Cute
The Pigeon Who Hitched a Ride
It’s not everyday you get to see a persistent pigeon wanting to go for a car ride, yet for one gentleman in Manchester UK, that’s exactly what happened. Pigeons are notorious scrappers in our environment. They feed off leftover scraps and pretty much invade your bird feeders if given the chance.
But to want a ride on the hood of a car for a few blocks? That’s a new sight to behold, especially when given the opportunity to fly away at any moment. Although this one dad named Carl was moving rather slowly down the road, the pigeon decided to hitch a ride and view the scenery from above.
Carl Leonard caught the short escapade on his inside video camera in August 2017. He decided it was a first for him and he wanted to share the fun with his viewers. Although Carl honked his horn, turned on his windshield wipers (even though it wasn’t raining), and drove with some wind at his front, the pigeon wasn’t about to budge.
Sometimes, pigeons are considered to be a pest of a bird, yet some people find them adorable. They can leave a trail of a mess in their wake and also cause an uproar with outdoor picnics left unattended, as they swoop in and grab whatever food looks appealing. So what could possibly give rise to this relentless pigeon who chose not to leave the car hood, and instead decided to become a passenger?
One theory is the warmth of the car engine. Many birds tend to gravitate towards warmer environs during seasonal shifts. Oftentimes, whenever you drive up to a stoplight or stop sign and notice an entire flock of birds high on the light post or telephone pole, chances are they’re waiting to fly around the front of your car area to gain some comfort and warmth from the engine.
It’s what nature does, and yet when a famous little winged-one becomes an internet sensation, our curiosities are peaked. When Carl was sitting in the hairdresser’s chair and noticed the bird on his car, he thought nothing of it except perhaps he might encounter some pigeon poop on the hood.
What gave Carl such delight was that the pigeon didn’t leave a mess at all. Truth be told, he wanted to ride along with Carl and his son Ryan, and the pigeon’s expressions are almost as if he’s saying “This is the most fun I’ve had in a long while. I think I’ll stay until the wind picks up, or Carl drives faster, or another pigeon wants to join me!” He became like a lookout for traffic.
Carl continued on with his day though, accompanied by the pigeon and his stubbornness. They traveled 10 whole minutes down the road together. As Ryan captured the footage while Carl drove, they couldn’t wait to allow social media to chime in with comments and happy thoughts after the video was shared.
It’s a sweet tale of a man, his car, and his newfound winged friend.
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.”