Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My! (and a monkey to boot)

A man named Terry Thompson, owner of a wild animal farm, released 56 exotic animals into the Zanesville, Ohio area, after which he killed himself. Authorities have killed or captured all the animals except a macaque monkey who is still at large. It is possible that the monkey has been eaten, however.
Schools all over were closed, and people advised to stay inside while the round up happened. Signs appeared that read "Caution Exotic Animals". One lion got hit by a car (that would have been one colossal road kill), but was only injured.


Source:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2011-10-18/exotic-animals-loose-ohio/50821092/1

Catch up: September's Breed of the Month

Hello, dear readers. Due to a busy life, I had no time to do much posting in September. Very sorry about that! So to make up for it, here's September's Breed of the Month:

Pictures can be found here. Chihuahuas are very tiny, very adorable dogs who love affection. They are very brave, and they are intelligent and loyal. But like all small dogs, they need a firm "alpha" to show them who's boss. If a dog thinks it can run the show, it can develop aggression.

Though it is tempting to carry these cute little dogs around, they need exercise just as much as a larger breed does. A nice long daily walk is perfect for this. Also, an off-leash romp in a fenced area is good for their stimulation.

Chihuahuas are very susceptible to poison, so owners need to be careful around things harmful to dogs, like chocolate. Chihuahuas are also prone to rheumatism, colds, and injury. They can, however, live about 15 years.

They are very good for apartment life, but need their space just as much as any other dog. They also prefer warm weather over the cold.

Chihuahuas are average shedders, and they need a gentle brushing every day. Regular checking of the ears, clipping of the nails, and a nice bath will top off grooming.

These proud and adventurous canines are not only cute, but they are smart and brave too; a perfect pet for people!



NOTE: Don't forget to email me your pictures of animals so I can feature them!! ffpandc@gmail.com



Info source: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/chihuahua.htm

9/11

We will always remember what happened on 9/11. My thoughts and prayers are with those who lost loved ones in the World Trade Center.

Hundreds of rescuers went to Ground Zero to find those who had survived. And with those amazing people, were rescue dogs. Rescue dogs were instrumental at Ground Zero, sniffing out survivors.

There is only about a dozen of 9/11's rescue dogs still alive now. Moxie, Orion, Guinness, Red, Bailey, and Bretagne are among those canines. These and other unsung heroes will be featured in the book Retrieved, by Charlotte Dumas.

Search and rescue dogs (SAR) sniff out missing people using airsenting (sniffing airborne scents), trailing (looking for someone specific), or tracking (working on a lead, with nose to the ground). What these dogs are able to accomplish with just their noses is another reminder how amazing God's creation is!

God Bless America!!



sources: http://www.vetstreet.com/dogs/retrieved-a-new-photo-book-honors-9-11-search-and-rescue-dogs
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Search_and_rescue_dog

Dog Breed Of the Month: The Tibetan Spaniel

The Tibetan Spaniel is cheerful, independent, clever, trusting, and a good watchdog. They are not yappy, but will bark at strange noises or intruders. They get along well with other dogs and animals, but can be difficult to train. As with all small dogs, the Tibetan Spaniel needs a strong pack leader to show them who's boss.

Tibetan Spaniels can be prone to respiratory problems and heat stroke, with an average life span of 12-15 years. Females Tibetans, unlike many other breeds, go into heat only once a year. They have an average litter size of 3-6 puppies.

They are good for apartment life, and do okay without a yard as they are relatively active indoors, but they do need a nice long walk each day.

Their coat needs a regular brushing. Tibetan Spaniels are average shedders all year round, but in comes out in clumps (poor vacuum!) once a year.

So if your looking for a sweet family companion who's good for apartment life, consider the Tibetan Spaniel!



Sources:
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/tibetanspaniel.htm

The Tiger

Tigers are found in north and east Asia. They live in grasslands, tropical forests, evergreen forests, woodlands, swamps, and savannas. Tigers are solitary animals, and will defend their territory strongly against any strange tiger that dares intrude. Female tigers have a territory of 10-618 sq. miles, and male tigers have territories that are much larger, and connected to that of several female tigers.

Tigers are carnivores, which means they eat meat exclusively. They will prey on a variety of medium to large sized animals, including water buffalo, elk, wild boar, and several types of deer. They also eat smaller animals such as fish, reptiles, and monkeys sometimes. Tigers hunt alone, and will ambush their prey from any angle, using brute weight and force to knock larger prey off their feet.

Tigers have a gestation period of about 104 days, after which 2-4 cubs are born. The babies are born with their eyes closed, and are approximately 2.2 pounds (Aww!). When the cubs reach 8 weeks old, they start to accompany their mother out of the den, and start to eat meat. Cubs become independent at around 10 months, but will not completely leave their mother until they are around 2 years old.


Thanks to David D. for taking and editing the photo.
source: http://www.theanimalfiles.com/mammals/carnivores/tiger.html

Email me your pictures!!

Hello readers! Due to a shocking lack of having my camera with me, I am running out of pictures of animals, and I need your help to have "blog fodder" for FFPandC.

So email me your pictures of animals!

ffpandc@gmail.com

Note: always tell me who took the picture, so I know who to site as the photographer.

Thanks!

Wild Things: The fainting fawn

Yes, fainting fawn!

So, I know that I just did a post on Wild Things, but this video just has to be posted:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xi563h5-iNs

The beginning has the fawn's back story, and if you fast forward to 3:28, that's when he faints, the poor baby.

SPCA: Kira

Kira is an independent cat who likes attention on her terms. Since she can be a bit picky, a home without children would be best, but Kira is a sweet cat with the softest fur ever, and she's waiting at the SPCA Annex just for you!

Kira is 2-3 years old, and makes a wonderful pal (when she's in an affectionate mood :) ) So if you want a pretty kitty with a little bit of attitude, look no further, Kira's the one for you!

As a reminder, here's the SPCA's website: http://www.spcaonline.com/ And Kira's at the SPCA Annex, with a whole bunch of other awesome kitties.

Dog Breed of the Month: The Mini Schnauser

Intelligent, loving and happy, the mini schnauzer is playful and gets along well with children. They are affectionate, keen, and docile. Like many smaller dogs, this breed needs to be socialized well and have a strong pack leader.

The mini schnauzer is good for apartment life and will be calm indoors as long as they get enough exercise, like a long walk.

Mini schnauzers have a wiry coat that should be combed daily. The breed sheds little hair, so it's good for allergies.

Mini Schnauzers live about 15 years, and are prone to certain health problems including liver disease, kidney stones, and diabetes. They gain weight easily, so they should not be overfed.

Energetic and loyal, this breed makes a good watchdog (as is definitely the case with the two schnauzers who live next door to me. Yeah, they are really loyal to their owner)

source: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/miniatureschnauzer.htm

Wild Things update

Here's an update on that wonderful wildlife sanctuary, Wild Things!

In addition to the many baby animals they get this time of year, WT has had several fawns, two of which are being bottle-fed by me and my mom in the picture.

(Note: that's not Pepsi we're feeding them, it's a special fawn formula. We just recycled the bottles.)

Remember, if you see a fawn hanging about without it's mother, leave it. chances are, the mother will come back. Fawns are very good about staying put while their mom goes off for a while. But if you know that the fawn is an orphan, or if it becomes continually starved and cries for hours, than call a wildlife rehabilitator.

Once again, here's Wild Things' website: http://www.wildthingssanctuary.org/