Touching Animal Souls

    Just had to share this with you. It's the story and video about an Egyptian Goose that a couple have "adopted". Well worth the watch.   http://m.news24.com/parent24/School_7-12/Development/watch-most-unusual-pet-adoption-story-ever-20151124

  THE CARING OWL  (don't know who originally wrote this unfortunately)     I am from South Africa and about 4 years ago made friends with a spotted eagle owl that showed up on our farm (most probably it was rehabilitated by someone). The owl got injured and I kept it inside for a couple of months until it was well again. During this time our one old cat found out that no other cats are allowed in my study where I kept the owl and she moved in. I allowed this because she has never in her life caught a bird or mouse and was not interested in the owl at all. During this period the owl got used to her and they regularly ate steak out of my hand together . Once the owl was OK again I let it out, but it now comes and sleeps inside during the day, hunting freely at night . At the moment I have another injured owl that he adopted and feeds regularly (about 2 rats an evening). The other night I was working late in my study when the owl came in with a rat. I presumed that he were going t

  He is gray all over his snout.  Even his feet have gray.  A rescued Daschund who has lived in our family for over 10 years.  He arrived after he was brought out to play with my then puppy at the vet.  The nurse then told us during that vet visit that he would be euthanased that day because nobody wanted him.  She saw me coming that's for sure.  I said I was worried about taking him as he was not neutered.  She did a collection between their vet staff and got the op done.  So Jack came home and firmly entrenched himself into our hearts. He has the loudest bark.  He is old and deaf, but can hear a slightest fidget in the kitchen and it gets him charging in that direction.  His little toenails doing a dance on the floors that are faster than any Irish Flaherty.  So much personality in such a little bod. 

These pics are so lovely. Had to share them.     Subject: Ingo and Poldi: Most Unlikely Friends Tanja Brandt Tanja Brandt is a German photographer who has dedicated her career towards photographing animals and wildlife. In one of her most recent projects, Brandt shot photographs of a highly unlikely pair of friends – Ingo, the Belgian shepherd; and Poldi (Napoleon), the one-year-old owlet. Tanja Brandt Poldi and Ingo are both pets of Brandt's, and have formed a bond over the past year that the photographer simply couldn't ignore. Brandt is a professional photographer, and has years of experience doing photoshoots with various animals. Ingo, the shepherd, is one of her most loyal and popular models. "The dog is very very well educated. He is able to do every order by far. Head down, head right, stay, sit, everything… but not so with the birds." Brandt describes the relationship between Ingo and Poldi as somewhat of a 'protector-protected' relationship. In

When we feel like we have a choice, we feel in control.  Same with animals.  I am starting to see more and more that every concern in life is as a result of an animal or person feeling like they are out of control - whether this is perceived or real is immaterial.  It is the feeling that makes us anxious.  To feel as though we are in control is a primal need.  It is required in order for our basic survival instinct to be satisfied.  What does this mean?  That if we are conscious about when we feel anxious, we will begin to recognise the habits that are useful, and those that are not.  In relationship with animals, what does it mean - that we need to be conscious that if they feel like they are out of control, they are going to act to try and regain control.  Just like we would.  The more control and choice we can give to them, the more trust they will have in themselves, and in us.  One step at a time - create relationship that will then be a joy.  Play play play.  Even with what i

What is motivation.  Where does my drive come from.  Love.  Ok. It is demanded that love is unconditional. Yet attachment is inevitable.  In your lifetime I thought the celebration of you was unconditional.  That it was a celebration borne in giving glory to your manifestation.  Turns out my desire to acknowledge your glory has a personal joy in it that is selfish.  So every day I am without your physical presense is a day I need to let go. That is so hard.  Your physical glory was so much bigger than me.  Your glory lent light and purpose to my life.  I miss you.  So much.  Feel broken without your physical wholeness.  Lifting my head of my pillow with vigour and direction and energy is the lesson your loss is trying to teach me.  And I am not sure I am big enough to learn this lesson.  

There is sn enormous guiding light in my life.  Inspiration to do what I am intrinsically driven to do. Because he has always done just that.  Today he and I admitted to each other that we are both hard-shelled softies.  And as animal people who have committed to living in service to our charges this is a hard life to live.  But we would have it no other way.  I still have loads to learn from my mentor.  His unconditional caring and enormous generosity to those around him is a lesson I am yet to totally get.   I am talking about my Dad. He is a vet. (I am not because I am not smart or  emotionally strong-enough). He is well over 70 and still practising.  His practise is at his home.  Recently he has been suffering with a bout of ill health.  He has been in and out of hospital and we have all been very worried about him.  I travelled to his home a good 700kms away to visit and spend time with him.  Again he amazed me.   My father is a very keen and good golfer.  With his health concerns

