Cute
A Dog and Dolphin Friendship
Aquariums, museums, and zoos are still mostly closed these days. No one really knows exactly when that situation will change. Both people and animals have been affected by the pandemic. People do talk about how the pandemic is affecting pets. However, it’s also affecting the animals who live at aquariums, wildlife centers, and zoos.
Many of these animals are used to seeing a lot of new people on a regular basis. They might not directly interact with the guests at zoos and similar facilities, but the animals can still see them. Some of these establishments are more interactive, and visitors can spend some supervised time interacting with some of the safer and more sociable animals.
While lots of pets are used to spending time indoors, many of them are still used to seeing visitors. Dogs get taken for walks outside, and they’ll usually see new individuals every time they’re outside. These days, lots of dog owners are trying to find new ways to make sure that their dogs get enough exercise.
Even when people do take their dogs outside for walks right now, people usually won’t stop to talk. Most people today are trying to follow social distancing guidelines. They might be nervous about greeting people, even if they’re wearing masks at the time. It’s a situation that’s difficult for a lot of people, but it’s also tough for the animals.
Humans understand what’s going on, and why social distancing guidelines have to be followed. This just isn’t the case for dogs and the animals at aquariums. As far as they know, things just changed completely randomly. Owners and handlers will never be able to explain to the animals why all of these changes happened. They’ll certainly never be able to reassure them about the future. It’s a very stressful time for everyone, and animals don’t understand why.
However, people are coming up with clever ways to cope with this current situation, and they’re helping their animals cope as well. Dogs are now being invited to aquariums.
This way, both the pets and the other animals will be able to change their routines. Some Instagram users might be familiar with a Golden Retriever named Kevin. He’s already well-known for the fact that he likes hates, which is very unusual for dogs.
Lots of people try to dress up their dogs, and their dogs don’t like it. Kevin, on the other hand, seems to have fun with his adorable duck-shaped hat. He seems to like actual ducks just as much.
Now, Kevin has a new animal friend: a dolphin at the famous Clearwater Marine Aquarium. The dolphin is called Winter, and Winter also seems to be fond of ducks. The aquarium staff members probably knew Kevin from Instagram, and they got in touch with the person who looks after Kevin.
Winter and Kevin were actually on FaceTime for a little while, interacting before officially meeting. The aquarium is mostly empty, so it’s safe for Kevin and his owner to physically go to the aquarium. His owner certainly wore a face mask at the aquarium.
Kevin got to see the stingrays, pelicans, and other aquatic animals before seeing his new friend Winter. The dog was even able to swim alongside the professional dolphin trainers and a yellow duck toy that belongs to Winter. She’s a very friendly dolphin who doesn’t mind sharing her toys with her friends.
It’s possible that the two of them will be friends for a while. Kevin is a very young dog. He’s only been around for a year, and has still had an exciting life so far.
Nestled in the picturesque hills of Vermont lies a unique and heartwarming attraction that’s capturing the hearts of visitors from near and far: a Golden Retriever farm. This charming farm, dedicated to one of America’s most beloved dog breeds, is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for dog lovers and tourists alike.
The farm is home to a joyful pack of Golden Retrievers, known for their friendly demeanor and beautiful golden coats. Visitors to the farm are greeted by wagging tails and warm, furry welcomes, making it an instant hit for anyone looking for a dose of canine affection.
The idea for the farm stemmed from the owners’ love for Golden Retrievers and their desire to share the joy these dogs bring with others. They started with a small group of Goldens and soon realized the potential for a tourist attraction that combined the natural beauty of Vermont with the appeal of these friendly dogs.
The farm offers a variety of experiences for visitors. Guests can take part in guided tours where they learn about the breed’s history and characteristics, as well as the farm’s operations and breeding program. But the highlight for most is the opportunity to play and interact with the dogs. The farm has open fields where visitors can throw balls, frisbees, and engage in playtime with the energetic retrievers.
In addition to the fun and games, the farm also provides educational workshops on dog care, training, and health. These sessions are led by experienced dog trainers and veterinarians, offering valuable insights for both current and prospective dog owners.
The Golden Retriever farm has also become a popular spot for photo shoots and special events. Its scenic landscape, combined with the photogenic dogs, makes it an ideal location for family portraits, engagement photos, and even small weddings.
