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Critter's Corner

Stories from the Animal World, and About Our Pets...


This is sad but sweet.

HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW

Here a female mate is injured and the condition is soon fatal.
She was hit by a car as she swooped low across the road.

Here he brought her food and attended to her with Love and compassion.


He brought her food again but was shocked to find her dead.


He tried to move her ... A rarely-seen effort for swallows!

Aware that his sweetheart is dead and will never come back to him again,
he cries with adoring love.

He stood beside her, saddened of her death. Finally aware she would never return to him, he stood beside her body with sadness and sorrow.

Millions of people cried after seeing these photos
in America, Europe, Australia, and even India .
The photographer sold these pictures for a nominal fee to the most
famous newspaper in France. All copies of that edition were
sold out on the day these pictures were published.

And many people think animals don't have brains or feelings?
You have just witnessed Love and Sorrow felt by God's creatures.
The Bible says God knows when a sparrow falls. How much more He cares for us


Live simply, love generously, care deeply and speak kindly.

Grace is God reaching down
Faith is man reaching up!


Name: Shadow
Age: Four years old

Gender: Male Breed: Miniature Poodle
Home: Charlottesville, Virginia, USA

Shadow is a Miniature Poodle. We got him when he was seven weeks old, and he weighed all of 2-1/2 pounds. He was a little black fluff ball that was full of energy. Shadow was given his name due to the fact that he is: dark as a shadow, silent as a shadow (he doesn't bark unless playing!) and of course, he quickly became my little shadow. We intended from the start to train Shadow as a therapy dog to visit with sick people and make them smile and feel better. He is a great hit. He will be-bop down the hall at the local nursing homes, without a leash, and stick his head into the individual rooms. If he hears "Oh, a puppy!" he goes in the room, hops on the bed and proceeds to administer some "fuzz therapy."

When Shadow was about a year and a half old, I noticed that he became very upset shortly before I had an asthma attack. After this happened about eight to ten times, I called Service Dogs of America and told them I thought my poodle was alerting on my asthma. To my surprise, they replied, "It happens!" When I asked what to do about it, they told me to keep him with me 24/7, and if he did it consistently, I had myself a good service dog. When asked about necessary training and certification, they told me he had to have at least one certified obedience school session, and his good citizenship to be "socially acceptable" as a service dog.

Shadow is now four years old, and has never been wrong when it comes to my asthma. He has saved me a lot of medications and several trips to the emergency room due to his advance warning. He is more than my little baby, he is my hero as well.


Friends Forever?

IF you thought the legend of the horse whisperer was impressive, here's an animal tale with even more bite.
Rather than trying to tame wild stallions, fearless Costa Rican fisherman Chito prefers a playful wrestle in the water with his best pal Pocho - a deadly 17ft crocodile.
The 52-year-old daredevil draws gasps of amazement from onlookers by wading chest-deep into the water, then whistling for his 980lb buddy - and giving him an affectionate hug.
Crazy Chito says: "Pocho is my best friend. This is a very dangerous routine but we have a good relationship. He will look me in the eye and not attack me.
"It is too dangerous for anyone else to come in the water. It is only ever the two of us."
Chito made friends with the croc after finding him with a gunshot wound on the banks of the Central American state's Parismina river 20 years ago.
He had been shot in the left eye by a cattle farmer and was close to death.
But Chito enlisted the help of several pals to load the massive reptile into his boat.
He says: "When I found Pocho in the river he was dying, so I brought him into my house.


