave the lipoma as it is.

The small, painless and movable tumors or lipoma, are something that the vet will recommend you not to remove surgically. It's best left alone but, if on the other hand, the size of the tumor increases or if it becomes painful or fixed, then lipoma removal in dogs is suggested. Using laser beams, an incision is made on the skin and the lipoma is removed. The laser beams ensure that the dog does not bleed much and that the area of surgery does not swell up later. The section where the tumor was present is then closed so that accumulation of fluid does not take place. The stitches can be removed only after a fortnight.

Consult a vet and get his opinion and let him be the judge of whether surgery is required or not. After the surgery, your dog will have difficulty in moving around and will also require a special diet in order to regain strength.

Posted on 9:33 AM

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Saturday, April 26, 2014


Hi. I have a puppy and she is 9 weeks old. I've observed my puppy sneezing a lot and this has made me worry about it. Will the sneezing stop on its own or should I take her to a vet? Please help, why is my puppy sneezing and what are the causes? Sally, Indiana.

The question asked by Sally is a common concern for many dog owners. Puppy sneezing and coughing may occur due to the same reasons because of which a human may sneeze. Most of the time, it is either an upper respiratory tract infection or an irritant that leads to sneezing in puppy. In this article, we shall see some reasons that will answer the question puppy sneezing continously.

Puppy Sneezing and Coughing Causes
There are many reasons as to why your puppy may be sneezing and coughing. The anatomical structure of the dog nose is similar to humans. They too have sinus problems, that leads to headaches and congestion. Let us see some of the causes of puppy sneezing and coughing.

Allergies
One of the most common causes of sneezing in pups is allergies. Puppies may develop allergies to pollen grains, plant fibers or even dog food. Some puppies are allergic to fleas, mites and dust. Many times puppies can get allergic to cigarette smoke or chemicals in deodorants, house sprays, etc. You can recognize the signs of allergies, if your puppy sneezes for a specific time after being exposed to the suspected allergen. Other signs of allergies may be excessive scratching , hot spots, biting and licking paws or tummy excessively.

Infections
One of the serious causes of sneezing in pups may include infections. The puppy may have infections in the tooth or root of the tooth. This infection may get drained into the nasal cavity leading to a respiratory infections. Other infections include the infection of the sinuses and nose. The puppy may have been infected by bacteria, virus or fungal agent that leads to respiratory infections. These infections may turn into chronic conditions, if not treated properly. If you observe pus or bloody discharge with the sneezing and coughing, the puppy may be suffering from respiratory or sinus infection. If your puppy is prone to infections, it will be wise to note the color of the discharge and frequency of infections for further treatment.

Foreign Body
Your puppy may have sniffed up a foreign object that may have got lodged in the nasal passages. This may lead to puppy sneezing continously. You may observe discharge usually from one nostril. If you can see or suspect a foreign body in the nasal passage, visit the vet immediately.

Tumor
One of the most rare causes of puppy sneezing and coughing is tumor. This intranasal tumor causes a puppy to sneeze a lot. These puppies generally have discharge from one nostril only. As the tumor grows in size, the puppy continues to sneeze a lot. These tumors are unfortunately malignant in nature and are very difficult to treat. The vet may suggest surgery and chemotherapy, but it is very difficult to reach the tumor due to the anatomy of the nasal passage. You can read more on puppy shots schedule.

These were some of the causes that may lead to puppy sneezing and coughing. You need to observe if the allergy is seasonal or is it triggered after a specific event in the house. You also need to note, if the puppy sneezes after eating some specific food. Observe the color of the nasal discharge and remember to tell your vet about it. A bloody nasal discharge needs immediate medical attention. I hope this article on puppy sneezing a lot has helped you understand the cause of the continuous 'Acchooooosss' in your pet.

Posted on 1:45 PM

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Friday, April 25, 2014

There are some things that just are not good for your precious animals. Learn the things that could really be harmful to your beloved pets.


Garlic and Onions

Giving your pet your leftovers may not be the best option and healthiest thing for your pet. If they get it every once in a while it is not a big deal, but having a constant diet containing onions and garlic isnt safe. When a pet breaks down this type of food it can lead to anemia.


Milk

It is a rumor that warm milk or even cold milk is good for cats. It is actually harmful for a cats digestive system as their stomachs are not tolerant of it and it can lead to stomach problems.

Chicken and Pork Bones

Many owners feed their pets, especially dogs, bones from their food. It is important to be careful in what type of bone you are feeding your pet. Chicken and pork bones can easily splinter causing your pet to choke on the bone when they are trying to consume it. Usually steak bones are okay for your pet and dont cause any problems.

Mixing Foods

If you own both a dog and a cat, you may think that it is okay to give your dog cat food or to give your cat dog food. This is not okay and is very harmful for your pet. It is important to know this because the types of foods dont have the right amount of nutrients in them to keep your pet healthy. A little bit may be okay if your pet will actually eat it, but completely substituting this food is extremely harmful for their diet.

Overdose of Treats

Many owners buy treats for their cats for an occasional snack. Some owners simply overdo it though. It is important to cautious at how many treats you give your pet. Over feeding your pets treat or even regular food can lead to obesity. Also, it is important to know that pets can generate diabetes as well.


