Importance Of Water In Plant Animal & Human Life

Water is a necessary and vital component for sustaining living organisms.

According to the PBS science documentary series, "Nova", the presence of water within the Earth's physical environment sustains the environment and the life that depends on it. Plants, animals and humans rely on the water in the atmosphere and in the environment, as well as what's in their bodies to maintain the basic functions of life. Not surprisingly, scientists in search of life on other planets check to see if there's water there first.

Water Components

The chemical makeup of water has a lot to do with why it's so essential to life in general, and plant, human and animal life in particular, according to the Royal Society of Chemistry website. The bonds that form an H2O molecule form through the joining of electron pairs belonging to hydrogen and oxygen. These are described as covalent bonds, which hold considerable strength. Water molecules also carry a polar charge where oxygen is negative and the hydrogen atoms are positive. This makes it easier for water molecules to mix with other compounds and also contributes to water's ability to hold together.

Function

Plant, human and animal metabolism processes rely on water as a solvent and as a transporter of nutrients and oxygen throughout the body, according to "Nova." Water's chemical structure makes it easy for most food materials to dissolve once inside the digestive system. According to the Royal Society of Chemistry, materials such as amino acids, sugars, proteins and nucleic acids can travel through the bloodstream because of water's ability to contain them. Once nutrients reach cellular structures, water assists with transporting materials in and out of cells.

Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis processes enable plants to manufacture the food they need to sustain life. To do this, plants convert the energy contained inside light into sugar using carbon dioxide and water as part of the process, according to Estrella Mountain Community College. In effect, the energy contained inside water's hydrogen bonds provides the fuel needed to carry out the conversion process. As light is absorbed, water molecules split apart, releasing the hydrogen atoms for use within the chemical interactions that produce food for the plant. As water is a key ingredient within photosynthesis, its importance is vital to plant health and growth.

Animal Metabolism

The chemical reactions that take place inside the body--be it animal or human--rely on water's physical and chemical make-up to facilitate metabolism processes. According to Kimball's Biology Pages website, the presence of water creates an osmotic effect that allows nutrients and waste materials to move in and out of cells. This osmotic effect--called osmosis--is based on a concentration, or pressure gradient that maintains a certain concentration of water inside and outside of cell structures. As water moves in and out of cell walls, it carries nutrient materials in and waste materials out.

Equilibrium

Liquid water is the only chemical material capable of maintaining its structure within a wide temperature range, as demonstrated by its freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit) and boiling (212 degrees F) points, according to "Nova." This quality enables water to be a buffer, both inside plant, animal and human bodies, as well as within the Earth's environment and atmosphere, according to the Royal Society of Chemistry. This buffering effect maintains a certain equilibrium within the animal body that allows normal chemical reactions to continue when body temperatures rise.

Water also plays an essential role in maintaining equilibrium within plant structures by creating pressure effects within plant cells, stems and leaves, according to Florida State University. These effects enable plants to stand upright and conduct needed nutrients throughout the plant body.

Tags: Royal Society, Royal Society Chemistry, Society Chemistry, according Nova, according Royal

Install A Fennec Alpha Android

The Firefox Mobile Beta, also known as Fennec Alpha, provides Firefox browsing on the Android operating system. At the time of publication, Fennec Alpha is in the alpha testing stages, but it's available to the public for downloading. Once you've installed Fennec Alpha on your Android phone, you can use the browser instead of the default browser.

Instructions

1. Open your Android phone's Web browser and go to the mobile Fennec Alpha page.

2. Scroll down the page and tap "Download Beta for Android."

3. Tap the "Download" button in the upper right corner of the page. Tap "Accept & Download."

4. Open your "Applications" menu, then open the Firefox Beta application. When you first launch the browser, it installs a few necessary files before opening the browser.

5. Press the "Settings" button and tap "Add-ons" if you want to add mobile plug-ins to the browser. Type the add-on you want to search for in the search box. Tap the name of the add-on and tap "Add to Firefox Beta" to install the plug-i.

