Last Pinta Island Tortoise Is Gone

Photo credit: Yahoo News/AFP

Lonesome George, the last Pinta Island tortoise passed away yesterday according to the Galapagos National Park Service's statement. The cause of his demise is still uncertain and a necrospy is planned to determine the cause of his death. He was estmated to be more than 100 years old.

Lonesome George was discovered in Pinta Island in 1972 and it was believed that tortoises of his kind was already extinct. So, Lonesome George had been in the park service's program since then.

The park service said that it would honor the last Pinta Island tortoise by convening an international workshop regarding management strategies to restore tortoise population over the next decade this coming July.

So long Lonesome George. I am sure you won't be lonesome anymore...

Disappointing Animal Treatment in Sharjah Animal Market

I am not so sure if UAE is an animal-loving country. I don't know any law in place about the animals' welfare here. Maybe there is a law; I'm just not aware. However, I do know that UAE is not a pet-friendly country. For one, some pets (like dogs) are considered bad for some religious reasons. Pets are not allowed in the park or near the beach area. Pets are not allowed to be taken to any open court malls for a walk. It's really sad and frustrating for a pet owner like me.

Another frustrating and disappointing fact about the animals' condition in this country is how they are traded like a commodity. Sharjah Animal Market has been the target of many animal-lover supporters to regulate their selling of animals. Some have been found in a very inhumane condition like peacocks bound in a plastic bag and dogs kept in very small cages. Exotic birds and other animals have been sold too in paper bags instead of the proper cages.

Here is a link of some community journalists who shed light on what's happening in the Sharjah Animal Market. Kudos to Gulf News for allowing it to be publicized.

To all of you, if you cannot take care of an animal, then don't get one! Be responsible. Treat them nicely. Imagine what it feels like to be in a cage with your own manure and urine? Want to trade places with an animal? No! Then be kind!

Tiny Cat Village

Nothing makes me go "awwww" when a human being does something good to our furry, four-legged pals. I came across this article in the internet about a man who built cat-sized village for the homeless cats in Jacksonville. 

Craig Grant is not a fan of cats but his son moved out of the house and left a cat to his care. Little did he know that the cat was pregnant and soon had a litter of 5. 

He bought a 30-acre tree farm land near his Jacksonville condo and moved there. He erected the tiny cat village as a shelter for homeless cats and now houses 660 happy and purry pals!

Check out these photos and credit goes to Caboodleranch.com.

What a marvelous cat village!!! Don't you just love happy endings? :)

Lady Gaga's Gone Too Far

I respect PETA so much albeit I am not a staunch follower. I love pets, I love animals and respect their well-being. 

I read recently in the web that Lady Gaga sported "meat" inspired dress. So, I searched the net for pictures and almost gag when I saw her donning the outrageous outfit with matching mini head piece and shoes!

She said she did not mean any disrespect by wearing the meat-dress. What ever her reasons were for donning such a tacky outfit is up to her. However, think of the tormented animals being butchered to have that dress done - if that dress is indeed made of real "raw meat." 

Franc Fernandez, the designer, did not leave a comment. 

Lady Gaga has just gone overboard this time. People have accepted her theatrical performance and outfits but this one is just over the top!

Their Plea

It is really heart-breaking to know that there are many irresponsible pet owners here. I received an email from a friend about the animals on "death row" in the kennel. These furry friends have been, once in their lives, pets of families. Now, they have been abandoned and left to die.

Please be responsible pet owners. If you think you cannot take care of them, then don't give your kids one and when you're done, you just leave them to fend for themselves. Our pets have no voice. No one will speak for their sad plight. It is not their fault so stop being cruel!

To my friends in Dubai, if you want to adopt or foster a pet, please visit this site:

http://www.friendsofanimalsdxb.com/animalsondeathrow.htm

They deserve a chance to live a happy life. Give them that chance...

Barking Bloody Murder

I got used to dogs who barely bark. All our dogs before, even the bigger breed, seldom bark. This little Millie of ours bark like crazy when she hears footsteps from the hall and other voices. I want her to stop because I don't want to cause any inconvenience to neighbors bearing in mind that we live in a flat not in a villa with an open yard.

There are ways to actually curb your dog's barking. Here are some tips on how:

1. Put on a 'spraying' collar. This spray collar gets activated when the dog starts barking. It sprays citronella which is safe for animals. The negative stimulus teaches your dog to cease barking.

2. Use a 'shock' collar. Personally, I am against this one even if it emits mild electrostatic shock. The sting can still hurt and I find this cruel to the animal.

3. Say "No" firmly. If your pet stops from barking after you said no, give the dog a cookie dog treat. Praise lavishly when your pet follows your command.

4. Use a dog trainer's whistle to call your pet's attention. Repeat if the dog barks again. That might give your pet a little reminder to stop.

5. I have this little trick I do with my Millie. When she starts barking, I say NO firmly and lift my slipper. She stops. Always work for me. I don't hit her though. I just show her who is the "alpha."

Well, if there are still other ways to stop your dog's nuisance barking before you get an eviction notice, please feel free to share it here.

Love your pets! They are your best friends...