Alcohol

This is one of the most obvious points, but you wouldnt believe how many times pets get a hold of alcohol. This is especially common in dogs. When people host summer parties and leave their red solo cups next to their chairs, it is easy for a dog to come over and lap up their beer in their cup. The reason this is so dangerous for pets, especially cats is because they are so much smaller than humans and their little bodies can only handle so much alcohol before it could cause a coma or death.

Raisins

Raisins and even grapes can be fatal for both cats and dogs. They can cause kidney failure and death in your pet. It is best to keep both raisins and grapes up and out of the reach of your pets.

Chocolate

Almost everyone knows that chocolate is a harmful food for pets. Even if they consume just a small amount of chocolate, it can be fatal. This is true in all types of chocolates, but baking chocolate and dark chocolate is the most dangerous type out there.



Feed Your Best Friend Better: Easy, Nutritious Meals and Treats for Dogs
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(price as of May 18, 2013)

Posted on 1:12 AM

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Wednesday, April 23, 2014


Have you just bought a home a little pup as your pet and are worried about it creating a mess in your house? Or is your dog already having 'accidents' and creating a mess all over. Such scenarios are fairly common among dog owners and it can be a real hassle to clean up all the mess, especially if it is on your expensive carpets or beautifully painted walls. So what you need to do to prevent such 'accidents', is to house train your dog.

Apart from toilet training, house training should also cover dog obedience training and leash training. I know it sounds a bit difficult to start training your dog, but trust me it will be worthwhile. House training a dog is best done when it is still a pup, as it is easier than, to get it used to doing its job at an assigned place and behaving well. House training an adult dog can be difficult, but it is not entirely impossible. So if you are wondering how to house train a dog, here are some simple tips to house train your dog.

How to House Train a Dog

House training a puppy will be quite easy but will be a bit time-consuming. If you try to house train adult dog, it could be a bit more difficult than training a pup.Before you start toilet training a puppy, you need to know that puppies in general have very less bladder control. Therefore, be patient with it and do not use harsh punishment methods. These training sessions will have to be conducted frequently and you will need to treat the dog with a lot of love and care. Remember, rewarding the dog for good behavior is the best way to house train a dog and punishing it is the worst way. So keep those dog treats handy while house training your dog.

The first most important thing to do is to establish where the puppy would be living in your house, a little corner that is exclusive to it. Usually puppies do not create a mess anywhere close to where they live. So you must get it used to one particular place in the house, that he knows is his. You can also do this by getting him a crate and crate training him.

Toilet Training
Next comes the toilet training. This requires a lot of patience, so do not rush the dog. Give it ample time and forgive the first few weeks of accidents. It is best to take it for a walk in the mornings and this is when it learns to do its job outside. When at home, establish a specific area where it can relieve itself. For a first few days, you might have to accompany it to the place designated. Once it learns and gets habituated to this process, you can allow it to roam free in other places of the house as well.

Obedience Training
Then comes the obedience training and leash and collar training. This is an essential aspect so that good behavior is developed by the dog. Teach it follow instructions and obey commands and reward it whenever it successfully does so. Use a good dog leash and dog collar for leash training. Be in total control of the dog while talking it for walks or outdoors and do not allow it to lead or stray away. Initially the dog will be a little aggressive as no dog prefers to be leashed, but once it gets used to the process, handling it will be easy.

Behavior Training
To train the dog to be friendly with visitors, friends and neighbors, allow it to socialize once in a while. Getting it familiar and allowing it to mingle is the easiest way to house train a dog against aggressive dog behavior with strangers.

And last of all, you will need to be stern with your dogs at times, especially during the duration of dog training, so that it is well trained. That does not mean that you cannot express your love or pamper it, just be firm wherever required and make the training an enjoyable experience for the dog.

Posted on 9:19 AM

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Monday, April 21, 2014

This list of animals is great for when you want to teach your children about all the different animals of the world. From A to Z you can learn the different animals names and a few facts about them.

Aardvark: Aardvarks are from Africa and are known as the ant eater. They are great at digging which makes it easy for them to find ants and other termites. Aardvarks will dig themselves a new hole nightly to sleep in.

Bear: There are so many different types of bear in the world. Polar bear, black bear, grizzly bear and panda bear are just a few.

Cat: A cat is a friendly, furry and cuddly pet that many families own. They are very self sufficient and can be left for a few days alone while on vacation.

Dog: A dog is a mans best friend. Different sizes and species can be found as pets throughout the world.

Elephant: Elephants are large mammals originally from Africa. They are known as the largest and heaviest land animals. When a baby elephant is born they can weigh up to 260 pounds.

Fish: Fish are one of the most easiest pets to take water. As long as you feed him and change his water often, most of them are pretty hardy.

Gorilla: The DNA of a gorilla is very similar to a human. Their appearance and actions are what make the gorilla and human so much alike. Gorillas have a large appetite but rarely drink any liquids. The liquid that is in their food is enough to keep them hydrated.

