petistic

Researcher Builds Bird "Fembot" to Study Mating

2007-02-16T23:53:00.000-08:00

The male sage-grouse isn’t too picky about mates. Researchers have observed the bird trying to woo unusual objects — even cow patties in the field.

Now the males are duped by researcher Gail Patricelli’s bird robot, which is fairly convincing despite the wheels instead of legs. Patricelli is using the feathered fembot to learn about mating rituals of the greater sage-grouse.

While 90 percent of birds are monogamous, the sage-grouse falls into the 10 percent with a polar opposite strategy. They try to mate with as many females as possible.

With the robot, Patricelli can “get into a two-way interaction with the male.”

“It allows us to answer questions that would be impossible to answer without a robot,” Patricelli said.

Patricelli’s robot, equipped with a small microphone and video camera, will record the males’ behavior from the female’s point of view. “It allows us to get inside a real female’s head basically — to see what she sees and hear what she hears when she’s being courted,” Patricelli said.

Patricelli tested the robot prototype in Wyoming last spring.
“The males liked her quite well,” Patricelli said.

The prototype, about the size of a football with a tail, is still a little bigger than an actual female sage-grouse. The robot is nicknamed “Mama Cass” for her rotund figure. Patricelli will continue tweaking the design to make it more compact.

(via)

US Navy to use dolphins for security

2007-02-13T22:57:00.000-08:00

The US Navy wants to bolster security at a west coast military base by deploying dozens of dolphins and sea lions trained to detect and intercept waterborne attackers.


	Coalition forces trained dolphins for mine clearing

The mammals would scour the sea for risks and alert officials to terrorist swimmers and divers targeting Kitsap-Bangor naval base near Seattle.

The navy is examining several options to step up security at the base, but the favourite plan would involve sending around 30 California sea lions and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins from the Navy's Marine Mammal Programme, based in San Diego.

When it detects someone in the water, a navy dolphin drops a beacon which alerts an interception team to the swimmer's location.

Sea lions, meanwhile, carry special cuffs attached to long ropes in their mouths to "arrest" rogue swimmers.

Fat to slim cat

2007-01-20T01:42:00.000-08:00

According to Ananova, a former fat cat has become the UK pet slimmer of the year after ditching his American lifestyle.

Nine-year-old Willie shed 2kg (4.4lb) on a strict diet and lots of exercise, reports the BBC.

Owner Helen Ebrahim said the turning point was moving from the USA to Pembrokeshire three years ago.

"He went to the vet regularly in the States but they would just say 'he's big' and that was the end of that," said Ms Ebrahim, of Manorbier.

"When I brought to him to the vets here they asked if I heard about the weight loss programme. As well as the diet he plays outdoors and we have at least 15 minutes of active play a day.

Streetwear clothes for dogs

2007-01-08T01:34:00.000-08:00

The Prism is a swiss design boutique that aims at worked out superb streetwear clothes for dogs and their owners.

The Dog Bio Security system

2007-01-04T14:03:00.000-08:00

An Israeli firm has designed a security system to ensure jailbreakers or intruders find a guard dog's bark can indeed be worse than its bite.

Harnessing technology that interprets barking -- to see if an animal is responding to a threat instead of just routinely woofing -- Bio-Sense Technologies aims to replace or supplement expensive electronic surveillance systems.

The company used computers to analyze 350 barks and found dogs of all breeds and sizes barked the same alarm when they sensed a threat.

If the dogs sense an intruder or attempted security breach, dozens of sensors around the facility pick up their "alarm bark" and alert the human operators in the control room.

Dubbed "Doguard," the Dog Bio Security system is in place in high-security Eshel Prison as well as Israeli military bases, water installations, farms, ranches, garages and in Jewish settlements in the occupied.

Barbie Doll and Tanner Scooper Dog Set

2007-01-04T10:10:00.000-08:00

Classy! Finally, Barbie has a dog that eats and makes a mess! Tanner the dog eats and ejects waste from his body. At this point, Barbie can pick it up in a scooper, and then Tanner will eat it again-- just like your real dog!

Via no puedo creer.

Scrolling LED dog tags

2007-01-04T10:05:00.000-08:00

Customizable scrolling LED dog tag. Great for nights outs, it is programmable to say what you want, with messages being easy and fast to enter using three button on the back.

via shiny shiny.

Car Exercises Dogs (Sep, 1955)

2006-12-20T10:36:00.000-08:00

A proposal for a car system to exercise dogs, digged out in a 1955 issue of Popular Mechanics:

"With six racing dogs to keep in top shape, Dewey Blanton of Columbus, Ohio, has developed a “canine exerciser” that fastens to his station wagon. Blanton built a frame to support a long plank beside the vehicle. Springs fastened to the plank are attached to the dogs’ collars, permitting the dogs to run wide. Longer chains keep the dogs in check. The broad plank bumper prevents injury to the dogs as they race along at 35 miles per hour. Best of all, the dogs seem to love the exerciser."

Dog-powered scooter

2006-12-10T07:29:00.000-08:00

A fantastic way to harness the energy of your Great Dane, irritate those who might share the bike paths of the city with you and entertain the crowd. Inventor Mark Schuette of Oregon claims you'll be in total control of the speed and direction of the dog powered scooter because the dog is harnessed inside of the frame and subject to its steering and braking force.

Via.

Canary in coal mine

2006-11-27T02:27:00.000-08:00

I came across this interesting "usage" as described on the BBC website:

(Picture from the BBC website)

The canary is particularly sensitive to toxic gases such as carbon monoxide which is colourless, odourless and tasteless. This gas could easily form underground during a mine fire or after an explosion. Following a mine fire or explosion, mine rescuers would descend into the mine, carrying a canary in a small wooden or metal cage. Any sign of distress from the canary was a clear signal the conditions underground were unsafe and miners should be evacuated from the pit and the mineshafts made safer.
(...)
Coal miners now rely on carbon monoxide detectors and monitors.

