Butterfly Enjoying Clover

Whenever my husband and I get to watch TV, it's either  about news or we watch Discovery channel  shows.  They have very interesting shows  that are educational.  I remember we watched different kinds of  animals from around the world, their traits and how they survive in their environment.  

 Watching the segment about butterflies is pretty neat.  I was very  intrigued of their Butterflies life cycle. It said that they typically have four stages.  

 According to Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butterfly);

•  the winged adults lay eggs on the food plant on which their larvae, known as caterpillars, will feed. 
• The caterpillars grow, sometimes very rapidly, and when fully developed, pupate in a chrysalis.
•  When metamorphosis is complete, the pupal skin splits, the adult insect climbs out, and after its wings have expanded and dried, it flies off. 
• Some butterflies, especially in the tropics, have several generations in a year, while others have a single generation, and a few in cold locations may take several years to pass through their whole life cycle.

 Whenever we go to the  parks or   enjoying the outdoors, I am always magnetized with the  butterflies.  I can't help but  adore  their beauty and how graceously they fly around  plants and flowers.  This particular one that I took photos of was enjoying the nectar of the clover.  She didn't offer to fly away when I got closer and took shome photographs of her.  

That's one thing I enjoyed the most at our  old house during summer time.  I had several butterfly bushes and they are always full of different kinds of butterflies.  

Making Your Home A Home For Your Dog

You and your family deserve a home that fulfills all of their needs. A home should be a place of comfort and safety. A place where you can retreat to when the weather ruins your plans and mood. A place where you can be sad, or happy, without the eyes of the world focusing on you.

But what about your dog? They aren’t great at speaking the language of humans, but surely they deserve a good home as well? A home that fulfills their needs and all of their requirements?

Since Christmas is coming up, many new homes will be welcoming dogs into the family and sometimes this relationship doesn’t work out. If will for you if you’re willing to change a few things to help welcome your dog into your home.

It’s not hard to turn your abode into a dog-friendly and there’s no need for a complete transformation. Here’s how you can get started.

We’ve got to think about the area your dog sleeps in. Is it just a sealed off corner or a open area? Is their bed a leftover basket or something more advanced like a ProSelect Dog Crate? Whatever it is, we have the power, tools and money to outfit their bedding area for comfort. Buy some blankets so your dog can sleep comfily and make sure the bed isn’t by a draught. 

Now the bed is sorted out, it’s time to think about feeding your hound. If they clearly aren’t enjoying their food, get it changed. Make sure your dog has a full water bowl at all times, especially when it’s hot. Ensure that your dog knows where the eating zone is and please try not to move it around as this will only confuse the poor pooch.

You also need to protect your home from your dog. Dog’s can get full of stress and anxiety very easily if you leave them alone and they will look to play for comfort. This is all well and good until they play with your shoes and tear them apart. Put your valuables away and keep them safe, maybe you should also invest in a trashcan that your dog can’t open up? Make sure you limit their access to the bedrooms and bathrooms of the house as this is where the most destruction can be caused by a dog. We already mentioned crates above, but a good crate trained dog can be very peaceful and give you absolute peace of mind when it comes to leaving your dog alone.

Make sure your dog has no access to substances that could be harmful, this is easier said than done but the consequences could be tragic if your dog breaks into a bottle that could contain a deadly toxin. It’s also worth making sure that the plants in your house aren’t poisonous to dogs as this often goes under the radar.

If you follow a few steps, you can make your home a perfect abode for your dog and increase the happiness of everyone.

Give Love This Christmas: Welcome A Dog In Your Family

You never know that you are a dog person until you see two big brown eyes looking at you lovingly. It’s no wonder that the dog is often described as a (wo)man’s best friend: It’s impossible not to feel warm inside when you have next to you a creature who will love you until the very end. Pictures of grateful dogs jumping in their owner’s arms are all over the Internet. There’s a reason for that: Dogs are guaranteed to make you smile. So, if this year, make it a truly happy Christmas and adopt a dog. Here’s our little guide to prepare for your dog’s first day at home.

It Doesn’t Matter Which Dog You Choose

There are no better breed than others. With dogs, like with people, it’s all a matter of taste. And by taste, we mean which dog will steal your heart first, because if there is one thing that you will discover immediately about dogs, it’s that they can be utterly adorable. Whether you choose a puppy or a senior dog, your new furry friend will certainly melt your heart.

