Category Archives: Animals
Marine is Re-united With His Dog from Afghanistan
US Marine reunited with his best friend from Afghanistan
When Marine Sgt. Ross Gundlachserved as a dog handler in Afghanistan, he told the yellow lab who was his constant companion that he’d look her up when he returned home. ”I promised her if we made it out of alive, I’d do whatever it took to find her,” Gundlach said.
Yahoo News On Friday, he made good on that vow with help from some sentimental state officials in Iowa who know how to pull off a surprise. Since leaving active duty to take classes at the University of Wisconsin this summer, Gundlach, of Madison, Wis., had been seeking to adopt 4-year-old Casey.
The 25-year-old learned Casey had finished her military service and had been sent to the Iowa State Fire Marshal’s Office, where she was used to detect explosives.
Gundlach wrote to State Fire Marshal Director Ray Reynolds, explaining the connection he felt with the dog. He even has a tattoo on his right forearm depicting Casey with angel wings and a halo, sitting at the foot of a Marine.
“He’s been putting a case together for the last two months, sending me pictures … it just tugged on your heart,” Reynolds said. Reynolds decided to arrange a surprise. First, he got in touch with the Iowa Elk’s Association, which agreed to donate $8,500 to buy another dog for the agency.
“We have a motto in our association that as long as there are veterans, the Elks will strive to help them,” Iowa Elks Association president Tom Maher said. Then, Reynolds came up with a ruse to get Gundlach to Des Moines, telling Gundlach he needed to come to the state Capitol to plead his case in front of a “bureaucratic oversight committee.”
When Gundlach arrived with his parents, Reynolds told them the meeting had been delayed and invited them to join an Armed Services Day celebration in the rotunda. There, hundreds of law enforcement officers, military personnel and civilians were seated, keeping the secret — until they brought out Casey.
When Gundlach saw Casey, he put his head in his hands and cried. She licked his face, wagging her tail furiously. “It was a total surprise,” he said. “I owe her. I’ll just try to give her the best life I can.”
His father, Glen Gundlach, seemed just as surprised. “It’s unbelievable … the state of Iowa, I love ‘em,” he said.
Gov. Terry Branstad officially retired Casey from active duty during Friday’s ceremony, thanking the dog for a “job well done.”
During the 150 missions they performed together, Gundlach said Casey never missed an explosive — she caught three before they could be detonated. He credits her for making it back home safely. “I wouldn’t be here … any kids I ever had wouldn’t exist if Casey hadn’t been here,” he said.
Bare Naked Islam: http://www.barenakedislam.com/
Patrice, over at Rural Revolution Blog, Has a New Calf
It’s always convenient if calves are born in the corral for two reasons; one, the animals have the shelter of the barn if they need it; and two, we can dehorn or castrate the calves without having to embark on a wild goose (calf?) chase across the pasture to capture them.
Anyway, we came home from our neighborhood potluck last night — and saw that Lily had had her calf! She had just dropped it, and I mean just. The calf was still wet and hadn’t gotten to its feet yet.
Altogether now: “Awwww….”
My parents flew in to visit last week and are staying in Coeur d’Alene. My Dad came in for last night’s potluck, though my Mom wasn’t feeling quite up to it. So Dad — a city boy from birth — got to see a newborn calf and he watched enraptured as the baby struggled to its feet and took its first nourishing meal of colostrum. He’d never seen a newborn calf before.
Lily spent a good deal of time licking her baby. This accomplishes three things: (1) it cleans the newborn; (2) it stimulates the baby’s circulation; and (3) it familiarizes the cow with her baby’s unique scent.
The rest of the herd was eager to catch a glimpse of the newcomer.
While we’re not positive of the gender, the elegant long head makes me think it’s a girl. Boys usually have shorter heads. Younger Daughter tentatively has named her Leto, after the Greek goddess of motherhood (since she was born on Mother’s Day).
How to Raise Backyard Chickens…
How to Raise Backyard Chickens
by A Manly Guest Contributor on March 26, 2013 in Manly Skills
Editor’s note: This is a guest post from Creek Stewart of Willow Haven Outdoor.