Tags: Fennec Alpha, Android phone, Android phone browser, Firefox Beta, Open your, phone browser, your Android

Adopt A Foster Baby

Adopting a child through the foster-care system is often less expensive than private adoptions.

Adoption is something to consider when you are thinking of starting a family. Although private adoptions and overseas adoptions can be quite costly and time consuming, adopting through a foster-care program can be less expensive and sometimes takes far less time, There are many children already available for adoption in the United States who are currently in foster care, including infants.

Instructions

1. Take the required classes to become a certified foster parent in your state. The requirements will differ from state to state and you should contact your local Department of Human Services to obtain a foster parent application. It is not necessary to become a foster parent in order to adopt a foster baby but keep in mind that first preference for adoption will be given to the foster family the baby is living with, and then to other prospective adoptive parents. You must also contact your local Department of Human Services to obtain an application to adopt a foster baby.

2. Set up an appointment to have a home study conducted. This is a requirement of every adoption, whether private or through the foster care system, It is also required whether you are a foster parent or not. Home studies will vary from state to state but are usually performed by a licensed certified social worker and consist of one or more home visits in which the social worker will ask you to fill out a multitude of forms describing in detail your work history, family history, medical history, financial history and views on things such as church, school and discipline. The social worker will also obtain your permission to run background checks on every member of the family over age 16. You will be asked to provide reference letters as well.

3. Look through photos of current foster children who are waiting to be adopted. Some of these can be found on websites such as photolisting.adoption.com. Your local Department of Human Services will also have books which contain photos of children in foster care who are waiting to be adopted. Once you have completed Steps 1 and 2, it is usually just a matter of having a judge sign the adoption decree.

4. Arrange an appointment with an attorney. You will need an attorney to draw up the legal adoption decree and to set a date for the decree to go in front of a judge. Your attorney can also double-check things for you, such as making sure all parental rights have been terminated so the adoption cannot be overturned at a later date.

Tags: foster parent, Department Human, Department Human Services, foster care, Human Services

Buy A Macaw Parrot

Macaws make wonderful pets.

Macaw parrots are beautiful and interesting birds that can make great pets. Outliving dogs and cats, macaws have a lifespan of up to 50 years. They also come in a variety of colors and have big personalities. If you are interested in purchasing a macaw, here are few steps you should follow.

Instructions

1. Visit your local pet store. Your local pet store may sell macaw parrots or may be able to put you in contact with another pet store that does.

2. Find a macaw breeder in your local newspaper. Bird breeders often post advertisements for their birds in local newspapers. By searching the "for sale" or "pets" section of your newspaper you will be able to find any macaw breeders that live in your area. If none are advertised, you can put a "wanted" advertisement in your newspaper expressing your desire to purchase a macaw.

3. Purchase a macaw parrot online. Websites such as avianbreeder.com will help you find macaw parrots for sale and also include a directory of breeders in your area. Sometimes the people who are selling the macaws will even ship them to your location free-of-charge.

Tags: find macaw, local store, macaw parrots, your area, your local, your newspaper

Groom A Shitzu

How do I Groom a Shitzu?

If you own a dog, it is important to groom it properly, especially if your dog has a flowing, long double coat. The Shih Tzu is an example of one of these breeds. The compact, playful, loyal and gentle Chinese dog breed is known for its long hair, which requires daily attention and care.

Instructions

1. Begin at your Shih Tzu's head. Before starting any brushing, make your dog's coat slightly damp with water. A dry coat can lead to breakage of the hair. Use a bristle brush to softly brush the hair away from your Shih Tzu's eyes. If hair is falling over your dog's eyes, affecting its ability to see, trim it off with scissors. Hair falling into the eyes can also trigger irritation, which can ultimately lead to ulceration and infection. Closely observe the mouth, ears and eyes for any indications of possible infection. Notify your veterinarian if you notice anything out of the ordinary, such as redness.