Hamsters: These are neat little pets that are originally from Syria. These small pets can store nuts and fruit in their cheeks. Their cheek pouches lead from the front of their both all the way back to their shoulders. Hamsters enjoy nibbling on wood and running around in their wheel.

Iguana: These types of lizards are very popular out in the Caribbean. Iguanas are mainly green with scales throughout their bodies.

Jackrabbit: Jackrabbits have very long ears to keep them alert and ready for any predators that may attack. These rabbits have long legs which can make them run up to 40 miles per hour.

Kangaroo: Kangaroos are very common in Australia. They get around by hoping on their back legs while they balance using their tail. Their diet consists are brushes and shrubs. When they have babies, the baby kangaroo is called a joey and is kept in the front pouch of the mother.

Lion: A lion is a strong and mighty animal that has a long coat and a furry mane. Lions can be very dangerous so it is important not to get to close to them. Usually the female lions hunt for food while the males protect the area. Wild lions take on large animals such as zebras, buffalo, hippos, giraffe, rhino and elephant for their meals.

Mice: These small furry creatures with beady eyes can be disgusting to some yet very cute to others. Many people keep mice as a pet and others trap them in their house.

Newts: Newts are fun pets that one can keep in an aquarium. This amphibian is part of the salamander family and is a very slimy creature.

Octopus: These sea creatures are very interesting to look at since they have four pairs of arms which have suction cup like texture at the end of them. Octopus do not live for a very long time. Most of them only live up to about a year.

Pelicans: These birds have deep pouched bills that can scoop up many fish in a hurry. Pelicans have webbed feet which make them excellent swimmers.

Quail: This bird is part of the pheasant family. Quail will eat both seeds and insects. They have been known to be able to fly long distances to get to their destination.

Raccoon: Raccoon are great climbers in the wild and have even been known to sleep in trees. These animals are known as bandits with the rings around their eyes. They have also been known to get into peoples garbage.

Squirrels: To some these animals are a nuisance and to others they are good eating. Many families trap squirrels and cook them for their meal. Squirrels are very active during the summer and they are out finding food lots of food during the fall to prepare for the cold winter. While squirrels dont hibernate during the winter, they may not come out of their nests for days because of the severe cold.

Turkey: These birds are most popular for Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey are seen roaming fields in the wild and make the sound gobble gobble. A neat fact about turkeys is that when they become excited their heads change colors.

Unicorn: While these horses are only exist in our fantasy world, it is still fun to pretend. These majestic white horses with a horn on its forehead are beautiful.

Viper: These snakes are very dangerous and venomous. These snakes have long fangs that can penetrate deep to inject the venom. Staying out of areas where these snakes are popular is recommended.

Wildebeest: Wildebeest can grow 4 feet and could weigh up to 600 pounds. This is a heavy and dangerous animal to be around. The name wildebeest came from the name wild cattle.


X-Ray Fish: The X-Ray Fish is a very interesting type of fish as you can see all the way through it. This is a neat way to see the anatomy of a fish up close and personal. This species is one of the most hardy and will live in many different types of water make up.

Yak: Yaks have very long hair and are found in the Himalayans. Wild yaks can form herds up to 30 in the hills and mountains.

Zebra: Of course zebras are known for their black and white stripes. The question is, are zebras black with white stripes or white with black stripes? One will never know. Depending on the type of zebra they may live in grassy areas, woodlands, mountains and savannas.


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Plus Additional Stories of other Empathetic Birds and Animals

By: J. Marlando

Introduction

Ive been extremely fortunate in my life in that I have worked with animals a few times over the years. My earliest experience was when I was only 18 years old and was in charge of food and formulas for the Great Apes at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springsstill a world renowned zoo. Later I would work for Ralph Helper the first person to train animals with affection as opposed to whips; the worlds first animal behaviorist! For years and year he supplied a great portion of exotic animals for feature films and TV shows. Later I would have the opportunity to study Indian elephants throughout Asia and sharks off the coast of Australia. In my personal life except for the past few years I have always owned horses and also a llama and other pets not excluding dogs and cats. (My wife is an animal lover too and so we have taken in quite a number of strays who find their way to our door with a meow, or bark or whine that says, I need some food and some love).

After the French mathematician also called The Father of Philosophy, Rene Descartes
(1596-1650) animals were treated cruelly in most instances. The reason for this is that Descartes believed and so taught that animals felt no emotions or pain, that they were far more likened to machines than human beings. As a result especially farmers began beating and working their animals to death, neglecting their pets and so forth. Thankfully this cruelly did not continue into modern times but in some circles it is still thought that animals and other living things are directed by instincts alone and have no real thoughts or feelings; that their lives are on some sort of automation not too much different than living, breathing robots. All animal lovers know this is far from being true because they see their pets do mindful things every day and witness their emotional responses. Nevertheless, there remains some scientific minds that disregard animal sensitivity and intelligence and treat them by and large no better thanwell, laboratory rats. Indeed, most all of us would grimace if we actually knew what goes on in laboratories, slaughter houses, chicken ranches and so forth. It is all such a disgraceto human action that we dare not think about itfor verylong.

The intent of this article is to show how other species think and feel and to suggest a hypothesis that brings all living things into a relationship.