I’m a smart man. I have surrounded myself with a very beautiful group of girls who tirelessly landscape my yard, provide rich compost for my garden, dispose of my kitchen scraps, handle insect control around the house, keep me company, and even make me a fresh breakfast each morning. These highly productive females in my life are not actually human. They are chickens, though I affectionately refer to them as my lovely lady lumps.
I consider my small flock of backyard chickens to be one of the best investments I’ve ever made – even though they cost very little time, energy, or money. If you are interested in having a harem of hens in your life like mine, below is some insight about how to get started.
The Perks of Raising Backyard Chickens
Some of you might be wondering – why chickens? Let’s get this question out of the way first. Several years ago, raising chickens was something that only people in the country did. Chickens were associated with farms and wide open spaces. Not anymore! I would actually consider backyard chickens to be a modern cultural phenomenon. Thousands of families are adding a small flock (2-5) to their backyard, right next to the doghouse. When I bought my first house it only had a 20’x20’ backyard. The first thing I did was put in a small chicken coop with three hens, which is the perfect number for starting out. The biggest misconception with raising chickens is that you need to live in the country. This is simply not true. Yes, local regulations or neighborhood ordinances may impact your decision, but many communities are very chicken friendly or easily convinced otherwise.
In my experience, there are many benefits to raising a small backyard flock. Let’s explore some of my favorites.
- Fresh Eggs: Fresh eggs are the most obvious reason, or as I like to call them, “Hen Berries.” Hens will start laying eggs at about 6 months old. They will consistently lay an egg every 1-2 days for several years. These eggs, especially when the chickens are given kitchen scraps and/or allowed to free range, are more flavorful than anything you’ll ever find in the store.
- Composting: Chickens are amazing compost factories. They will turn almost any kitchen scrap into a nutrient rich garden additive – poop. They love vegetable scraps, bread, grains, and even meat scraps. We’ll get more into food later.
- Landscaping and Insect Control: If you allow your chickens to free range (roam out of the coop), they will meticulously landscape around your trees and shrubs. They will also hunt down insects like trained ninja assassins. I often call them my little T-Rexes. I’ve seen them eat every kind of insect you can imagine, as well as snakes, mice, minnows from the shallow edge of our pond, and even a fallen baby bird. They are vicious killers and their distant connected ancestry to majestic birds of prey can be seen when you look into their eye. However, they love fresh grass and plant shoots as well and will happily weed your garden (or planters) once it is established.
- Pets: Yes, that’s right, chickens make great pets. When you raise and handle chickens from small chicks they will gladly eat from your hand, sit in your lap, and follow you around the yard. They will also happily poop in your lap as well. They’ll come to you when you call and wait for you at the door. They have great personalities. They are incredibly curious and forage for food tirelessly. They rise early and like to go to bed just before dusk. They are absolutely the most low maintenance pet (except for maybe a goldfish) that you can own. As long as they have fresh food, water, and a clean coop, they will be happy as can be. They aren’t needy like many animals and are just as happy when you’re not home. I leave my hens for days at a time with no problems.
Read the entire very informative and entertaining article at:
The Art of Manliness: http://www.artofmanliness.com/2013/03/26/how-to-raise-backyard-chickens/
Watch Out! Naked Chicks with Guns!
Found at The Daley Gator: http://thedaleygator.wordpress.com/
God Loves You Unconditionally…and So Do Dogs
Found at Mad Medic:http://maddmedic.wordpress.com/
I Don’t Feel Very Motivated Today Either…
I agree with the Irishman – I don’t feel very motivated today. ZTW
From Feral Irishman: http://theferalirishman.blogspot.com/
Rhinos and RINOS…
Found at Mad Medic: http://maddmedic.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/rhinos.jpg
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Hilarious Samsung Washer and Grizzly Bear Commercial Shoot
Found at Rural Revolution
The Elephant Whisperer – A Good Story for Today and a Tribute to a Great Human Being
OFF TOPIC: Two herds of elephants trek 12 miles to mourn the loss of their friend – Lawrence Anthony
When author and legendary conservationist, Lawrence Anthony, renowned for saving the lives of countless elephants, died on March 7, 2012, a large procession of elephants walked at least 12 hours to Anthony’s house to pay respects to their special friend.