2. Groom your Shih Tzu's ears. The ear area of Shih Tzus is particularly prone to tangling and knotting. Pay close and frequent attention to this area. Other parts of a Shih Tzu's body that experience frequent matting are the areas behind the legs and the neck. These areas can all be especially sensitive, so exercise caution.

3. Groom your Shih Tzu's body. Use the bristle brush to get rid of any tangles and knots on the dog's body, and then use the comb to make sure none are remaining. Start at the neck area and then travel all the way down to the legs and feet. Begin by gently grooming the legs, then take care of the inside sections of the legs with the comb.

4. Brush your Shih Tzu's tail and bottom section. Brush the tail with the bristle brush and then follow it up with the comb. Cut the hair in the area short if necessary. Keep the hair around your dog's behind as short as possible to make it easy for it to relieve itself.

5. Bathe your Shih Tzu. The dogs require baths approximately once or twice a month (depending on how often they are outdoors, of course). Before you bathe your dog, get rid of its tangles, because bathing can make them worse. Place a non-slip mat in your bathtub and fully soak your dog's coat, keeping water away from its nose. Use a conditioning shampoo that is intended for dogs and lather it onto the head and face, keeping it out of the eyes and nose. Then shampoo the entire body, paying close attention to the feet and behind area. Finally, thoroughly rinse your Shih Tzu off. Squeeze out extra water that is in your dog's coat and wrap the dog in two thick towels for about 15 minutes, and then use a blow dryer to dry its coat. To make the drying process faster, brush the coat to separate the hair.

Tags: your Shih, bristle brush, your coat, away from, Groom Shitzu, Groom your, Groom your Shih

Kentucky Lowincome Spay & Neuter Help

Help reduce the number of unwanted pets by spaying and neutering.

Preventing unwanted litters of kittens and puppies by spaying and neutering is the only certain way to end pet overpopulation. For low-income people in Kentucky and elsewhere, help is available through various agencies that subsidize pet sterilization. Low-income individuals may also contact the local humane society or volunteer animal rescue groups for more information about discount spay/neuter services in a particular area of Kentucky.

Kentucky Animal Control Advisory Board Grants

The Kentucky Animal Control Advisory Board provides grants to animal shelters throughout the state to assist low-income residents in having their animals spayed and neutered. Under the auspices of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, funding is administered by each county. Residents should contact the Office of the County Executive in their particular county for additional program and application information. Funding, and participating counties and animal shelters vary from year to year.

Nonprofit Animal Organizations

Various nonprofit animal rescues and welfare organizations offer discount spaying and neutering. Some programs are available only for those with certain income levels, while others do not have income restrictions. Many of these programs work with specific veterinarians or veterinary hospitals to provide spay/neuter services at lower rates. Some groups may only provide services for cats and others only for dogs. Many programs offer certificates for discount surgeries, which the pet owner must bring to a participating veterinarian. Some nonprofit groups offering spay/neuter help include the Animal Refuge Center in Vine Grove; Home At Last in Salvisa, for cats only; and Save the Animals Foundation in Lebanon, for Washington and Marion county residents.

Louisville Area Discount Spay/Neuter Programs

Qualifying individuals in the metropolitan Louisville area may take advantage of the S.P.O.T. Low Cost Veterinary Services program. In addition to spaying and neutering, dogs and cats receive licenses, rabies shots and micro-chipping for one fee. Fees for the service are based on a sliding scale according to household income. Pet owners must provide income documentation for eligibility. A mobile spay/neuter van also makes regular rounds in the metro area. Owners must make an appointment for the service before taking the pet for spaying or neutering.