But there is more to dogs than the mountain of cuteness. Since the beginning of ages, dogs have not gained a trusted role in human families by chance. It is in their nature to do us good. Common examples that jump to mind consist of police and shepherd dogs. While these dogs provide valuable support to their owners, there are many more ways in which dogs are a great addition to any family. They genuinely improve the health of those around them.   

Make Your Dog Feel Loved and Wanted

You know the saying, a dog is not just for Christmas, it’s forever. So do make sure that your new friend knows that you mean it. You can do this in simple gestures and attentions throughout the day. It is, for example, important to pet and stroke your dog regularly, so that it can feel part of the family. Play with your dog at least once a day, as it is a healthy way of developing a strong bond and helping your dog nurture its reflexes and intelligence. Don’t believe that because you’ve chosen a senior dog, it will not have a playful temperament! But make sure though that you don’t tire it out! Dogs also need to feel that your home is theirs, too so it’s a good idea to invest in items that are designed specifically for dogs so that they can relax after a long day of games, such as dog beds.  

Image by Flickr (https://flic.kr/p/9agWik )

Care For Your Dog’s Health

Contrary to human beings, dogs can’t tell you when they feel poorly. They do have ways of showing you, but it would be better for your dog if you did all you could to keep it healthy and safe. This start with a check up with the vet to make sure that your new friend is well. If you choose a puppy, you will need to get it chipped. Most senior dogs will have already been chipped. Your next step is the most important thing you can do to protect your dog: Get it insured. Some dog owners prefer to save the cost of insurance, but you need to remember that you are responsible for your dog’s life. The insurance is designed to reduce medical bills and ensure that your dog can be treated in case of accident or illness. It is essential that you understand how to look after your dog to start this new friendship in the best possible manner.

Image by Flickr (https://www.flickr.com/photos/115089924@N02/15636300633)

American Toad

I found this toad in our garden few months ago and I  wanted my kids to see it since it is very seldom that we see critters like this.  This toad  resembles the American toad or Bufo americanus that I see from reptilegardens.com that describes   "Eastern South Dakota is the western limit of the habitat range for the American Toad, and they are only found in the far eastern counties of this state. American Toads are usually a dull brown, but can range from yellowish to olive brown to dark gray with patches of lighter colors. Their skin contains many glands that produce a mild poison to protect toads from predators." 

 Anyway, I gently captured him  and called my  kids to see it.

 Then we released it again in the garden.

 He seem to like it when we released him by my herb garden.  He stayed there for few days and  left.

Whenever we see  some critters that we seldom see, we always make sure to let our kids see it.

All of Your Weird Cat Behavior Questions Explained!

Yep, that’s totally normal and not weird, kitty.

Cats are curious creatures, in both meanings of the word "curious". Their desire to detect and search the world around them (as well as being potentially calamitous, if the saying is to be believed). They are also, frankly, bizarre.

We have opened up our homes and lives to these animals, and yet so few of us understand them. We watch, baffled, while they clamber into boxes and shove their little faces where they just shouldn't be. If you're fed up of just finding your feline friend fascinating and want some answers, then we've got a few to peruse...

Why Do Cats Rub Their Face On Me?

First off, this is a good thing - looks like your kitty loves you! You can be sure of this because what they're actually doing is claiming you for their own. Cats have scent glands all along the side of their faces; you can't see them, but they're an important thing for your cat. They want you to smell like them - so try and see it as a compliment!

Why Do Cats Explore High Places?

The higher the better, right guys?

Cats have a tendency to want to be as high up as possible. This can be pretty terrifying for you, as you imagine the inevitable fall and begin to compare pet insurance prices to check the coverage. While there's no harm in being prepared for the worst, most cats are fleet of foot - and the desire to be up high is completely natural. Up high, they can see any potential attackers coming and have full control of the situation. Giving your cat somewhere to hang out that's high off the ground is a caring idea, especially if they are prone to being nervous.

Why Do Cats Pluck The Carpet?

Scent glands strike again! This time the ones in their paws. Cats finding scratching therapeutic as well as beneficial for keeping claws healthy. If you want to protect your carpets, then always make sure they have options that allow them to scratch without damaging anything.

Why Does My Cat's Tail Sometimes Tremble?

This is another good sign and tends to happen for one of two reasons.

1) They are excited to see you. If this happens as your cat is approaching you, congrats! You're their favorite human.

2) You are getting food they are excited about eating. Again, the tail quivering is a sign of intense happiness and high anticipation.

Why Do Cats Like Boxes?

Typical!

