Hyena Makes a Good Companion?
June 7, 2009 by Merry
Filed under Pet Lovers
Welcome back!
I met a zookeeper one time who told me an interesting story about a hyena. I have to admit I’ve always been a little repelled by these animals. I thought of themas being grotesque scavengers, emitting that hideous laughing sound as their only way to communicate.
I asked her what kind of personality the hyena she took care of had. “He was the sweetest animal with the most placid personality.” This surprised me, to say the least! These are large animals, that look like they could take your arm off with one playful nibble.
“He was as gentle as a big dog,” she told me.
It just goes to show that having pre-conceived ideas are pretty useless. Although, in the presence of a hyena I would still tend toward caution. But I like the idea of a big, gentle hyena. It’s somehow comforting to know that when it comes to the personality of wild animals, things are not always as they seem.
Holiday Pet News
November 18, 2008 by Merry
Filed under Pet Lovers
The holidays can be a tricky time for your pets. Mistletoe, poinsettia and other plants can be harmful to both cats and dogs. It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement and forget to keep an eye on your small charges.
Pet owners shouldn’t use tinsel on their tree; if an animal ingests it, it can get all tangled up in their intestinal track and cause some real problems. Also, if your pet loves to drink the tree water (we had a cat who couldn’t get enough of it) be sure it doesn’t have chemical preservatives in it. At the very least, use something natural and harmless in the water.
How about something special for your dog’s holiday dinner? It’s best to keep your pet on her usual diet. A “treat” of turkey or ham can cause stomach upset.
But most important of all, give your pet a lot of extra cuddles and attention. That’s the only gift they really need!
Pet Lovers - Keep Fish in the Tank!
September 5, 2008 by Merry
Filed under Pet Lovers
Pet lover fish enthusiasts are for the most part smart, caring individuals. And salt water aquariums take a lot of care and a lot of money to maintain well. So why has someone or several someones let their voracious lion fish go in the Caribbean?
This is a scary situation. According to one report I read, shortly after these fish are introduced into an area, the native population of fish can be 80% destroyed. The worst part is that they have few predators, since this is not their natural environment. ( They originate in the Indian Ocean and the tropical Pacific.)
Apparently groupers find them delectable, but this species has been so over fished that there aren’t enough of them to put a dent in the lion fish population. With the delicate state of our environment, we all have to pay more attention to keeping non-native fish where they belong- in the aquarium.
Pot Bellied Pig Pets
August 30, 2008 by Merry
Filed under Pet Lovers
I was surprised to learn that Reese Witherspoon is fond of pot bellied pigs. In fact she took her two young children out to shop for one. The one she chose was adorable; but of course, I think most baby things are.
I have a tiny bit of experience with pot bellied pigs.
I’ve got some customers who own them, and a few years back they asked me to make them some custom pot belled pig earrings. Of course, I obliged.
And when we bought our Florida home, a very fat and friendly pot bellied pig named Audrey was living in a pen in the our backyard. I greeted her warmly, but requested she be moved to a petting zoo, where she’d get a lot more attention than I could ever give her.
I wonder if Ms. Witherspoon still has that pig, and what she ended up naming it?
Raw Food for Pets
August 25, 2008 by Merry
Filed under Pet Lovers
I’ve heard a lot about feeding dogs and cats raw meat, since that’s what they’d be feasting on naturally. But there seem to be a lot of pros and cons on both sides of the raw vs. cooked food for pets debate.
I don’t have a dog or cat at the moment, so I can’t weigh in on this with any personal experience. However, I understand the theory behind the raw pet food movement. I also know that if I were going to feed my cat or dog raw food, I’d want to make sure it was organic and free of any of the disgusting additives most of our meat contains. Come to think of it, shouldn’t that be true of what we put in our own bodies?
The main thing is to feed your pet something you feel is good for him/her. So do your own research, whether or not you choose to go the raw food route.
Bearded Dragon, Pet and Charm
August 24, 2008 by Merry
Filed under Pet Lovers
This bearded dragon charm is based upon a bearded dragon which was once upon a time the favorite pet of my young niece. When adolescence struck, she recognized that her interest in him had waned and off he went to a new home. I thought that was rather adult of Becca, and I’m sure her beardie appreciated this honest concern for his welfare.
But he was a beautiful lizard, and inspired my silver bearded dragon jewelry. He was originally created as a little remembrance of those innocent years, and in the process I discovered that a lot of other people are fond of beardies as well.
It’s nice to know my silver bearded charm is off to new homes where bearded dragons reign!
Iguana, Unlikely Vegetarian
August 18, 2008 by Merry
Filed under Pet Pictures
Did you know that iguanas are vegetarians? My stepson once had an iguana named Spike, named appropriately because he was no gentle soul, but bit when something displeased him.
He may have feasted on vegetable matter, but that didn’t stop him from nipping Peter!
Boa Constrictor Stealth
August 16, 2008 by Merry
Filed under Pet Pictures
I’m sure she’s aware of this awesome snake behind her. If nothing else, the photographer certainly is!
I think snakes are gorgeous creatures, sinuous and graceful. If I were here, I’d be happy to have such an admirer.
Goat with Four Horns
August 14, 2008 by Merry
Filed under Pet Pictures
My gosh, it has three horns!” but it was titled “Four horned goat”, and I can spot that 4th one just behind the one on the goat’s left.
I think this would be a heavy load to carry around, but I’ll bet this Billy goat gets all the nannies.
Gorgeous Betta Fish
August 12, 2008 by Merry
Filed under Pet Pictures
This betta photograph brings back memories. In the 1950s my family raised Siamese fighting fish in our basement in little tanks where the males built their bubble nests and cared tenderly for the fry. ( At least up to a couple days of age when the babies start looking delicious and he had to be removed)
This is a stunning example of a male betta- I’ll bet he could produce some beautiful babies in his nest!