Hello Kitty Dog Wear

2006-11-16T23:19:00.000-08:00

Via news.3yen, the "Dog Tee & Charm" from the Neiman Marcus - Christmas Catalog, pg 82, items 82a and 82b:

Penguin shoes

2006-11-13T10:45:00.000-08:00

'Elvis,' a Blue penguin gets his new shoes checked from Penguin minder Bob Morgan at the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch, New Zealand. The innovative shoe has been designed to fit over the feet of Little Blue penguins to keep them dry and free from infection after suffering problems when they moved to a new exhibit.

Via yahoo.

Halloween suit

2006-11-03T04:21:00.000-08:00

A very cute dragon halloween suit for that World of Warcraft lover's little dog:

DIY cat designer bag

2006-10-29T08:41:00.000-08:00

This way to get all the instructions to make your own cat bag!

Scientists put shrimp on a treadmill

2006-10-21T09:05:00.000-07:00

So one scientist put a shrimp on a tiny treadmill to examine how diseases impact their performance.

The shrimp treadmill, invented and built by David Scholnick, from Pacific University, allows researchers to measure the activity of an exercising shrimp for a set period of time at known speed and oxygen levels. "Healthy shrimp ran and swam at treadmill speeds of up to 20 meters per minute [66 feet per minute] for hours with little indication of fatigue," explained Scholnick.

To further challenge the shrimp, the researchers designed a small backpack made of duct tape to add extra load. With the extra weight and lowered oxygen, they were active for up to an hour.

Video.

New dog poo disposal system

2006-10-19T02:35:00.000-07:00

Berlin's streets are welcoming a new dog poo disposal system.

"Dog Service Stations" by Berlin-based "Wall AG" contain folded brown paper bags. They allow dog owners to pick up their pets' faeces without gloves and without having to touch it.

Hans Wall, founder and owner of "Wall", explains
"The idea is to have a bag dispenser for which you don't need a glove and therefore no one has to touch the dog dirt -- which for some people seems to be a problem. The bag opens this way (opens bag) and has two spatulas on the sides."

"They (the dispensers) don't use up a lot of space, so there is no problem to integrate them. No one will have the excuse anymore to say 'I didn't find a bag' or 'I didn't find a trash can.' "

The Pet Petter

2006-10-13T10:49:00.000-07:00

Petistic has uncovered for you this stunning idea patented in the USA in 1989:

Pets need petting and whenever your dog needs attention, he or she can step up to the Pet Petter! An electric eye spots your hairy little friend and signals the electronic motors to start swinging the petting arm tipped with a human-like hand. Remarkably, the inventor also suggests it can be used for human infants.

Dog Footrests

2006-10-13T10:38:00.000-07:00

These lovely footrests have been crafted and scaled to look like actual breeds. They offer a ready place for weary legs. Fully house broken and always obedient. Plush, polyester fur over sturdy, wooden frame.

Via adiktiva.

Pet Peek: every dog should have a point of view

2006-10-06T23:54:00.000-07:00

Pet Peek:
The PetPeek™ window can easily make that possible. The PetPeek™ window is a durable, clear, hard plastic dome 9.5 inches in diameter, with a black trim-ring and all necessary hardware for easy do-it-yourself installation into your wooden fence. It is an attractive addition to your fence. Dogs are curious, they want to know what’s happening out there! Help satisfy their curiosity and make it possible for them to have a peek.

$29

Surgery for museum's 'ugly' fish

2006-09-12T08:57:00.000-07:00

A fish at the Royal Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh has undergone plastic surgery after visitors complained it was too ugly. The harmless but unsightly growth was removed from the goldfish.

The operation was paid for using coins thrown into the fish pond at the popular visitor attraction. The lump, which did not seem to distress the fish in any way, was removed along with one of its eyes.

Decoy gull eggs scheme expanded

2006-09-12T08:55:00.000-07:00

A trial by the Gloucester (UK) council to cut the number of gulls across the city is placing plastic eggs in nest to fool the birds. The council found the birds stayed quiet for weeks sitting on the dummy eggs and did not lay more.

Previously real eggs were oiled which stopped them from hatching and kept the birds sitting on the nests for longer. But the plastic eggs proved more successful than the oiled real ones because they do not decay over time.

Councillor Andrew Lewis said: "We are leading the country in our efforts to find ways to deal with this issue and now these plastic eggs are proving to be a very useful addition to the armoury."

Instant Dog House

2006-09-12T03:13:00.000-07:00

Instant Dog House:

Unlike traditional dog houses that are heavy and require time-consuming assembly, this is the comfortable, well-vented pet shelter that pops up or folds away in less than five seconds. Ideal for taking on vacations, for a day at the park, or simply at home in the yard, the dog house is easily moved from place to place in its own compact storage bag that can be carried in one hand or using the attached shoulder strap. The durable nylon has an SPF of 50 to protect your dog from the suns rays, and the house has three windows and a wide door that can be left open for cool venting or zipped closed to protect against the elements. Includes sand pockets and stakes to keep the lightweight structure in place. Imported. 33" H x 42" W x 42" D. (6 lbs .)

The remote control for your cat/dog/horse

2006-09-08T09:26:00.000-07:00

The Hear Now is a communication gadget for tracking, geo-fencing, lighting up and even more interestingly it allows you to communicate with your pet!

Used as a collar for your dog or cat, it can track your little friend on a map on the handheld up to 12 miles away, and turn on LED lights so you can see him in the dark, and there’s even a call home button that strangers can push to alert you should they find your pet in distress.

Via Gizmag.

Sheep Poo Paper

2006-09-07T07:12:00.000-07:00

Creative Paper Wales has produced greetings cards and gifts made from the by-products of sheep.

After the sheep droppings are collected, they are sterilised, washed and mixed with other recycled paper. This is then turned into the finished paper and cardboard while the washing water is distributed to local growers as concentrated fertiliser.

Founders of Sheep Poo Paper Lawrence Toms and Lez Paylor said they had been keen to develop an idea which would create a manufacturing company which would be uniquely Welsh and could produce a product that foreign imports could not compete with.

