1. Gradual Desensitization: One of the key techniques for managing separation anxiety is desensitizing your dog to your departure. Start by practicing short periods of separation and gradually increase the duration over time. Begin by leaving the room for a few minutes, then gradually extend the time to build your dog’s tolerance. This method helps to reduce their fear and anxiety associated with being alone.

2. Establish a Calm Routine: Dogs thrive on predictability and routine, which can help alleviate separation anxiety. Create a consistent daily schedule that includes regular exercise, feeding times, and play sessions. By providing a structured routine, you give your dog a sense of security and stability, minimizing their anxiety when you’re not around.

3. Create a Safe Space: Designate a specific area in your home where your dog feels secure and comfortable. This can be a crate or a specific room. Ensure this space is well-equipped with their favorite toys, blankets, and treats. Gradually introduce this safe space during your desensitization exercises, making it a positive and soothing environment your dog associates with relaxation.
4. Counterconditioning: Counterconditioning involves associating your departure with positive experiences for your dog. Offer special treats or toys that your dog loves and use them exclusively when you leave. This creates a positive association with your absence and can help alleviate anxiety. Over time, your departure will become a cue for something enjoyable rather than a trigger for stress.

5. Mental Stimulation: Boredom can exacerbate separation anxiety. Engage your dog’s mind with puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, or interactive games. Mental stimulation can tire them out and redirect their focus from your absence, reducing anxiety levels. Additionally, consider leaving calming background noises, such as soft music or white noise, to create a soothing ambiance in your absence.

6. Seek Professional Help: If your dog’s separation anxiety persists or is severe, it’s important to seek professional assistance. A veterinarian or a qualified dog behaviorist can provide a comprehensive assessment of your dog’s condition and offer tailored advice and strategies. In some cases, medication or specialized training programs may be recommended to address the underlying anxiety.

7. Avoid Punishment: Refrain from punishing your dog for its anxious behaviors or accidents that may occur due to separation anxiety. Punishment will only increase your dog’s stress levels and exacerbate the problem. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement, rewarding calm behavior, and gradually reducing their dependence on constant human presence.

Dealing with separation anxiety in dogs requires patience, understanding, and consistent effort. By implementing gradual desensitization, establishing a calm routine, creating a safe space, using counterconditioning techniques, providing mental stimulation, and seeking professional help when needed, you can help your furry friend overcome anxiety and build a healthier relationship based on trust and security. Remember, with time and proper guidance, your dog can learn to feel more comfortable and content even when you’re not by its side.

Russian Tortoise

Tortoises are one of the easiest types of reptiles to care for, and the Russian Tortoise is one of the most resilient among them. Small and quite easy to look after, this type of tortoise is adaptive to many different temperatures, and does well outdoors, particularly in a warm climate.

Russian Tortoises have a diet that’s easy to provide – they eat leafy greens, weeds, and vegetables. They love to burrow and benefit from rocks and sand in their environment, and don’t require any fancy equipment. Another plus is that, while still a calm and quiet pet, this type of tortoise is more active than many other common species.

Something to keep in mind when considering a tortoise as a pet is the fact that they are a large commitment, though. Most of them live around 50 years, and some of them can grow to be over 100 years old. It’s also important to remember that tortoises do not like being handled, especially when they are young. Over-handling these animals can seriously deteriorate their health.

Leopard Gecko

When it comes to lizards, the Leopard Gecko is one of the easiest pets to own. It’s not so hard to prepare a comfortable environment for them, and they can drink water directly from a bowl, without the need for a misting device. They are beautiful, friendly, and usually happy to be handled.

Leopard Geckos do require an enclosure with a controlled heat mat, though – and may require a spotlight depending on what the ambient room lighting is like in the room their tank is located. They also need a diet consisting of live insects which have to be dusted with minerals and vitamins on occasion, so feeding them can be a bit more work than some aspiring pet owners may be looking for.

Corn Snake

If you want to go for a snake, a Corn Snake is likely your best bet. They are small and docile, and don’t mind being handled regularly. This type of snake is one of the easiest to care for there is. They require a heat mat along with some branches and foliage in their enclosure so they can climb around, but don’t need any special lighting.