Madison County Discount Spay/Neuter Program

Low-income residents of Madison County, including those on government assistance or disability, may apply for the discount spay/neuter program offered by the Humane Society, Animal League for Life. In an attempt to reduce the number of animals killed in local shelters, the program offers reduced rates for residents meeting income limitations. Only Madison County residents are eligible for the discounts, and all sterilizations depend on available funding. At the time of publication, the discount for a dog spay is $50 off the regular fee; a cat spay $40 off; dog neuter $40 and cat neuter $20 off.

Tags: spaying neutering, discount spay, Madison County, spay neuter, Advisory Board, Animal Control

Do I Need A License For Child Care

Each state has its own laws regarding how many children a person can take care of in her own home before she must get a license. The number of children is usually not very high. It can be as few as only siblings from one family that is not your own, or it can be three or four children from families that are unrelated to you or to each other. It is important that you contact your state's department of health and human services, office of childcare licensing to find out your state's particular rules.

Licensing Department

Your state's licensing department probably has a local licensing representative for your area who is available for questions on a regular basis. In addition, you can find out more information from your state's department of health and human services or general business licensing office. Licensing requirements for daycare centers, family childcare homes and other childcare facilities are most likely posted on your state government's website.

Ages

Family childcare homes may be licensed for a certain number of children, but the provider may only take care of a specified number of children of a particular age at one time. For example, a family childcare home may provide care for only a certain number of children under the age of two or one in many cases.

Colorado

To provide care to children in Colorado, as an example, you must have a family home childcare license if you want to care for more than one child or two or more children who are not siblings from the same family. Infrequent care of children with or without compensation is permitted without a license.

Texas

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services requires individuals who wish to care for children to register or license their childcare facilities if they plan to care for more than four children at one time.

Tags: number children, care children, your state, care more, care more than

Legally Own A Pet Tamarin

Tamarins are among the smallest of all monkeys, with adults often weighing just 1 lb or less. Native to South America, tamarins can make excellent pets when they have been handled by humans since infancy. While no federal restrictions exist on the ownership of pet tamarins, you may have to contact your state or local wildlife authority before you can legally own one of these primates.

Instructions

1. Check with your state's wildlife commission or local animal-control authority to determine whether you can legally own a pet tamarin. You may need to purchase an exotic-pet permit or undergo an inspection of the habitat in which you want to keep the animal.

2. Obtain a license from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the USDA if you wish to sell, breed or exhibit a pet tamarin legally. An APHIS inspector will check the veterinary records of the pet tamarin to determine whether it is healthy enough to come in contact with others. At the same time, you should ask to see a USDA license from any breeder of pet tamarins before you try to own one legally.

3. Build a suitable environment for the tamarin. Cages should be at least 3 by 3 by 5 feet high and should be filled with branches and twigs, so that your pet tamarin can climb and chew. A warm nesting box should also be placed in the cage for sleeping.

4. Find a veterinarian who specializes in treating non-human primates (NHPs). You can receive a referral from a more conventional vet for a specialist in your area. You will need to keep up-to-date records on all vaccinations and annual checkups in order to renew exotic-pet licenses or APHIS inspections.

5. Keep your pet tamarin as healthy as possible by feeding it a proper diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, eggs, crickets and mealworms. You may want to supplement your tamarin's diet with chewable calcium and vitamin C as well. Tamarins get bored if you feed them the same thing every day, so vary their diets as much as possible.

Tags: your tamarin, before legally, determine whether, license from, your state

Make A Wwe Account

The World Wrestling Entertainment group has a variety of ways fans can interact with each other in person and online. One way is through a WWE account. A WWE account is an online service with forums, email lists and interactive games. Fans over the age of 13 can sign up, but anyone under 18 must have a parent's consent. To use a WWE account, you must register with a valid email address.

Instructions

1. Visit WWE's log in page. Check "I don't have an account on WWE.com" under "Register Now!" at the bottom of the screen.

2. Type your email address in the designated box. Create and enter a password that you will remember. Type the password in the confirmation box again to confirm the action. Fill in your birthday to prove you are old enough to use the site. Click "OK."

