The TRUTH is out here

Here are some gruesome facts about animals, conducted through the research of 4 concerned sixth-graders. Just see the heartcry of these little ones, their love for animals. Shouldn't we show them some support by say, stop buying fur coats, etc. and show some kindness towards what Mother Nature had given us?

~1 billion animals are killed every year in experiments

~U.S. tuna fisherman are allowed to kill over 20,000 dolphins each year

~Traps are so painful some animals bite off their own legs or arms to escape from the traps

~17 million animals are killed each year in fur traps

~40,500 square miles (105,000 sq. km) of rain forests are destroyed
each year.

~50% of the world's species are found in tropical rain forests

~30 million animals die each year for their fur

~Every threeseconds an animal dies in agony in a research lab

(adapted directly from http://library.thinkquest.org/J0111448/Didyouknow.html)

Stop. Do seriously give this a thought. And do support these prevention of animal cruelty organizations:

• http://peaceriverrefuge.org/index.html


• http://www.peta.org/

OR, simply visit SSPCA (The Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) at 6 1/2 mile here, in Kuching, or visit their site (http://www1.sarawak.com.my/org/sspca/index.html)

What each of you do can really save some animals from extinction. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.

WOW!!!!

No. ONE=They are rich...
THE RICHEST DOG IN THE WORLD, ‘TROUBLE’

28 August 2007-A dog called trouble by its owner was recognized as the world’s richest dog after its owner,Leona Helmley’s inherited 12 million dollars to the lucky dog. Leona Helmsley a hotelier and real estate billionaire passed away earlier this month at her home at Connecticut.

The white maltase dog, Trouble, got the most of her inheritance, even more than her grandchildren. Two of her four grandchildren only inherited $10 million in condition that they should visit their father's grave site at least once a year while two other grandchildren got nothing.The late billionaire inherited millions to her brother, Alvin Rosenthal, who was named to take care her beloved dog.


She also ordered that when the dog died, it should be buried next to her remains in the Hemsley mausoleum. To take care of her remains, she left $3 million to the keepers of the mausoleums while her chauffeur got $100.000, which is also a considerable amount.
(adapted directly from theuniquenews.com)

No. TWO=They go to private schools....

We go to public govr-funded schools (most of us, at least) and they go to school since kindergardent! And note that these schools are NOT cheap! Part of a dog school advertisement:

"...Your dog doesn't know where the bathroom is or when it's okay to bark. They have so much to learn. At The Dog School we provide all the information you need to have your dog be a happy, well adjusted member of your family....We also work with older dogs and dogs that have behavioral issues....We believe in spoiling dogs!It's okay with us if your dog eats "people food" or sleeps in your bed. We only want to make your life with your dog the best it can be!"

- from http://www.thedogschool.biz/ -situated in the States (this is not the only one, there many other in Aussie, NZ, etc..)

Wouldn't you say that they live a better life then us??? NOT FAIR!!! ;P

Our Very own pets...

Introducing…..
Wang Wang (Geok Ling’s) and Sasha (Michelle’s)!

Both are female dogs. Both are adorably cute. Both are obedient. And both cause a smile to appear on our faces each time we think of them, especially when they do this:

“Woof woof!”…wag tail, with tongue sticking out, leaping up on me with its two front legs…”Good girl”….*pat* …tagging me around the house…

So, what is it that is so amazing about our dogs?

Well, to Geok Ling, “Wang Wang really brings a lot of fun to my family. She licks our skins and plays with us when we approach her. She is such a playful puppy and thus, she always has to take bathe. Perhaps, she enjoys taking bathe. ^^ . Apart from that, she is obedient-helping us to watch out for strangers and enjoy eating whatever food we give her. She seems extremely excited whenever I return home from Kuching. The cute thing is, she seems to realize that I’m coming back to Kuching, and act quite strangely…”

And, to Michelle, “Sasha’s such a darling, especially when you return home from a tired days’ work, and she greets you at the gate, I just completely forget about all the stress at school…She was naughty when she was little, and always dig many holes around the house, but as she grew older, that habit just to stop. Like she just ‘knew’ it was not right… And Sasha is ‘unique’-she plays with the neighbour’s cat! Seriously! Hhahaha..=)"

And now, we want to know about YOUR pets. Do share!

Pets help Disney to come about!

From the very first well-known Mickey Mouse 1930’s cartoons that made Walt Disney famous
from these night sneaky pests

And then there was the all-time boys favourite,Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles...
from these slow-moving reptiles

And little girl’s best-loved cartoon, My Little Ponies and Friends….
from these graceful creatures

Till now, where we have Brother Bear released recently in 2006
from these furry mammals

Now, wouldn’t we say that pets (or animals) give Disney success since the very early years?

U just name it, they made it...

