Tag Archive for animal

Cute Animals: Scientific Study

October 20, 2020 Comments Off on Cute Animals: Scientific Study

I read an interesting article I wanted to pass on to you. If you don’t like animals, take a pass on this one. The rest of us, well, it just proves what we’ve always known. Science shows watching cute animals is good for your health

You knew watching videos of puppies and kittens felt good but now there’s data to back that feeling.

A study conducted by the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom, in partnership with Western Australia Tourism, has found evidence to suggest that watching cute animals may contribute to a reduction in stress and anxiety.

The study examined how watching images and videos of cute animals for 30 minutes affects blood pressure, heart rate and anxiety.

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Inflicting Pain on Family Pets and Other Animals on Purpose

August 29, 2020 Comments Off on Inflicting Pain on Family Pets and Other Animals on Purpose

They’re just dumb animals…maybe.  But should they suffer needlessly?  Some researchers have abandoned what they deem cruel product-testing on animals, saying its results are questionable (human and animal allergic reactions differ) and can be obtained in other ways (e.g., artificial skin in a test tube). The USDA tries to ensure proper food and shelter for these animals but can do nothing about the infliction of pain or relieving it.  Laws are being passed to stop the sale of family pets (ever wonder where they go when they’re stolen?) for clinical trials and to prohibit animal testing when other methods are available.  Meanwhile, companies use animals, for example, to see what eye and skin damage a product can cause. Go to www.navs.org,  to learn more.

Look for a “Cruelty Free” label on packaging. If you don’t see it, show your disapproval by boycotting products from that company  and let them you’re doing so and why. Tell offending companies that we won’t tolerate needless violence against animals.

Go to www.navs.org,  to learn more.

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Heat Illness in Pets

June 14, 2019 Comments Off on Heat Illness in Pets

Many of us are suffering from the high heat. But we’re not the only ones. So are our pets. The National Weather Service put out this chart to remind us of the symptoms to watch for in our pets so we can take measures to get them cooled off and avoid heat illness. They ARE our responsibility, and they depend on us.

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Can Your Comfort Snake Fly?

August 15, 2018 Comments Off on Can Your Comfort Snake Fly?

 

Not any longer. Not if you’re flying on Southwest.

What? A snake could be in the cabin? Yes. Or a pony, pig,goat, spider, or maybe even a peacock. If they’re a “Comfort Animal” (AKA “Emotional Support Animal”). That’s because, unlike Service Animals (for the blind and physically disabled), there are no FAA regulations covering them. But, also unlike Service Animals, airlines have had incidents with a Comfort Animal biting or scratching passengers or leaving little brown “gifts” in the aisles.

Since the FAA won’t do anything–and people are taking advantage, claiming their pet is their “Comfort Animal”–major airlines are taking matters into their own paws, er, hands. Southwest now limits Comfort Animals to cats and dogs only, requires a letter from a physician certifying that it is necessary to their patient’s health and well-being, ensures that they are in a crate or on a leash.

As a person with a physical disability myself and friend to a couple of people who have either a Comfort Animal or Service Animal, I don’t think these small rules are too much to ask.

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Jane Goodall Looks at Humans

October 22, 2015 Comments Off on Jane Goodall Looks at Humans

You might think that a British anthropologist who studies animal behavior has her mind somewhere else but in the human world.  Not true of Jane Goodall, who is also U.N.  Messenger of Peace.  Her experiences and studies have led her to the conclusion offered in today’s Thursday Thought:

“WE HAVE SO FAR TO GO TO REALIZE OUR HUMAN POTENTIAL FOR COMPASSION, ALTRUISM, AND LOVE.”  — FROM HARVEST FOR HOPE: A GUIDE TO MINDFUL EATING
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Our Nation and Animals

May 21, 2015 Comments Off on Our Nation and Animals

Our animals can help us assess our country’s greatness, as today’s Thursday Thought quote points out. 

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” – Mahatma Gandhi

 

Come back to read Saturday’s blog for an eye-opening example.

 

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Starbucks & Animal Welfare

October 18, 2014 Comments Off on Starbucks & Animal Welfare

Is your cup of coffee supporting animal cruelty?  Starbucks may have an animal welfare policy but it doesn’t follow it.  Watch a short video on how the eggs Starbucks uses are produced in battery cages, read more information, then sign the petition.  Go to the Change.org page now.

 

 

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Animal Cruelty

April 14, 2014 Comments Off on Animal Cruelty

Pets are part of 63% of American families.  We love and protect them.  But what about all of the other animals around us?  The U.S. has not only 480 million stray dogs and cats but also 60 million farm animals living a poor existence.  Then there is the thriving worldwide black market ($10 billion a year) in which wildlife is being inhumanely treated and their parts sold illegally.  Do something during April, Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month. Adopt an unwanted dog or cat and have it spayed or neutered.  Insist on laws that ensure healthy living conditions for farm animals.  “Adopt” an Arctic Fox at www.worldwildlife.org.  Learn about trapping, the circus, zoos, wildlife trade, and related issues by going to www.bornfreeusa.org.  Learn about the Multinational Species Conservation Fund’s Semipostal Stamp Act, which raises money for endangered species.  Work to ensure wildlife habitats are preserved—and create one in your own back yard.  Call the SPCA or search online for “wildlife protection” for other ways to become involved.  Americans are animal-lovers.  We must also be their guardians.

 

 

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Animal Planet Supports Cruelty to Animals

February 7, 2014 Comments Off on Animal Planet Supports Cruelty to Animals

Animal Planet’s claims that they try to protect animals is called into serious question when they air shows like their popular “Call of the Wildman.”  One of its episodes injured three baby raccoons, and they did so within the station’s guidelines.  The station refuses to change the rules that allowed this to happen.  You can view the piece at http://www.animalplanet.com/tv-shows/call-of-the-wildman/videos/raccoons-at-the-raceway.htm.

Granted, raccoons and other animals that wander into human space are pests to us, even though most often we “invite” them by leaving out pet food, water, and garbage.  But there are less injurious ways—like traps—to capture them.  Do they really need to be chased around and  stuffed roughly into bags?  If they’re hurt, when released back into the wild, what chance of survival do they have?

If you’ve seen the show you’ll notice that such rough treatment, without regard to the animals’ safety, is the norm of this group.  In fact, the rougher, the better, it seems, because that’s what gets ratings…which, rather than the animals, seems to be Animal Planet’s chief concern.

 

 

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Animal Smarts: A Cool Approach to a Hot Topic

July 3, 2013 Comments Off on Animal Smarts: A Cool Approach to a Hot Topic

My brain is too hot to write something serious or witty or whatever.  Instead, here’s good advice from some of my animal friends:

 

 

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