"He was very skinny, weighing only around 150lb I gave him chicken and fish and medicine for six months to help him recover.
"I stayed by Pocho's side while he was ill, sleeping next to him at night. I just wanted him to feel that somebody loved him, that not all humans are bad.
"It meant a lot of sacrifice. I had to be there every day. I love all animals - especially ones that have suffered."
It took years before Chito felt that Pocho had bonded with him enough to get closer to the animal.
He says: "After a decade I started to work with him. At first it was slow, slow. I played with him a bit, slowly doing more.
"Then I found out that when I called his name he would come over to me."
At one point during his recovery, Chito left the croc in a lake near his house. But as he turned to walk away, to his amazement Pocho got out of the water and began to follow him home.
Chito recalls: "That convinced me the crocodile could be tame." But when he first fearlessly waded into the water with the giant reptile his family was so horrified they couldn't bear to watch. So instead, he took to splashing around with Pocho when they were asleep.
Four years ago Chito showed some of his tricks to friends, including getting the animal to close his eyes on command, and they convinced him to go public with a show.
Now he swims and plays with Pocho as well as feeding him at the lake near his home in the lowland tropical town of Sarapiqui.
The odd couple have now become a major tourist attraction, with several tour operators, including Crocodile Adventures, taking visitors on touring cruises to see the pair.
On the Crocodile Adventures website it describes the spectacle as: "One of the most amazing things that no cruise ship passenger will want to miss, the adventure show between the man and the crocodile."


Clever croc ... Pocho answers to his name

BARRY BLAND / BARCROFT MEDIA LTD

American crocodiles, which inhabit North, Central and South America, can live to around 70 years old. It is estimated that Pocho is around 50 - almost the same age as his owner.
They are also said to be less aggressive than their Nile or Australian counterparts.
Chito, whose real name is Gilberto Shedden, was given hi nickname by friends, who also call him "Tarzan Tico" - Tico being a familiar word for a Costa Rican.
And he certainly plays up to the name, wearing a tattered pair of leopard-print shorts for his half-hour performances with Pocho.
A keen conservationist, he also offers boat tours, where he eagerly points out a variety of wildlife.
But he only charges a few dollars to watch the breathtaking crocodile show, claiming he does not want to cash in on Pocho.
He says: "He's my friend, I don't want to treat him like a slave or exploit him.
"I am happy because I rescued him and he is happy with me because he has everything he needs."

Maybe you don't believe this story? I didn't at first! Please check out the video of Chito and Pocho on the following link.

Click here: Bloke’s best mate is a crocodile | The Sun |Features


Dear Critter lovers,
Thank you for your info. I am so blessed having you all supporting me in this situation.
We had Spook to the vet yesterday and his Glucose is normal, Praise God! I also mentioned my confusion about the food to give him and the vet said it's OK to just have him on the Special dry food provided by the vet's office. The thing is that every cat I've had in my life has been spoiled by all the different foods and treats on the market shelves and it's hard for me to have to quit with all the different tastes.
Tuna is my cat's least favorite food, but he loves the juice/water from the people tuna can.
The vet also said it's OK for me to continue with the boiled chicken breast and boiled chicken livers once/day...so I think I have it under control which has put me at ease.
God Bless - Eva


Dear Harriet,

I'm turning to you and all Critter lovers for some answers. My cat "Spook" was diagnosed a few days ago having diabetes and I give him insulin twice/day. He is 6 months short of being 16 years old.

The vet recommended special dry food and can food. The dry stuff is no problem, but Spook has never been the guy who likes more than one serving from any kind of can food and if it wasn't for having a dog it would be a lot of waste.

I need to know "What kind of cat can foods in the market are safe for him to eat?" and "What people food besides chicken is safe for him to eat?"

Your input is appreciated in a big way!

God Bless, Eva


Realizing there are no words to convey the wonder and mystery of Antarctica -- what it is like to be amidst such an abundance of wildlife that is totally unafraid of humans -- I pass along this video, taken on the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia, showing a remarkable and loving interaction between a young ("weaner") elephant seal (probably weighing 300 pounds) and the lovely young woman who was the "hostess" on our ship (ran all the hotel aspects of our voyage, but also loved to get on land and be with the animals). Video was taken by her husband, who was also our excellent chef. This video was taken last November -- so not on our just completed voyage -- but at a place we have been-- and probably one of my favorite places on this planet. This video says it all. Watch it first for the seal, and then again for the penquins in the background.

How to Cuddle with an Elephant Seal
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-8WKskPBTA

 


Kevin Richardson - The Lion Whisperer

Kevin Richardson, a zoologist and animal behaviorist, has raised and trained some of the most dangerous animals known to man. The kind of animals most people come to see on African wildlife safaris are what Kevin refers to as his playmates.

