I have written a few times before about the complicated relationships between humans and animals, but truth be told, this is a subject that just keeps on giving.
I would like to share with you some animal-related stories that caught my attention recently.
Last week, in New Jersey, animal control workers from the state wrapped up a search for a 20-foot-long snake slithering around Lake Hopatcong after they were unable to find any evidence of it.
It appears Ogopogo’s little cousin was just too quick for them and got away.
Over in Japan, the Ibaraki zoo recently tried on a strange fundraising campaign for the World Wildlife Fund by auctioning off highly distressed jeans “designed” by lions, tigers and bears. Oh my.
The jeans were chucked into the animals’ pens wrapped around rubber tires, which the animals were quick to bite, claw and chew. The pieces were later sewn back together.
Three pairs of the jeans were auctioned for $1,200 apiece.
Meanwhile, back in Canada, we were busy slapping some animals that land on our legs and leave itchy red welts and risking our necks for our other, cuter ones.
A woman in Kensington, P.E.I. joined her border collie in a 24-foot well in an effort to save the dog, which had fallen into the uncovered well while chasing another animal on her property.
Alas, she found the rope she’d tied around herself was not sufficient to bring her and the pooch back up out of the well.
The Kensington Fire Department was dispatched to the call and tried to use a Jeep and a winch for the rescue.
However, the winch idea didn’t pan out because the woman refused to let go of the dog.
So, the firefighters lowered a ladder into the well and performed their double rescue that way. Both the dog and person were brought back up to ground level soaking wet but relieved, I’m sure.
But an owner’s love of Fido or Fluffy goes beyond the priceless experience of rappelling into a well: it also represents a $6.5 billion pet industry in Canada, according to the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council of Canada. At least that’s the number the council had in 2012, which it says is rising steadily.
Today, you can buy your dog or cat hand-crafted, gourmet pet treats at small pet treat bakeries.
Entrepreneurs have also cashed in on specialty products like hand-crafted dog boots.
Doggy daycare is something of a holiday for hounds these days, with some offering services such as texting or emailing the owner pictures of the dog having tons of fun.
Some people spare no expense in parenting their furry, four-legged children.