Pupperware parties

2006-09-05T03:44:00.000-07:00

Pupperware party is a new twist on a Tupperware party that combines shopping at in-home parties and spoiling pets.

An entrepreneur named Andrew Shure founded Shure Pets in 2002 after seeing that people were treating their pets as family members and spending money on them accordingly. It's important for people with a passion for pets to sell directly to others, Shure says. His company boasts more than 1,200 consultants around the country, a number that's more than doubled since last year, he says.

A Pleasant Hill, Calif.-based company called Petlane shares that philosophy.

Lane Nemeth started Petlane in 2003. Petlane has 500 advisers across the country who sell holistic food, toys, books, grooming, health and safety products for dogs, cats and birds at what the company calls Pet Pawties. "Even if they don't buy a pet product from us, they walk away better parents," says Kimberley Coburn, Petlane's vice president of sales.

Rescuers to carry oxygen masks for pets

2006-09-05T03:37:00.000-07:00

Six Appleton fire trucks and 13 ambulances will be equipped with oxygen masks designed to be used by dogs, cats and other small animals.

Alderman Richard Thompson initiated the program after he saw a newspaper photograph of a firefighter in Superior giving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to a cat rescued from a house fire.

The money to pay for each $49 mask came from donations by local animal lovers.

The masks, which come in three sizes, will be distributed to each of six fire stations and to the Appleton Police Department K-9 unit, he said.

Heated Cat Bed

2006-08-28T23:17:00.000-07:00

The Heated Cat Bed provides gentle radiant heat, especially important for older cats. It plugs into the wall to safely warm cats as they nap, like an electric blanket. Should the cord get chewed and the wires exposed, the bed will still be very safe.

Via adiktiva.

Cows also 'have regional accents'

2006-08-24T10:35:00.000-07:00

Language specialists suggest that cows have regional accents just like humans.

They decided to examine the issue after farmers noticed their cows had slightly different moos, depending on which herd they came from. John Wells, Professor of Phonetics at the University of London, said regional twangs had been seen before in birds.

Farmer Lloyd Green, from Glastonbury, said: "I spend a lot of time with my ones and they definitely moo with a Somerset drawl. I've spoken to the other farmers in the West Country group and they have noticed a similar development in their own herds. It works the same as with dogs - the closer a farmer's bond is with his animals, the easier it is for them to pick up his accent."

Prof Wells felt the accents could result from their contemporaries. He said: "This phenomenon is well attested in birds. You find distinct chirping accents in the same species around the country. This could also be true of cows.
In small populations such as herds you would encounter identifiable dialectical variations which are most affected by the immediate peer group."

Dog and sheep shoes

2006-08-18T08:08:00.000-07:00

Sheep in Germany are being kitted out with miniature wellington boots to stop them from getting infections.

The PVC shoes are made by businessman Wilhelm Fennen who started making the all-weather boots for dogs, but soon got a request from a farmer in Hamburg to design footwear for his flock.

"The shoes are not meant for fashion but for protection, particularly when a pet has cut or hurt its paws. The request for sheep shoes came from a farmer who wanted to protect his animals from an infection that was going around,"explained Fennen, who has also provided wellies for an entire police dog unit.

Because your canary deserves it!

2006-08-17T12:09:00.000-07:00

This awesome Gasproof Canary Carrier dates back from 1949.

"Canary birds kept as pets by one Englishwoman would be protected from gas attacks by means of a novel pushcart while she sought safety in a gasproof chamber. Air from a pump operated by one wheel of the cart enters the glass cage through a gas filter as the wheel turns. If the cart is stationary, the wheel may be turned by hand. "

Via modern mechanix.

Golden crowns for kitty

2006-08-17T10:13:00.000-07:00

Classy! Sebastian, a one-year-old Persian, sports gold crowns on his two bottom canines, which grew sticking out from his lips in an underbite similar to a bulldog's.

His owner, dentist David Steele, said he gave Sebastian gold crowns to help strengthen the fanged feline's teeth. Steele said he was worried the unique canines would break off or become a problem.

"It's possible to work on animals the same way we do humans," he said. "I did it to strengthen (Sebastian's) teeth, but it had an excellent cosmetic result. The cat gets a lot of attention now. Everyone is tickled to death when they see him."

How To Stuff a Mouse

2006-08-15T22:23:00.000-07:00

Yeah, i know, i know, holidays are such a bore, that's why petistic is happy to point you to this extremely useful Very Basic Tutorial in Taxidermy!

Wanted! Ugly sheep

2006-08-15T12:36:00.000-07:00

Australian farmers are being urged to report any particularly ugly shwwp of the merino variety so scientist can improve quality of wool. Scientists say the "random genetic mistakes" in ugly lambs can speed up the search for the genes critical in good wool making. The ugly markers include falling clumps of wool, wrinkled skin, odd fibres or no wool at all.

The "Xtreme sheep" campaign was launched after only 10 ugly lambs were spotted in this year's lambing season.

Project leader Simon Bawden said lambs with "extreme and even undesirable features" can help unlock the merino's genetic library and "identify superior wool qualities".

Float-A-Pet

2006-08-15T02:56:00.000-07:00

Float-A-Pet is an illuminated inflatable pet collar with smart sensor and locative technology.

The collar serves to support two main situations. First, the passive system is used to recognize where your pet is located at night. The flexible solar cells gather the suns energy during the day and store it in small rechargeable batteries. A light sensor recognizes low light conditions and triggers LEDs to illuminate the collar. Second, the active system is used in disaster relief situations. For example: In the event of a hurricane or the act of simply slipping into a pool. The Collar has a clipped on CO2 cartridge designed to break away. When the integrated humidity sensor reaches its threshold, it is activated. It dispenses CO2 and inflates the collar into a float. The passive solar system will support the floatation device at night by blinking intermittently to get one's attention.

A work by Jed Berk.

Stairs for cat?