3. Fill in information for your profile, including your full name and location. Click "OK."

4. Click the circle next to "yes" or "no" for the special features offered through WWE.com. Click "Submit."

Tags: email address

Remove Cigarette Smoke Stains From Stuffed Animals

Stuffed animals can potentially fill many roles in your household, from a child's best friend to an important piece of a collection. Keeping these plush toys clean can present a bit of a challenge, as they usually don't do too well in water. Cigarette smoke travels through the air in your home and settles on any available surface. If someone has smoked around these soft toys, the stains and odor will linger. Use a few household items and a dose of caution to remove these ugly stains. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Dip a clean cloth in white vinegar.

2. Rub the stained area with the cloth to remove the stain. Gently wipe down the entire stuffed animal with the vinegar-soaked cloth to help kill off any odors and germs.

3. Set the stuffed animal outside to air out for several hours. Do not place it in direct sunlight, which could cause fading. If the weather refuses to cooperate, place the stuffed animal in the dryer on a low setting with a scented dryer sheet for 10 to 15 minutes.

4. Place the stuffed animal in a cool, dry place and sprinkle baking soda all over it to eliminate cigarette odors.

5. Allow the baking soda to sit on the stuffed animal overnight.

6. Brush away the baking soda in the morning.

Tags: stuffed animal, baking soda

Florida Squirrel Types

The eastern gray squirrel is a common Floridian mammal.

Florida has four species of squirrels in its state. Three of the squirrels are tree squirrels--eastern gray, Mexican gray and fox--meaning they nest and seek refuge in trees. The other squirrel is the southern flying squirrel, which is known for its aerial maneuvering. Due to the state's consistent warm climates, squirrels in Florida are active year-round.

Eastern Gray Squirrel

The eastern gray squirrel, or Sciurus carolinensis, are native throughout the eastern United States, including Florida. This species is a medium-sized squirrel, growing to about 2 feet when mature. Eastern gray squirrels may be identified by their gray fur; both male and female squirrels have the same fur color patterns. These squirrels usually have two types of homes, a permanent den in a tree and a nest made of leaves near treetops. In Florida, eastern gray squirrels usually live in hardwood trees such as oak and walnuts.

Mexican Gray Squirrel

Native to Mexico and Central America, Mexican gray squirrels, or Sciurus aureogaster, have been introduced into Florida. These squirrels are similar in color to eastern gray squirrels -- grayish dorsal region -- but have reddish-orange fur on their bellies. Mexican gray squirrels' bodies grow up to 2 feet and have tails approximately 1 foot long. Papaya and coconuts are the primary dietary items for Mexican gray squirrels; however, this squirrel will also dine on acorns and nuts if necessary. Mexican gray squirrels usually have two dens: a permanent home den and a place to escape from predators.

Fox Squirrel

The largest squirrel in Florida -- and the entire Western Hemisphere -- is the fox squirrel, or Sciurus niger. When fully mature, fox squirrels reach lengths of 2.5 feet and their fox-like tail grows over 1 foot. As of May 2011, the fox squirrel is considered a threatened species in Florida due to urbanization and habitat fragmentation. The primary location in Florida to spot fox squirrels is in the Southwest region. The fur on top of the squirrel's head is black and the dorsal region is grayish. Fox squirrels live in pine and oak forests; however, these squirrels prefer open-space forests rather than dense forests.

Southern Flying Squirrel

Also known as Glaucomys volans, the southern flying squirrel is found throughout the forested regions of Florida. The dorsal region and head of southern flying squirrels have grayish fur, while this squirrel's belly is a cream or white color. Southern flying squirrels have loose folds of skin between their front and back legs. This skin fold allows them to glide when they jump off a tree branch. These squirrels may glide over 150 feet from tree to tree; southern flying squirrels are able to navigate while in mid-air. The tail of the southern flying squirrel is used as a braking mechanism when the squirrel is about to land.

