A dog, a chimpanzee and a rat walk into a bar. The dog huffs, the chimpanzee lets out some excited squeaks, and the rat makes chirping sounds that are inaudible to the human ear. Clearly someone told a joke, because scientists now believe that some animals laugh. It's not clear why animals laugh or what they find so funny, but some animals do indeed indulge in laughter.
Animal studies on rats, monkeys and dogs, show that certain sounds they make are indicative of laughter. Rats, for example, make highly pitched squeaks when playing with each other, and monkeys also appear to make laughing noises during play and interaction. The chuff or huff of a dog when he is excited to see you all suggest these animals laugh.
Some other scientific studies suggest that other animals may laugh too. For example, intelligence studies on dolphins have shown that two dolphins can refer to a third dolphin by name. Who can say they’re not telling a joke, or capable of laughing during play. Given the range of vocal performance by dolphins and whales, it would not be surprising to find out these animals laugh, as well.
What puzzles scientists is what the animals are laughing about. Some studies suggest animals laugh when they are excited or happy. Others believe animals laugh to gain the attention of their owners. It’s possible animals laugh when they are enjoying play. Clearly, none of the animals appear to be telling knock knock jokes but a dog might laugh at the sound of his owner’s knock on the door.
It’s possible that animals laugh because it confers health benefits to them, just as laughing is very good for people. Laughter can lower blood pressure, ease stress, produce dopamine and growth hormone, and actually be good for the circulatory system. Preschool children may laugh as often as 400 times a day. Since some animals have about the same intelligence level as a two year old human, maybe these animals laugh for the evolutionary benefits achieved by laughing. A chimp that laughs for example may be a bigger chimp because he stimulates growth hormones.
Though we do like to anthropomorphize animals, we can’t really see the smiling face of a dog as actual smiling. But if you hear that long huff from your dogs, you many recognize your animals laugh at you or with you, or possibly at some very good joke they heard about the neighbor’s cat
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Monkeys!!
Javas
Longtailed, Crab-eating Macaques are the smaller of the macaques with females weighing 10lbs-13lbs and about 20" in height. Males are around 18lbs-20lbs and 25" in height. Their tails are about as long as their body length. Javas' hair coloring varies from gray or dark brown to reddish or yellow when they are adults. Babies are born black. Their native land is Southern Indochina, Burma, Indonesia, Philippines, and Nicobar Islands in India. Javas are also known as Crab eating Macaques because in the wild, they will go to creeks to find crabs and crack their shells on rocks. Javas are usually less dominating than other macaques. They have a 35-year life span.
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Rhesus macaques
are reddish brown with short slick-backed hair on top o
f their heads. There seems to be a wide variety of weights with females ranging from 10lbs-25lbs and a height of 18"-20". Males range from 15lbs-30lbs and a height of 20"-25". Tails are medium lengths at 7"-12". Rhesus native land is Afghanistan and India to Thailand and Southern China. Rhesus have a lot of facial expressions and are considered a "tough" monkey that won't back down very easily. They tend to be stubborn and belligerent. They have a life span of approx. 29 years
f their heads. There seems to be a wide variety of weights with females ranging from 10lbs-25lbs and a height of 18"-20". Males range from 15lbs-30lbs and a height of 20"-25". Tails are medium lengths at 7"-12". Rhesus native land is Afghanistan and India to Thailand and Southern China. Rhesus have a lot of facial expressions and are considered a "tough" monkey that won't back down very easily. They tend to be stubborn and belligerent. They have a life span of approx. 29 years-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liontailed Macaque
we think, is one of the most beautiful monkeys around. This endangered primate has a sleek jet-black body with a gray mane around the face. His black tail has a slight tuft of hair on the end. Babies are born brown. Females weigh around 10 lbs. and are about 18" tall. Males weigh from 15lbs-20lbs and are about 24" tall. Their native land is India where they stay mostly in the middle and upper levels of the trees. There are only around 4,000 liontails left in the world. These monkeys seem to be less aggressive than other macaques. Their life span is about 38 years.
