The most regular pets in the United States are cats, dogs, and fish. Birds, and small animals such as hamsters and mice, are a detach third and fourth. Some pets that were formerly considered exotic, especially reptiles, are upward in popularity. Although dogs are found in more households than any other pets, more fish are domesticated than any other animal. Although most households only have a    .. more …

A puppy died in a Newton Street apartment fire.The blaze, which happened Tuesday morning at 102 Newton St., was contained to the bedroom and kitchen and caused about $30,000 worth of damage. The one-bedroom apartment is above the two-car garage attached to the rented house. (NOTE – To see photos of the fire, click HERE .) Ronda Wireman, of 100 Newton St., called 9-1-1 after the occupant, whom    .. more …

The American Biding Association (ABA) was formally known as the American Bird Watchers Association until 1969 when the name was changed to what it is today. The American Birding Association was a key element in the sport of birding and presenting it to the public. Before the ABA was formed in 1968 there were no formal publications on birding. Enthusiasts had to rely heavily on references from    .. more …

In the first experiment involving 32 horses, subjects turned to look more quickly, for longer and more often at their owner when they heard their voice over a loudspeaker than when they heard a stranger’s. Animal psychologist Dr Leanne Proops said: “Subjects were able to match a familiar voice to a familiar person but did not match an unfamiliar voice to an unfamiliar person. “The matching of the    .. more …

The main factors to consider when choosing toys for your kids are their age and their sex. These days, most toy manufacturers, including Schleich,help the consumer by giving recommendations as to age suitability for their toys. This is useful since children grow quickly, and are constantly developing new interests with their play taking new directions. A little girl may be fond of her teddy-bear    .. more …

It was once believed that while the Halcyon, or kingfisher, was hatching her eggs, the water remained calm, and this period was called “Halcyon Days” as in Henry VI: “Expect St. Martin’s summer, halcyon days.” The swallow, known for its swiftness of wing, occurs in Richard III: “True hope is swift and flies with swallow’s wings.” In Timon, “The swallow follows not surrender more willingly than we    .. more …

If you have not had much contact with such pets and want to find a great pastime, then birding is definitely for you. It allows you to get outside and enjoy nature and it does not cost a whole lot to get started. You can go out and find interesting species of birds that you like. Bird watching is one of those hobbies that you do not need a lot of information or equipment right off the bat.    .. more …

Austin, (TX) – Austin police are looking for the person who broke into Austin Pets Alive. Volunteers say the thief climbed over a fence then smashed a window to get in. Austin Pets Alive has since    .. more …

Pets are available at the St. Johns County Pet Center, 130 N. Stratton Road. Call 209-6190. Adoptions are $60, which includes neutering/spaying, rabies vaccinations and shots.Harry is a 2-year-old, male Maine Coon, current on all his vaccines and already neutered. He loves attention and plays well with his friends.Buster is a 3-year-old neutered male Lab mix, current on all his vaccines. He has a    .. more …

What are Fleas? – Fleas are small wingless parasitic insects that live off the blood of mammals and birds. Frequently, fleas just bother our furry friends, but sometimes they develop allergic reactions to the fleas’ saliva. This leads to the development of rashes and even loss of fur from excessive scratching or biting. This is called flea allergy dermatitis, and when present can lead to    .. more …