Corn Snakes feed on rodents, usually mice. These can be bought frozen and kept in the freezer to be defrosted when it’s time to eat. While their diet might be a little too much for some people, a nice thing about these reptiles is that they only need to eat about once a week – so if you’ll be out of the house for a short while, you do not need to get someone to care for them.

Choosing Your New Pet

Reptiles can be a great companion if you’re willing to learn about them and understand how to keep them comfortable. Now that you know the three easiest choices to pick from, you should decide based on which you think you’ll be better able to accommodate, and which you’re most likely to enjoy living with. Remember there’s a lot more to know about each type, so you can always do some further research on each option if you’re still not sure!

Selecting a budgie

As a first-time owner, you’ll benefit from choosing a young bird, although it should be over eight weeks so that it’s ready to leave its mother. Juveniles are more straightforward to tame than old birds that may be set in their ways. When making a selection, consider personality first and then appearance.

Budgies can have big personalities, and you may prefer certain qualities. For example, shy, quiet birds or those that seem aggressive don’t make great pets for beginners. Those that are chirpy, bright, and curious are most suitable.

It’s also helpful to contemplate whether you want a male or female bird. Hens can be harder to train than cocks. They can, however, talk, despite rumors that only males have this ability. If you buy more than one, remember cocks and hens may breed. You could end up with a bigger budgie family than you anticipated.

Buy your budgie from a reliable breeder who can give you advice. Also, if you do take on an older bird, ask whether it is used to being handled. You may be disappointed if your budgie doesn’t want to interact with you as much as you do with them.

Cage, accessories, and food

Budgies thrive in pleasant surroundings. They like to fly and play. Consequently, get a large cage if you can. The bars mustn’t be wider than 12mm apart, or your new pet might escape. There should be vertical bars and horizontal ones so your pet can climb.

Install a few perches if some aren’t inside the cage since budgies like to roost. You’ll need a seed bowl, water bowl, cuttlefish, and various toys because your bird will want to have fun. Budgies need mental stimulation and enjoy bells to knock and millet sprigs to shred.

Grit spread lightly over a newspaper floor lining of the cage aids digestion. At the same time, give your bird a mineral and vitamin seed mixture. Add it to regular budgie seed, which you can buy from a pet store.

Remember, budgies are social creatures. Although this might be why you like them, you won’t want your pet waking you early in the morning to say hello. With this in mind, buy a cage cover to shut out the light. As long as it’s dark, your new pal will imagine it’s not the time to awaken.

You’ll find your budgie a great friend, providing constant companionship and affection. Select a youngster who’s curious and pleased to be with you. Also, buy a suitable cage, food, and accessories, and your pet will be happy.

When it gets cold, pets can have special problems, like when the temperature drops or the ground gets frozen. In this article, we will explore essential tips to keep your pets safe and healthy during the winter months.

1. Provide adequate shelter

The dropping temperatures of winter can be harsh for pets. Ensure that your furry friend has a warm and dry place to retreat to, whether it’s a cozy indoor spot or a well-insulated outdoor shelter. If your pet spends time outdoors, make sure their shelter is elevated, properly insulated, and shielded from the wind.

2. Bundle up with pet apparel

Just like humans, pets can benefit from extra layers in cold weather. Invest in a well-fitted sweater or jacket for your dog, particularly if they have short fur. However, it’s essential to check your pet to ensure they are comfortable with the extra clothing and that it doesn’t impede their movement.

3. Paw protection

Winter sidewalks and roads are often treated with salt and de-icers, which can be harmful to your pet’s paws. Consider using pet-friendly ice melts on your property, and wipe your pet’s paws with a damp cloth after walks to remove any residue. Additionally, booties can protect your pet’s paws from cold surfaces and harmful chemicals.

4. Stay active indoors:

While some pets revel in the snow, others may not be as enthusiastic. Keep your pets active indoors with interactive toys, games, and puzzles. Maintaining physical activity is crucial for their well-being, even if outdoor exercise is limited during the winter.