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Celebes or Crested Black Macaque
is an endangered monkey. They are all black with a little 1" nub for a tail. They have high bony cheek ridges and long hair that forms a pointed crest on top of the head. Females weigh 13lbs-24lbs and are around 20" in height. Males weigh 20lbs-35lbs and are around 20"-22" in height. Their native land is Sulawesi in Indonesia. Celebes were once misnamed the "Celebes Black Ape". These monkeys are very smart and hard to fool. Their life span is about 20 years.
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Pigtailed Macaques
have different shades of brown that varies from blond to dark brown. The hairs on the head 
form a U-shaped whorl of erect hairs. The tail is about 5"-9" and slender with barely any hair on it. Their eyelids are light colored and sometimes very light blue. Females weigh from 12lbs-20lbs and have an 18"-22" height. Males will range 18lbs-30lbs and be 19"-22" in height. Pigtails come from Burma to Malay Peninsula and Sumatra. Pigtails have a unique facial gesture called a pucker, which has several meanings ranging from playfulness to aggressiveness. They are very smart and even show affection by kissing. Pigtails are trained in their native land to harvest ripe coconuts on plantations. Pigtails lifespan is about 26 years.
form a U-shaped whorl of erect hairs. The tail is about 5"-9" and slender with barely any hair on it. Their eyelids are light colored and sometimes very light blue. Females weigh from 12lbs-20lbs and have an 18"-22" height. Males will range 18lbs-30lbs and be 19"-22" in height. Pigtails come from Burma to Malay Peninsula and Sumatra. Pigtails have a unique facial gesture called a pucker, which has several meanings ranging from playfulness to aggressiveness. They are very smart and even show affection by kissing. Pigtails are trained in their native land to harvest ripe coconuts on plantations. Pigtails lifespan is about 26 years.Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Chihuahua
Appearance:
The Chihuahua is a very small-sized dog with a proportionately robust build and distinctive facial features. Their body is stout and just longer than it is tall, and they have straight limbs. They have a sickle-shaped tail that curls over the dog’s back or off to one side. They have an apple-shaped head with a short, tapered, pointy muzzle. Their large eyes are round, dark, and can sometimes be ruby or luminously-colored. They have large, triangular-shaped, erect ears that are a distinguishing characteristic of this breed. Chihuahua puppies have a soft spot on the top of their skull that closes as they become adults. There is a long-haired variety of Chihuahua, but the most common variety is the short-haired Chihuahua. Their coat comes in a variety of colors including fawn, sand, chestnut, silver, and steel blue. They may also be black & tan or tri-color.
Size:Height:
6 – 9 inches
Weight:
2-6 pounds
Temperament:
The Chihuahua is lively, alert, proud, and makes a good companion. They seek and demand affection, and they are very spunky by nature. They are determined, courageous, and they become very attached to their owner(s). They have a jealous streak, and they will follow their owner’s every move if strangers are present. Some Chihuahuas are difficult to train, but they are intelligent and generally learn quickly. They are most receptive to gentle training and positive reinforcement. The Chihuahua doesn’t like to be poked, pestered, or teased, and he may snap if a child provokes him. Because of their small size, they will resort to using their teeth if they feel threatened. This breed can be noisy and difficult to housebreak. All Chihuahuas should be properly socialized to avoid the onset of aggressive behavior. This breed is usually aggressive towards other dogs.
Temperament:
Health :
The Chihuahua may wheeze or snore because of his very short nose. The breed has prominent eyes that are prone to corneal dryness and secondary glaucoma. Other health concerns include slipped stifle, colds, stress, and rheumatism. This breed shouldn’t be overfed. Frequently, Chihuahuas are born by cesarean section because of their proportionately large-sized heads. This breed typically lives for more than 15 years.
Health:
Origin :
The Chihuahua is the oldest dog breed on the continent of North America, and it is the smallest dog breed in the world. The breed is native to Mexico, and many believe it was introduced to the region by the Chinese. They were named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua, the place where they first arrived. The breed is thought to have been sacred to the Pre-Colombian Indian nations. The Chihuahua wasn’t brought to Europe until the end of the 19th century.