• Dog----> All Dogs Go to Heaven (Is that actually true? hhmmm....), 101 Dalmations
• Cat----> Sleep-head Garfield, fault-finding Tom (Tom & Jerry, in case you forget)
• Squirrels (chipmunks)----->Alvin, Theodore and Simon!! Those little singers sure made Dave well-known!(as many of us must have watched in the movie)
• Elephant----> Flying Dumbo
• Lion----->Simba, The King of the jungle!"...it's a circle of life...""Can you feel the love tonight?...."lalalla
• Rabbit-----> "Wat's up, doc???"With a carrot in his mouth, and fighting Micheal Jordan in basketball, you got it=Bugs Bunny!!!
• Fishes----> Nemo and gang
• and the list goes on & on & on..............(P/s: u r more then welcome to help us add-on this list)

And these cartoons are actually not a "good-for-nothing, no-meaning, past-time only for kids"(as some may consider it to be), but as quoted by Cambridge university professor, Dr. David Whitley, in his book 'The Idea of Nature in Disney Animation:

"Disney films have often been criticised as inauthentic and pandering to popular taste rather than developing the animation medium in a more thought-provoking way.
In fact, these films have taught us variously about having a fundamental respect for nature. Some of them, such as Bambi, inspired conservation awareness and laid the emotional groundwork for environmental activism.
For decades Disney films have been providing children with potent fantasies, enabling them to explore how they relate to the natural world.”

For more information, do visit:

http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/film/article3613496.ece

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/03/snow-white-was-green.php

And of course,this is how Disney came up with their Walt Disney World Animal Theme Park-Amazing Place! If you are planning a visit there, do check out the exciting places that you wouldn't want to miss out on, at http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/parks/parkLanding?id=AKLandingPage&bhcp=1

Now,think again, what can Disney do without them?

(done by Michelle and Geok Ling)

A love story....

It all started on 26 December 2004-Tsunami strike Malindi! People in the countries struck by it considers it "dooms day", but not for one particular baby male hippo....

How it all began....

All family of hippopotamuses disappeared in that terrible wave, except for a baby hippo, who was found stranded on the reef. Subsequently, the crowd named the hippo ‘Owen’ in honor of the volunteer who tackled him to the ground.

However, Owen didn't seem to appreciate the favour of the volunteers who rescued him at all. Being extremely afraid of the crowd of people, he instantly ran to the safety of a giant tortoise, named Mzee, when he was being released in Haller Park,Kenya. Mzee, a 130-year-old tortoise, just happened to be nearby and he was very surprised by Owen's odd behavior cowering behind him as a baby hippo does to its mother. Mzee quickly came to terms with his new friend and even returned signs of affection. Mzee follows Owen around, nudges him to go for walks, initiates play in the water, and even stretches his neck out so Owen can give him a lick. The unusual relationship between this baby hippo and the ancient tortoise amazed people all around the the world and has been featured in most countries' television and newspapers.

Since then, they continue to spend their days together in the pond, feeding and patrolling. They are inseparable. Very cute, huh?

But in May 2006......

The authorities at the park began being concerned that Owen's affection for Mzee may lead to an unintended injury (as Owen is now nearly twice the size of Mzee) and constructed a new enclosure at the sanctuary for Owen. They also introduced a new female hippo, Cleo, to allow Mzee's return to the safety of his original enclosure. But will this work? Will Mzee and Owen find three is a crowd? Will Mzee be traumatised by being separated from Owen?

(Summarised by Geok Ling and Michelle, based on references from various sites)

Food for thought: If a hippo and a tortoise, from two extremely different species, can come together and be best of frens, why couldn't we humans (presumably more intelligent) from different races and background come to terms with each other? (Ironically, seems like animals know better then humans, what a shame! Nature sure have its own story to be told...)

If want to know more, kindly visit the following link:

http://www.npr.org/documents/2005/jul/owen&mzee_ebook.pdf

All for the love of their dog....

8-YEAR OLD GIRL RAISES MONEY FOR DOG'S OPERATION

It was love at first sight. When Katherine Hawkins, an eight-year-old girl from Atlanta, first saw Rocky’s picture on the Internet, she just fell in love with this golden retriever who was looking for a new home.
But Rocky needed surgery because he had been hit by a car and his previous owners had never treated his broken leg.
Without ever meeting Rocky, Katherine started to raise money to pay for Rocky’s surgery. She first gave up her allowance and then started selling cookies.
Katherine’s mother said, “You cannot resist a little 8-year-old girl holding this envelope saying would you please give money to help this dog that’s been run over.”
This motivated young girl raised over $1,000 dollars which was about half of what Rocky’s surgery would cost.
Adopt-A-Golden, where Rocky was staying, was so impressed with Katherine’s efforts that they knew that she would make a loving and caring owner for Rocky.

Kate Jackson of Adopt-A-Golden said, “She had done so much research into the golden retriever breed. It was her idea to start raising money to take care of his operation, so when it came time for Adopt A Golden to look for someone to help with the recovery, we couldn’t think of a better person.”
After Rocky’s surgery, he was able to go to his new home and he even got a new name, Tanner. Katherine said he wasn’t a Rocky because he was so sweet.
Katherine’s mother added, “I kept reminding her, you’re 8-years-old, and look what you’re doing, you’re changing the world for a dog.”