Tags: gray squirrels, southern flying, Mexican gray, Mexican gray squirrels, dorsal region, flying squirrels, squirrels have

Remove A Staple From Animal Skin

Surgical staples look very similar to regular paper staples.

Metal surgical staples can easily be removed with a surgical staple remover. The metal staples used in animal skin are used to close openings in the skin, appose wound edges or to attach medical drapes to the skin. Metal staples must be removed from the animal's skin after the wound has finished healing to prevent them from being trapped beneath the skin and causing an infection.

Instructions

1. Clean and prep the area of skin around the staple to be removed. To prep the skin, make sure that all hair is out of the way and the skin is free of foreign matter. Also, make sure the animal is restrained to prevent injury to it and you.

2. Grasp the staple between the tines of the staple remover. The staple remover has a set of "jaws" on it that is made up of three tines, two of which are attached to one movable piece and one attached to a second piece. The tines open and close in a scissor motion. The double tines should slip under the staple, while the single tine should sit on top of the staple.

3. Crimp the staple. Slowly and steadily apply pressure to the staple remover handles to close the remover on the staple. As the remover closes, it will begin to fold the staple in the middle, lifting the staple's two points out of the skin.

4. Lift the staple remover away from the skin as you finish removing the staple. Gently lift the remover away for the last few centimeters of the staple, because the lifting motion will pull the staple straight out, whereas allowing the remover to finish bending the staple can cause scratches on the skin of the animal.

5. Dispose of the staple in a biohazard sharps container or a sealable container that is puncture proof to prevent injury to anyone handling the container.

Tags: staple remover, animal skin, make sure, prevent injury, remover away, remover staple

Monitor Canine Diabetes

Check your dog's glucose levels to monitor his diabetes.

Diabetes is a serious disease and is onset when the body makes insufficient insulin and sometimes makes none at all. Like humans, dogs can acquire diabetes and, if this occurs, they must be cared for properly. Monitoring diabetes in dogs can be challenging because they cannot tell you their symptoms. However, monitoring canine diabetes is possible if you are aware of the signs and symptoms and have the proper equipment on hand.

Instructions

1. Learn the symptoms of canine diabetes so you know what to look for in your dog. Dogs that have poor diets, that are obese or that may be genetically predisposed to diabetes should be carefully monitored for symptoms. The most common symptoms of canine diabetes include excessive thirst and frequent urination. Other symptoms include weight loss that comes on suddenly, lethargy, vomiting, cloudy eyes and increased appetite. If your dog has any of these symptoms, take him to a veterinarian right away. The vet can do a simple urine test or blood sugar test to determine if your dog's glucose levels are higher than normal indicating diabetes.

2. Test your dog's blood glucose at home to ensure that his glucose levels are normal. If they are too high, insulin may need to be administered. If they are too low, you may need to feed your pet or administer some form of glucose, either in powder form or syrup. To test your dog's blood glucose, you will need a drop of his blood. Some common places to painlessly draw blood from your dog are on the ear, near the lip or near the base of the tail. Using a lancet, prick the dog's skin so a drop of blood appears. Insert a testing strip into a Glucometer, which you can buy from your veterinarian. Place the testing strip directly onto the drop of blood so it seeps up onto the bottom of the strip. Wait a few seconds and then read the blood glucose number.

3. Collect your dog's urine and test it to monitor his glucose levels and diabetes. Take your dog out for a walk on his lead. Have a clean container prepared to catch the urine once it begins streaming. Using a urine dipstick provided by your vet, and dip the stick into the urine. Following the instructions on the bottle the dipsticks come in, wait the specified amount of time and then hold the end of the stick up to the chart provided on the bottle to compare colors. The colors will show whether your pet's urine is normal or not.