Empathy

Empathy is generally thought to be a human attribute. There have been a few studies but mostly it has been assumed that only our kind has the capacity to feel anothers feelings. In fact, in many institutions of higher educationemotions in animals remain a taboo subject. For the reductionist, emotions in generalare far too subjective to study much less thefeelings of empathy. As far as the scientific community, it is typically thought that when we people sense emotion and empathetic responses in animals we are simply projecting our own feeling onto themscientists and other scholars can be extremely closed-minded! But then again, even some animal behaviorists are still denying that animals actually have feelings and intentions.

And so, with the above in mind, lets take the lowly chicken. We humans even have a pompous name for less intelligent peopleBird Brains! Well, it is true that a chickens brain is slightly smaller than most mens thumb nails. Yet, the newest scientific studies are changing this view. A PhD student at the School of Veterinary Sciences at the University of Bristol tell us that it has been found that female birds possess at least one attribute of empathy, the ability to be affected by, and share the emotional state of another. This is a gigantic step toward our having a greater understanding of all birds. And, indeed, it has been shown through studies that mother hens experience empathy for her hatchlingsdemonstrating psychological responses and changes when their chicks are distressed.

In other studies mother bears have been observed to have empathy. Biologist Thomas Bledsoe tells us about a mother, grizzly brown bear whose cubs disappeared while she was fishing in a stream. When her cubs came to mind she first looked up and down the stream. Not seeing her cubs she ran to the top of a bluff looking this way and that way, finally standing on her hind legs to see further. Then suddenly, she relaxes and returns to her fishing. At first it is like she simply loses interest but this is not the case, she has sensed or seen signs that her cups went off with another mother bear and are just fine. In fact, three days later the big, old mother bear found her way to the other mother bear and reclaimed her cubs. This is just one story among many that demonstrate empathy and compassion in animals.

In Chicago there was a fire and a mother cat was seen entering and exiting the burning building five times to save her kittens At great danger to herself, she carried each of her babies out one at a time, setting them down in safety and then going back in the burning building for her next kitten until all five had been saved.

I certainly observed emotions in elephants during my stay in Asia; I saw what I could only deem as feeling of remorse and concern for other elephants. In an article by Marc Bekoff for Psychology Today, with title: Animal Emotions tell us how elephants have been observed cooperating with each other to complete tasks like pulling both ends of a ropeas in tug-of-warto obtain rewards. And speaking of empathy, it is thought now that elephants actually remember their deadThis speculation is a phenomenal signal of how advanced the intellectual and emotional life of animals can be.

Now then, what about love and loving between other living creatureswell tackle that topic next.

Whats Love Got to do With It


I remember a long time ago when I was working for Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, there were two lovely, big orangutans by the name of Maggie and Jiggs. They shared the same cage and were obviously a loving couple. Maggie, however, took a fancy to me and would cross over to the front of the cage and reach her hand out whenever I came around. When Maggie did this, Jiggs fell into a slump and, becoming jealous, would pout at the rear of the cage. His heartbreak was obvious and I felt sorry for the old boy as Id lost a few girlfriends to other guys too.

Actually it is all but a given that romantic love prevails among other species.




Do animals love? Anyone who has ever own a dog, cat or horse will almost certainly answer, Yes.

In order to gain insight into the romance of animals we need to explore our own. It was, for example, thought for millenniums that are attraction for the other gender and all our feelings of falling in love were actually all about breeding or, in other words, making babies. An extremely interesting article in Time Magazine by Jeffery Kluger with title, The Science of Romance: Why we Love gives us far greater insight into our own sexuality and capacity to love our mates. Questions he asks are, What makes us go loony over love? Why would we bother with the elaborate exercise in fan dances and flirtations, winking and signaling, joy and sorrow?

Well, obviously love is about more than tempting one another into the sack. However, according to Kluger, John Bancroft of the Kinsey Institute tells us that scienceis now studying romantic appeal in terms of visual, auditory, olfactory, tactical, neurochemical processes. Smell, he says, is a major when it comes to romance. The scent of our mates
attract us what if we are aware of it or not. He says, The best-known illustration of the invisible influences of scent is the way the menstrual cycles of women who live communally tend to synchronize. In a state of nature, this is a very good idea. Its not in a tribes or communitys interests for one ovulating female to monopolize the reproductive attention of too many mates. Better have all the females become fertile at once and all the fittest mates to compete with one another for them.

As a quick aside, the Kluger article gives us a thought-provoking statistic. In the journal Evolution and Human Behavior we are shown how strippers who are ovulating average $70 in tips per hour; those who are menstruating make $35; those who are not ovulating or menstruating make $50. Scent, he says, not only tells males which females are primed to conceive, but it also lets both sexes narrow their choices of potential partners.

Our choices to mate are not that distant from what attracts animals to mate although looks probably mean more to our kind than say two Rhinoceros

But what about this thing called love?

As we have seen in the above our sexual responses to the other gender are grounded in much the same physical attractions as other species respond tosight, sound, scent and so on. Human females, however, are best equipped to enjoying their sexuality as frequently as males. Most female animals desire sex only during estrus. Nevertheless, a few animals mate for life.