To do this he does not use the common methods of breaking the animal’s spirit with sticks and chains, instead he uses love, understanding and trust. With this unusual method of training he has developed some exceptionally personal bonds with his students. He sleeps with lions, cuddles newborn hyenas, and swims with lionesses. Kevin can confidently look into their eyes, crouch to their level and even lie down with them - all taboos in the normal world of wild animal handling - yet he doesn’t get mauled or attacked. Some people call him crazy; others shake their heads at his unique method of interacting with the animals. To others he is a hero because he has been able to tame and handle beasts that haunt our imagination, triggering our deepest fears. This has earned Kevin the name the Lion whisperer. The Lion whisperers secret - get to know the particular personality of each animal, what makes them angry, happy, upset, irritated - just like a mother with a child.

Kevin’s interaction with these animals has raised questions, and dispelled certain myths. Kevin goes to show that animals do have individual characters, they do show feelings and most of all they can develop a special bond with a man. Not only does the whisperer get them to do things but he makes these dangerous creatures to show their playful side. The relationship Kevin has with these creatures is that of respect. Both man and animal have great respect for one another. Kevin treats each individual differently, speaking to them, caressing them and, above all, treating them with respect. Richardson, who has been working with the animals for the last ten years, has had his share of close encounters. This in the early days of his work when a four-year-old male lion gave him a lesson he will never forget. He says the beast put him to the ground and bit him until something in his passive attitude stopped the lion. Honestly I don’t understand what he means by that. Maybe the lion wasn’t just interested in having him for lunch. I mean how do you put sense in a lion that is about to turn you into a snack?

Having learnt his lesson early on the lion whisperer says he relays on his instincts to gauge situations and will not just approach a creature especially if it doesn’t feel right. He is also more confident with animals he has known since birth.

Please check out the following link, it will take you to an interesting article about Kevin and his cats. Be sure and watch the video on the page...amazing story.

Click here: Lion King Kevin Richardson Treated Like One Of The Pride By The Big Cats At His South Africa Reserve | World News



Izzy...one of many...
Please pray for them all...


Harriet, I had to share this with you. Perhaps someone out there can pray for, or send a love donation to the Humane Society for the care of abused, neglected or abandoned animals. Thanks.
Merry Christmas,
~Gayle

"You can't give away kindness,
it always comes back to you!"

Please read Izzy's story
Click here: American Humane: Email - Dog left to starve in filthy garage


A Cat's Version of the "First Christmas"

It was a day just like most any day, I was going about my "catly" duties, and the kittens were home playing as kittens will do. What happened later that day, however, was anything but normal. Let me tell you the story of how I observed "The First Christmas".

It was around evening, actually, I suppose, it was closer to night; the streets of town were bustling with folks, selling their wares. I noticed in the distance a man leading a burro with a lady astride, I paid no attention at first, as I figured it was just another couple coming in to town to do some type of business. As they got closer, I noticed the lady was going to have a baby, she looked so tired, and the man looked very disheveled as if they had been traveling for days. They did not have very much with them, all I noticed was the man, he was carrying a staff. I crept behind a building so as not to be noticed, but, my curiosity would not allow me to leave entirely; for some reason, I felt this couple was "special" in what aspect, I could not have told you, I just felt they were "special". The man started going from inn to inn asking if they had any room for him and the lady, the response was the same, however, at each place, "No, we are full". Finally, they came to one that had some compassion on them and they said "We have no room, but, you are welcome to use our stable, it is warm and dry". He went back to the lady, and he told her what he had found out, she nodded her head in agreement. They found the stable to be just as the innkeeper had said, it was warm and cozy, and the smell of fresh hay was very soothing to their senses. He helped her off the donkey, and then made a little bed for her, then, he found a manger and put some straw in it for the soon-to-arrive baby. I continued to watch all this in amazement, I say amazement because all of the preparations were done in such a manner of love and calmness. I could tell that neither one held any animosity towards the innkeepers, they were at peace with the world.

