Why does one breed appeal to a person over another? Why do some of us love the size, looks and temperament of a Great Dane and others would never own anything but a Toy Poodle?

Lemon Tetra

Glassily transparent, the lemon tetra (hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis) could appear to be just a sunbeam flashing through your community tank if not for background elements like plants and driftwood. Another member of the large characin clan, the lemon tetra has a fairly elongated body like its smaller relative the neon tetra and like neons and other characins, the lemon tetra does best if kept in small schools of six to eight fish.

One we must regrettably share with our children for they most certainly will find out on their own.

PREFACE:

We hope they learn from our foibles stemming from ignorance, apathy and politics. It is, but for our egos, that we have not yet come close to resolving this society's issues of animal abuse and neglect towards the animals of which we share this planet. The noblest of efforts have little affects when unaccompanied by true results.

The Legacy We Leave Them

The Australian shepherd is a medium sized dog with a giant sized
heart. Bred to herd, it lives for the opportunity to herd anything at all, from children to cars to actual sheep! "Aussies" have even had jobs herding geese and birds away from airports!

A true australian shepherd will often pass a herding "fun match"
(a practice herding trial) without any advice training, it is so
instinctive with them.

What makes something news? The fact that you take good care of your pets isnt newsworthy. Neither is your recent trip to the supermarket; If something is normal, it isnt news. Only aberrations capture our attention enough to warrant screen time. Why is murder reported on the six-o-clock news?

Many people ask the question: "Should we get a purebreed or a mutt?"

Why is this question so controversial? Is one dog the same as another? Is there a benefit to 'getting what you paid for'?

The truth is that one dog is like another - at least in many respects. What is not true is that every dog is equally suitable for your family. Dog rescuers may tell you to look beyond the breed and breeders tell you that you won't know what you're getting with a mixed breed. They're both right.

Wolves are magnificent and majestic creatures that have shared this planet with us for possibly as long as 12,000 years. They have a long history as one of natures large predators. In the relatively short time that people have taken over almost everywhere on this planet, the habitat for wolves and other species of animal has diminished making it difficult for survival but with the help of environmentalists, wolves have been protected and are making a come back.

Anyone wanting a new kitten should be a cat lover. Lets face it, folks, cats are just different from dogs. Cats do not usually perform any special tricks, and they certainly do not guard your possessions while you are away. In fact, the only thing you can be guaranteed of by having a cat is that a mouse wont last long if they creep into your home.

I am a happy owner of two rat terriers. They are half brother and
half sister and other than coat color and size and natural hunting abilities they are not at all alike. The male "Bingo" is bossy and impudent and outlandishly boisterous. The female "Zoey" is shy and somewhat retiring and loves nothing better than to curl up in your lap and be petted.

Talk to the animals?

Yes.

And what's more, they talk to us!

If you've ever shared your life with animals, you'll know that they understand most of what you say to them. You mention that you're going for a walk and the dog is standing at the gate, ready. You say that you're going visiting and that dogs aren't invited and you find out where the expression 'hang-dog look' came from -- the ears droop, the head sinks and Pooch drags himself off to sulk.