2006-08-13T13:25:00.000-07:00

Spotted in Geneva, Switzerland:

Temporary pet tattoos

2006-08-09T00:23:00.000-07:00

Your furry friend could now get inked-on attitude thanks to Pet Science Labs' Petattoos, temporary, water-based pet tattoos. The flexible rubber stamps imprint canine coats with statements like “Cats Suck,” “Who’s Your Doggie?” and “K-9 Supermodel.” Assorted shapes and dimensions can accommodate Chihuahuas, mastiffs and every breed in between.

(via)

Monkey hired to frighten off other monkeys from boarding trains and upsetting passengers

2006-08-02T09:34:00.000-07:00

India's Delhi Metro has hired a monkey to frighten off other monkeys from boarding trains and upsetting passengers.

langur monkey

In June, a monkey boarded a train at the underground Chawri Bazaar station and reportedly scared passengers by scowling at them for three stops. It then alighted at Civil Lines station. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation says it hopes the new hire will avert a repeat of that episode.

"It started working about a month ago and since then we've not had a single incident," said Anuj Dayal, a metro spokesman.

The langur's keeper -- or langurwallah -- is being paid 6,900 rupees ($150) a month.

Langur monkeys are similarly employed around the grounds of parliament and some government buildings in New Delhi.

Cool Vest for Dogs

2006-08-01T10:35:00.000-07:00

Originally marketed in Japan, the Cool Vest for dogs is now available in the US to keep dogs cool in hot weather. Owners soak the vest in water and it remains wet, allowing the pet to stay cool as the water evaporates and takes away the heat. A laminated liner keeps the dog from getting wet and the special fabric dries slowly, taking up to two hours. It can be re-moistened.

Comes in five sizes, two colors.

Via the Press release and cool business ideas.

Spider costume for dogs

2006-07-31T03:01:00.000-07:00

This spider costume might be useful:

Zoo fights heatwave with meat ice cream

2006-07-28T09:29:00.000-07:00

Zookeepers in Zurich (Switzerland) are feeding animals a diet of frozen berries, meat and bones to help them stay cool in the sweltering summer heat.

The "alternative ice cream" offered to animals instead of their usual fare has been a big hit with large cats, apes and wolves. "The ice cream should at least offer the animals a temporary way to cool down," said a statement from the zoo.

The Poochmobile

2006-07-24T22:34:00.000-07:00

Dog power drives an odd vehicle constructed by Z. Wiggs, eighty-year-old dog trainer and former railroad worker of Denton, Tex. Operating on the squirrel-cage principle, the dogmobile has a giant central wheel which is revolved as a dog walks or runs on its inside surface. The four-legged canine engine is anchored to a central shaft by a special collar. Power is transmitted to rear drive wheels by means of a belt-and-pulley mechanism which the driver controls by a “gearshift” lever.

15th Century Maximilian Rat

2006-07-07T02:09:00.000-07:00

Jeff de Boer has created this nifty armor for rat warrior.

Via.

Pet Translating Cellphone Service

2006-06-29T16:24:00.000-07:00

SK Telecom Korea introduced its new 'premium pet translating service', which helps to communicate between a pet and the owner with a recorded voice of the pet. If you feed an age, sex, and kind of your pet into your mobile phone and make a call to pet translating service center to record the voice of your pet for about 10 seconds, the translating service provides you with information about the current physical state of the pet.

RFID System forRepelling Monkeys

2006-06-27T09:39:00.000-07:00

A Japanese company has unveiled an RFID system for repelling monkeys.

The primates are first RFID-tagged. When they approach farms, the system detects them using RFID readers and notifies the residents via email. In addition, some lighting/sound alarms are used to scare off monkeys.

Via RFID in Japan of course.

Design for office: tips!!

2006-06-27T09:14:00.000-07:00

More into this series of amazing mounted animals in their man-made home.

Via conscientious.

Super Pet Cruiser

2006-06-26T13:25:00.000-07:00

The Super Pet Cruiser is certainly one of my favorite pet toy

Critter Cruiser is an exciting pet powered exercise car for hamsters and gerbils. Critter Cruiser's adjustable racing wheel allows for the car to work in three different ways! First, when the Comfort Wheel is in the top position, exercising critters spin the Wheel and the Critter Cruiser remains stationary. Interactive fun begins by adjusting the Comfort Wheel into the middle position. In the middle position, you can watch your pet turn the wheel and roll their Critter Cruiser on any flat surface. By adjusting the Comfort Wheel to the lowest position, the Critter Cruiser will work directly on Super PetÆs Hamtrac. Measures 12"L x 6"W x 9"H. For Hamsters, Mice & Gerbils.

What is even more interesting is the Hamtrac:

Pet- baptizing kit

2006-06-21T13:19:00.000-07:00

Yes, a Pet- baptizing kit might always be useful
And you thought "repent and be baptized" was only for humans. Not so, according to Father Andrew, who recently hawked ready-made pet-baptizing kits on eBay. Here was a chance to get absolution from on high for Nero for biting the postman and Cuddles for wetting on your drapes. Predicated on the assumption that theology isn't all that important, the kit came with holy water, a baptismal certificate, a prayer (of St Francis, natch) and instructions for a baptismal ceremony that will "enrich the lives of both you and your pet".

Mouse traps: always handy!

2006-06-21T03:02:00.000-07:00

Many uses for mouse traps!

To practice with air rifles: when the target shown is struck, it will leap into the air with a loud snap. Target holder is soldered to trigger of mouse trap.

You can also make an efficient burglar alarm with a two-for-five mouse trap. The trap is provided with an electrode placed at a point where the snapper will strike it. The wire frame forms the other electrode. A small piece of black thread is attached to the trigger and stretched across the open window or door to be protected. Prowler unwittingly strikes the thread, setting off the alarm.

A fire alarm can be made using the same hookup as described above. In this case the snapper is separated from the electrode by a small piece of paraffin. Should excessive heat melt the wax, the electrodes will come together, setting off the alarm bell.

Or use the trap as a spring bill holder for kitchen or office. Even better, photo fans will find that a mouse trap makes an excellent holder for 35mm. film while drying.