5. Proper nutrition:

Adjust your pet’s diet as needed during the winter months. Cold weather can increase their energy requirements, so consult with your veterinarian to ensure they are receiving an appropriate and well-balanced diet. Proper hydration is also crucial, as pets may be less inclined to drink cold water. Ensure your pets have access to fresh and unfrozen water at all times. Dehydration can be a concern in winter, and water intake is vital for maintaining overall health.

6. Grooming matters:

Regular grooming is essential during winter. Long-haired pets may benefit from a trim to prevent ice and snow accumulation on their fur. However, ensure that your pet’s skin doesn’t become too dry, and use pet-safe moisturizers if needed.

7. Veterinary check-up:

Schedule a winter check-up with your veterinarian. Cold weather can exacerbate certain health issues, and it’s crucial to address any potential concerns before they become serious. Ensure that your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date, as they may be more vulnerable to certain illnesses in winter.

By taking a proactive approach to your pet’s winter care, you can ensure that they stay safe, happy, and healthy throughout the colder months. Remember, a little extra care goes a long way in ensuring your pets thrive in all weather conditions.

The appearance of anonymous art has brought smiles to the faces of Malmö residents after a miniature mouse-sized shop and restaurant took up residence on one of the city’s streets. Anyone can see it in the area of the intersection between Bergsgatan and Almsbackgatan in the southern Swedish city. Hidden at ground level lies a French nut store named ’Noix de Vie’ (Nuts of Life). Next door an Italian restaurant called ’Il Topolino’ (the Italian name for Mickey Mouse) has moved in, complete with a pin-sized menu attached to the wall detailing its range of cheese and crackers. There are even posters for mouse-related films and a tiny power station and bicycle outside.

One of them is selling nuts and the other offers cheese. Besides the well-crafted interiors, there are posters about upcoming mice concerts and other events. The amount of detail that went into creating this street art installation is huge! The identities of Anonymouse are still unknown, but you can check their Instagram account for more information.

source: boredpanda

Did you know? A few interesting mice facts:

– Despite their tiny bodies, mice eat between 15 and 20 times a day.

– A house mouse produces between 40 and 100 droppings per day.

– Mice are good jumpers, climbers and swimmers.

– Mice can live in a lab for up to two years, but usually only live for about 5 months in the wild, mostly because of predators, such as cats, snakes and foxes.

1. Who is the African forest elephant threatened by?

2. How much do the elephants approximately weigh?

3. Within how many years could the elephants become extinct according to an estimation?

4. About how many elephants visited the clearing?

5. What were the elephants covered in that looked like gold?

———————-

Muddy Elephant Appears Covered In Gold

An elephant stands out from the rest of the herd by looking like it has been covered with gold, after taking a mud bath.

Research professor, Christopher Whittier captured the unusual sight, whilst taking a break from veterinary work in the Central African Republic, to visit the famed Dzanga Bai forest clearing. The golden elephant was one of around 150 endangered African forest elephants that came to visit the clearing. Mr Whittier, who lives in Grafton, Massachusetts in the United States, said that the elephants had made a “nice mud bath” in a particularly yellow patch of soil.

The 48-year-old said: “It had rained pretty hard before I took most of these photos, so a lot of mud had washed off many of the elephants. What was notable about this elephant was how thoroughly he covered himself – not missing an inch by the time he was done. It didn’t really seem like other elephants reacted to his colour in particular, which was part of what made it funnier to me. It was like he seemed really proud of himself but no one else seemed to care.”

Mr Whittier said he was able to observe the herd of elephants, which each weigh approximately three tonnes and grow to a height of eight feet, for three hours from a viewing platform 50m from the mud bath.

He said: “It was really fascinating and fun to watch this elephant and the others really enjoy covering themselves in mud. He then seemed to strut very proudly across the Bai when he was fully adorned with the golden mud.”

The African forest elephant is under constant threat from poachers and, in 2013, scientists estimated that it could become extinct within 10 years. Mr Whittier said the experience of seeing the elephants in such large numbers was “very special” as they rarely congregate in groups of more than four or five animals.

He added: “People say Dzanga Bai might be one of the most unique wildlife viewing experiences in the world, and often that it’s second only to the Serengeti National Park – but I’m not sure it’s second.”