The kittens, who had been looking for me, asked me after they had found me, "What is going on"? I told them to be very quiet, that I felt this night was going to be something that no one would ever forget. As we were sitting in our little bed of straw, I suddenly noticed that there were other animals in the stable, we were not alone. I saw a cow, a couple of sheep, and two other donkeys, they seemed very intent on what was occurring as well. There were some doves in the rafters, and their gentle cooing gave us all a sense of calmness. Some little mice came out from behind the barn walls, they, too, could sense something was very different that night. I looked over at them, and instead of a rollicking game of chase, I just nodded my head and smiled, I did not want to break the spell of peacefulness.

For approximately 3 hours, nothing happened. The cow started to lazily eat some hay, the sheep lay down for a nap, and the donkeys stood there looking around. I was having a hard time staying awake myself, and the kittens were already asleep, nestled against each other having "kitten dreams".

"Joseph"!!! I heard the lady cry, "what is it Mary", he asked, his voice full of concern. "Oh Joseph, I think my time has come, I am going to have the baby". Joseph knelt down beside her and held her hand, he put a cool rag on her forehead to help her stay in comfort. The stable animals, doves, myself and the kittens all focused our attention on the event. We were very concerned, as we had not experienced a human giving birth before. I do not recall how long she was in labor, to me, it seemed like a long time, but, it was probably only a matter of an hour or so. I do remember looking at my kittens and telling them, "This is a most solemn event, never forget what you have seen" they assured me they would not.

After the Baby was born, Mary had to wrap him in some rags, she had nothing else available to her. She then, ever so gently, placed him in the manger. I looked at the lady that was called "Mary" and her face was full of such beauty, love, peace and happiness, I had never seen anything like it. I then looked over toward the man that was called "Joseph", he, too, had that same, wonderful look on his face. The little Baby was peacefully lying in His manger, and hardly made a sound, I noticed around Him was a beautiful light, I guess you would compare it to that of halo. The entire stable took on the feel of a purely holy and sacred place, we all but forgot that it was indeed a stable.

Shepherds started coming from all around, as an angel had proclaimed to them the wonderful news. I am told that at first they were afraid, but, the angel reassured them. They were also told to follow a lovely, brilliant star. I even can recall some kings coming to visit the newborn Babe, they brought Him some gifts. More and more kept coming, Mary kept silent during the entire time, I think she wanted to remember this night as the "Holiest of Holy nights". When the crowd finally ceased to arrive, all those that were able, gathered around the little manger and the Baby in it. The Shepherds, kings and even some of the animals, it seemed, knelt down in adoration. My kittens gingerly made their way towards the crib, one stopped, his paw in mid air, then backed up, I think he was afraid, it was such an emotional time; however, I nudged him forward with my nose so he could see.The atmosphere of peace and beauty remained throughout the remainder of the night, the gentle cooing of the doves served as a lullaby and the sweet Baby went to sleep. The shepherds remained for a while longer, I do not know how long, as I fell asleep myself, but, I do know that they worshipped Him until almost morning.

The following morning, I learned just how wonderful and important that night really was, I was in awe as I had been given the privledge of experienceing this truly "blessed" event. I learned that the Savior of the world had been born, and that in the coming years, He was to be the most important Person in every human's life. His name was Jesus, and He was to be the "Lord of Lords and King of Kings". That night, indeed, WAS the "Holiest of Holy Nights".


Written by:
Susan Lewis
2009
May God Bless You Always
-A Susie-Q Original-


News from Winnie and Buttercup & Skittles...

Buttercup's stitches are all out. YA She has healed nicely and even shared her "I got spoiled at Tarzana Pet clinic T-shirt" with her lil bro "Skittles! Buttercup wears her quitar shirt now and Skittles the grey vet T-shirt and they are both nice and warm at night when it gets so cold out. They look so cute (will have to take pictures and show you)

Winnie the Wonder Bunny is ACTIVE. He (Official words from the Doc today). "HE" is completely healed. His wounds are gone. He is healthy and growing strong.

Today will mark a MONTH since Winnie the Wonder Bunny has come into our home. He loves it there. He enjoys cuddling on the couch with me and the dogs. Occasionally he will take off hopping onto the dogs back on his journey down the couch! I love the times he will sit on my lap with his carrot and each dog will take their post on either side of me chewing their duck jerky dog treats. It is such a joy how they all seem to want to be close together.
Snack time, YUMMY.

