Every year 5 million dog bite reports are filed. Over $1 billion are paid in losses. While it’s not always a top concern for many dog owners, it’s definitely in your best interest to be aware of the legal implications of owning a pet. Your Dog and the Law »»
petandwildlife
The top 10 signs you’re a dog lover
Dog people have telltale signs that tell the world at a glace that they are dog lovers.There’s something different about you. People sense it the moment you walk in the door. Truly, there are countless manifestations of your canine obsession. Here are the top ten signs you are a dog lover:
Why a shelter dog is your best choice
There are plenty of reasons a shelter dog is your best choice for a dog pet. Why a shelter dog is your best choice »»
Mating based on phenotype
Mating based on phenotype is called assortative mating. Mating like to like is positive assortative mating. Mating like to unlike (i.e., bringing a new trait in or correcting a fault) is negative assortative mating.
The process of maintaining healthy lines with genetic diversity
Most breeds have closed gene pools, meaning that breeding individuals must have confirmed pedigrees of ancestry from the existing breed. No new genes can be introduced into the breed, and genes can be lost to the gene pool by selective breeding (or not breeding) of individuals. The problem with limited genetic diversity in purebred populations stems from the effects of deleterious genes. The process of maintaining healthy lines with genetic diversity »»
Understanding basic genetic concepts
Any trait or disorder that has a hereditary component is called genetic. Congenital disorders are those present at birth. Some congenital disorders are hereditary, and others are not. Those occurring spontaneously may be caused by environmental exposures to infections, or compounds such as drugs or toxins. Genetic disorders will sometimes only be evident much later in life, even though the genetic coding for the disorder is present at birth. Understanding basic genetic concepts »»
Polygenic disorders are those caused by more than one pair of genes.
With complex inheritance disorders, also known as polygenic disorders, a number of liability genes must combine to cross a threshold and produce an affected individual. Most polygenic disorders have no tests for carriers, but they do have phenotypic tests that can identify affected individuals. Polygenic disorders are those caused by more than one pair of genes. »»
Pronghorn (Antelopes)
Pronghorns, commonly called Antelope in the american west, are true American natives, found nowhere else in the world. They have roamed the plains and deserts of North America for at least the last million years in substantially the same form. Pronghorn (Antelopes) »»
American Beaver (Castor canadensis)
The American Beaver (Castor canadensis) is a large semi-aquatic rodent native to Canada, much of the United States, parts of northern Mexico, and the most southern province of Argentina, Tierra del Fuego. American Beaver (Castor canadensis) »»
Over 1,000 dogs seized from West Virginia puppy mill
The local Animal Protective League is joining a nationwide effort to find homes for nearly 1,000 dogs and puppies taken from a puppy mill in Parkersburg, W.Va. Over 1,000 dogs seized from West Virginia puppy mill »»
Hamster facts
Hamsters are mammals that fall into the class of rodents, thesame family group as mice and rats. Rodent actually means “to gnaw” in Latin – so you can have a pretty good idea what hamsters are inclined to do. Rodents (hamsters included) all have incisor teeth which grow throughout their lives.
Here are some interesting questions and answers about these furry pocket pals, the hamster. Hamster facts »»
Little was known about the mountain goat (Oreamnos americanus) until almost 1900
The mountain goat (Oreamnos americanus) is the single North American representative of a widespread group of goat-like ungulates. Little was known about the mountain goat (Oreamnos americanus) until almost 1900 »»
bison roam freely on the range
A century after the American Bison Society, organized in 1905 when only a few hundred buffalo remained, began working to save the species from extinction, bison are an environmental success story. Numbers are up to about 400,000 across North America, mostly on private ranches. bison roam freely on the range »»
New Legislation Introduced to Protect Wild Horses
U.S. Representative Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) introduced legislation today that would protect the wild horses roaming our public lands from certain slaughter. New Legislation Introduced to Protect Wild Horses »»
Two sentenced for violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act
On January 31, Mylon L. Stockton, 36, of Noblesville, Indiana, was ordered to pay a total of $90,000 for violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Stockton’s co-defendant, Mark A. Borinsky, 39, of North Port, Florida, has been fined $10,000 after pleading guilty to a similar offense. Both defendants were placed on probation for one year after being sentenced by U.S. District Judge James D. Whittemore in Tampa, Florida. Two sentenced for violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act »»
Things you should never feed your dog
Things you should never feed your dog
Unfortunately, there are a number of household items which we tend to take for granted that are potentially very dangerous to your dog’s health. It is especially important to be aware of this because as you know, dogs are essentially scavengers and will often eat just about anything they can sink their fangs into. Things you should never feed your dog »»
Why Does My Pet Eat Grass?
