Feb. 28/2024

When Squirrels Were One of America’s Most Popular Pets

By Natalie Zarrelli

atlasobscura.com

4/28/ 2017

IN 1722, A PET SQUIRREL named Mungo passed away. It was a tragedy: Mungo escaped its confines & met its fate at the teeth of a dog. Benjamin Franklin, friend of the owner, immortalized the squirrel with a tribute.

“Few squirrels were better accomplished, for he had a good education, had traveled far, & seen much of the world.” Franklin wrote, adding, “Thou art fallen by the fangs of wanton, cruel Ranger!”

Mourning a squirrel’s death wasn’t as uncommon as you might think when Franklin wrote Mungo’s eulogy; in the 18th- & 19th centuries, squirrels were fixtures in American homes, especially for children. While colonial Americans kept many types of wild animals as pets, squirrels “were the most popular,” according to Katherine Grier’s Pets in America, being relatively easy to keep.

By the 1700s, a golden era of squirrel ownership was in full swing. Squirrels were sold in markets & found in the homes of wealthy urban families, & portraits of well-to-do children holding a reserved, polite upper-class squirrel attached to a gold chain leash were proudly displayed (some of which are currently at the Metropolitan Museum of Art). Most pet squirrels were American Grey Squirrels, though Red Squirrels & Flying Squirrels also were around, enchanting the country with their devil-may-care attitudes & fluffy bodies.

By the 19th century, a canon of squirrel-care literature emerged for the enthusiast. In the 1851 book Domestic pets: their habits & management, Jane Loudon writes more about squirrels as pets than rabbits, & devotes an entire chapter to the “beautiful little creature, very agile & graceful in its movements.” Squirrels “may be taught to jump from one hand to the other to search for a hidden nut, & it soon knows its name, & the persons who feed it.” Loudin also waxes on their habits, like jumping around a room & peeping out from wooden eaves, writing that “an instance is recorded of no less than 17 lumps of sugar being found in the cornice of a drawing-room in which a squirrel had been kept, besides innumerable nuts, pieces of biscuit.” Loudon’s advice: when your squirrel is not running around the room, provide it with a tin-lined cage that has a running wheel.

Leisure Hour Monthly, meanwhile, in 1859, advised to feed it “a fig or a date now & then,” and that you should start your squirrel-raising adventure with those procured “directly from the nest, when possible.” The unnamed author’s own pet squirrels, Dick & Peter, had the freedom of his bedroom & plenty of nuts to store away. “Let your pet squirrels crack their own nuts, my young squirrel fanciers,” the author wrote.

While many people captured their pet squirrels from the wild in the 1800s, squirrels were also sold in pet shops, a then-burgeoning industry that today constitutes a $70 billion business. One home manual from 1883, for example, explained that any squirrel could be bought from your local bird breeder. But not unlike some shops today, these pet stores could have dark side; Grier writes that shop owners “faced the possibility that they sold animals to customers who would neglect or abuse them, or that their trade in a particular species could endanger its future in the wild.”

Keeping pet squirrels has a downside for humans too, which eventually became clear: despite their owners’ best attempts at taming them, they’re still wild animals. As time wore on, squirrels were increasingly viewed as pests; by the 1910s squirrels became so despised in California that the state issued a widespread public attack on the once-adored creatures. From the 1920s through the 1970s many states slowly adopted wildlife conservation & exotic pet laws, which prohibited keeping squirrels at home. Today, experts & enthusiasts alike warn that squirrels don’t always make ideal pets, mainly because of their finicky diet, space requirements, & scratchy claws.

None of this, of course, will deter the most determined squirrel owner. Fans of Bob Ross might remember his pet squirrel named Peapod, & some squirrels owners are rekindling the obsession by making their pets Instagram-famous. Still, wild squirrels surely agree—it’s probably best we’re now mostly leaving them to the forest.

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Feb. 21/2024

7 Ways To Show Your Dog You Love Them

By Janelle Leeson

Reviewed by Barri J. Morrison, DVM 

1/29/2024

While you may shower your pup with verbal affection, toys, & cuddles, a nagging uncertainty might linger—does your dog know you love them?

Actions tend to speak louder than words. However, recent research suggests that the sentiment behind verbal expressions of love may not be entirely lost on your furry friend. That said, every pup has their own love language.

By using any of the following tips, you can show love to your furry friend.

Do Dogs Know We Love Them?