TUMBLR It was their way of silently saying goodbye to a man who recognized their humanity and valued their lives. It is also a remarkable proof that animals have the capacity to grieve and mourn the loss of those close to them…not limited to their own species.
Lawrence Anthony, a legend in South Africa and author, bravely rescued wildlife and rehabilitated elephants all over the globe from human atrocities.
For 12 hours, two herds of wild South African elephants slowly made their way through the Zululand bush until they reached the house of late author Lawrence Anthony, the conservationist who saved their lives.The formerly violent, rogue elephants, destined to be shot a few years ago as pests, were rescued and rehabilitated by Anthony, who had grown up in the bush and was known as the “Elephant Whisperer.”
For two days the herds loitered at Anthony’s rural compound on the vast Thula Thula game reserve in the South African KwaZulu – to say good-bye to the man they loved. But how did they know he had died March 7? Known for his unique ability to calm traumatized elephants, Anthony had become a legend. He is the author of three books, Babylon Ark, detailing his efforts to rescue the animals at Baghdad Zoo during the Iraqi war, the forthcoming The Last Rhinos, and his bestselling The Elephant Whisperer.
There are two elephant herds at Thula Thula. According to his son Dylan, both arrived at the Anthony family compound shortly after Anthony’s death.“They had not visited the house for a year and a half and it must have taken them about 12 hours to make the journey,” Dylan is quoted in various local news accounts.
Lawrence Anthony and his wife Francois“The first herd arrived on Sunday and the second herd, a day later. They all hung around for days before making their way back into the bush.”Elephants have long been known to mourn their dead. In India, baby elephants often are raised with a boy who will be their lifelong “mahout.” The pair develop legendary bonds – and it is not uncommon for one to waste away without a will to live after the death of the other
Anthony was convinced that they could communicate on another level. And now here they are, every night, coming to say goodbye.” is what a friend had to say after seeing what took place following his death.
Found at Bare Naked islam: http://www.barenakedislam.com/
Well…Are You Going to Give Me Some or Not?
Found the pic at Theo: http://www.theospark.net/
Pigs Will Now Be on Airplanes…Mooslims Up Shit Creek…Brilliant Move to Thwart Terrorism…Just Watch Out for The Pig Manure in The Aisle
Under Rule by Bleeding Heart Lunatics, Pigs Fly
It isn’t easy for our moonbat rulers to top the totalitarian do-gooder absurdity of forcing restaurants to allow horses inside, but they are certainly trying:
Pot-bellied pigs must be granted passage on airplanes if they are used for “emotional support” by their owners, states the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) draft manual on equity for the disabled in air travel.
The DOT published its “Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air Travel: Draft Technical Assistance Manual” in the Federal Register on July 5, providing guidance that allows swine on airplanes if they are determined to be service animals.
What happens when the pig wants to squirt out some smelly greenish brown goo?
Carriers must also provide “relief areas” for service animals. “With respect to terminal facilities you own, lease, or control at a U.S. airport, you must, in cooperation with the airport operator, provide relief areas for service animals that accompany passengers with a disability who are departing, arriving, or connecting at an airport on your flights,” the manual states.
This gives an idea of how federal regulations manage to cost us close to $2,000,000,000,000.00 per year (PDF).
Pot-bellied pigs weigh as much as 300 pounds. Disabilities can include psychiatric ailments that boil down to being weird.
There are some limits to the insanity — for now:
Though pot-bellied pigs are permissible, the DOT forbids some animals from aircraft. “As a U.S. carrier, you are not required to carry certain unusual service animals in the aircraft cabin such as ferrets, rodents, spiders, snakes and other reptiles,” it states.
