At times nature can be cruel, but there is also a raw beauty, and even a certain justice manifested within that cruelty.

The alligator, one of the oldest and ultimate predators, normally considered the “apex predator”, can still fall victim to implemented ‘team work’ strategy, made possible due to the tight knit social structure and “survival of the pack mentality” bred into the canines.

See the remarkable photograph below courtesy of Nature Magazine.

Note that the Alpha dog has a muzzle hold on the gator preventing it from breathing, while another dog has a hold on the tail to keep it from thrashing. The third dog attacks the soft underbelly of the gator.

1. Brush twice a day!

2. Dress right for the weather.
3. Visit the dentist regularly.
4. Get plenty of rest.
5. Make sure your hair is dry before going outside.
6. Eat right.
7. Get outside in the sun every once in a while.
8. Always wear a seatbelt.
9. Control your drinking of alcoholic beverages.
10. Smile!  It will make you feel better.
11. Don’t over indulge yourself.
12. Bathe regularly.
13. Read to exercise the brain.
14. Surround yourself with friends.
15. Stay away from too much caffeine.
17. Get plenty of exercise.
18. Have your eyes checked regularly.
19. Eat plenty of vegetables.
20. Believe that people will like you for who you are.
21. Forgive and forget.
22. Take plenty of vacations.
23. Celebrate all special occasions.
24. Pick up a hobby.
25. Love your neighbor as yourself.

NO, I DO NOT WANT TO GO TO THE VET!!

This beats the heck out of bunk beds!

Aww shucks, I thought I’d end up in the kitchen

I’ve been on hold for 45 minutes!!!!

Hold still while I get this one last spot that I missed..

I have an OUWEE !

What do you mean, ‘I look a little Green today?’

I wasn’t doin’ anything naughty. I promise.

Ahhh… This is the life!

I’m sure glad this wasn’t a frosted mug!!!

Ebony and Ivory

Whew, this pumpin’ iron is for the birds!!

I told you if you yawned one more time, I’d….

Jezz, I hope this thing doesn’t ring and wake me up!

Did you remember to bring my supper home too?

She may have longer ears, but she’s fun to play with!

And they called it puppy love

How to Protect Your Pet in the Event of a Tornado

The destructive tornados in Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois and Kansas are reminders that disaster can strike anywhere. The U.S. averages 1,000 tornados each year. And while we tend to think of tornados as a weather phenomenon of the Midwest, they have been recorded in every state. This year, although only half over, is already the deadliest tornado year in the U. S. since 1998 and seems on track to break the record for the number of tornados in a year.

By their very nature, tornados come at us fast and furiously and often with little notice. Consequently the only way to safeguard your family pet is to be prepared before a tornado strikes. Take action now, our companion animals depend on us for their survival.

Prepare in advance. Keep pet supplies in a tornado-proof room or cellar. For example: Food, water, and treats in sufficient quantities. Sanitation items i.e. litter box, litter or puppy pads. Crates for a cat or frightened dog to provide your pet with a cozy, secure hiding place to weather the storm.

Practice getting your family and pets to the safe area. Train your dog to go to the safe area on command. Learn how to quickly and safely secure your pet. Know your pet’s hiding places and how to safely extricate them.

Make your tornado safe area pet friendly. Eliminate unsafe areas where cats may try to hide. Remove dangerous items such as tools or toxic products stored in the area.

Identify your pet If your pet gets lost, his identification is his ticket home. Your options include: collar tags imprinted with your pet’s name, your name and phone number; a tattoo with an identification number i.e. your social security number; a GPS tracking device attached to your pet’s collar; or a microchip. Microchips provide identification that is permanent and uses a unique number that cannot be altered. Approximately 1.5 million dogs and cats now have microchips.

Use pet rescue window stickers Attach pet rescue stickers on prominent windows in your home. If a disaster strikes when you’re not home, the stickers will alert rescue workers that pets are inside. Be sure the stickers are visible to rescue workers and include the types and number of pets in your household. If you and your pets evacuate (and time permits) write “Evacuated” across the stickers.

Heavy rains and flooding often follow tornados so be prepared to evacuate with your pet if that becomes necessary.
 

This wonderful young cat seems to have the patience with this pup we should all have with life in general. I vote this kitty for the most patient and tolerant cat of the year. Feel free to post video responses if you think you know a more patient and tolerant kitty