Belly rubs, games of fetch, daily walks, nutritious meals… The ways you care for your pup convey a sense of love that domesticated dogs can comprehend. While it might not be the same love that humans understand, the genuine bonds between dogs & humans remain.

While some dogs may experience love at first sight, many require time to develop a strong bond, much like any other deep connection in our lives. Rescue dogs, in particular, may need several days, weeks, or even months to understand that you love them.

Most dogs can’t say “I love you” (at least without the help of talking dog buttons), but they express love through body language, such as a happy tail, perky ears, & loving licks. Scientists also say that the signs of love are apparent in dog & human biochemistry, since we both get a surge of happy chemicals at the mere sight or sound of the other.

As for those who doubt that dogs love us in return, this is precisely what neuroscientist Gregory Berns aims to explore through brain-imaging & behavioral experiments. “I think the answer is yes. [Dogs] love us for things far beyond food—basically the same things that humans love us for; things like social comfort & social bonds,” he tells his colleagues at Emory University.

How To Show Your Dog You Love Them

Like humans, dogs have their own love language for expressing & receiving affection. Next time you want your pup to feel loved, try one of these affectionate gestures.

1. Communication

Acts of love are important, but don’t underestimate the power of telling your dog you love them, especially in a sing-song, cheerful tone, according to NPR.

Berns found that when given the choice of food or verbal praise from their beloved human, nearly every dog in his study opted for praise. “We know how it feels when someone praises us; there’s a positive feeling associated with it,” he says. “That’s perhaps similar to what dogs are feeling.”

Dogs with close human relationships also respond positively to their human’s gaze, often approaching them or pawing at them for pets.

Just keep in mind that hard stares can be threatening in dog speak, so use gazing in moderation & only with pups you’ve established a positive relationship with.

2. Treats

Of course, we all know the saying that the way to a pup’s heart is through their stomach, & there’s still plenty of truth in that. Consider loveable Ozzie: He’s a short-haired terrier mix who participated in Bern’s study. He chose treats over his human’s praise 100% of the time.

While an outlier in this study, Ozzie isn’t the only pup who enjoys treats from his humans. Experts say high-quality training treats should be on every pet parent’s shopping list. “There is nothing more bonding than using rewards to train your pup. Dogs get to do the 3 best things in the world: be with you, learn a behavior, & eat all at the same time,” says Dr. Gary Weitzman, veterinarian & president & CEO of the San Diego Humane Society.

3. Food

Your dog wants to know they can count on you. A good way to accomplish that? To feed them nutritious meals on a set schedule. In fact, dogs thrive when they have a routine, from meals, walks, & even potty breaks & bedtime.

Overfeeding pups is often confused as showing love, but it’s keeping them at an ideal weight that’s the ultimate gesture of caring for & loving your pooch.

4. Respect

When it comes to cultivating a strong bond with our pets, respecting them is one of the most important things we can do.

One study suggests that mutual respect in dog-human relationships fosters trust, a sense of security, & even increased dependency within the relationship. The same study goes as far as saying that recognizing & respecting our dog’s boundaries brings many pet parents the fulfilling realization that they are genuinely meant to be their dog’s caretaker.

Ways to show your pup respect include:

- Paying attention to & reading their body language

- Not hovering over or forcibly taking away key resources, such as their food

- Knowing—& not touching, pulling, or poking—their “no pet zones”

- Avoiding punishment, yelling, or other fear-based interactions

- Hugging, scratching, & petting with care

- Teaching children how to properly interact with pets

- Asking houseguests to show your pup the same respect

5. Scratches, Rubs, & Pats

For dogs who cherish physical contact, a gentle pat, ear scratch, or belly rub serves as a heartfelt “I love you.” Not all dogs are fond of being touched, just as there are humans who don’t appreciate the gesture.

However, if your dog is constantly in your space, lying on or next to you, or wiggles their entire body at the mere sight of you, it’s a good indication they’ll appreciate more physical affection. 

Even brief interactions with their human companions (as little as 3 minutes) can elevate oxytocin levels & reduce stress levels in dogs. Those doing the petting are likely to experience the same mood-boosting effects.

The best areas to pet, scratch, or rub a dog typically include:

- Ears

- Hard-to-reach spots, like along the neck & under their collar

- Chest

- Upper back

Because dogs can’t communicate verbally, closely watch their body language to gauge comfort. Look for changes in ear position, gaze, body posture, & facial expressions. If a dog moves away from your outstretched hand or during physical contact, respect their request not to be touched.