They include gibbons(a near relative of ours) swans, wolves, turtle doves and bald eagles.




The question however is, do animals experience a romantic love?

The most modern research indicates that they canand do. How is romantic love described regardless of species? At root level it means that there is an internal reward from the loving and being loved. In our species sexual communication serves as a bonus especially in younger years but if the romantic love is real, the sexuality between the bonded couple is not what makes the relationship cohesive and lasting. There is something else, something deeper and, if you will, spiritual. And speaking of lasting relationships, the Golden jackalwill utter a particular howl during courtship and this is interpreted as signals of falling in love.

As the reader can see, we are not at such a far distance from our animal cousins as once thought. We have many similarities in our emotions and as we will soon see in our thinking. As we human beings seem to be above all the other land creatures, dolphins seem to be the highest level in the sea. We have a taken a long road to reach our major interest but we wanted to establish our likenesses with other animals before joining the unexpected world of dolphins.

DOLPHINS


With all the scientific attention that Dolphins have been given for a great many years now there is still little known about dolphins and their lives. The difficulty of course is that they are an entirely different species, with a different language, different values and live in the alien world of water. There has been tales for centuries about dolphins saving sailors lives and guiding boats safely to shore but, to my knowledge, none have been authenticated. Yet, those tales had to be connected to some kind of human experience not only to be told but to be appreciated.

The major interest these days dwells on the psyche life of dolphins and is asking question such as: why have they evolved so much not only intellectually butemotionally.


On an intellectual level we now know that Dolphins have the ability to use tools. For example, bottlenose dolphins of the western coast of Australia have been observed placing sponges over their snoutsto protect themselves from the spines of stonefish and stingrays. Such an ingenious use of other sea life is a signal of subjective thought. That is, of taking experience from the past and applying it to the future is a signal of mental achievement but then, adding the defensive tool to the process you have creativity, the historic hallmark of our kinds superiority over other living creatures.

Tests in learning new behaviors have also been given to dolphins with similar tests set up for human beingsboth took approximately the same amount of time to learn the new behaviors.

There are some species of dolphins that are born into extremely complex societies; societies that have conventions, rules and demands for teamwork. As it is with other species, even humans, play is used as a part of ones socialization. As kids, we learn to play fair for example and to let everyone have their turn. These basics are essential to know in our lives as social creatures. Dolphins are, by and large, social creatures as well and knowing how to conduct the self in social relationships is important to the future role they will play in their society.



There inventiveness and cultural expertise is amazing, however. Tucuxi dolphinsliving off thecoast of Brazil fish with their tails. That is, they whack their preysometimes around 10 feet highand grab them because they are typically stunned by the experience. Smaller dolphins, Peales dolphinsthat live around the Straights of Magellan in kelp beds actually use seaweed to disguise themselves while on the hunt. And more, these smart, little wizards will often use seaweed to seal off a fishs escape route so they can, if you will, nab their dinners.

Dolphins have revealed amazing fishing strategies, however. This includes stirring up mud to trap mullet to feast on. A mullet is seen here:

Most of what weve covered so far is fairly common among all animals in terms of overview. That is, all kinds of animals use tools of one kind or another; learn social and hunting skills from their parents through game playing and so forth. The difference being, in my own view, is the incredible subjectivity that the dolphin displays; the essential for creative thought.


Speaking of creative thought: at Kewalo Basin Marine Laboratory in Hawaii, a devoted study of the dolphins ability to comprehend our language. What is most amazing is that the dolphins have shown that they not only grasp the meaning of words but comprehend word order in sentences. One outstanding dolphin, by the name of Aleakamai (meaning philosophy) seen here with Louis Herman(Herman is founder of Kewalo Basin Marine Mammal Laboratory).

Aleakamai has a vocabulary of 60 words and understands more than 2,000 sentences.

What is also amazing is the dolphins recognize themselves in the mirrornot even the highly intelligent chimpanzee
does this with cognizance. And so, as simple as it sounds for a dolphin to recognize itself in a reflective image
the process is extremely complex and, by and large, far progressed beyond the capacity of other animals.

We now know, however, that dolphins are individualized as we humans are. That is, they are given names at birth, probably by their mothers. The signature whistles that some species use to identify one another most strongly suggest a strong sense of self among the dolphin groups. This certainly defeats the old argument that animal species have a single consciousness, a notion that science has toyed with for many decades. After all, a name symbolizes self-ness; an aloneness in a world of others; of being an I among them. This alone is an advancement for any speciesnot the feeling of self-ness but the cognizance of having a self.

There is no scientific evidence that dolphins actually have a language although it is widely suspected that they do. Certainly, if they can grasp some of our language they have the capacity to communicate their own. Remember during World War Two the Navaho language was used to send coded messages and the Japanese never broke that code.
My point is, that just because we cant break the code of the Dolphin language doesnt mean that they do not have a language. Indeed, it is no mystery that all animals communicate with each other at least through body language and through an array of sounds. It is also suspected that telepathy comes into play but thats a subject for a future article. As for the Dolphins capacity to understand words, At Kewalo, mentioned in the above, dolphins have been taught to respond correctly to signals meaning repeat and meaning different. These are quite complex comprehensions and yet dolphins follow such directions with ease. (I will add here that for dolphins to learn our language or for us to learn theirs we are both confronted with a whole new set of difficult principles and so it is quite amazing that there are dolphins who not only comprehend human words but entire sentences).