(Contributed by Emily, adapted from Itchmo:News for cats and dogs)

Amazing, huh? A girl as young as that even go that extend for the very thing she adores...
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AND.......

What a dog owner thinks of having a dog:
"I believe that dogs are good for one's health 100%. From the time I was a todler to the present; our family has owned a total of sixteen dogs. Each dog's date of birth and date of death was marked and entered into our pet book.

At the present, we own six dogs. To become a dog owner is a person who is been showered with blessings from God above! Dogs love you for WHO you are, not WHAT you have. Dogs give unconditional love! And while the responsibility can sometimes give one a headache; the joy of ownership is measured in complete devotion of the dog to his or her owner!

Having had dogs since I was a child I can say.....God provided dogs as a way as an emotional outlet for loneliness and depression. And it is from my own personal experience that dogs understand more about human inneundo's, language, vocabulary, non-verbal body language to a remarkable degree that can be described as on a "spiritual plane". Ask any child psychologist as to what kind of therapy for children would be considered the best overall therapy and most child pschiatrists would recommend "pet therapy". Unconditional love, understanding, companionship 24/7 and someone who is always ready to listen to your problems, your fears, and your victories or happy memories!

I guess I will ALWAYS have a dog! Besides, they are always there when you need them the most, and rest assured, they never let your down! If I would ever meet someone my pet did not like.......I will trust my pet's judgement! They are always right!

I can not feel sympathy towards those who do not like animals or would take the time to welcome animals into their lives! The benefits of having dogs (or cats, or horses) is just beginning to be seen through the lenses of the scientists. But God Almighty and those who have always had a dog in their household know that dogs are gifts from Him to those who treasure the love and daily companionship which dogs give to their owners.....no questions asked 24/7 !!!!!!!" -D.W.
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There are even proof of reports and researches on how having pets actually help in giving us a
healthier life, one in this site http://www.usnews.com/blogs/on-medicine/2008/3/7/my-dog-may-be-good-for-my-health.html#15959

According to Dr Deborah Wells, a psychologist from Queen's University, Belfast:
"It is possible that dogs can directly promote our well-being by buffering us from stress, one of the major risk factors associated with ill-health. The ownership of a dog can also lead to increases in physical activity and facilitate the development of social contacts, which may enhance both physiological and psychological human health in a more indirect manner."
(adapted from BBC News, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6279701.stm)

Also, related links on news on BBC, check out:

• Children with pets more healthy-http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/coventry_warwickshire/3731058.stm


• Pets could lower allergy risks-http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/2218981.stm
  

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Now, wouldn't you consider having a dog or cat or even a fish? =)

Real stories of pets that saved their owner's lives!

"After the death of my first cat, my mom was afraid I wouldn't be able to duel with the pain. So she brought me to the humane society and I adopted a kitten. The staff there told her not to get him - he was horrible with people and very grumpy. My mom picked him up anyways, and he started purring. The lady was surprised and shocked. I guess it was just destiny!

My dad named him DIESLE because he purred really loud and sounded like a diesle engine.

We'd only had him for a little while when one morning he started licking my dad's face and purring in his ear. Dad woke up and heard a crackling sound outside. What he thought was just rain turned out to be a roaring fire! That soon led to fear and panic. Without this miracle we call Diesle, we might not have woken up in time to get out of the house! And even though I'm only 11, I think destiny has strange ways of talking to us, and we should never underestimate our best friends. "- Daniela (adapted from PawsperousPets.com)

ok, if that doesn't sound that convincing, this from the news (which obviously is ReAL) should convince you....=)

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DOG MAKES CELL PHONE CALL TO SAVE OWNER'S LIFE

ORLANDO, Fla. - A 17-pound beagle named Belle is more than man’s best friend. She’s a lifesaver.
Belle was in Washington, D.C., on Monday to receive an award for biting onto owner Kevin Weaver’s cell phone to call 911 after the diabetic man had a seizure and collapsed.
“There is no doubt in my mind that I’d be dead if I didn’t have Belle,” said Weaver, 34, whose blood sugar had dropped dangerously low. Belle had been trained to summon help in just those circumstances. She had been taught to bite down on the number 9 on his cell phone contacting 911.

Belle was the first canine recipient to win the VITA Wireless Samaritan Award, given to someone who used a cell phone to save a life, prevent a crime or help in an emergency.
Using their keen sense of smell, animals like Belle can detect abnormalities in a person’s blood-sugar levels. The dog periodically licks Weaver’s nose to take her own reading of his blood-sugar level. If something seems off to her, she will paw and whine at him.
“Every time she paws at me like that I grab my meter and test myself,” Weaver said. “She’s never been wrong.”

(taken directly from msnbc.com, 20 June 2006 news)

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And there is so much more real life stories of pets saving their owners life...interested?

Type 'pet save lives' in google.com, and endless testimonials are there for you to read up on. If not, see this particular interesting article, on how 4 dogs (yes!) saved 7 lives in Canada (http://dogsinthenews.com/issues/0204/articles/020424a.htm)