Animal Corner

When we think of pets, the first ones that generally come to mind are cats, dogs, fish or perhaps even bunnies. But around the world, people’s tastes in companionship vary quite a lot - some people choose more exotic or unusual animals as pets. And often, these choices can be quite interesting and unique, sparking fascinating stories. Maybe you’ve had an iguana that liked to watch TV with you, or a nocturnal sugar glider that became your home’s night watchman. Or perhaps you’ve even gone further off the beaten path with an ant farm or a pet tarantula. I’d love to hear about all the unlikely, unexpected pets out there – from the lovable to the slightly creepy.Our e…

Do any of your pets have unique, funny behaviors that brighten up your day? Maybe your cat has an obsession with your footwear, or your dog has a hilarious way of greeting you when you come home. These adorable quirks are a big part of why we love our furry friends so much. No two pets are exactly alike, each with their own personality that adds to the charm of their company. Whether they snore louder than a freight train, always manage to find the most inconvenient places to sit, or have a penchant for dancing around when it’s meal time – these funny moments never fail to put a smile on our faces. What funny traits and behaviors does your pet have? How did you f…

There’s been a long-standing debate amongst pet lovers about which is the better pet - the independent, graceful and mysterious cat, or the loyal, loving, and playful dog. Some of us lean more towards Team Feline, enjoying their low maintenance care and tasks, ability to stay indoors and their distinct, usually commanding, characters. Others veer more towards being die-hard canine enthusiasts, drawn to their energy, loyalty, and the way they can just make you feel special and loved unconditionally. Each certainly has their lovable quirks and features that make them stand out. For instance, cats with their self-cleaning habits, their agility and balance, stealthy hunti…

Alright folks, here’s something I was pondering on while taking my old lab Buddy for his evening stroll yesterday. As a lifelong pet parent - from goldfish to gucamoles, to the more traditional cats and dogs - I get a certain satisfaction and sense of responsibility caring for these animals. They’ve always been a part of my life and honestly, I can’t imagine my life without them. But recently I had an interesting chat with a friend who is big on wildlife and outdoor activities. They can spend hours birdwatching or tracking fox footprints and find it more fulfilling as they’re observing animals in their natural habitat, behaving the way they naturally do. It got me thi…

Lately, I've been feeling like my cat, Whiskers, is getting a bit bored. She's an indoor cat, and with the colder months approaching, I'm worried she'll miss the chance to explore outside. I've tried the usual suspects: feather toys, laser pointers, and even cardboard boxes (which she loves for about five minutes before ignoring). I'm thinking of more interactive toys or maybe even some DIY ideas. Has anyone found success with puzzle feeders or those pet subscription boxes? Or maybe a fun game that doesn't involve much space? I heard that some cats love watching bird videos on tablets, but I'm not sure if it's worth a shot. Would love to hear what works for you guys…

You know how pets have their own personalities, right? It’s one of the reasons we love ’em so much. They’re not just our pets, but our companions, our buddies. My cat, Whiskers (yeah, cliché name, I know!) has this funny habit of sleeping in my shoes. I mean, not on them or beside them - but right inside them. The first time I caught him, I had left my sneakers strewn about in the living room. I think they were still a bit warm and probably smelled a bit like outdoors - y’know how cats are about that. Anyway, I found him curled up inside one of them, like it was the most comfortable spot in the world! On the other hand, my sister’s Golden Retriever, Molly, is a bi…

You know how it usually goes - cats, dogs, fishes, maybe even a budgie or two bouncing around the house. Common household pets are loving and adored by many, and there’s a reason for it. Yet being an animal lover, I’ve always been fascinated by the less conventional choices some folks make when it comes to choosing their pets. So, what about those quirky, non-traditional pets? I’m talking about creatures like hedgehogs, snakes, tarantulas, or even raccoons! Maybe you’re someone who keeps a flock of chickens in your backyard and lovingly gathers fresh eggs each morning. Or perhaps you share your living room with a bunny, who’s just as good company as your average fami…

I’ve always had a soft spot for animals, especially those of the furry variety. Growing up, I had everything from dogs to cats, and even a guinea pig at one stage! I loved them all equally, even when they were being little devils and chewing up my favourite shoes. Can’t help but wonder what life is like with a feathered friend though? The sounds of chirping in the morning, their colourful plumes… It’s a different kind of charm, right? And I don’t just mean owning parrots or budgies by the way. There are so many unique birds out there! I’ve seen people keep ravens and pigeons. I even heard of a guy who has a pet peacock! Imagine that… waking up to the pretty sight of a…

Have you ever risen early on a calm, undisturbed morning with just the faint sound of chirping birds to break the silence? Each bird species has its unique melody, a form of communication of sorts. Some researchers suggest that bird songs can be an indicator of habitat quality and species diversity. Not only is listening to their uplifting music a soothing way to start a day, but it could also carry deeper significance than we typically acknowledge. The way we humans can understand emotions from word tonality, maybe there’s a chance bird songs might function similarly? From everyday pet parakeets to wildlife birds, anyone noticed any specific patterns or observed…

So, I’ve been up and down the pet aisle all week trying to decide if I should adopt a pet or not. Talk about a hard decision! I’ve been thinking about all sorts. From traditional pets like dogs and cats to the more ‘exotic’ ones like reptiles and even birds. But here’s the thing… I also love animals in general. Not always as pets, but just love their sheer existence. The way squirrels scamper around park trees, the birds chirping high above or just the way a group of ants work together to get food. So I end up wondering, with this love for animals, should I really get a pet who’d be, effectively, ‘caged’ at home (even if it’s a comfy home) or should I contribute t…

So here’s something I’ve been thinking about lately. You know how pets have their way of being quirky, right? Like my cat, Marmalade … she has this thing about socks. Not just any socks, but my socks specifically. If she finds one, she’ll play with it, hide it, even sleep on it. Think she’s trying to tell me something about my foot hygiene? lol But seriously, isn’t it funny how our pets develop these peculiar habits? Could be something about us that’s affecting them, or maybe they’re just being their own weird, adorable selves. Got me thinking about how much complexity there is in these little brains of theirs. Makes me love them more, to be honest. For instance,…

We all love our pets, right? Personally, I’ve got a chorkie (Chihuahua x Yorkshire terrier for those not in the know) called Biscuit - she’s an absolute gem but boy can she be a handful. Caused havoc last week when she bust into the kitchen pantry and got herself a rather too generous helping of doggie treats. Gave me a fright when I found the empty packets but a trip to the vet confirmed she’s gonna be just fine. Thankfully. But it got me thinking, sometimes being a pet parent can feel like a roller coaster, you know? One moment they’re causing chaos, the next they’re curled up next to you on the couch giving you those puppy eyes. What kind of pets does everyone…

Have you guys ever noticed how our pets make everything better? It’s been a hectic year, to say the least. With everything that’s going on in the world at the minute, there’s something special about coming home and being greeted by little tails swishing back and forth in pure excitement. I’ve got two dogs myself, a labradoodle called Bella and a pug named Rocky, and they’re the best therapy I swear. After a long days work, seeing them bolting towards me ready for cuddles just instantly lifts my spirits. The unconditional love pets give us, it’s unmatched. Sometimes I wonder if we even deserve them. I recently read this book called The Travelling Cat Chronicles a…