Key:

1. It is threatened by poachers.

2. They weigh approximately three tonnes.

3. They could become extinct within ten years.

4. About 150 elephants visited the clearing.

5. They were covered in mud.

The reunion was brought about by a Southern California vet who mistook Nigel, an African grey parrot, for her own missing bird.

Teresa Micco tracked Nigel’s microchip to Darren Chick, a Briton who lives in Torrance.

“I introduced myself and said, ‘Have you lost a bird?'” Micco told the newspaper. “He initially said, ‘No.’ But he thought I meant recently.”

When she verified Chick’s name and said she had his African grey parrot, “He looked at me like I was crazy.”

He said his bird went missing four years earlier.

Little is known about Nigel’s whereabouts the past four years, but Chick says the bird’s British accent is gone, and it now chatters in Spanish.

Chick says last week’s reunion brought tears of joy to his eyes – despite the fact that Nigel bit him when he first tried to pick him up.

Micco said the behavior was not unusual and that Nigel would settle back in soon enough.

“He’s doing perfect,” Chick told the newspaper by the week’s end. “It’s really weird. I knew it was him from the minute I saw him.”

It’s the fifth parrot reunion facilitated by Micco, who has been running ads for her own missing bird for nine months. That parrot, Benjamin, flew the coop in February when it darted out a door that was left open.

Julissa Sperling found Nigel outside her home and brought him to Micco after seeing one of her ads.

But first, she took Nigel to her dog-grooming business.

“He was the happiest bird. He was singing and talking without control,” Sperling said. “He was barking like the dogs. I’m from Panama and he was saying, ‘What happened?’ in Spanish.”

Back in April, a crime-fighting parrot has saved his owner after she was pushed to the ground in a park. The female victim had been taking Wunsy the African grey for a walk and fly in Sunny Hill Park, north London, on Friday when she was grabbed by the shoulders and shoved.

The parrot, who is taken to the park daily in a harness and lead, flapped his wings and squawked, causing the attacker to flee.

source: The Telegraph

Have you been thinking of buying a parrot? Read these warnings first.

For those of you that enjoy this video and hope to get a parrot, I caution you that besides the cute talking, Clover spends 6+ hours a day clicking, honking, whistling, car alarms, shrieking, clucking, and begging for junk food, more nuts, more fruit, more showers, etc. Parrots are messy, poopy, destructive, bitey and throw sticky food everywhere. Because of Clover, I spent over an hour a day vacuuming and doing other cleaning. Parrots like African Greys create up to a tablespoon of “dust” in their feathers every day. Despite my perpetual cleaning, dust from Clover’s feathers got into my 1-year-old laptop and destroyed it. Parrots need almost non-stop interaction and care during the day. Parrots the size of Clover also need about $500-1000 in toys and “gear” every year just to keep them occupied for a few minutes of the day. Don’t get one if you do not have almost limitless money. Besides the purchase price (medium-large parrots are typically over $1000 in the U.S.) and a large cage ($500-$2000), parrots are extremely expensive to maintain. They need an endless supply of new toys…organic food…fresh food supplements… large cage… play stands… $300 typical annual vet appointment (if there is nothing wrong), etc. If your dream is to have a 3 year old, biting, screaming, destructive child in the room with you for the next 35 years, by all means get a parrot. But please adopt it from rescue. Some estimates show that 1 MILLION parrots are currently in rescues in the USA awaiting homes. These were all birds that people got as babies thinking they would raise it “their way” and it would be great. Note that it was not, and they ended up giving it away. Adult rescue parrots are often easier to train than babies and more grateful to adopters too.

P.S. I got Clover while living in Istanbul and had her from 2008-2012. I filled out tons of applications to bring her back to the U.S. when I returned home, but one permit was denied. In the end, she stayed behind in Istanbul with a wonderful young couple who also have another female African Grey. She has continued her life of free-flying indoors, and being out of her cage most of the day with owners who work at home.

A friendly dog named Negão now has a great life, but that wasn’t always the case.

