Raiding the Henhouse

Until last year, Brazilian howler monkeys were believed to have been strictly vegetarian. That's when researchers spotted the primates investigating birds' nests and chicken coops. Although some of the howlers ate the eggs, most simply examined then returned them to the nest. Now, as interesting as the diet change is, I think it's even more interesting that the monkeys put the eggs back where they found them. I wouldn't have been surprised if the researchers reported that the monkeys tossed the eggs or played with them. Replacing them shows some kind of understanding and consideration I didn't expect. Perhaps by returning the eggs, the howlers were ensuring a new generation of egg-layers, and food for the future. Or maybe they were just being nice. Whole story here.

Break Time is Just About Over

I've been a bad blogger, lately, haven't I? My only excuse is that my mind is mush and I needed a break. Is it possible that, after almost three years, I've simply run out of animal-related ideas? No, couldn't be. Until I get it together, here's a picture of my cat, Meeko, in our backyard. Doesn't she look shiny and sleek?

The Latest Scoop on Fashion

At a recent technology trade fair, inventor, Karl Friedrich Lenser, unveiled his dog poo necklace. Made from his Jack Russell's feces and microwaved until diamond-hard, the necklace may just be the next big fashion trend. At least, that's what the inventor hopes:

"I saw when it was in the microwave that it becomes hard. It becomes beautiful and it is like a jewel. People always have a tendency to be individual. If they see it they want to have it. I am sure it will become a fashion."

Two thoughts on this: I hope he didn't use the office microwave, and what the heck possessed him to microwave poop in the first place?

It's a bit like a pet rock, isn't it? If this does take off, why buy one when you could easily pick it up from your yard? Note: the necklace pictured here is not made of poop. At least, I hope not because it belongs to me.

Protecting the Rights of Animals

Switzerland is leaving other countries in its dust when it comes to the rights of pets. In March, they'll hold a referendum on whether domesticated animals should have the right to be represented in court by lawyers. The country already has a law protecting guinea pigs and goldfish from being kept without mates as they are considered social animals. Although extreme, I think the Swiss have the right idea.

In Canada, the SPCA does its best to protect animals from abuse and neglect, but the courts appear unwilling to get on board. Yesterday, while volunteering at the animal shelter, I met two cats who had been found in a taped-up box, at the side of the road -- someone had left them there to die in the cold! I've always believed that "what goes around, comes around", so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Winging it Across America

Last week, I watched Nova's "The Incredible Journey of the Butterflies", which follows the 2000 mile migration of the Monarch butterfly. These amazing creatures are found throughout the world, but it's only in North America that they make such an arduous, obstacle-filled journey. I was saddened by our own miserable contribution to its decline, but uplifted by the butterfly's never-say-die attitude. I know, you're probably kicking yourself because you missed it, but wait! You can watch it online. It's informative and moving. I did learn that it takes four generations of monarchs to complete the journey. Enjoy!

Dairy Rabbits

Read an interesting little news item this morning: Scientists, at a biotech company called Pharming Group, have genetically modified rabbits whose milk will be used to treat heart patients. The rabbit herd's milk contains a protein that helps control inflammation in the human body.

This has just got to be some kind of hoax, don't you think? I can't imagine how one would even go about milking a bunny -- I'm picturing doll-sized pails, and dairy farmers with really tiny fingers.

I've Got a Bat and It Isn't Even Baseball Season

Yesterday afternoon, while putting garbage in the garage, something flew overhead. For a few moments, I hung onto the hope that it was a bird, but with some dread, soon accepted that it was a bat. I opened the large door, spotted the bat on the floor, and tried to shoo it outside with a broom. He was so darned scared (and cute), and wasn't about to budge. That's when it hit me -- I never see bats in the winter. I closed the door, went back into the house and checked Google for some bat information.

Bats hibernate and will die if put out in the cold. So now, my garage is a bat cave. Luckily, there's no door leading directly from the garage into the house, so I don't have to worry about that. But I do get a bit of a shiver when I have to go out to my car. I have no idea where he's hanging out -- there's hundreds of great cubby holes where he could hide -- but I hope he's only here until spring (and I keep saying "he" because a "she" could have babies later and decide to take up year-round residence).

In my second book, Return to Aten, Jodie, the main character, ventures into a cavern which, it turns out, is chock-full of bats. As all teenage heroines must do, she continues on despite her fear. She's much braver than I am, I think.

Time for Something Cute

If you're anything like me, you're running around getting ready for the holiday season. I'm having 27 people for dinner on the 25th, but always have time for a dose of cute. Click here if you have a moment.

It's That Time of Year Again: Christmas Gifts for Your Pet

What do our pets want for Christmas? Just our love and attention. And maybe a toy or two (click on photo to get the big picture):

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Other than their cuteness value, what else do these three dog toys have in common? They each represent objects that you'd never want your dog to actually chew on. Why not stick to ... hmm, what would you want your dog to chew on?

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This moving bag with twitching cat tail is sure to freak your cat out.

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I like the idea giving a cat more space to climb, but I have visions of someone slamming the door open, and ... well, you can see where I'm going with this.

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Now, how cool is this? And when it's time to take your cat to the vet, you entice it inside the goldfish with a treat, pinch the fish's mouth closed, sling it over your shoulder, and you're off.

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For more great gift ideas, visit ThisNext.

In the Old Days

Things sure have changed since I was growing up (in the 60s and 70s). I'm not talking about the leaps in technology (hey, back then, we got giddy over colour television and Atari's Pong). No, I'm talking about everyday stuff like:

Garbage Bags and Bins

We used paper grocery bags for kitchen waste. Paper! There was no backyard composting, no green bins. Can you imagine the oily, mushy mess that must've leaked through? On garbage day, we put the seeping bags into the dented metal garbage can with the lid that never seemed to fit properly. We didn't have to worry about raccoons getting into our scraps -- they didn't live near us because we hadn't yet used up all their natural habitat. But the dogs ...

Dogs That Roamed Free

There were no poop and scoop laws. No leash laws. Our own dog was either in a fenced yard or on a leash, but most dogs in the neighbourhood were let out through the front door, free to do their business wherever they pleased. And if they fancied a little snack, they could always tuck into one of the easily accessed garbage buffets.

One Bathroom

We were a family of four, and had only one bathroom in the house. Now, I've a family of three and have four bathrooms. It does make life easier at times, but those toilets and sinks still have to be cleaned.

What changes have taken place since you were a kid?

Nooooooo!

October 29, 2009
Two weeks later

Bugs and Stuff

A confession: Many years ago, my husband and I visited a friend's cottage up north. The mosquitoes were out in full force, and a rather noisy one broke into our bedroom, keeping me awake (although my husband slept on). I turned on the light, but was unable to find the source of that irritating "zzzz". Then I remembered: mosquitoes only bite once (a myth, I've since discovered). I was desperate -- a sacrifice would have to be made. I placed my husband's arm gently on top of the covers, and I ducked underneath. Note: this was before West Nile Virus. Soon, the buzzing stopped, and I slept. Years later, when I told my husband and friends this story, he was kind of surprised that I could be so ... so selfish and cruel. Our friends thought it was hilarious.

And on a unrelated topic: I've always wondered where moths hung out before electricity.