Tags: glucose levels, blood glucose, drop blood, canine diabetes, from your, symptoms canine, symptoms canine diabetes

Get Your Cat In Commercials

Do you have a cat you think would be perfect for television commercials? While the idea of getting your pet in show business seems appealing, there is a lot of competition and you have to know what to do to help give your kitty an "edge."

Instructions

Getting Your Kitty on Television

1. Make sure your cat really does have "the right stuff." Ask people you know, who have no difficulty being candid, if they think your cat has the kind of charm and personality it takes to be in television commercials. Getting a few second opinions, before you embark on trying to make your cat a "legend" may save you a lot of time, effort, money and disappointment.

2. If you decide that you still want to get your cat in commercials, remember that first impressions are lasting. Your cat should always look his best. Keep him clean and well-groomed at all times.

3. Get professionally done photographs of your cat to send out to potential agents. Your cat will need an agent to help get him into auditions for commercials. Don't expect it to be easy, since many animal actor agencies receive loads of inquiries from cat owners who want them to represent their pets. Check out the legitimacy and reputation of any agency you contact before giving any money or information to them. Also make sure that it is a USDA studio animal company, which it must be by law, in order for your cat to be hired.

4. Work on training your cat. Most advertisers who hire animals to appear in commercials want cats that can easily take direction and that do not have behavior problems. Time is money and if your cat causes delays and ends up causing a production company to spend more than they want, it will be harder to get your pet cast in future commercials.

5. Keep your cat healthy. No production company wants to lose time because your cat is too ill to do a shoot. Make certain his diet is appropriate, that he gets plenty of exercise and that he sees a veterinarian often for checkups.

6. If your cat is scheduled for an audition, make sure that you show up on time and that your cat remains calm and manageable. A cat that is hungry, thirsty and stressed out is not likely to do well in an audition. Feed him, give him water and bring a favorite small toy for him to play with, so he can feel relaxed.

7. Be sure that you have enough money to pay for whatever is required to promote your cat. Paying for an agency, publicity, the cost of traveling to auditions and more can be expensive.

Tags: sure that, make sure that, production company, television commercials, that have

Where To Buy A Pet Shark

Bamboo Shark

Before you fill your aquarium with shark, you should spend time researching the various breeds and decide if such an exotic and long-lived animal is a good fit for you and your home. Finding the creature can be a challenge but it is by far the easiest piece of shark ownership. While there are freshwater breeds referred to as "pet sharks," true sharks are saltwater beings requiring huge (100 gal) meticulously maintained tanks. Before you step into an exotic pet store, understand the commitment you will necessarily be making. A recommended read can be found and purchased at the below Amazon website: Aquarium Sharks & Rays: An Essential Guide to Their Selection, Keeping and Natural History.

Instructions

1. Research the various breeds. A smaller breed, like a catshark is better than a large breed like a nurse shark in the limited space of home aquariums. Before you buy, you need to be aware of what is "normal" for the breed you are considering. You cannot determine that you are purchasing a healthy specimen if you don't know what healthy looks like. Examine photos and videos and read, read, read.

2. Join an aquarium club. Chatting online with like-minded aquarium aficionados will add to your insight and open up doors of possibilities for purchases, trades and the caveats of the hobby.

3. Visit a breeder. While where you live may limit your choices, seeing the condition of the fish and its habitat is an important pre-purchase step. Plan to spend a half-hour in the store on your first visit, without the intent to purchase that day.

4. Avoid sharks with spots or blemishes on its body.

5. Look into its eyes to assure they are clean, clear and aware. Their pupils should constrict in bright light.

6. Check their gills to assess that their rate of respiration is measured and consistent.

7. Look for activity level consistent with the shark breed.

8. Set up the aquarium before you bring home your shark.

9. Buy from a website if your location makes an onsite visit too difficult. The websites below are two options for shark purchase.

Tags: breed like, read read, various breeds, with shark

Map Land By Lot

Use a pencil and ruler to sketch a map of subdivision lots.