It's worth noting that this is not limited to domestic cats; big cats love being inside boxes as well. There is no firm evidence as to why, but most theories center around the feeling of safety. A box is self-contained and provides a good vantage point, while adding a feeling of extra protection.

Why Does My Cat Not Like Catnip?

All cats love catnip, right? Wrong. It's genetic. If your feline friend is totally oblivious to this pungent herb, then they just might not carry the gene that makes them susceptible. It's estimated only around 40% of cats actually have the right genetic makeup!

How Dogs Can Massively Improve Our Lives

Along with being adorable to look at, our furry friends benefit our lives in so many ways. From improving our health to helping vulnerable people, and even protecting us against crime. Here are just a few of the reasons why dogs are so amazing.

Mandy is a great fur friend for these 2 @e.joops @ryestein_ . It's a rewarding and enjoyable #job for them. #afterSchoolJob #dogsitting🐶

A photo posted by Chubskulit Rose (@chubskulitrose) on Oct 7, 2016 at 11:29am PDT

They Can Reduce Stress and Blood Pressure

Spending time with a dog can help to lower your blood pressure, cut down on levels of stress hormones and even release a relaxation hormone. Not only will this make you feel better when you face stressful situations in life, but it’s also good for your health too! One study found that when people with borderline hypertension adopted a dog, their blood pressure reduced significantly within a matter of months. ‘Puppy rooms’ are now being implemented in many universities to help students feel less stressed before exams. They have so much of a powerful effect, it’s even been shown that heart attack patients with dogs survive longer than those without.

They Can Improve Mental Health

Dogs have evolved to be tuned into human behavior and emotions. While they can understand lots of the words we use, they are even better at interpreting other cues such as our tone of voice, gestures and body language. It’s the reason that when you’re feeling down or upset, your loyal dog will be at your side comforting you. This may be part of the reason as to why people are less likely to suffer from depression when they own a dog. Playing with a dog can boost the levels of the brain’s ‘happy chemicals’ serotonin and dopamine, which help you to feel calm and relaxed.

They Can Improve Your Fitness Levels

Having a dog means plenty of walkies. Not only is this good for your pooch but it’s also good for you too. Walking is an excellent way to burn calories, tone up and also get fresh air. Having a dog means you’ll explore lots of new places which you probably would never have found any other way. Parks, rivers, canals, fields, woods. What better way to get out there and enjoy nature and improve your fitness than with your furry friend in tow.

They Can Help People With Disabilities

Service dogs can literally transform the lives of people with disabilities. As well as serving as a loyal companion, they can allow people to perform daily tasks and get back out there into the world. However, to be able to qualify as a service dog and be granted public access, it must be sufficiently trained. If your dog is currently an ‘emotional support’ animal for a disability, with the help of a service dog trainer you are able to improve their training to be allowed out with you everywhere in public. This can be useful if your disability has worsened, and you have found yourself needing more support.

They Can Help Fight Crime

Due to dogs excellent sense of smell, they make an asset to organizations such as the police and airports. They can be trained to sniff out all manner of things from large amounts of cash to drugs- and allow criminals to be caught and justice to be served.

Cray Fishing

We always try to go cray gushing whenever we take the kids to Tomlinson Run.  It's a fun activity for  all of us.  We catch them  and then release them again  at the end of our journey.  It's one of those activities that my children both enjoy doing.  

 These cray fish are hard to catch because they are fast.  The kids see a challenge in doing it that's why they  do it.  They are very competitive so both of them wants to see their  skill in catching one.

 Having a bucket helps  in catching them as you don't have to use yuir hands to catch them.  You can just scoop them, still not easy to do though.

 Here showing you how the cray fish retaliated and bit  EJ's  hand when he was about to release them back to the water.

No cray fish was harmed in  doing this activity.  I love that both of our children enjoy this kind  activity.  Hubby and I   always  feel the joy in our hearts  watching our kids work together toward achieving the same goal.  

Big Doggy Smiles: Maintaining Your Pup's Teeth

It’s impossible to be in a good mood when you’ve got toothache, and that applies just as much to dogs as it does to humans. Although dogs are less prone to cavities than we are, canine dental health is still very important to keep your pup healthy and happy. Over 80% of dogs have some level of dental damage by the time they turn three – here are some tips to help prevent that.

Image Pixabay

Buy A Toothbrush And Doggy Toothpaste

Make sure you don’t use human toothpaste. Usually this contains fluoride, which dogs are extremely allergic to. Instead, purchase toothpaste formulated for dogs at a pet store.