I had the honour of accepting an award for the amazing dolphin Gambit. Last night eThekweni municipality hosted the 8th annual 'Living Legends' award ceremony at the international convention Centre in Durban. The ceremony was lavish and attended by celebrities and politicians and those in the know.  I felt out of my depth but had prepared with make up and even nail polish for the occasion.  What an honour to be there for Gambit. So no matter the discomfort 100% commitment was required. A lovely video depicting Gambit's role in the South African Association for Marine Biological Research preempted the call to stage.  A Hollywood style setting. Then it came time for the acceptance speech. I looked across the large room and was blinded by the lights. And I felt blank.  I did not say all I wanted to share.  I did not honour Gambit enough.  Not that one ever could.  So. Here goes.  These are the words I would try to use to put the legendary Gambit on the pedastal where

  “Our quality of work is their quality of life”   GABRIELLE HARRIS Animal Behaviour management & Guest Experience   South African Association for Marine Biological Research Direct Tel: +27 (31) 328 8222   Fax: +27 (31) 328 8188  E-mail: gabby@seaworld.org.za 1 King Shaka Avenue, Point, Durban 4001 KwaZulu-Natal South Africa PO Box 10712, Marine Parade 4056 KwaZulu-Natal South Africa       P " Please consider your environment responsibly before printing this e-mail "    

Just had to share a story with you about my beautiful cat Hermione.  She is a rescued Feral – got her when she was pregnant 13 years ago.  She was wild then, but gradually tamed down.  She is very ill at the moment with cancer, and has had an op to remove a part of her nose.  But the best patient ever.  Patiently lets me nebulise her twice a day and will let me give her tabs without restraining her. About six years ago some new dogs were brought to our home (we already had 4 that were easy with the cats).  These three dogs were being looked after for a friend, and were not as cat-friendly.  Our property is large, so I was not too concerned.  Until the middle of the night when I woke up.  To see two of the cats sitting at the foot of the bed looking at me, and Hermione sitting on my chest peeing – it was very deliberate, and has never happened again – I got her message loud and clear.  The cats did not feel safe outside – so needed to let me know …  The situation was rectified the very

25 years ago today my life turned upside down.  A deep unconditional love was revealed when I witnessed your birth.  It was the start of a journey of miracles where I began to learn about the bullshit of myself. I was shown how to be true.  I learned that caring is not about wanting but about giving.  I learned how to trust without giving myself away. When I see you again cannot come soon enough.  Miss you so much.  With huge gratitude for sharing your enormous spirit.  You changed mine and so many lives. Sent from Samsung Mobile

Rats in Africa are saving tons of lives 1   Everyone's least favourite rodent has been tasked with cleaning up the lethal leftovers of war.   Land mines kill thousands every year, but these rats have been trained to save lives by sniffing out the scent of explosives.   The group responsible for training the rodents is APOPO – which stands for   Anti-Persoonsmijnen Ontmijnende Product Ontwikkeling in Dutch, or Anti-Personnel Landmines Detection Product Development in English.       2   Using positive reinforcement that is respectful to the animals, these African pouched rats are taught to identify explosives and then alert their handler.       3   They're perfect for the job – they're highly intelligent and have a keen sense of smell.   They are small enough not to trigger mines, yet large enough to be easily identifiable in the field.   No rat has been killed in a minefield.       4   They can clear two hundred square meters in just 20 minutes.   It would take humans with

Just huge gratitude.  For the animals I know and the time I spend with them.  Apologies to the people in my life of you find my priorities not to your expectations.  It is not me avoiding you or trying to be elsewhere.  I feel just so at ease.  At one.  In the company of animals.  

When I am with you I feel present and whole.  Time stands still and there is no desire or lack.  Just pure complete Bliss. A place where everything makes sense.  Where two become one.  Which is why without you I feel broken.  How fortunate to be a part of your life. Most of the happiest times of my life so far have been with you.   You were too good for this world.  Too pure. So generous.  So alive.  Your gifts are eternal.  Your inspiration and lessons taught total truth.  Thank you. How will I honour you?  I will find a way.  Everyday.  By aspiring to the truth that you are.    Jula. If there is heaven it will be you swimming up to me and letting me hug you again.  Being one again.  True love.  That would be coming home.          

http://www.seaworld.org.za/news/entry/what-to-do-with-a-stranded-marine-animal  

  View in browser   Accommodation | Activities | Restaurants | Packages | Day Tours | Conferencing | Teambuilding  Best Dog Friendly Restaurants on the Cape Point Route A There's nothing quite like the love and attention from man's best friend. Bring your beloved family pet and pampered pooch to one of the best Dog-Friendly Restaurants on the Cape Point Route. Enjoy sharing a meal & special treats with your family's best friend. Read More aaa 2015 Winter Specials on the Cape Point Route aaaa Simon's Town: Seaside Style St James: 16 Sleeper Villa  Grosvenor Guesthouse Villa St James Pay for your partner & you stay FREE!  Stay for 3 Nights, Pay for 2 nights Single Rates for Double Rooms   From R4,500 per night Book Now Book Now   Lakeside: Boutique Luxury Kommetjie: Beach Cottage Colona Castle Kommetjie Palm Cottage   Stay 3 Nights but only pay for 2. 25% discount per night From R980 pp sharing per night From R1,000 per night (sleeps 4) Book Now Book Now