As the farm’s popularity grows, the owners are committed to maintaining the well-being of their dogs and ensuring a positive experience for all visitors. They limit the number of guests per day to prevent overwhelming the dogs and preserve the tranquil atmosphere of the farm.
In the cozy town of Burlington, Wyoming, winter has become a season of joy thanks to the creative efforts of one remarkable woman. Meet Pauline Parker, a Burlington resident with a heart as warm as the cocoa shared during chilly evenings. But what sets her apart is not just her warmth; it’s the 400 personalized snowmen she has crafted, turning the town into a winter wonderland.
It all began in July when most folks were dreaming of sunshine and barbecues. Not Pauline. She set out on a mission to create a special snowman for every household in Burlington, a charming town where the first thing you’ll notice is a towering 27-foot snowman. However, if you take a closer look, you’ll find nearly 400 more, each one unique and personalized.
“I think snowmen bring joy to you,” Pauline shared, reflecting on her cheerful creations. But she doesn’t stop at just one per family; she crafts a snowman for every member of each household. That’s dedication! Interestingly, this surpasses the official population sign, proudly stating Burlington’s count at 314. Pauline chuckles, revealing that her last count exceeded 316.
Word of Pauline’s heartwarming snowmen quickly spread beyond Burlington’s borders. Neighboring towns like Otto and Emblem wanted a taste of the joy too. Now, snowmen surround the baseball field in Otto, while Emblem, a town with a population of 10, received their own personalized snowy surprises.
In Emblem, where everyone fits in one snapshot by their town sign, Pauline replicated the picture with snowmen for each family member. High school student Cailee Degstein praised Pauline, saying, “(Pauline’s) a super great person. She’s super nice.”
To add an extra layer of fun and community spirit, Pauline organized a snowman scavenger hunt throughout December. Residents of Burlington, Emblem, and Otto can embark on a delightful adventure, searching for different snowmen while answering 20 questions. Completing the sheet not only promises a sense of accomplishment but also a sweet treat from Pauline.
“It just brought us all together, so we’ll do it again,” Pauline expressed, highlighting the unifying power of her snowy creations. In a world that sometimes feels chilly, Pauline Parker’s warm-hearted endeavor has turned winter into a season of shared smiles and community spirit in the snow-covered town of Burlington.
Meet Peanut, the extraordinary chicken from Chelsea, Michigan, who, at 21 years old, holds the title of the world’s oldest living chicken according to the Guinness World Records. Peanut’s remarkable journey from a tiny abandoned egg to a celebrated poultry celebrity is not only shows her resilience but also a heartwarming tale of love and companionship.
Peanut’s story began in May 2002 when owner Marsi Parker Darwin discovered a small cheep coming from an abandoned chicken egg. Initially considering discarding the eggs due to the mother’s neglect, Darwin’s attention was caught by a faint sound within one of the shells. Peeling back the shell, she uncovered a tiny chick, later named Peanut. Over the years, Peanut grew into a healthy bantam hen and became the star of a children’s book titled “My Girl Peanut and Me — On Love and Life From the World’s Oldest Chicken,” self-published by Darwin.
In her early days, Peanut faced challenges, notably missing her egg tooth, a crucial part of a chick’s beak used to break out of its shell. Despite this, Peanut thrived under Darwin’s care. Initially hand-raised in the living room, Peanut later joined the flock on the 37-acre farm known as “Darwin’s Eden,” where various animals, including corgis, parrots, chickens, ducks, guinea fowl, and peafowl, call home.
Living in a coop for 13 years, Peanut produced chicks, many with her favorite rooster, Lance. Although Peanut is now too old to breed, a one-eyed rooster named Benny has been her loyal companion in recent years. Darwin recalls how Peanut decided she had enough of coop life about six years ago and made herself at home in the porch, eventually moving inside the house.
Now, Peanut resides in a wire coop in the living room, along with her 15-year-old daughter, Millie. The duo enjoys a comfortable life with food, water, and straw, and Peanut has a special perch near the window to gaze outside. Peanut’s days are spent cuddled up on Darwin’s lap while watching TV, tucked inside Darwin’s jacket during farm chores, and scratching around in the dirt outside on warm summer days.
Peanut’s unique diet includes blueberry yogurt mixed with crushed vitamin D tablets, along with occasional treats like bananas, grapes, and fresh vegetables. Despite chickens typically having a lifespan of five to ten years, Peanut’s remarkable age of 21 sets her apart as an exceptional and well-loved feathered friend.