No more Meds at our house, the animals are all better. Winnie is more active than ever. Always jumping out of his cage, running across his playpen and trying to Jump out to come greet me. If I don't go over and pet him he will continue to jump higher and higher. (One day he will get himself out of that playpen. He is one deteremined little bunny). Fits our household. God gave all of us the FIGHT to survive and push through, and that's exactly what Little Winnie did. He got away from whatever was hurting him, hid in our carport until rescue would come and he pulled through his injuries!!

I'm so thankful to have him...and trying to enjoy each and every minute with him because he gets bigger by the SECOND!

Love you all, Steph


Winnie Rescue Story

By, Winnie's friend and rescuer
Stephanie Rice

Last Sat a bunch of us went to the park to play Ultimate Frisbee (we were going to be away from home all day). Just so happens that a few of us needed a restroom and this park had NONE. So we jumped in my car and drove to the house for a quick stop. When I pulled into the driveway I noticed a small white bunny hiding under the truck in the carport. It was so cute, I thought for sure it would run away when I got close. But it didn't. It sort of ran back and forth under the truck. The three of us spent the next ten minutes trying to get the little bunny to come to us. Finally Bethany's boyfriend caught it and we brought it in the house. We found a little box to put it in and gave it some carrots to eat. We discovered it had been wounded. Under its front left leg was a big gash. Poor little bunny.

I was certain my two little dogs would go crazy with a bunny in the house so I started planning "Who could I take the bunny to?" Was I ever shocked when both dogs came out of the bedroom and just sat on the couch. They didn't care at all about the bunny. No barking, nothing. (odd for my little dogs) We took the bunny to the park with us and than to band practice and than back home. The dogs still left the bunny alone. By nightfall "Winnie" had stolen my heart. I could not bear to part with her.

Two days later I got her to the vets. She is about 2 - 3 months old, gender unknown at this point. She had three small wounds that are healing nicely and the vet has her on antibiotics. She started feeling better immediately and the next day we found her "out of the box" and roaming the living room. Off to the store I went and bought her a 2 story condo with a yard (a nice play pen that attaches to the cage so she can be inside or out).

She is so friendly, sitting on my lap and even licking my hand. The next night my dog Buttercup (a little white Maltese) was licking the bunny and than laid down next to it and they both fell asleep sitting on my brothers lap. How cute is that?

Such a small little creature , and yet she has brought such joy to our little home. I am blessed she likes the dogs and they seem to LOVE her too!

~Steph


Friends forever; Winnie...Buttercup...Skittles


Buttercup and Winnie


Winnie's Condo


Stay tuned for more adventures of
Winnie and Friends

Story and Pictures
Submitted by:
Stephanie Rice

Grannybuns loves
Stephanie, Jennifer
Buttercup, Skittles and Winnie



Meet Kingsford, the little pig that could

Hit link above and get ready to smile!

In depressing economic times like these, everyone needs to see something sweet, enriching and heartwarming.

And Kingsford fits the bill. I had to watch this three times.

I don't know about you, but I'm never having another ham and cheese sandwich.

This little dude is so darn cute, it hurts....

But you can see from the cat's expression that she's thinking, 'Man, you are one bug-ugly kitten!"


Click here: Facebook | Potbellly Pig Lovers!

Kingsford the Pot Bellied Pig
Video and comment

Submitted by
Linda Turner
Oxnard, California



Cats are sooooo dramatic!


It all started this morning when I made
breakfast for the cranky youngsters


and fed the baby a bottle.


I loaded up the kids in the car seat and took them to daycare & school


I was late for work and traffic was a nightmare


My husband called my cell phone to tell me he got laid off from his construction job


I got to the office (I'm a Tech Analyst)


My supervisor chewed me out


for misplacing the mouse


I went out for lunch and got caught in the rain


I left work early to pick up my new glasses (wrong size)


I then picked up the kids from school & day care


Fed them all quick


Drove the boys to karate lessons


and the girls to tap & ballet


When we got back home, all they wanted to do was watch tv



and sing karaoke instead of doing their homework
After much chaos, they took their baths,
got ready for bed and brushed their teeth


I read them their nightly bedtime story


and they finally went to sleep


I tried doing some aerobics in the living room


Uh oh, I don't think all the 'fast-food' and exercise is agreeing with me


Now, I think I'm getting a migraine...


and a runny nose


I'm pretty certain it's the flue


After a long and gruelling day, I crawled into bed and was just drifting off when


I realized I had forgotten something!