In regard to the above chimpanzees who have been taught to use sign language can carry on child-likeconversations with humans who sign. By child-like I mean sentences such as, wheres the candyI sleepyI want to goI likeand...me feel bad. The implication of this is amazing! This photo, incidentally, is Washoethe first chimp to learn to communicate using American Sign Language. She was a Virgo, born in September of 1965 passing on in October of 2007.

We humans are may not be as superior over nature as we have been told that we are byother human beings. After all, the term Homo sapiens means wise man or rational man, certainly a term to be debated when it comes to human action. Nevertheless, our kind has excelled above other kind on the planet for better or worse, and it appears that the dolphin species is the excelling intellectual and creative giant of the sea. Might there be a relationship between the two?

Conclusion

We human beings have chosen to mirror ourselves above all other living thingsfor one thing we are no longer the naked ape
we are a sophisticated species that shops, that knows mathematics; that have created philosophes, built cities and formed governments. Thats pretty impressive when we compare ourselves with dolphins and chimpanzees regardless of their skills toremember some of our language. Most of the so-called civilized world also has what is called the holy Bible that tells human beings that they have domain over all the creatures of the earth. And it seems we sure enough dowe have bulldozers tearing down natural habitats, oil spills, shotguns and fishing nets to prove it.

In thinking about all of this, we must be reminded of Rene Descartes, mentioned on an earlier page) whose seventeenth century philosophy took we people out of Nature altogether. His cogito, ergo sum changed the way human beings viewed themselves. Quite suddenly, after many thousands of years of our kind believing we were part of nature, we were now severed from it by the sharp words of a calloused, philosophy. According to Descartes we think and therefore we are, but, to Descartes, other species, the animals, neither think or feel; in his ego- attachd-Cartesian view, they are machine like, responding automatically with a yelp or mournful howl not so much like a wheel needing grease happens to squeak. To Descartes animals are...machines.


Then in the very early 1600s great apes began arriving in Europe for the first time and the chimps resemblance to peoplewas so uncanny that a new view was forming. What if these strange, human-like creatures could learn to speak or sign? Controversy swept across Europes intelligentsia about our kinds distant kin which no doubt influenced a lot of Charles Darwins theories in the 1800s. Darwinism not only returned us to Nature but challenged Western religion altogether in terms of denying Creationism and suggesting a natural evolution of all living things. (He never tackled the question how life begun, however,only how it evolved from the most ancient times).

Then came the 1980s when the scientists, Charles Sibley and Jon Ablquist confirmed through DNA studies just how similar we are to chimpanzees. Indeed, 98.4 percent of human NDA is precisely the same as chimpanzee DNA.


As studies by Roger and Deborah Foutsdirectors of the Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute point out, Chimpanzees are more closely related to humans than to Gorillasor Orangutans.

We are of course talking about an absolutely different species when we speak of Dolphins and yet, like the Chimp have shown communication skills in our language. And, as in all other species of mammals, science is discovering more and more communication skills between ones own kind and this no doubt extends to all animals, fish and to some extent insects.

One of the problems I see in grasping the mind (call it consciousness) is throughout the body and not merely a product of the brain is scientists love affair with the brain. There are some scientists who still argue that size of brain suggests size of intellect. Look at this chart showing different brain sizes
Then note the EQ (encephalization quotients) below:

SPECIES EQ

Man 7.44

Dolphin 5.31

Chimp 2.49

Elephant 1.87

Whale 1.76

Dog 1.17

Cat 1.00

Horse 0.86

Sheep 0.81

Mouse 0.50

Encephalization quotient is the amount of brain mass exceeding that related to an animals body mass. In the above chart you see our kind tops the list with the Dolphin coming in behind us and the chimp taking third place. In some arenas intelligence is judged by charts like these. This does not account for the fact that an individual mouse might well be the communitys intellectual of mice. Certainly the wonder horse Seabiscuit
showed, if you will, a more mindful mind than most other horses. There has been at least one dog that took commands from written messages and who can ignore the intelligence of dogs who lead the blind. We simply cant grasp the rabbits or sparrows intelligence because we do not live in their worlds. I am not saying here that the rabbit and dolphin have similar capacities to think, feel and problem solve, only that some rabbits, in the world of rabbits, may excel intellectually. Mind after all, is the house of potential!

What I believe is that mind (call it consciousness) permeates all phenomena and how we tap into it, depends on the species we are. Certainly, the human species has, if you will, dipped deeper into the minds potential than, say, the chimp whose life is far less complex. The dolphin seems to have developed in its world more than any other sea mammal and fish are clearly subordinated as individual thinkers and yet, it is just as clear that they do, indeed, think. Where there is thinking, there needs to be communication. Think of the bee who, it seems, tells his story through dance.