Origin:
Maintenance:
The smooth, short-haired coat of the Chihuahua is easy to groom and take care of. An occasional brushing and wipe-down with a soft cloth are sufficient methods of upkeep. The long-haired variety of Chihuahua should be brushed on a daily basis with a soft bristle brush. All varieties of the Chihuahua should receive a bath on a monthly basis. Owners of this breed should make sure to avoid getting water into the dog’s ear canal. Chihuahuas are average shedders.
Maintenance:
Ideal Environment :
The Chihuahua is happy in a small household or apartment. They are very sensitive to the cold, and they should wear a sweater on cold days. While it’s tempting to carry the Chihuahua instead of let him walk, it’s important that these dogs get plenty of exercise. They love to go for walks, and they shouldn’t be confined to a small space.
The Chihuahua is a very small-sized dog with a proportionately robust build and distinctive facial features. Their body is stout and just longer than it is tall, and they have straight limbs. They have a sickle-shaped tail that curls over the dog’s back or off to one side. They have an apple-shaped head with a short, tapered, pointy muzzle. Their large eyes are round, dark, and can sometimes be ruby or luminously-colored. They have large, triangular-shaped, erect ears that are a distinguishing characteristic of this breed. Chihuahua puppies have a soft spot on the top of their skull that closes as they become adults. There is a long-haired variety of Chihuahua, but the most common variety is the short-haired Chihuahua. Their coat comes in a variety of colors including fawn, sand, chestnut, silver, and steel blue. They may also be black & tan or tri-color.
Size:Height:
6 – 9 inches
Weight:
2-6 pounds
Temperament:
The Chihuahua is lively, alert, proud, and makes a good companion. They seek and demand affection, and they are very spunky by nature. They are determined, courageous, and they become very attached to their owner(s). They have a jealous streak, and they will follow their owner’s every move if strangers are present. Some Chihuahuas are difficult to train, but they are intelligent and generally learn quickly. They are most receptive to gentle training and positive reinforcement. The Chihuahua doesn’t like to be poked, pestered, or teased, and he may snap if a child provokes him. Because of their small size, they will resort to using their teeth if they feel threatened. This breed can be noisy and difficult to housebreak. All Chihuahuas should be properly socialized to avoid the onset of aggressive behavior. This breed is usually aggressive towards other dogs.
Temperament:
Health :
The Chihuahua may wheeze or snore because of his very short nose. The breed has prominent eyes that are prone to corneal dryness and secondary glaucoma. Other health concerns include slipped stifle, colds, stress, and rheumatism. This breed shouldn’t be overfed. Frequently, Chihuahuas are born by cesarean section because of their proportionately large-sized heads. This breed typically lives for more than 15 years.
Health:
Origin :
The Chihuahua is the oldest dog breed on the continent of North America, and it is the smallest dog breed in the world. The breed is native to Mexico, and many believe it was introduced to the region by the Chinese. They were named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua, the place where they first arrived. The breed is thought to have been sacred to the Pre-Colombian Indian nations. The Chihuahua wasn’t brought to Europe until the end of the 19th century.
Origin:
Maintenance:
The smooth, short-haired coat of the Chihuahua is easy to groom and take care of. An occasional brushing and wipe-down with a soft cloth are sufficient methods of upkeep. The long-haired variety of Chihuahua should be brushed on a daily basis with a soft bristle brush. All varieties of the Chihuahua should receive a bath on a monthly basis. Owners of this breed should make sure to avoid getting water into the dog’s ear canal. Chihuahuas are average shedders.
Maintenance:
Ideal Environment :
The Chihuahua is happy in a small household or apartment. They are very sensitive to the cold, and they should wear a sweater on cold days. While it’s tempting to carry the Chihuahua instead of let him walk, it’s important that these dogs get plenty of exercise. They love to go for walks, and they shouldn’t be confined to a small space.
Field Spaniel
Appearance
The Field Spaniel is 17-19 inches (43-48 cm) tall at the withers. Its long, silky coat comes in solid colours of liver and black. Tan points are allowed as is Roan, which is defined as a blend of both dark and white hairs without large patches of either colour. The Field Spaniel is somewhat longer than taller to a ratio of 7:8. Field Spaniels weigh on average 37-45 lb (23-30 kg).