However, it is only a matter of time before someone with a pet rattlesnake and an emotional “disability” sues because they don’t allow snakes on planes.
Horses and monkeys are already allowed. No really.
Yet passengers are strictly forbidden to bring shampoo in containers larger than 3 ounces. We can’t have anarchy in the skies, you know.
Ham-fisted government edicts have so many unintended consequences that it was only a matter of time until they finally produced a beneficial one. Pigs on planes could help ward off Muslims.
On tips from Gary A and Varla.
Guide Horses for Blind Mooslims? That’s Horseshit! That’s What Will Be all over The Floors Everywhere They Go…
GUIDE HORSES? Obama’s Department of ‘Islamic’ Justice bows down to Muslims’ irrational hatred of dogs
Posted: June 27, 2012 | Author: barenakedislam |
Because Muslims consider dogs to be filthy, the cases of pet dogs being posioned in Europe and Turkey have skyrocketed. And now, this Muslim dog insanity is being submitted to by the Islamopandering Obama Regime, who have ruled that ‘Guide Horses’ must be allowed in shops, restaurants and even on airplanes.
logic from DOJ: Miniature horses are viable alternatives to dogs for individuals with allergies, or for those whose religious beliefs preclude the use of dogs,” the rules state. A recent Justice Department ruling that allows miniature horses to be used instead of dogs as service animals for the blind and handicapped, also mandates that shops, restaurants, hotels and even airlines be forced to allow service horses into their establishments or face lawsuits if they refuse to accommodate horses.
First, let me tell you why the use of horses as service animal is both stupid and cruel to the animals. Horses are NOT domestic animals as dogs and cats are. Horses are not physically compatible with an indoor life in a typical home. Horses, no matter how small, are grazing animals who require several hours a day of outside turnout where they can roam and graze at leisure. Horses cannot be housebroken which means these guide horses are fitted with a diaper – humiliating. To confine a horse to a house with only a limited amount of slow walking as exercise is cruel and unusual punishment.
Horses require a lot more room than dogs.. Dogs are fed and walked a couple of times a day, while horses eat hay and grass and produce waste throughout the day. Even the smallest mini needs an 8-by-10-foot stall and room to run around for exercise. Walking slowly in a harness does not constitute exercise for a horse. A horse is meant to be in an environment where he can move about, small or not, eat throughout the day and be with his buddies.
Horses don’t get fleas, but they do get parasites, ticks and attract flies.
Now that the Department of ‘Islamic’ Justice has ruled that service horses must be allowed in all retail establishments, there will be a run on people getting mini service horses, knowing that they can sue any business or restaurant that refuses to allow them in. I can see CAIR sponsoring a program to give horses to Muslims, just so they can sue even more businesses for ‘Islamophobic’ discrimination.
But just as fast as people may rush to get in on the newest fad, once they find out how difficult it is to properly care for horses, they will abandon them, leaving the animals homeless if it doesn’t work out. It’s not unusual, unfortunately, for them to end up on the slaughterhouse floor because there’s no home for them.
Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) is trying to have this stupid mandate overturned. As he stated,
“What I object to,” said Chaffetz, “is the Department of Justice forcing businesses and restaurants…. think about airplanes. Look, even the Miniature Horse Association has come out and said, look, you can’t potty train, for instance, a horse to the same degree you can a canine. And so it just seems like the federal government, the Department of Justice, is going overboard in issuing a rule. Sure enough, they issued a rule, March 14th, and within a week, restaurants being sued in California for not allowing horses into their restaurant. It just seems absurd, just over the top.”
Read the rest at Bare Naked Islam: http://barenakedislam.com/
The Peaceful Rural Life
I really like farm life. Animals are so peaceful to watch. These pics of her chickens and cows are great from Patrice Lewis who writes the blog Rural Revolution out in the great west of Idaho. ZTW
From Rural Revolution: http://www.rural-revolution.com/
Exclusive Interview from Bo The White House Dog
From I Own The World: http://iowntheworld.com/blog/