Special movie for elephants

2006-06-19T06:57:00.000-07:00

Good news in The Sun:
A herd of elephants and their trainers relax at a special screening of a new Thai animated movie. Kan Kluay tells the story of a wild jumbo who became the Thai king’s personal war elephant 400 years ago. The elephants watched it on a giant screen 50 miles north of Bangkok.

Deluxe Space Station cage for Hamster

2006-06-18T09:15:00.000-07:00

A gorgeous cage for your hamster in the form of a space station:

Cat with GPS

2006-06-17T14:30:00.000-07:00

From Don Cooke, author of Fun with GPS

Bulls get simulated cows at farmers' fair

2006-06-16T06:27:00.000-07:00

Live "sex shows" of bulls mounting a simulated cow have become a big attraction at an agricultural exhibition taking place in New Zealand.

The fake 'cow' -- a small go-kart with natural cowhide on its roof -- was developed to collect semen from bulls more safely and efficiently and improve artificial breeding of cows.

Similar machines are widely used in Europe but have yet to be introduced in New Zealand, where dairy products are its largest export. The go-kart, driven by a human operator, draws close to a bull and adjusts to the proper height.

Bull semen is commonly obtained using a rubber device known as an artificial vagina which is put in place manually by two handlers.

Dog with 'two noses' and no home

2006-06-15T22:38:00.000-07:00

A dog that appears to have two noses because of a condition similar to a harelip in humans is looking for a new home. Duo, a three-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier, was handed in to a dog and cat shelter in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Staff at the centre are having problems finding a home for the well-trained dog because people who have seen him rejected him as a “freak”.

Scientists analyse horse speak

2006-06-14T02:46:00.000-07:00

A new database of horse talk and behaviour could help take the mystery out of a horse whisperer's job, US researchers hope.

Researchers at the University of Rhode Island, and the University of Connecticut are compiling the database in an attempt to correlate nuances in horse whinnies with their differences stress levels.

The Equine Vocalization Project could help shed light on the communication styles of other equines, such as donkeys and zebras, and even improve how veterinarians, behaviourists, breeders or other animal handlers relate to horses.

Unlike the monotonal vocalisations of cows, goats, and sheep, horses emit a range of sounds from snorts, blows and sighs to whinnies, which also come in the form of nickers and squeals. The scientists have begun compiling their database of horse vocalisations from their own recordings and from those of other researchers. The vocalisations are analysed with acoustic software that plots the sound over time.

As part of the project, they will also be collecting vocalisations of three species of zebra - one that brays like a donkey, one that whinnies like a horse, and one that barks like a dog - to try and get a more complete picture of equine vocalisations.

Woman attacks dog breeder with dead Chihuahua

2006-06-09T10:35:00.000-07:00

A Missouri woman has been arrested for breaking into a dog breeder's home and beating her repeatedly over the head with a dead Chihuahua.

The woman was upset because the puppy had died. So she pushed her way into the breeder's house and tried to get to the basement to get another puppy. But after some hair-pulling, the breeder managed to wrestle the woman out of her house.

When she got outside she started hitting the breeder on the head with the dead puppy, drawing the attention of a neighbor who called police.

The woman then went back to her car but waved the dead puppy out of the car's sunroof while yelling threats at the breeder.

Reality show stars cats

2006-06-04T02:16:00.000-07:00

Meow Mix is sponsoring a reality show competition just for cats.

Ten cats from shelters across the U.S. will be selected to compete in the inaugural edition of The Meow Mix House. The cats will travel to New York City and live together in a specially-designed house from June 13-23. Webcams will be mounted in every room in the house to get a glimpse into what cats do all day.

Visitors can also go to http://www.MeowMixHouse.com to vote for their favorite cat, (starting Thursday.) The cat with the fewest votes will be evicted from the house. However, all the cats in the Meow Mix House are winners: each cat that gets the boot will be adopted into a permanent home and receive a one-year supply of Meow Mix as a consolation prize.

The last cat standing in the house will receive a job working for The Meow Mix Co. as Feline Vice President of Research and Development. He or she will be responsible for taste-testing and feedback on new Meow Mix product launches and line extensions.

Thanks Max!

Don't leave home without it!

2006-06-04T02:10:00.000-07:00

Upon contact, the POOP-FREEZE spray forms a frosty film on dog poop (or cat poop) to harden the surface for easy pick-up. POOP-FREEZE is a great companion to a pooper scooper for clean fast dog poop or cat poop disposal.

Each time you go for a stroll in the park you can store the spray in a very convenient and specially designed Carry Tote.

(via)

Pets on music records

2006-05-26T09:39:00.000-07:00

I thought our dear readers might enjoy this awesome series of bizarre covers starring pets and friendly animals.
(via)

Brake-fast bowl

2006-05-22T13:43:00.000-07:00

brake-fast® dog food bowl's patent pending design prevents your dog from wolfing down their food. The simple obstructions make dogs slow down to eat.
Tasty video.

(via)

The Bark Terminator

2006-05-21T23:04:00.000-07:00

BARK TERMINATOR electronic bark control collar has a built in microprocessor that monitors your dog's barking pattern and automatically increases electronic shock stimulus as barking persists.

A computer chip monitors the wave patterns of sound received by a microphone. This chip analyzes the sound wave pattern received by the microphone and is able to tell the difference between of a dog bark and stray sounds in the environment. This ensures that only your dog’s bark will set off the unit. Because sound pattern and volume are monitored, the sound of other dog’s barking nearby will not trigger the unit.

Bark Terminator uses a technique of gradually increasing shock output starting from a barely noticeable stimulus through 24 levels progressing, as necessary, to a seriously attention getting jolt. This technique works faster, more effectively and more humanely than conventional electronic dog barking collars because your pet is given a chance to think about what is happening instead of instantly being traumatized by an intense shock.

Coolbaby dog theme park

2006-05-21T22:56:00.000-07:00

Coolbaby dog theme park is a brand new dog theme park in Beijing. It boasts a playground, a swimming pool, obstacle courses, and also a restaurant specially designed for pets. Not only can pets have meals together with their owners, but the recipes offered are based on nutritional science and tailored for dogs of different breeds, ages and sizes.