History
The Field Spaniel was the first spaniel developed specifically for conformation showing. The breed developed at the time when dog showing was first coming into vogue. With most spaniels being a base colour with white splashes, breeders wanted to create a solid black dog. They bred every black spaniel of that time including Cocker Spaniels and the Irish Water Spaniel. Upon introduction, the Field Spaniel was an instant hit. The Field Spaniel enjoyed a burst of success quite early and quickly became a popular breed. The intense focus of show breeders on this breed led to a rapid demise of the original Field Spaniel. The dogs were crossed with Sussex Spaniels and Basset Hounds to produce low legged, long backed versions leading to tremendous health problems. Just as quickly as the Field Spaniels star rose in the show world, it fell once the myriad of genetic problems emerged.
On the brink of extinction, breeders worked to restore the Field Spaniel to its former glory. Crosses with English Springer Spaniels, under the watchful eyes of the English Kennel Club were made to increase the gene pool. Even though The Field Spaniel is now restored to normal, it has never achieved the same level of popularity and remains a rare breed. The Field is now seen more often in the show rings and in the field as a hunting companion.
Temperament
The Field Spaniel is a very social breed that can adapt to almost any lifestyle. Whilst they will coexist peacefully with dogs and cats, as a hunting dog, their instincts make them difficult around rabbits, mice, rats and similar animals. They can sometimes be difficult around birds but should adjust if socialised as a puppy. Fields Spaniels are a family breed and will show affection to all household members. However, they are naturally cautious of strangers making them an excellent watchdog. The Field Spaniel will not handle abusive situations and should never be treated as a guard dog.
Grooming
Being a spaniel, the breed requires some grooming to keep a neat appearance and to prevent ear infections. Normally the head, face, ears, throat and feet are trimmed. Ear trimming is important in all spaniel breeds as the long ears prevent air circulation in the ear canal causing excessive moisture and infection. Fields Spaniels have webbed feet and excessive hair can also lead to excessive moisture and infection. Fields that are shown have more extensive grooming to present their conformation in the ring. In addition Field Spaniels for show may also have their feathering on the legs and undercarriage trimmed. Nails should never be allowed too grow long. An active Field Spaniel will naturally wear down nails however carpeting can sometimes prevent this.
The Field Spaniel is 17-19 inches (43-48 cm) tall at the withers. Its long, silky coat comes in solid colours of liver and black. Tan points are allowed as is Roan, which is defined as a blend of both dark and white hairs without large patches of either colour. The Field Spaniel is somewhat longer than taller to a ratio of 7:8. Field Spaniels weigh on average 37-45 lb (23-30 kg).
History
The Field Spaniel was the first spaniel developed specifically for conformation showing. The breed developed at the time when dog showing was first coming into vogue. With most spaniels being a base colour with white splashes, breeders wanted to create a solid black dog. They bred every black spaniel of that time including Cocker Spaniels and the Irish Water Spaniel. Upon introduction, the Field Spaniel was an instant hit. The Field Spaniel enjoyed a burst of success quite early and quickly became a popular breed. The intense focus of show breeders on this breed led to a rapid demise of the original Field Spaniel. The dogs were crossed with Sussex Spaniels and Basset Hounds to produce low legged, long backed versions leading to tremendous health problems. Just as quickly as the Field Spaniels star rose in the show world, it fell once the myriad of genetic problems emerged.
On the brink of extinction, breeders worked to restore the Field Spaniel to its former glory. Crosses with English Springer Spaniels, under the watchful eyes of the English Kennel Club were made to increase the gene pool. Even though The Field Spaniel is now restored to normal, it has never achieved the same level of popularity and remains a rare breed. The Field is now seen more often in the show rings and in the field as a hunting companion.
Temperament
The Field Spaniel is a very social breed that can adapt to almost any lifestyle. Whilst they will coexist peacefully with dogs and cats, as a hunting dog, their instincts make them difficult around rabbits, mice, rats and similar animals. They can sometimes be difficult around birds but should adjust if socialised as a puppy. Fields Spaniels are a family breed and will show affection to all household members. However, they are naturally cautious of strangers making them an excellent watchdog. The Field Spaniel will not handle abusive situations and should never be treated as a guard dog.