In a heartwarming story from Suffolk, a Jack Russell named Teasel has taken on an unexpected role as a surrogate mom to six abandoned black kittens. The kittens were left without a mother when a feral cat decided to abandon them. Sue Stubley, a kind-hearted resident of Newmarket, came to their rescue.
Sue, who owns and operates the Suffolk Hedgehog Hospital from her home, took the kittens in when they were in need. Little did she know that her Jack Russell, Teasel, would step up to the plate in the most extraordinary way.
Teasel, a two-year-old Jack Russell, is already known for her caring nature at the Suffolk Hedgehog Hospital, where she coexists peacefully with the resident hedgehogs. When Sue brought the abandoned kittens home, something remarkable happened—Teasel began lactating.
“She’s very good with the hedgehogs. I’m constantly feeding tiny, baby hedgehogs, so I’ve taught her she doesn’t go for those,” shared Ms. Stubley. When a call came in from a volunteer seeking help for the abandoned kittens, Sue had initially planned to house them temporarily before taking them to a local cat rescue the next morning.
However, Teasel had different plans. “In the meantime, my dog decided that she was going to look after them. She was cleaning them, and within a few hours, was making milk,” Ms. Stubley explained. Although Teasel’s milk supply isn’t sufficient, Sue has taken on the role of feeding the kittens while Teasel does everything else.
The bond between Teasel and the kittens goes beyond just providing nourishment. Teasel has embraced her role as a surrogate mom wholeheartedly. Sue shared, “She stays cuddled up to them all night. If anybody comes in who she doesn’t know and the kittens have gone astray, she’ll pick them up and put them back into bed.”
This heartwarming tale demonstrates the incredible capacity for care and compassion that animals, like Teasel the Jack Russell, exhibit. In the Suffolk Hedgehog Hospital, a unique family dynamic has formed, proving that love knows no boundaries, even across different species.
In a fun and incredible journey spanning 1,500 kilometers and traversing eight countries, Italian cyclist Claudio Barchiesi embarked on an epic adventure that led him from Italy to England to visit his beloved grandparents. With determination in his heart and the open road ahead, Claudio’s journey took him through breathtaking landscapes, diverse cultures, and heartwarming reunions.
Claudio’s incredible bike ride commenced in Italy and led him on an unforgettable path that wound through some of Europe’s most captivating regions. He tackled the formidable Swiss Alps, where he marveled at the majestic mountain vistas that stretched as far as the eye could see. The sense of accomplishment he felt at the mountain’s summit was undoubtedly a high point of his journey.
Continuing northward, Claudio pedaled along the picturesque banks of the Rhine River in France, meandering through charming towns and villages along the way. His route took him into parts of Germany and Luxembourg, where he encountered new landscapes and experienced the warm hospitality of locals.
As he cycled onward, Claudio’s journey led him through the enchanting country of Belgium, known for its rich history, culture, and delectable chocolates. Each passing mile brought him closer to his ultimate destination—England.
Finally, Claudio reached the shores of the Netherlands, where he boarded a ferry that would carry him across the English Channel. The anticipation of reuniting with his grandparents in England filled him with excitement and spurred him on through the final leg of his incredible adventure.
Upon his arrival in England, Claudio was greeted with open arms, hugs, and a feast of warm, home-cooked meals. His grandparents had prepared a heartfelt welcome, complete with balloons and banners to celebrate his triumphant journey.
“It was really nice to pull up round the bend and see everyone, quite emotional as well,” Claudio shared, his voice reflecting the joy and emotion of the moment. His tireless efforts and determination had led him to this heartwarming reunion with loved ones.
Throughout his journey, Claudio consumed a substantial number of calories to fuel his strenuous daily rides. He indulged in pain au chocolat and baguettes, savoring the culinary delights of each country he passed through. Yet, it wasn’t just the food that left a lasting impression on him.
Claudio’s voyage allowed him to relish the beauty of Europe, both in its natural wonders and the diverse tapestry of cultures he encountered along the way. “I tried to do 90 kilometers (55 miles) a day, so I got half a day to visit the place as well,” he recounted. “It’s incredible how after 90 kilometers, not only do the places change so much, but also the people and the languages spoken.”