Image Pixabay

Caring For Your Puppy’s Teeth

Get your puppy used to having his or her mouth opened while you check and gently brush its teeth – this will make it easier to do so when your dog’s an adult. Like humans, dogs have and lose baby teeth, and usually by the time they’re around seven months old all their adult teeth will be in place. Make sure your vet checks this out – baby teeth that don’t fall out can cause your dog pain and discomfort.

Image Pixabay

How To Brush Your Adult Dog’s Teeth

If your dog isn’t used to having its teeth brushed, it might not enjoy the experience. Choose a time when your dog is tired out after a long walk, and make sure you stop if he or she gets upset. Add a few seconds on every time you do it, so eventually you can get around to brushing all of your dog’s teeth. Try to make a game out of it, and reward your pup with a treat afterwards for good behaviour.

Choose Good Food For Your Dog

Dry food is better than wet for dental hygiene. Even if your dog refuses to allow you to brush its teeth, you can use crunchy kibble to improve its teeth. Wet food tends to stick more to the teeth and cause a greater amount of decay. Try to learn more about your dog’s dietary needs so you can provide the food it needs to be happy and healthy. Chew toys and synthetic bones are also great for strengthening your dog’s teeth, so try to pick one up from the pet store every now and then. You can also buy dental biscuits for your dog, which helps take care of his or her molars, which are hard to reach with a toothbrush.

Image Pixabay

What Happens If My Dog Is Suffering From Dental Disease?

Mandy is a great fur friend for these 2 @e.joops @ryestein_ . It's a rewarding and enjoyable #job for them. #afterSchoolJob #dogsitting🐶

A photo posted by Chubskulit Rose (@chubskulitrose) on Oct 7, 2016 at 11:29am PDT

It’s often hard to pick up, since dogs are good at masking pain from their owners. If your vet points it out, make sure you get treatment for your dog as soon as possible. If untreated, it can lead to pain for your dog along with tooth extractions, bad breath, and, in severe cases, bacteria entering the bloodstream and making its way to the vital organs, which can make your dog very sick. If you get it treated as early as possible, treatment will also be cheaper! There are also water additives that you can talk to your vet about – these can be added to your pup’s water bowl and they’ll reduce tartar build-up in the future.

Hello Puppy! The Best Ways To Look After The New Addition To Your Family

It’s such an exciting time welcoming a new puppy into your family on that first day! Expect lots of cooing and cuddles and lots of cheeky antic from your new best friend too. But for those first few days, your puppy will probably be feeling a little anxious too. It will be baby’s first time away from his Mom and brothers and sisters. And he will be in totally new surrounds. So here are some top tips on the best ways to look after the new addition to your family. For extra tips on caring for your pet, follow the click.

Meeting The Vet

One of the first trips you and your puppy will take together is to the vet. Make sure to choose a reputable company and preferably a recommendation from friends that are pet owners. Your puppy will certainly be spending some time here, so you want him to feel safe and secure.

Get Him Chipped And Insured

Make sure your pet is microchipped. This is the best chance you have of being reunited with your dog if he gets lost. All dogs over the age of eight weeks old should be microchipped so make sure your breeder has carried this out. And of course, don’t forget to get your puppy insured. If your puppy gets sick or is injured, insurance can help reduce the cost of medical bills and medication. There are many different types of pet insurance so check out this great resource to help you choose the right type for your puppy.

Toys And Crates

You’ll want to have lots of soft and chewy toys ready at your home for when your puppy arrives. A teething puppy is going to want to chew. So invest in lots of chew toys or say goodbye to your dining room furniture and your shoes! Have a mixture of different textures so your puppy can get lots of play in. You’ll probably also want to introduce your puppy to a crate for sleeping and training. But make sure in the first few weeks to keep the crate in a social area of the house. Puppies don’t like to be alone when they are very young. You may not be able to take your puppy outside for walks yet but it’ still a good idea to get him used to his collar and lead. So start practicing in the house instead.

ID Tag And Socialisation

When it’s time to take your puppy for walks, you’ll also want to teach him to socialize with other animals and people. Joining a puppy training class is a great idea at this stage. And also don’t forget to buy him a funky ID tag for his collar! Puppy wants to look stylish too!

Food and Treats

Make sure you get the right puppy food for your dog's developmental stage. It is important to keep your dog healthy with the right nutrition and oral hygiene. You’ll also want to get tasty puppy treats in for training and just because you love him and can’t resist!   