Where you pet, rub, or pat matters too. Most dogs don’t enjoy being touched on or near their:

- Tail

- Groin

- Lower legs

6. Play

Play can look different for every dog, especially as puppies grow into adults & eventually settle into their senior years. So, try a variety of toys that keep your dog active & mentally engaged. Hunter recommends tug-of-war toys & puzzles or games that turn mealtimes into treasure hunts.

“Mental activities are a great way to bond with your pet,” says Hunter. “Dogs thrive on attention, & you may even find your dog returning the favor by being more attentive to your cues.” Without interactive play with their cherished humans, dogs can become bored, potentially leading to destructive behaviors &, in some cases, depression.

7. Exercise

When you participate in activities like walking, swimming, or practicing agility with your dog, you’re not just providing opportunities for new experiences; you’re demonstrating love & strengthening the bond with your canine companion.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), exercise, particularly outdoor exercise, is a critical opportunity to stimulate a dog’s brain with a variety of sights, smells, & sounds. Regular physical activity is vital for maintaining your dog’s muscle tone & joint mobility, as well as your own.

Exercise can be serious business for your pup, so before gearing up your dog for more strenuous activities, such as flyball or hikes, consult your veterinarian to make sure your pet is in good health. Your vet will also discuss any necessary precautions, ensuring that your dog’s love for movement aligns with their overall well-being.

Ways To Show Your Dog You Love Them FAQs

How do dogs say I love you?

Pups who like to tell you that they love you may lick, exuberantly wag their tail, & even boast a broad smile. Love is also evident in your pup’s daily activities & subtle gestures. They may stay close during playtime, display a keen sensitivity to your emotions, or consistently show eagerness to join you in new adventures.

How do you make your dog feel safe?

Establish a consistent daily routine that your dog can count on. Dogs thrive when they know what to expect, & knowing that you’ll serve them breakfast just after their morning walk & that they’ll get their favorite chew toy just before you leave for work will make their day & yours go much smoother.

Never physically or verbally punish your dog, as it only fosters fear & can lead to reactive behavior. Instead, stick to positive reinforcement training, which teaches your dog desired behavior with reward-based learning while strengthening your bond.

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Feb. 14/2024

 

What Flowers & Plants Are Safe for Cats?

By PetMD Editorial

By Cheryl Lock

Reviewed by Jennifer Coates, DVM 

petmd.com 

Oct. 18/2023

Did you know that certain plants & flowers can actually be dangerous for your cat? If you’re considering adding some foliage to your home decor, it’s important to only pick cat-friendly plants if you share your house with a feline.

“While any plant material can cause mild stomach upset, some plants are much more dangerous,” says Tina Wismer, medical director at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

It’s also important for cat parents to know that some plants & flowers that are relatively safe for dogs can be deadly for cats. For example, lilies can cause kidney failure in cats, but only mild stomach upset in dogs. So don’t assume the same rules apply for your dog-friendly plants.

Check out this list to learn what plants are safe for cats.

12 Flowers That Are Safe for Cats

Here are some popular cat-friendly flowers:

Alstroemeria

Asters

Dense blazing star (Liatris spicata)

Freesia

Gerbera daisies (Gerbera jamesonii)

Lisianthus

Orchids

Roses

Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus)

Statice (Limonium sinuatum)

Sunflowers (Helianthus angustifolius)

Wax flower (Etlingera cevuga)

20 Plants That Are Safe for Cats

If you’re looking for less pops of color & more greenery, there are plenty of cat-friendly house plants you can choose:

Areca palm (Dypsis lutescens)

Bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea)

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Boston fern (Nephrolepis exalta bostoniensis)

Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum)

Dill (Anethum graveolena)

Dwarf date palm (Phoenix acaulis)

Friendship plant (Pilea involucrata)

Hens & chicks (Echeveria elegans)

Lady palm (Rhapis excelsa)

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)

Old man cactus (Cephalocereus senilis)

Painted lady (Echeveria multicaulis)

Reed palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Shrimp cactus (Schlumbergera russelliana)

Spider plant/spider ivy (Chlorophytum comosum)

Venus fly trap (Dionaea muscipula)

Zebra haworthia (Haworthia fasciata)

Different flowers & plants sometimes go by similar common names. Whenever possible, find the plant’s scientific name (genus & species) & use that to search a reliable database, like the ASPCA Pet Poison Control’s toxic & non-toxic plants list.

Plant Safety for Cats

Just because a plant isn’t toxic to cats doesn’t mean it still can’t pose safety concerns.