There are a few scientists today who are not indoctrinated by their peers who clearly say that mind is not a mere epiphenomenon (process) of the brain but is both inside and outside of us. And, as the renowned physicist, Paul Davis, tells us, the universe is a mind. Our own minds could then be viewed as localized islands of consciousness in a sea of mind.

This I believe applies to all living things and it is through Universal mind that places everything that lives in a web of relationships that we have yet to fully grasp.

If you enjoyed this article you will probably enjoy the minds, hearts and souls of animals. Click below:

http://www.infobarrel.com/The_Mind_Heart_and_Soul_of_Animals

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Friday, April 18, 2014

Living off the grid in Alaska can seem like a very great way to live. The thing is that people often do not realize how much work goes into living off the grid and in a remote cabin in rural Alaska. Here are some things to consider about living remotely in Alaska.

No Road

Rural Alaska living does not mean living near a small dirt road. Rural living in Alaska often involves living nowhere near anything that even remotely resembles a road. A game trail used by animals such as bear may be the only road workers you will ever encounter.

Homesteading Myths

Homesteading is no longer available in the Untied States. Alaska was the last State in the United States to offer free land in exchange for people to move there but it has ended. For some reason here is a continual myth that Alaska still has homesteading opportunities available for people. You can find cheap land and you can find expensive land in Alaska but nowhere in Alaska can you get free land give you you under homesteading laws. Alaska has not given away free land under homesteading laws since 1986.

Hunting

Yes Hunting can supplement your food supply but rarely do people live entirely off of the land when they live in Alaska. Most people bring in large bags of flour, beans, and other food commodities. Shooting a huge Elk can often help you to feed your family for a lot of the year, but rarely do people live entirely off of food they grown and hunt. This is now necessarily a bad thing because if you are not a hunter you may feel pressure from people who tell you that you cannot live in Alaska in a remote and rural cabin because you do not hunt. Even though you may not be a hunter you can still live in a remote cabin. It is highly advisable however to at least understand the basics of hunting and have the rifle necessary to hunt so that you can always find some wild game to shoot if your food supply get slow and you cannot restock for whatever reason.

Growing Food


Yes you will need to grow some food. In remote Alaska you can grow anything you want including pineapple; however you obviously need to have a greenhouse for that. You need to understand what you can grow with your options and also how to grow things. Growing food meant for survival in remote Alaska s much different than growing some food in a backyard garden in the lower 48.

Meat Preservation

Just because you can shoot an elk does not mean that you can eat it. All of the meat you shoot will go to waste unless you understand how to properly prepare and preserve the meat. You definitely do not want to be wasting meat when you are living in remote Alaska.

I Dont Need Civilization


Some people hold onto this romantic notion of living entirely off the land and never returning to civilization. Even the most hard of remote cabin dwellers in Alaska still rely on shipments from town once in a while. How else are you going to get the medication you need? There is nothing wrong with getting a supply shipment flown in periodically that consists of needed medication, food like bagged beans, and anything else you may need or desire.

It is definitely possible to live entirely off the land and never restock your supplies with stuff from town but it is much more enjoyable to get supplies from town periodically. You may assume that you want to live entirely off of the land but what will you do when your coffee supply runs out?

Cabin Building

You need to know how to build a cabin if you are planning on living in remote Alaska throughout the entire year. Even if you have made a rustic pioneer style log cabin before you still need to be educated on how to do it in Alaska. The heavy snow loads can cause improperly built cabins to have the roof collapse. If it is 30 below zero in the wintertime and your roof collapses then you will probably die.

A sturdy roof and even sturdy walls are vital to surviving the harsh Alaskan winters. If your cabin is not able to hold the snow load then you will probably die if you choose to stay there throughout the harsh winter.

Fishing

If you live in the right parts of Alaska then you could potentially eat all of the fish you would ever need to survive on. If you want to live off the land in Alaska but hate eating fish because you are a vegetarian then you may struggle and have to bring in more shipments from town to get resupplied with.

Home Alone

May people who are otherwise successful at living alone in a remote cabin often begin to struggle with living alone. Living alone can try some people to go nuts. If you cannot live alone but still want to live in a remote cabin in Alaska then look for a partner to share the experience with. It may be a girlfriend or a wanted felon, but either way it will give you someone to talk to. You may also be happy with a dog to talk to. Many people do just fine with themselves in rural Alaska but other people thrive *on human interaction and need it to seemingly survive.

Wild Harvesting

In parts of Alaska you can gather tons of wild berries during the warmer summer months. Spend some time gathering and storing your berries. If done properly you can have wild berries as part of your diet year-round in Alaska. You may not always be able to eat fresh wild berries in the depth of wintertime but you can eat products made with those wild berries such as jams and preservatives.

In addition to knowing how to harvest wild berries properly you also need to know what to look for and what berries to avoid.

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Thursday, April 17, 2014


What do dogs dream about? Well, before answering this question one must ask himself, "Do dogs dream?". Hugo 'barks', "Yes"!, they do. Hugo holds expertise in dog behavior issues and ardently believes that dogs have the ability to dream just like human beings.