Are you concerned when your dog or cat eats grass, then throws up afterwards? You’ll probably feel relieved to know that pets eat grass because their bodies need it. Why Does My Pet Eat Grass? »»
Is Your Dog malnourished?
Dr. Jane states that the maximum life span of dogs is estimated to be between 25 to 30 years, but the average dog often lives no longer than 13 to 14 years. And she says that this difference is caused primarily by inadequate nourishment. Is your dog malnourished? Is Your Dog malnourished? »»
Captive hornbill breeding project
Hornbills are large distinctive tropical birds, found only in the African and Asian continents.
These are the only birds that have a two-lobed kidney and the only ones in which the first two vertebrae (the axis and atlas) are fused together. Captive hornbill breeding project »»
Pet survey reveals strong pet owner loyalty
A recent national survey of 1,252 pet owners by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) had some fascinating findings. Among these are: Pet survey reveals strong pet owner loyalty »»
Can America’s wild horses survive another four years of Bush?
George W. Bush styles himself a cowboy president. One job of cowboys is to claim the American wilderness for ranching, so it’s little surprise the Bush administration is behind a new effort to suppress- and perhaps slaughter-one of the last symbols of untamed America: our wild horses. Can America’s wild horses survive another four years of Bush? »»
Decrease your vet bills with good nutrition for your pet
Do you make a lot of trips to the vet’s office? Do you spend your hard-earned money on vet bills because your dog suffers from chronic ailments? Give your dog or cat the nutrition he needs, and chances are you can spend your money on other things rather than giving it to your veterinarian. Decrease your vet bills with good nutrition for your pet »»
Organization trying to save endangered species
Asian Wildlife Consultancy Services Ltd. is an internationally known organization that is focused towards improving zoological and wildlife management standards across the globe. Organization trying to save endangered species »»
13ft python eats 6 foot gator
A python’s eyes were apparently bigger than its stomach. Scientists in Florida are puzzling over a 13 ft Burmese python that scarfed down a six-foot alligator before its stomach ruptured. 13ft python eats 6 foot gator »»
BLM announces first sale of wild horses to tribes
The federal Bureau of Land Management says it is selling wild horses to American Indian tribes for the first time. BLM announces first sale of wild horses to tribes »»
Big Win for Florida Black Bears
Defenders of Wildlife has successfully challenged the federal government’s decision not to list the Florida black bear as a threatened species. Big Win for Florida Black Bears »»
The Habit of Flesh Eating
The modern Vegetarian movement, much like the old, has brought determination and strength to their cause. Yet, unlike the older writers and activists — those noble poets who would spend a night on a hill in the wilderness, marvelling at the tears of the stars — unlike their ancestors, the modern Vegetarian movement has gained validity from science and literature. The Habit of Flesh Eating »»
Another white buffalo born on the Heider farm
Twelve years later, nearly to the day, another extraordinary miracle has occurred on the Heider family farm. During or shortly after a severe lightning storm, another white buffalo calf, this time a male, was born in the early morning hours to the Heider herd. Like Miracle, he is not an albino. Another white buffalo born on the Heider farm »»
Tiki The Whale Dog
Tiki was born from his mother with four other puppies, outside, alone, with no human nearby. But months later, she found herself at a shelter in Florida when her meant-to-be family found her and took her home to be loved. Tiki The Whale Dog »»
Probiotics – The Good Bacteria
Does your pet have digestion problems, diarrhea, skin problems, food intolerances, or other chronic health problems? Supplement with a high quality pet probiotic to restore your pet’s healthy gut, and chances are you’ll improve your pet’s health. Probiotics – The Good Bacteria »»
Kodiak bear
Kodiak Bears, also known as the alaskan brown bear, have existed on Kodiak Island in Alaska for 12,000 years. With their stream-lined noses and larger bone structure, they are the world’s largest bear, comparable in size to polar bears. Kodiak bear »»
Kodiak bear
Kodiak Bears, also known as the alaskan brown bear, have existed on Kodiak Island in Alaska for 12,000 years. With their stream-lined noses and larger bone structure, they are the world’s largest bear, comparable in size to polar bears. Kodiak bear »»
Causes of wild animal endangerment
Wild animals are beautiful creatures with varying sizes, colors, and habitats. Although some can be seen in zoos, the place they are meant to be is in their own environment. Unfortunately, animals such as whales, panda bears and sea otters, are not always safe in these places and are dying out. What is causing their threat of extinction? Several factors have an influence on this growing problem. Causes of wild animal endangerment »»