Selecting Horse Equipment and Rider Apparel

Do you love the freedom that you get when you ride a horse? If this is the case, you are certainly not alone. Owning a horse is a big responsibility. You need to make sure that you have the proper equipment in order to make sure that your horse is always protected when you are riding it. You will also need to get yourself some riding apparel if you do not already have some of your own. There are numerous retailers that sell these items. However, they can be very different in the selection they offer and the prices they charge. Here is how you can go about buying the best rider apparel and horse equipment.

1. Ask some of your friends who ride horses to give you the name of the store where they buy these items.

Friends or family members who are also horse riders will be good people to ask for help when you are trying to find the best place to go shopping for all of your horse product needs. These people know you and they will not have any ulterior motive to get you to shop at a certain store. Therefore, you can trust their recommendations. Find out if they know any good places where you can buy girls riding pants.

2. Are all of the biggest any most popular brands represented?

Ideally, you want to do all of your shopping at a store that offers a large selection of the most popular horse equipment and riding apparel brands. This is not always the case in many of the stores that are out there. You will discover that many retailers have contracts with certain companies that prevent them from selling products made by their competitors. Therefore, these stores will not be able to offer you the huge selection that some of the other retailers will have.

3. How long do you have to test the equipment that you buy?

You should only buy your horse equipment from a retailer that gives you a suitable amount of time to test out the items you purchase. A saddle is an example of horse equipment that needs to be broken in before you can be absolutely certain that you want to keep it. You might buy a saddle and discover later that it is not comfortable. Verify the amount of time the store will give you to return your purchases.

Birds on the Ferry

Going on a ferry ride  with our car in it was such a  great experience for all of us when we went to Virginia.  Thanks to an online friend who told us about it.  It was really a relaxing activity fir all if us especially after our  tuiring day at Busch Gardens.  While on the ferry, we saw a lot of birds flyung around and lot of them was on a ferry ride too.

Kids were fascinated by this big birds nest.  We were not sure what bird occupies it but it's a  big one.  Here she is, U am not sure if it's a hawk.

Watching the  birds fly and enjoy their time gives us the most enjoyable time  on the ferry even though it was very hot and humid that day.

If we ever visit Virginia again, we would probably go on a ferry ride again.

Incredibly Simple Ways To Make Caring For Pets A Breeze

Pets can take up a lot of time, money, and other resources. However, many of us have them because of how much joy they bring into our lives! If you would like to make caring for your pets a little easier, these incredibly simple ways will help you out. Enjoy:

Get Your Whole Family Involved

If you’re the only one who is caring for your pet, it’s going to seem like hard work. Nobody wants to feel like caring for their furbaby is a chore! Make sure you get your whole family involved. Give them tasks based on their age and ability level. Maybe one of your kids could groom your pet, while another one keeps their water bowl topped up. You could even rotate the tasks with a family rota or schedule so everybody knows what they are supposed to be doing. This is great for giving kids a sense of responsibility too!

Know What You’re Getting Into

Make sure you know what you’re getting into before you get a pet at all. You should research not only the type of pet you’re getting, but the breed too. Being aware of the costs and how much time you’ll need to give the pet will help you to make sure this is definitely the right decision.

Invest In Pet Gadgets

There are lots of pet gadgets that can help make your life easier. There are special leads, collars, bowls, and even an auto litter machine. Look into your options and see what could save you time!

Train Your Pet From A Young Age

Most pets can be trained, but you need to make sure you train them from a young age. Even if you only teach them basic commands and no fancy tricks, it’ll save you a world of hassle. Having them do what you say will make it much easier. For example, you can make it so they don’t eat anything without your say so. You can make it so they don’t pull you while walking them. If you’re consistent, you can teach them many commands that will help you to no end later on!

@ryestein_ and  Mandy,  after a  short stroll around the neighborhood

A photo posted by Chubskulit Rose (@chubskulitrose) on Sep 16, 2016 at 12:22pm PDT

Develop A Relationship With Your Pet

Making the effort to develop a relationship with your pet will make pet related chores so much better. You can play with them and groom them to develop a relationship with them, but there are lots of other options too!

Go To Regular Vet Appointments

Keeping up with a regular vet appointment will ensure that you don’t miss anything crucial when it comes to your pet’s health. If you miss something, it could take a lot of money and medication to make your pet better again. You don’t want this for your pet, so make sure you don’t neglect them!

These tips should make caring for your pets a breeze in no time. Knowing what pet you’re introducing into your home before you do it will help you to prepare yourself and know what to expect. Have fun!