A starry night, four dogs sitting under the sky....
It was getting dark and four of us were sitting on the lawn, watching the pedestrians on the sidewalk dodging each other and the vehicles, squealing and groaning at one another while they fainted at each other to find a way through traffic.

Tommy was fidgeting all evening and the rest of us were waiting for him to spit out whatever was bothering him. Finally, after grappling with the problem to his heart's content, he stopped facing it all alone and put forth a question of whether dogs actually dream like humans. Well, we knew Tommy was not a smart dog, so the question took us all by surprise; to which Bruno retorted with, "Can pigs fly?"

For the next five minutes we, including Tommy, with the burden of the problem shared and renewed zest, tried to struggle with the question. However, Hugo's appearance saved us from ruining the rest of the evening. He faced the problem like a man does, i.e. in his stride, and his eyes took a dreamy look.

He stood still like a statue and exclaimed from the bottom of his heart, "Yes!". He went on to claim, "It is not only me, even my man believes that dogs dream in their sleep, and in my shoes, each one of you will swear by this fact". This completely floored us, and we waited expectantly for him to elaborate.

Our experience has taught us not to strike down Hugo especially, if his explanation is related to dog behavior. We were not going to argue with him, when he was about to spin some yarn about this strange thing which all of us were eager to listen. We also thought he would say something profound that would change our views about our fellow canines. We waited, and Hugo continued with, "My firm opinion is that dogs can dream, read and sing". To prevent him from getting off-track, I interrupted with, "Hugo, all four of us are waiting for you to say something about your dream".

Hugo said, "All of you know that my man, Lim, is a vet." The other day Mike came to visit him and went on to show him a video. I peeped over Lim's shoulder and saw a puppy, may be four months old, on his computer screen. It was sticking his tongue out and withdrawing it repeatedly in his sleep. It was also making some sound, dogs like to do. Funny sight, isn't it?", said Mike. "It is the first time I saw a dog doing that and you know...". Is it dreaming?", he added. The vet replied, "Oh! Yah! It happens all the time! Dogs, like us, do dream!

However, the question in this case is, what this puppy is dreaming about?" "To me, it is obvious, the puppy was lapping milk or cream out of his bowl, in its dream", said Mike. "And, what would you associate the sound it is making with", my man inquired gently. "Mike is a valuable customer and an amateur vet, there was no point in antagonizing him by showing off my knowledge", my man often tells me.

"But Hugo what is your take on this?", I asked. Hugo said, "That puppy was doing anything but lapping something out of his bowl. In his dream, may be he was trying to lick his owner's face, most probably it was his owner's playful child. On the other hand, maybe the puppy was trying to lick the dew off the grass blades one by one. You see, he was making sounds of being happy, while sticking his tongue out!

"Well, interpreting dream of a dog is a tough business to get involved in", Hugo added.

I said, "I knew you are deeply into these things, but I could have never come up with that dew business". Hats off to you, Hugo! He said, "If you know a little about the psychology of dreams it is not difficult to come up with alternatives. Marco, whose man is a psychiatrist, added knowingly, "One can, in general, arrive at what causes dreams and guess what one is dreaming by the age, sex and profession of the dreamer".

Goldie, who is with a security firm, said, "Hugo, can you do a favor to an old friend". "Come on, what is this business of favors between friends? Tell me what's bothering you", Hugo said. Goldie continued, "The other day, while on a night shift, I went to sleep. About an hour later, as if out of the blue, something dropped on my chest and somebody started moaning right in my ears. I woke up to find old Charlie, a street dog, fallen on me. I don't know how he got there, but, he did make me jump out of my skin. I shook him to get him off me and he staggered to his feet and looked at me with his eyes wide open as if I were not there". I inquired, "Are you all right Charlie?" Without replying he went away, dropped down in a corner and the next moment, he was snoring. "Hugo, can you interpret this for me? Did all of this happen in his dream, or was he trying to fool me? Was Charlie really dreaming?

Yes, of course! "But, how old is he?", Hugo inquired. "Well, he must be past 14 years of age," Goldie replied. Hugo said, "In that case, may be he was moaning in pain. You know dogs when they grow old, they suffer from arthritis. May be Charlie was dreaming about how he used to walk with a spring in his steps and then suddenly, stumbled upon you, in reality. When you shook him, he just changed the direction he was walking in, in his dream. When he went away he may have realized instinctively that it is a safe place and as it offers protection to his back and flanks from attack, he must have got down and continued his dream".

Goldie asked, "How can I prevent this from happening again?". Hugo replied, "Charlie is an old bone, long past his prime. I am sorry to say this but, the best solution is to put him to sleep and spare him the pain".

The talk of death saddened all of us. After 5-10 minutes of chitchatting, Hugo left and went down the 53rd street. As he was passing the 4th street lamp, I said, "Maybe today he wouldn't bother the 5th one as usual". But, Hugo did bother the 5th street lamp! Marco said reflectively, "Even after two years, since King came under a car, Hugo, still bothers that lamp to avenge King for stealing his girl.

And here ends Hugo's rant about his dog dream. Now, what do you think? Do dogs dream?

Posted on 11:51 AM

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