Dear Lord, despite the topsy-turvy day
I've had I give thanks to you and

For all the blessings you've bestowed upon me and my family.

Next week, I'm off to the spa and pool for some much-needed rest and relaxation with my friends....

That's how MY life is going....
how are things with YOU?


Puppy Love
BY: By Jan Morrill

I ran across this on the "net"...oh that we could learn from our pets. enjoy
One rainy night, I dreamed a Beagle named Sunny came into our lives. The next day, by strange happenstance, a friendly little tri-color wandered onto our farm, half-starved, with that draggy-saggy look of having recently had a litter of pups.

She looked at me with big, brown eyes.

My husband, Stephen, knelt to pet her. "We should try to find her owner."

Knowing this was the "Sunny" from my dream, I said, "But she doesn't have any identification."

Still, we ran an ad in the paper to try to find her owner. Over the next several days, I dreaded each time the phone rang.

A week later, a storm rumbled far away. We turned out the lights for the night, and rain began to patter on the roof. Within an hour, thunder rattled our front door like an impatient intruder, and lightning flashed through the windows.

As though possessed by a poltergeist, Sunny whined and cried as she frantically scurried around the bedroom; she was clearly frightened by the storm. Finally, she found her way to the closet and pushed the door open with her nose.

Though we coaxed, she refused to come out, and we decided to move her bed to her self-imposed sanctuary. There, in safe darkness and relative quiet, she slept the rest of the night.

Nobody called to claim Sunny, so we adopted her into our animal family -- a dog and four cats. I took her to our veterinarian for a checkup and shots.

"No," Dr. Woody said. "She didn't just have puppies. She's about to have puppies. I'd say in about two weeks."

"She's... pregnant?!" But we were leaving for China in two weeks. I wanted to keep her, but now what would we do?

I guessed Stephen had succumbed to the pregnant Beagle's charms when he talked his son into dog-sitting while we were gone.

Four weeks later, we returned from China to six squirmy, gurgling bundles of joy. Mama Sunny looked at us proudly, as if to say, "See what I did while you two were off gallivanting?"

We saw what she did all right -- with help from what looked like an Australian Shepherd or Blue Heeler.
Over the next few weeks, we fell in love with Oreo -- named for the black "cookie" over her eye, Cleo -- for her Cleopatra eyes, Big Jake -- for his size, Blue -- for his one blue eye, Muffin -- for her golden color, and last-but-not-least, Scrappy, the runt of the litter.

Sunny was a protective and doting mother to her six pups. Though always watchful, she allowed our German Shepherd, Duke, to sniff and poke at the odd little creatures. We laughed as our big, black, ferocious-looking Duke would approach, sniff, and then leap back at the slightest movement from the curious puppies.

When the puppies were a month old, we'd grown a little weary of sleep interrupted by six yelping puppies, and we installed a dog pen in the backyard. We left the gate open, and built a "mini-gate," low enough for Sunny to jump over, but high enough to keep the puppies inside.

Not only did we sleep better, but it also allowed Sunny a break from her half-dozen rumbling, tumbling, suckling fur balls.

With Sunny and her litter tucked safely in the pen, we enjoyed peace and quiet as we crawled into bed. Gentle raindrops tapped on the roof, and the smell of wet earth wafted through open windows. I looked forward to my first undisturbed night's sleep in a long time.

But just as the peaceful weight of slumber settled over me, high-pitched cries drifted into our room from outside. It's okay, I thought. Just the puppies getting used to their new home. Go back to sleep. But the cries soon became frantic, frightened.

And it wasn't the puppies; it was Sunny.