Musk Oxen,Ovibos moschatus
Musk oxen, Ovibos moschatus, are native to the Arctic areas of Canada, Greenland, and Alaska. The Alaska population was wiped out in the late nineteenth or early twentieth century, but muskoxen have since been reintroduced to Alaska. Musk Oxen,Ovibos moschatus »»
How to help your overweight dog lose weight
Canine obesity is on the rise. The reasons for this influx are similar to those that humans experience, too much food and too little exercise. The results of obesity are similar for your canine friends too. Studies reveal that 25% of overweight dogs experience severe joint problems. This effects there daily activities such as walking, standing and sitting. How to help your overweight dog lose weight »»
Arctic Wolves
Arctic wolves, also known as polar wolves and white wolves, have thrived in the high arctic for thousands of years, one of the few mammals able to tolerate the sub-zero temperatures and five months of darkness. Arctic Wolves »»
Alligator Totem
The Alligator has walked on Earth mother for millions of years and is known in many myths and lore as the keepers of ancient wisdom. Alligator Totem »»
Unusual Birds and Mammals
We all know what wolves and coyotes look like, and nearly everyone is familiar with bears, deer and turtles; what about some less familiar animals such as capybara, kiwi, or tapirs? Unusual Birds and Mammals »»
Giant Squid are unusual deep sea animals
We are all familiar with dolphins, whales and sharks; we know what tuna and snapper look like, but what about some less familiar fish such as lizardfish, giant squid, or blind eels? Giant Squid are unusual deep sea animals »»
Unusual Deep Sea Animals
We are all familiar with dolphins, whales and sharks; we know what tuna and snapper look like, but what about some less familiar fish such as lizardfish, giant squid, or blind eels? There are so many lesser known animals in the depths of the ocean that we hear little or nothing about most times, it is interesting to investigate a few of these creatures and understand them a little more.
Keeping a nature journal
While lumbering herds of elephants and stalking Bengal tigers capture the imagination of most animal lovers, we often neglect the nature closest to us. Sometimes we need a reminder that we are part of a habitat, and that the miracle of life exists under our very noses. Keeping a nature journal »»
The Gentle Giant and the Ghost
In Part 2 of The Gentle Giant, we finish the story of Blizzard’s birth and find out how Blizzard got a new name… The Gentle Giant and the Ghost »»
The Gentle Giant
My first horse was a gentle giant who was born during my fourth year, in a blizzard on my Granddad’s farm. Granddad said we formed a special bond on the night he was born, and it lasted all his life, and beyond. I still feel it now. The Gentle Giant »»
Bridget, An Unexpected Gift, has crossed the rainbow bridge
Bridget crossed over the Rainbow Bridge at 9:10a.m. on November 20, 2001, assisted by euthanasia, after an extended and heroic battle with chronic renal failure. Bridget, An Unexpected Gift, has crossed the rainbow bridge »»
Echidnas
What has the beak of a bird, the spines of a hedgehog, the gait of a reptile, the pouch of a marsupial, and the lifespan of an elephant? If you answered an echidna, you are correct! Echidnas »»
koala kismet
To gaze into their eyes is to touch tranquility. Perhaps it is because they spend so much of their lives removed from our terrestrial sphere that these creatures can inspire such serenity in just one glance. koala kismet »»
koala kismet
To gaze into their eyes is to touch tranquility. Perhaps it is because they spend so much of their lives removed from our terrestrial sphere that these creatures can inspire such serenity in just one glance. Perched in the canopy of the tall Eucalyptus forests of Australia, koalas pass their lives unperturbed, nap to nap, meal to meal. koala kismet »»
Ant Totem
The power of ant medicine is teamwork.
Each ant will do its part to ensure the survival and health of the whole colony, regardless of the role it has been assigned. If ant has to fight, it will; if ant has to dig tunnels, it will; if ant has to carry leaves for miles, it will, all for the good of the community.
Ant Totem »»
Monkeys, Chimps, or Apes: A Primate Primer
“Look, it’s a monkey!” the father says to his son, pointing at the caged chimpanzee sitting with his back to the onlookers. The information sheet posted on the wall corrects the misnomer, but I doubt the man will read it. Sure enough, the pair strolls forward to look at the next ‘monkey,’ which is really an orangutan. Monkeys, Chimps, or Apes: A Primate Primer »»
Caribou on the move
“There are two forms of nature. One is the nature you see every day. The other aspect of nature is something very distant, very remote. You don’t see it, but you know it’s there. It’s spiritual. It has to do with imagination, with soul. Without this kind of nature our daily life may not change, but something—soul—is missing.”
~Michio Hashimo, caribou watcher Caribou on the move »»