Raising dogs was banned under the rule of late Chinese leader Mao Zedong as a bourgeois pastime and was only made legal a few years ago once living standards rose with the economy. According to the Chinese lunar calendar, 2006 is the year of the dog.

One of their best achievement

2006-05-21T12:50:00.000-07:00

Elephant Not Interested in Using Treadmill

2006-05-17T02:26:00.000-07:00

Despite months of training using treats to entice Maggie the elephant of the Alaska Zoo to work out, the animal is not much interested in using her $100,000 custom-made treadmill.

While Maggie's made some progress, she has a long way to go.

"She has two feet on the treadmill and has touched a third one on it," zoo director Pat Lampi said Tuesday. "Every six inches forward is a new goal. There are a lot of steps to go. It is just a matter of getting that fourth foot up off the concrete floor," said elephant trainer Rob Smith.

Trainers are using target training to encourage Maggie to use her treadmill. The training consists of three or four times a day, using a wooden ball on the end of a dowel to direct her toward the treadmill. If she moves toward the wooden ball, she gets a treat. If she doesn't, no treat.

DVD-sniffing dogs

2006-05-16T13:44:00.000-07:00

The Motion Picture Association of America has teamed up with The Federation Against Copyright Theft to bring you the latest weapon in the war against bootlegged DVDs: Lucky and Flo, two Labradors trained to smell and identify DVDs located in boxes, envelopes or other packaging.

Having successfully tested Lucky and Flo’s abilities to detect illicit DVDs, FACT and the MPAA plan on increasing the number of pirate DVDs seized.

In 2005, FACT seized two million pirated DVDs and now with Flo and Lucky, they hope to increase that number and decrease the £278 million criminal business of pirated DVDs in the United Kingdom.

(via)

First radio for dogs launched in Thailand

2006-05-15T07:16:00.000-07:00

The world's first internet radio station for dogs has been launched in Thailand.

DogRadioThailand.com features barking DJs playing vocal and instrumental music around the clock.

"I've noticed that dogs often respond to music. Some wag their tails. Some lift their heads while lying on the floor," says owner Anupan Boonchuen. "At my grooming school we found that when we turned on music the dogs' mood improved. They were more obedient and let us trim their hair easily."

So how can you become a DJ for doggies?

Mr Boonchuen explains: "One of the main qualifications is that he or she must be good at barking because dogs are our listeners, the DJs may have to make different sounds, such as whining or barking, to match the mood of music they play. "And they must be able to communicate with the dogs, even if they can't see them."

15 fatest cats on the net

2006-05-12T03:11:00.000-07:00

To the hall of fame.

(via)

Kangaroo gets plastic surgery

2006-05-11T08:16:00.000-07:00

A kangaroo used in Hollywood films has undergone plastic surgery after being attacked by a wolf.

Feznik, who has featured in adverts, at promotional events and in films, was left with serious injuries after the wolf bit its face.

But plastic surgeon Theodore Corwin, better known for performing facelifts, tummy tucks, breast enhancements and other cosmetic procedures on humans, stepped in with a free operation.

The LA surgeon operated on the four-year-old kangaroo to reconstruct his lip. Feznik lives on a California farm for Hollywood animals.

(also in news.com.au)

Remote control farting teddy bear

2006-05-10T10:17:00.000-07:00

I wish it could be a real bear: a remote controle farting bear:

He's cute, he's cuddly, and he's flatulent. There's nothing he likes more than to be in the arms of some poor, unsuspecting victim so he can let out a big, juicy one when you press the wireless remote control. Lil' Stinker as we call him, get's so embarrassed that his little cheeks glow blushing red whenever he passes gas.This guy is big, standing a full 17" tall.

$29.89

Bird food ads

2006-05-10T07:08:00.000-07:00

Fun way to advertise for bird food (the yummies are hidden on the top of the billboard box!

(via marketing alternatif)

Fire blamed on pet fish

2006-05-10T03:47:00.000-07:00

A pet fish has been blamed for a house fire which nearly cost a woman and her two daughters their lives.

Kipper, an eight-inch catfish, is thought to have triggered the blaze when it fought with a rival in their tank. Water splashed out of the aquarium and landed on an electric plug below, this sent a power surge up the tank's light cable which burnt the plastic lid which melted and dripped onto a leather sofa which burst into flames.

The blaze engulfed the lounge as Sharron Killahena and her kids slept upstairs in the house in Poole, Dorset.

Luckily a smoke alarm woke landlord Simon Justice who woke the family in time to escape.

Their home was wrecked and their six fish died but Sharron said: "At least we are here to tell the tale."

World’s first Humane Electronic Crustacean Stunner

2006-05-08T22:16:00.000-07:00

The CrustaStun offers humane killing compared with the lobster’s usual fate — being drowned in freshwater, knifed in the head or boiled alive.

Consumers refuse to eat lobster because of this perceived cruelty, the system stuns a lobster with electrodes and kills it within five seconds.

The gadget suitable for restaurant chains, catering organisations and large hotels will be available soon at a cost of about £1,500 to £2,000. A smaller version that could become the latest must-have kitchen accessory is in development.

Another sales boost would come if the more humane killing of crustaceans is made compulsory in the European Union; a scientific report has said that they are “sentient beings” and so can feel pain.

Cat beauty pageant

2006-05-07T19:59:00.000-07:00

Why this Sphynx kitten is part of an international cat beauty contest in Bucharest is a complete mystery to me.

Via

MobileDog

2006-05-05T03:19:00.000-07:00

MobileDog allows you to own a dog in your cell phone.

You can feed, train and play with your pet by SMS. And your dog will send messages telling you how it's feeling and so on. A mobiledog can also interact with other mobiledogs. It will also be able to interact with the environment, i.e. temperature, weather...

By Juliana Chan.