Grooming
Being a spaniel, the breed requires some grooming to keep a neat appearance and to prevent ear infections. Normally the head, face, ears, throat and feet are trimmed. Ear trimming is important in all spaniel breeds as the long ears prevent air circulation in the ear canal causing excessive moisture and infection. Fields Spaniels have webbed feet and excessive hair can also lead to excessive moisture and infection. Fields that are shown have more extensive grooming to present their conformation in the ring. In addition Field Spaniels for show may also have their feathering on the legs and undercarriage trimmed. Nails should never be allowed too grow long. An active Field Spaniel will naturally wear down nails however carpeting can sometimes prevent this.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Marley
This nonfiction book has been faithfully adapted for young readers from the #1 New York Times bestselling memoir Marley & Me by John Grogan!
Marley, a lovable Labrador retriever, is always getting himself into trouble. Some may say he is the world's worst dog. But those who know and love Marley understand that nothing can stop his loyalty, exuberance, and passion-not even the Grogans' screen door! How this big, rambunctious dog becomes the heart of the Grogan family is the story of Marley.
Marley, a lovable Labrador retriever, is always getting himself into trouble. Some may say he is the world's worst dog. But those who know and love Marley understand that nothing can stop his loyalty, exuberance, and passion-not even the Grogans' screen door! How this big, rambunctious dog becomes the heart of the Grogan family is the story of Marley.
About the book:
The heartwarming and unforgettable story of a family in the making and the wondrously neurotic dog who taught them what really matters in life.
John and Jenny were just beginning their life together. They were young and in love, with a perfect little house and not a care in the world. Then they brought home Marley, a wiggly yellow furball of a puppy. Life would never be the same.
Marley quickly grew into a barreling, 97-pound streamroller of a Labrador Retriever, a dog like no other. He crashed through screen doors, gouged into drywall, flung drool on guests, stole women’s undergarments, and ate nearly everything he could get his mouth around, including couches and fine jewelry. Obedience school did no good -- Marley was expelled. Neither did the tranquilizers the veterinarian prescribed for him with the admonishment, “Don’t hesitate to use these.”
And yet, his heart was pure. Just as Marley joyfully refused any limits on his behavior, his love and loyalty were boundless, too. He shared the couple’s joy at first pregnancy, and their heartbreak over miscarriage. He was there when babies finally arrived and when the screams of a 17-year-old stabbing victim pierced the night. Marley shut down a public beach and managed to land a role in a feature-length movie, always winning hearts as he made a mess of things. Through it all, he remained steadfast, a model of devotion, even when his family was at wit’s end. Unconditional love, they would learn, comes in many forms.
Is it possible for humans to discover the key to happiness through a bigger-than-life, bad-boy dog? Just ask the Grogans.
John and Jenny were just beginning their life together. They were young and in love, with a perfect little house and not a care in the world. Then they brought home Marley, a wiggly yellow furball of a puppy. Life would never be the same.
Marley quickly grew into a barreling, 97-pound streamroller of a Labrador Retriever, a dog like no other. He crashed through screen doors, gouged into drywall, flung drool on guests, stole women’s undergarments, and ate nearly everything he could get his mouth around, including couches and fine jewelry. Obedience school did no good -- Marley was expelled. Neither did the tranquilizers the veterinarian prescribed for him with the admonishment, “Don’t hesitate to use these.”
And yet, his heart was pure. Just as Marley joyfully refused any limits on his behavior, his love and loyalty were boundless, too. He shared the couple’s joy at first pregnancy, and their heartbreak over miscarriage. He was there when babies finally arrived and when the screams of a 17-year-old stabbing victim pierced the night. Marley shut down a public beach and managed to land a role in a feature-length movie, always winning hearts as he made a mess of things. Through it all, he remained steadfast, a model of devotion, even when his family was at wit’s end. Unconditional love, they would learn, comes in many forms.
Is it possible for humans to discover the key to happiness through a bigger-than-life, bad-boy dog? Just ask the Grogans.