Anything unusual that a cat eats, including plant material & the cut flower food that often comes with bouquets, can lead to an upset tummy & symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, & a poor appetite. Cats that eat large amounts of any type of plant material are also at risk for a gastrointestinal blockage.

Even the vase could pose a problem. “Cats especially like to drink from vases, so make sure the cat cannot overturn heavy vases & hurt themselves,” Wismer adds. “Breakable vases can also be a hazard for your pets … & you, when you have to pick up the pieces.”

Wismer recommends keeping all plants & flowers out of reach of curious cats. You can contain them in a room your cat isn’t allowed to be in unsupervised, or use hanging planters so your kitty can’t reach them.

What To Do if Your Cat Eats a Plant That Might Be Poisonous

If your cat nibbled on a flower or plant and you’re unsure whether it may be toxic, call your emergency vet.

You should call even if you just suspect that your cat might have eaten part of a plant or flower. Getting cats the treatment they need as quickly as possible can save both money & lives.

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Feb. 7/2024

 

10 scary inhabitants of the Amazon

5/26/2017

by wilson

quizzclub.com

Take a look at a list of scary inhabitants of the Amazon just to be on the safe side.

We all heard about the forests near the Amazon that are well-known for their dangerous for people inhabitants & plants. QuizzClub team has found out that the waters of this river hide even more scary creatures.

#1 Black Caiman

This is one of the most dangerous predators in the world. Black Caiman can be up to 6 meters (20 feet) long. They have a great reaction & speed that help them to catch their victims. They eat nearly anything they can get their teeth into including human beings.

#2 Anaconda

Anaconda is the biggest snake in the world. It can grow to 9 meters (29 feet) long, reach 30 centimeters (12 in) in diameter & weigh 250 kilograms. These creatures like to live in shallower waters & catch their victims using the muscles of the bodies which are really strong.

#3 Giant Otter

Giant Otter can grow to 2 meters long. This is a very strong creature that eats crabs & fish. When giant otters gather in a group they become extremely dangerous & can even kill an anaconda.

#4 Bull Shark

These animals live in salt waters, but feel quite comfortable in fresh water. It is common for them to reach 3.3 meters (11 feet) in length & weigh up to 312 kilograms. These sharks have very strong jaws, so it's better not to meet them in real life.

#5 Electric Eel

You'd better not touch these creatures, because they produce jolts of electricity that will definitely kill you. These charges can reach up to 600 volts.

#6 Red-Bellied Piranha

Piranhas can grow up to 30 centimeters (12 in) long & tend to gather into large groups to attack their victims using extra sharp teeth. Although they are scavengers, they won't miss a chance to eat fresh meat.

#7 Pacu

This fish is a close relative of Piranha. Pacu fish is well well-known for its human-like teeth that can tear the victim.

#8 Payara

Payara is also called vampire fish for its long & sharp lower teeth. They can grow up to 1,2 meters (4 feet) long.

#9 Candiru

Not only giants are dangerous in the Amazon. This fish called candiru is very small but very harmful. Usually it preys on fish, & gets into their lungs. However, there are some cases when candiru got into a human's body.

#10 Arapaima

Arapaima can reach 2.7 meters (9 feet) in length & weigh up to 90 kilograms. They are very dangerous predators that usually eat fish & birds but will not refuse to eat a human. They have armored scales that's why even piranhas can't scare them with their teeth.

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Jan. 31/2024

Fascinating facts about toucans 

7/27/2020

quizzclub.com

by Alizar

If you think you know how toucans look, you're probably familiar only with the most popular species. Learn more about these beautiful birds with these surprising facts about toucans.

#1 There are 40 different species in the toucan family.

The most popular one is known as the toco toucan or the giant toucan.

#2 The lettered aracari is one of the smallest toucans.

An average aracari weighs around 130 g (4.6 oz) & is around 29 cm (11.5 inches) long.

#3 Some members of the family are known as toucanets.

There are 2 genera of toucanets: green & dichromatic toucanets.

#4 All toucans are native to the Neotropical realm, which includes the tropical regions of the Americas.

Most often toucans live in forests, but giant toucans are also found in open woodlands.

#5 Most toucans can live to be 20 years old.

The oldest known toucan lived in captivity for 26 years.

#6 In largest species, the bill can be as long as the rest of their body.

The bill is a powerful thermoregulation device & a perfect tool to reach fruit, the main part of toucans' diet. Despite its impressive size, the bill is very light, but strong enough to use it for defense.

#7 Toucans are funny & smart.

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