Pet Costumes

2006-05-04T02:53:00.000-07:00

It is not really halloween but if you are organizing a dressed-up party, do not forget your little pal's costume. Petistic.com provides you some nice pet-costume ideas and ressources: find more here

Do it yourself

2006-05-04T02:28:00.000-07:00

If your have some crafting skills like knitting, crochet etc, you'll find nice advices and ressources about how to build nice jackets fleeces and so on.

link : http://www.barlowscientific.com/technotes/home/sweater.htm

Parrot held in prison

2006-04-30T23:49:00.000-07:00

A parrot has spent five days under police 'interrogation' in prison in Argentina.

Two neighbours, Jorge Machado and R Vega, were disputing ownership of the bird.

Judge Osvaldo Carlos decided Pepo should be be held in custody until he said the name of his owner.

After five days, Pepo said Jorge's name and also sung the anthem of his favourite football team San Lorenzo. Mr Machado said: "I knew he wasn't going to let me down, he is a real friend and we support the same football team."

Italy restaurant fined for "cruel" lobster display

2006-04-30T22:56:00.000-07:00

An Italian restaurant was fined 688 euros ($855) for displaying live lobsters on ice to attract patrons, in an innovative application of an anti-cruelty law usually affecting to household pets.

A court in Vicenza ruled the display was a form of abuse dooming the crustaceans to a slow death by suffocation.

The case was brought by Gianpaolo Cecchetto who took his children to the restaurant in May 2002.

"They were shocked by the display," said Cecchetto, adding he immediately got in touch with the ENPA national animal protection entity.

Italy has some of the world's toughest animal rights laws. The city of Rome in October banned goldfish bowls, seen as cruel, while Turin passed a law last year that would fine dog owners 500 euros unless they walked their canine friends at least three times a day.

The pet Umbrella

2006-04-27T00:54:00.000-07:00

The Pet Umbrella keeps your pet dry and comfortable in rain, sleet or snow. Features include a clear oblong arc trimmed with classic plaid waterproof fabric and ergonomic, angled handle with padded comfort grip. An umbrella leash with hook attaches easily and quickly to your pet's collar or harness. Clear umbrella body allows full view of pet.

purchaselink: http://www.rescuepetstore.com/pet-supplies-22698.html

Beautiful Bulldog Contest

2006-04-25T00:45:00.000-07:00

Hannah, a 2-year old English bulldog, has just beaten out 49 others to claim top prize in the 27th annual "Beautiful Bulldog" contest.

Hannah took the stage wearing a Drake cheerleaders' outfit and shocked the crowd by taking "top dog" honors over Porterhouse, a brown male from St. Paul, Minn., who dressed like a construction worker — complete with tool belt and hard hat.

Hannah will serve a yearlong term as the official mascot of both the Relays and Drake University.

Slideshow.

Cow seduction

2006-04-25T00:41:00.000-07:00

A fibre-glass cow titled "Time for Seduction," and dressed by French lingerie designer Chantal Thomass is stored at an art studio outside Paris before being displayed along 109 other bovines throughout the French capital as part of the Vach'Art exhibit.

Via Yahoo.

Petistics on Amazon.com

2006-04-24T06:43:00.002-07:00

If you did not know yet, Amazon.com is providing a large variety of really cool pet stuffs, as you can see hereafter. You can order and receive it as simply as a book through their website.

A sample of cool stuff you can find:

This amazing CLASSIC CABLE SWEATER Red X-Small

This fantastic Weekender on Wheels Blue pet carrier

This fantastic Puddles Rainwear Yellow rainjacket

Dog Wings Ring Holder

2006-04-23T13:31:00.000-07:00

For a perfect wedding: this dog wings ring holder is great: Dog wings with elastic leg front leg bands, a marabou pouf and satin ribbon to hold the rings.

Trapped Rat Shoots Self and Photographs the Fatal Event

2006-04-21T09:55:00.000-07:00

From an 1935 issue of the magazine Modern Mechanix:

Trapped in a contrivance built by George W. Fenner, a hungry rat shot himself and left a picture of the event.

"A piece of bait was suspended from a wire at one end of the trap. Nibbling eagerly at the bait, the rat released a catch which dropped a spring-operated hammer, tripping the trigger of a revolver mounted at the opposite end of the trap.
The shot not only killed the rat but also cut a piece of string connected with still another spring. The latter set off a flashlight, supplying the illumination necessary to take the picture. In addition to the camera and lethal apparatus, a watch hung near the gun recorded the time of shooting."

Via modern mechanix.

Images from the "Pig Olympics"

2006-04-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

MSN-Mainichi has a collection of photos and even a video about Russia's annual "Pig Olympics" that took place over the weekend.

Chicken fashion

2006-04-16T07:15:00.000-07:00

Long overdue: a post about the very trendy Chicken Suit!

Austrian chicken suit designer Edgar Honetschlaeger said "It's something that you don't really need but everyone wants to have anyway."

Several farmers have already had chicken suits with the name of their farm ordered and many advertisers have enquired about the possibility of having sponsored suits promoting everything from KFC to chicken soup.

Video of the chicks on catwalk.

Thanks Squeaky!

Vote for Ugliest Dog

2006-04-16T06:59:00.000-07:00

Our most faithful readers might remember that this blog kicked off with an obituary: Ugly Dog Sam had just passed that very sad day of November, 21 last year.

But here's great news: contenders are already showing their worst at the World's Ugliest Dog Contest to fill the void left by Li’l Sam. The actual contest is scheduled for Friday, June 23rd but you can already cast your vote online.

Thanks Max!

Disposable petwear

2006-04-14T10:56:00.000-07:00

Petsleeves are "Disposable Petwear", designed to reduce the amount of loose pet hair and allergens on your furniture and rug, and to help protect your dog or cat from fleas and burrs.

The denim blue garment is made of 100% polyester, and you don't wash it, just throw it away. It can also be worn under pet clothes to protect the clothes themselves.

Via Strange New Products. Thanks Emily!

Designer pet carriers

2006-04-13T02:50:00.000-07:00

Let's talk a little bit more about pet carriers. More precisely Designers' pet carriers. You can find a large a set of beautiful and stylish designed pet carriers.

