Giraffes in Danger

A news article popped up on my Facebook feed the other day, and I can't seem to get it out of my mind, the title read "Giraffes in Danger of Extinction."  As a result of poaching and habitat loss, giraffe populations across Africa are dropping at a rapid rate.  They called it "a silent extinction," stating "numbers have gone down from 140,000 to fewer than 80,000 today."  Isn't that terrible?  According to the article, poaching is a significant problem, as a giraffe is a relatively easy kill to hunters, and can yield a substantial amount of meat and resources to local tribes.

I have always regarded giraffes as beautiful, majestic animals.  The hopeful travel bug in me has always imagined that one day I'll Africa, and have the opportunity to see a giraffe in its natural habitat.  I sincerely hope my family and I have will still have that opportunity years from now.

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Animal Doormat

Aren't these clever? Animal doormats! Definitely a way to make you smile every time you come home, and a way to make wiping your feet fun for kids. I can just imagine a mom calling out "don't forget to give the hippo a shuffle honey!..." If the price were right, I would totally get this for my classroom!

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Zoo Day

It's not even July 4th yet and I'm happy to report I've checked one thing off my summer to-do list! Last week, my boyfriend and I spent a sunny afternoon cruising our local Woodland Park Zoo. It was such a fun, relaxing afternoon, we even got to see the new animals - the meerkats, which are hilarious! Yay for zoo days, so much fun!

Natural Wonder

Get this: A tuxedoless penguin was found on the island of St. George off the coast of Antarctica. National Geographic reported that "The all black penguin is an extremely rare find, a “one-in-a-zillion” chance...The tuxedo look is standard feature for the king penguin, and it is rare that a penguin sheds its formal wear for a photo opportunity. What makes this bird even more special, is that no trace of white feather can be seen anywhere on his body."

Nature never ceases to surprise me!

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Cat Calling

I went to adopt a cat yesterday, but all my faves were snatched out from underneath me. I was eyeballing a gorgeous tortoise-shell calico and this old couple swooped in and collared her before I could even say "She's the one!" Dang it... Then, I found a fuzzy black furball and some teenagers came into the room in droves to claim it with their mom. Grr...

Hoping to have better luck later in the week. All I want is a kitty!

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Dog Friendly

Check out the latest issue of Food & Wine for a report on America's Dog-Friendliest cities. I thought for sure Seattle was a shoe-in, given we have so many nature trails and outdoor play opportunities for dogs, but I guess not!

In fact, the top 5 cities are Boston, Chicago, Miami, San Diego, and San Francisco. Ratings were decided on factors like allowance on public transportation, number of off-leash parks, and availability of dog-friendly restaurants and beaches, etc. Check out the article, it's pretty interesting!

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Meow

I was just asked by a co-worker if I was interested in adopting a free 8-week old kitten...While my heart said "YES," I had my mind set on no until I saw the pictures. Cute, white, fluffy, precious little whiskered faces looking up into the camera with those take-me-home-and-love-me eyes. I am so tempted to say "yes," and jump on the pet bandwagon again since it's been a few years since my beloved cat and dog died...but still up in the air if this is a wise decision...

Thoughts? Inspiring stories about adopted pets?

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Little Ones

My friend Lyssa turned me on to zooborns, a website that catalogs the newest arrivals in zoos and aquariums around the world. Here are a few of my recent favorites.image/zooborns

Lazy Cat

My parents cat Cody has been bunking with me for the past 2 weeks, and I think he's becoming...a wee bit portly...shall we say?

Since my apartment is considerably smaller than my parents house, much less exercise is required daily for Cody to receive his basic needs. Seeing as his main trek around my place requires no stairs, and a pathway no longer than 15 feet per stretch that consists of the integral triangle of food-pillow-litter box, I'd say Cody has put on a good pound or so since he's been at my place.

I'm sure my mom will flip when she sees her tiny little boy brought home a rotund ball of fluff.

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What A Hoot

Will you be mine?

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Dog Shots

Dog photographer extraordinaire Sharon Montrose has me longing for a dog! Our family dog Coco (may she rest in peace) passed away about 2 years ago this summer, and my sisters and I have been on my parents constantly to add a new furry friend to our family.

Who knows, maybe in a year or so when I attempt to buy my own place I'll splurge and get a canine BFF, I've always had a soft spot for German shepherds and yellow labs...

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My Dear Deer

Love these note cards, perfect for your dear, animal loving friend.

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Giraffes in Love

When my students ask me what my favorite animal is I usually say "giraffe." In reality, if I had to make a list of favorite animals, giraffe would actually be in my top 5, rather than my #1, but who's counting? The answer of "giraffes!" happily satisfies 7 & 8-year olds, because giraffes are such odd, visually intriguing animals. Unique, awkward, yet utterly lovable. Upon our recent class field trip to the zoo, the Savannah (home to lions, ostriches, zebras, and giraffes) was the place topping every students "We have to see this!" list.

I thought this giraffes in love card by turtlepapers was super cute. A lovey-dovey card perfect for an equally quirky, occasionally awkward, but lovable, someone special.

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What a Hoot

This ranks up there as one of the quirkiest night lights created. This white porcelin owl lamp gives off a warm glow while adding a hoot of character to your room.

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