Bright flashes of light flickered outside, followed by claps of thunder that shook the house. The patter of rain turned into a roaring, torrential downpour.

Snug and dry, I fought the call to go outside, but my conscience wouldn't let me ignore Sunny's cries. Climbing out of my warm bed, I pulled on my shoes and raincoat, grabbed a flashlight, and ventured into the cold downpour.

The scene was frightening. A torrent of water poured down the slope of the backyard and through the dog pen like a rushing river. In the strobe-like bursts of lightning, I discovered the puppies had been washed to the edge of the pen, where they huddled together, shivering and whimpering. A wild-eyed Sunny struggled to pull each of her babies over the mini-gate.

I ran to the pen, cold water splashing through my nightgown.

Shining my light on the wet mob, I counted. One, two, three, four, five. Only five? Who was missing? Scrappy! Visions of the littlest puppy being swept away by the water flashed through my mind.

I scanned the pen with my flashlight to see if she might have been swept to a different area by the flood waters.

Nothing.

I scooped up an armload of five soggy puppies and ran to the house. Sunny stayed by my side, jumping up constantly to check on her babies.

Inside, I called upstairs to my husband. "Stephen! Scrappy is gone."

His feet thudded on the upstairs floor. "What do you mean, gone?"

"I have five of the puppies, but Scrappy's missing. There's a river going through the backyard. I'm afraid she was washed away."

We searched the yard, calling for the little runt. Sunny scrambled around in a frenetic fit.

"Where's Scrappy?" I asked, wishing Sunny could comprehend.

She ran to the back deck. Did she understand? I followed, keeping my light on her white-tipped tail. Sunny stood at the edge of the deck, tail erect. I knelt to look beneath. There in the spotlight sat Scrappy, looking like a wide-eyed, shivering rat.

"We found her," I called, at once relieved and amazed.

Sunny had disregarded her fear of thunderstorms to save her puppies. Though Scrappy was the only one she'd been able to carry out of the pen, she'd tried mightily to rescue the others, even through thunder, lightning and rain.

As I held the shivering runt, impulse drove me to rock her back and forth, and I began to recall the times when my own instincts made me ignore my fears to protect my children.

Later, Sunny rested in her indoors pen, surrounded by her six puppies. She looked up at me with those big, brown eyes.

I smiled, realizing a mother's unconditional love is not exclusive to humans. And then I wondered. Maybe dogs are more like their humans than we know.


The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue. -Anonymous

 


The Bears and I, by Tom Sears

Black bears typically have two cubs; rarely, one or three. In 2007, in northern New Hampshire, a black bear Sow gave birth to five healthy young. There were two or three reports of sows with as many as 4 cubs, but five was, and is, very extraordinary. I learned of them shortly after they emerged from their den and set myself a goal of photographing all five cubs with their mom - no matter how much time and effort was involved. I knew the trail they followed on a fairly regular basis, usually shortly before dark. After spending nearly four hours a day, seven days a week, for more than six weeks, I had that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and photographed them. I used the equivalent of a very fast film speed on my digital camera. The print is properly focused and well exposed, with all six bears posing as if they were in a studio for a family portrait.

I stayed in touch with other people who saw the bears during the summer and into the fall hunting season. All six bears continued to thrive. As time for hibernation approached, I found still more folks who had seen them, and everything remained OK. I stayed away from the bears as I was concerned that they might become habituated to me, or to people in general, and treat them as `approachable friends'. This could easily become dangerous for both man and animal.

After Halloween, I received no further reports and could only hope the bears survived until they hibernated.

This spring, just before the snow disappeared, all six bears came out of their den and wandered all over the same familiar territory they trekked in the spring of 2007.

I saw them before mid-April and dreamed nightly of taking another family portrait, a highly improbable second once-in-a-lifetime photograph.

On 25 April 2008, I achieved my dream.

When something as magical as this happens between man and animal, Native Americans say, "We have walked together in the shadow of a rainbow". And so it is with humility and great pleasure that I share these exhilarating photos with you.

Click here: Photographer makes it his mission to get photo of black bear family

 

Article submitted by:
Eva Andersen
Fort Mohave, Arizona

Author - Photographer
Tom Sears


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