Sabrina Plannerer, owner of a Shell gas station in Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil, spotted the dog one day around the station. He had been abandoned there and was roaming around, too afraid to leave.

Plannerer knew she couldn’t let him go; she and her partner took him in. “We adopted him immediately and got him all the care animals need,” she told The Dodo. “We took him to the vet to get vaccinated and de-wormed. We bought him food, a dog house, and a leash to take him on walks.”

Not only did Plannerer and her partner adopt Negão: they hired him at the gas station. They’ve owned the station for two years, and they made him a greeter.

At first, the pair were unsure as to how Negão would take to the job. Plannerer said, however, that he’s a natural. “Negão waits for people to arrive, and then goes up to say hello, winning them over with his charms,” Plannerer told The Dodo. “Customers love him. Some people even bring him toys.”

Negão is a stellar employee and now a face of local Brazilian charity Grupo FERA. A spokesman for the charity is thrilled the pup has a home — and a job. “It’s been sensational, encouraging people to have more respect for animals,” they told The Dodo. “And workers enjoy having the companionship of a 4-legged colleague.”

Find the definition of the following verbs!

key: 1-e, 2-c, 3-a, 4-b, 5-d

Elephants in India are sporting colourful woollen jumpers after villagers knitted the super-size garments to protect the animals from near-freezing temperatures.

Women in a village near the Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation and Care Centre in the northern city of Mathura in India reportedly began producing the colourful, pyjama-like garments after staff at the centre warned temperatures were approaching sub-zero at night.

The conservation centre takes in rescued elephants who have previously suffered chronic neglect and beatings from cruel handlers.

Photographs show female elephants wearing the carefully crocheted  outfits, which cover their legs, back and neck, as centre staff and villagers stand among them.

Kartick Satyanarayan, founder of the centre, said it was important to protect the formerly abused elephants from the cold.

“It is important to keep our elephants protected from the bitter cold during this extreme winter, as they are weak and vulnerable having suffered so much abuse making them susceptible to ailments such as pneumonia,” she told the Times of India.

“The cold also aggravates their arthritis which is a common issue that our rescued elephants have to deal with.”

The centre currently houses 20 elephants that have been rescued from illegal captivity, trafficking mafia, exploited for street begging and circuses where they were abused and subjected to extreme cruelty.

source: The Independent

Can you find the word in the text on the basis of its definition?

1. an illness, typically a minor or chronic one

2. to ask for something as charity

3. an inflammation of the lungs

4. any animal of which the female feeds her young on milk from her own body

5. belonging or relating to women

Key

1. ailment

2. begging

3. pneumonia

4. mammal

It all started in 2009 when a half-breed dog, similar to a Labrador arrived in the city hungry and dirty. Soon he won the affection of everyone, accompanying tourists, stopping to wag with the children, attending weddings, funerals, public events of any kind (including political) and barking at passing cars to “his” no cars zone. He was always available to take selfies with everybody, who got near him.

Although everyone was Italo’s friend he did have one special friend, a young man whom he used to meet at a bar every morning. One morning the unfortunate young worker had a fatal accident. Italo went to the church and kept vigil, lying by the coffin until the day of the funeral.

He was also a local hero. One evening a waitress finishing her late night shift was attacked by a drunken man, but Italo was nearby and chased the aggressor away. After the incident, every night at 2 a.m. he would wait for her to walk her home.

One day, unfortunately, he was hit by a car and the driver failed to stop, although he was unharmed there was a national outcry and through the wonders of social media, the lady driver out of guilt gave herself up.

After the accident, the Mayor of Scicli prepared a kennel in the square next to the town hall and Italo was made an honorary citizen of the city. He was loved by everyone until the day of his death in 2011. He is buried in Scicli’s cemetery and his memory still lives on today.

In his favourite bar, “italo BARocco”, there is a large beautiful photo of him, and on the wall outside and inside you can find lots of photos and newspaper cuttings about him.

In 2014, his life was made into a film, an Italian romantic comedy that was filmed in Scicli and the surrounding areas.

Can you match the words and their synonyms? The words are all from the text.

Key

1. f.

2. a.

3. d.

4. b.

5. c.

6. e.