Cancer!! in dogs n cats
Cancer in pets like cats and dogs is fairly common. Dogs tend to develop cancer at about the same rate as human beings do, while cats are diagnosed somewhat less frequently. Unfortunately, cancer is the cause of death for about 50% of all pets over ten years.
Some common indicators of cancer in pets are symptoms such as persistent or growing swellings on the body, sores that refuse to heal, a reduced appetite, weight loss, or constant fatigue. Though these symptoms may also be evidence for other conditions, all are cause for concern, and require a trip to the veterinarian.
There are are many varieties of cancer in pets like cats and dogs. Breast cancer can be common in female cats and dogs, but the chances of developing it can be drastically reduced by spaying the animal at a young age. Cancer of the mouth is a common condition in dogs, though not as much in cats. Lymphoma is a frequently occurring type of cancer in pets, and can sometimes be treated with chemotherapy. Abdominal and bone tumors are other types of frequently occurring cancer in pets.
Cancer in pets is diagnosed in the same methods as cancer in humans is: typically, through x-rays, blood tests, physical signs, and most importantly, a biopsy, which is the removal of a piece of tissue from the body that is believed to be cancerous. For treatment of cancer in pets, veterinarians use techniques like radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, and other methods. A combination of several different treatments is often employed.
As a rule, there is no typical outcome for the treatment of cancer in pets. As in humans, the earlier the diagnosis, the better the chance of full recovery. With some cancers, the animal may be able to live a relatively healthy life for many months even if the cancer cannot be treated. With others, when painful forms of cancer develop and cannot be treated, euthanization may be necessary. In such cases, the animal will be relaxed with a sedative, and the owner will have the opportunity to say goodbye.
Currently, there are many veterinarian programs dedicated to treating and curing cancer in pets. They hope to find a cure for cancer in pets within the next 10 to 20 years, which could then lead to a cure for cancer in humans.
Adopt a Special needs pet?
A special needs pet is an animal which requires care above and beyond the conventional for a good quality of life. Examples of special needs pets include handicapped pets, who may be missing limbs, pets with congenital illnesses, or animals with behavioral problems. Adopting a special needs pet can be an excellent way to give an animal a new lease on life, if you are prepared for the responsibility associated with it. You should consider the decision carefully before making it, to ensure that you are capable of handling your act of generosity.
Budgetary constraints are one of the biggest issues surrounding special needs animals. They are much more expensive to care for, since they may require medication, frequent veterinary visits, surgery, or specialized diets. If you are adopting a special needs pet from a shelter, staff can usually give you honest information about how expensive the animal will be to care for in the long term. In some cases, caring for a special needs pet, may be like owning other animals costwise: animals who are missing a limb are an example of this type of special needs pet. In other cases, such as a cat with diabetes, medical expenses can quickly accumulate.
Lifestyle changes are also an important thing to think about. A special needs pet requires more attention and care, and generally cannot be left alone for long periods of time. If you go on vacation, you will have to find a caregiver who can handle the responsibility of a special needs animal. You may be required to give shots, provide fluid infusions, or perform other nursing tasks to make an animal happy and healthy. You should plan to commit to the animal for life.
If you have other pets, consider the impact of the special needs pet on the other animal members of the family or the neighborhood. If you adopt a cat with feline leukemia, for example, you will need to keep it isolated so that it does not pose a threat to other cats. If you have a dog or dogs, they may get jealous of the attention lavished on the special needs pet, potentially posing a problem. You may also find yourself overwhelmed by caring for the special needs pet, and unable to dedicate attention to your other animals.
If you are adopting a special needs pet with behavior problems, be aware that these problems may never be able to be corrected. The hope is that gentle loving care will make an animal emotionally secure enough to relax and enjoy life, but this does not always happen. You may be forced to keep an animal indoors, or on a short leash. Dogs can become especially problematic, if they become intensely attached to one person or highly defensive.
Adopting a special needs pet is an incredible act of kindness, and many animal organizations exist to support people who have taken animals who need a little bit of extra love into their lives. These organizations can also assist interested parties in finding special needs pets to adopt, as well as offering referrals to veterinarians, pet sitters, and other individuals who may make the process easier. Ultimately, a special needs pet can be a very fulfilling and enjoyable companion, and you may spend many years together.
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