Classic Plaid "FurBerry-Camel"

Pampered Puppy Pet Carrier by World According To Jess

discover more http://www.handsnpaws.com/category/carriers.adesigner/

Hollywood star's dog designer

2006-04-13T02:35:00.000-07:00

If you enjoy gossips about stars and their pets, you probably did not miss the story about Tori Spelling's dog personal fashion designer. Petistic found the adress for you. Just because your companion deserves it.

link: http://216.105.50.28/index.asp

Olympig Games

2006-04-12T23:46:00.000-07:00

Apparently the Olympic Games for pigs are taking place these days in Moscow. Athlets from 7 countries compete in pig-running, pig-swimming, and pig-ball competitions.

In the pig-ball competition the teams consist of five piglets. Their aim is to kick the ball into the opposite goal.

Image via 20 minutos. Details in fun reports.

Pet Pocket

2006-04-12T22:35:00.000-07:00

PetPocket® is a hands free vest-style carrier that allows you to carry your pet with you almost anywhere you go. Just strap it to your shoulders like a babypack and instead of being treated like a piece of luggage, your little one is entertained and content to view the sights as you do.

Via iconoculture.

Hunt for the monster rabbit

2006-04-07T14:00:00.000-07:00

Shooters have been brought in to defend allotment patches in Northern England against the attacks of a ravenous giant rabbit, reported to have ripped up dozens of prize-winning leeks and turnips.

Four gardeners described the rabbit as having one ear larger than the other. The main clues are oversized paw prints and sightings of what growers claim to be a cross between a hare and a rabbit.

Grower Jeff Smith, 63, said: "This is no ordinary rabbit. We are dealing with a monster. It is absolutely massive. I have seen its prints and they are huge, bigger than a deer. It is a brute of a thing."

Mr Smith, who has kept an allotment for 25 years, added: "We have two lads here with guns who are trying to shoot it, but it is clever. They never see it. There were big rabbits in the 1950s and 1960s before pesticides were introduced, but not like this."

Marksman Brian Cadman, 17, said: "We've been told to shoot on sight, but we've not had much luck yet.
It's been taking huge bites out of cabbages, carrots and turnips. It's a hungry fella."

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) urged the growers to set a humane trap for the animal and release it elsewhere.

The pet plus dog leash

2006-04-06T08:01:00.000-07:00

The pet plus dog leash by Alice Wang:

Pikachu Fluffy

2006-04-06T05:29:00.000-07:00

Offering a Pikachu fluffy to your dog will provide him lots of fun opportunities:

Charity launches rat beauty pageant

2006-04-04T12:54:00.000-07:00

Today, it's World Rat Day, a chance for rat owners to celebrate their pets!

"There is a stigma attached to owning a rat," says Stella Hulott, who runs the charity and rat shelter, CavyRescue which is staging a rat beauty pageant for the occasion: people can send in and judge pictures on the charity's website. The winner will get a luxury rat home worth £80.

Mrs Hulott and her husband set up their charity to educate people about rats and run a recycle-a-rodent scheme to re-house homeless domestic rats, along with other small furry animals. They hope to expand and open a rat sanctuary that is staffed 24-hours-a-day. Their website is packed with useful information such as how to hear your rat speak!

Image of the day

2006-04-04T06:55:00.000-07:00

A very effective way to protect ruminants against cow abduction by aliens.

Via Otomano.

Advertising chimps get fat raise

2006-04-04T05:59:00.000-07:00

A group of commercial actors secured a 25% to 30% pay increase last
year without so much as a union meeting or strike threat.

The cost for using chimps in CareerBuilder's ads has increased as much as 30%
since the campaign first began in 2004.

Chimp compensation is on the rise, animal trainers and ad agency creatives
said, because a recent surge of retirements has created a primate shortage.
And that-paired with marketers' potent urge to tap chimps and
orangutans to hawk job listings, light beer and stock brokerages-is driving
prices up.

And there's some evidence that years of animal-rights activists' protests
against their use contributed to the shortage, both by dissuading some marketers
from using chimps and encouraging trainers to retire them.

The biggest blow came last year, when Hollywood's largest trainer, Bob Dunn,
retired his 11 chimps and six orangutans to a Florida animal sanctuary because
"there was an opportunity to keep them together as a family."

Then there's the cost. Chimps, for instance, can only act until about
age eight, at which point they become too large and erratic to be controlled
on film sets. But they can live to age 60, at a cost of more than $10,000 a
year at an animal sanctuary.

The retirements created a minor windfall for those still working, at least
in the short-term. A spokeswoman for ape handler Steve Martin's Working Wildlife
said the cost of using its chimps rose 25% last year, to $1,000 per day from $800.

But she doesn't expect the price increases to continue, considering advances
in computer animation that make it possible to create realistic animal
effects on screen.

Thanks Max!

Dozens of ways to ridicule kitty

2006-04-04T05:45:00.000-07:00

If you liked the lion suit for cats, you might be interested in this fabulous collection of fantasy costume for felines.

Thanks Constant.

Fish School

2006-04-03T05:47:00.000-07:00

If you're like me, you want to have your fish entertained. Fish school is made for them! The kit consists of an instructional manual plus some tank toys like a soccer ball, net, hoop and feeding pole (the feeding pole is the key to this whole system). You use food flakes as an incentive to get the fish to go through the hoop, push the soccer ball and do the limbo under the fish bar.

Fascinating videos on the website.

Via ABC news.

University explores barking dogs

2006-04-03T05:33:00.000-07:00

Analysts at the University of Sussex are using modern technology to find out whether dogs communicate in different ways in an attempt to help owners better understand their pets.

Dog growls are made up of components called formants, which form the basis of vowel sounds in human speech. The university said it is believed the formants convey information about the dog making them.

So far 41 dogs have been recorded but researchers are looking for a further 260 volunteers.

"I'll need dogs of all shapes and sizes, and I'd also like the dogs to be friendly and noisy," said Anna Taylor. at the university's psychology department.

She is investigating whether formants are related to the length of each dog's vocal tract, to establish whether it is linked to the size of the animal and ultimately what it is trying to communicate.

"Hopefully this research will help to reveal scientifically what man's best friend is really saying," she added.