If you have a tract of land consisting of several acres, you may contemplate subdividing it into lots. Before you make the commitment, however, consider laying out the lots on paper to get an idea of the number and size of each and where they would be located in relation to each other. You must determine how each lot in the subdivision will access the public road, and will need to consider the location of any low-lying areas unsuitable for building.

Instructions

1. Locate any survey that you may have acquired when you purchased or mortgaged the property showing the perimeter layout of the land and reflecting the scale that the surveyor used to draw the property. The scale will be the distance used on paper to match the actual distance on the ground. If you do not have a survey, you will have to sketch your perimeter description on paper using the legal description in your deed. If you are unfamiliar with legal descriptions, this may be very difficult and require the assistance of a surveyor or title researcher.

2. Sketch the lot locations on your survey within its perimeter description. For simplicity's sake, assume you have a rectangular 2-acre parcel of land lying north of the public road that has 210 feet of road frontage and is 420 feet deep. Realizing that some of your lots will not have road frontage, you will need a road inside your subdivision that runs from the public road to the back lots. Many governmental jurisdictions will not accept a road for maintenance unless it is at least 50 feet wide, so assuming a surveyor's scale of "1 inch equals 50 feet," measure a 1-inch line representing the width of your 50-foot road in the center of the south line of your property along the public road. Draw parallel lines representing the east and west boundaries of the 50-foot road running from the south property line to a point that lies 105 feet south of the northern property line. It will not be necessary to extend the road all the way to the north property line, as your objective is only to provide access to all lots. Eighty feet of property will remain on each side of the 50-foot road.

3. Determine the size of the lots on either side of the 50-foot road to be 80 x 100 feet in this example. Using the scale established, measure three 100-foot, or 2-inch, lines and one 105-foot line along the west boundary of the property, beginning at the southwest corner and proceeding to the north property line. For each 100-foot segment, draw a perpendicular line running east and west to connect the west property line to the west line of the 50-foot road. Perform the same action for those lots east of the 50-foot road beginning at the southeast corner and drawing lots to lie between the east line of the 50-foot road and the east property line. Draw a line from the center of the northern property line due south to intersect the north line of the 50-foot road. This will be the line separating your two back lots, which will each measure 105 feet x 105 feet. Number or letter each of the 8 lots in your newly mapped subdivision.

Tags: 50-foot road, property line, public road, line 50-foot, line 50-foot road, back lots, east west

About Kendall Hotel And Suites In Miami Florida

Miami's Kendall Hotel and Suites provides many facilities and amenities.

Kendall Hotel and Suites of Miami, Florida, offers a variety of services and facilities to accommodate both the business and recreational traveler. Located in the Kendall area of Miami, the resort-like atmosphere provides a memorable vacation with all that the city of Miami has to offer.

Location

Kendall Hotel and Suites is located at 9100 N. Kendall Drive, Miami. It is sheltered from the busy downtown area in the upscale area of Kendall, but the exciting nightlife and numerous attractions of Miami are not far away.

Facilities

For the business traveler, a business center and conference rooms are available. A fitness center, outdoor swimming pool and tennis courts accommodate the active traveler. The hotel also has a grand banquet hall that overlooks the gorgeous pool area for events such as weddings and other large-scale celebrations. The Paradise Bar and Grill provides on-site dining for the whole family.

Services

Services available to hotel guests include laundry service, daily room service, wake-up calls and 24-hour service from the front-desk staff. Parking is free at the adjacent lot. A complimentary shuttle brings guests from and to the airport.

Guest Rooms

The Kendall Hotel and Suites features 156 spacious rooms and suites. All rooms are nonsmoking and include Internet access, a work desk, telephone, flat-screen TV, pay movies, minibar, safe, coffeemaker, hairdryer and iron. Standard guest rooms are furnished with either one king-sized bed or two double beds. One- or two-bedroom suites are also available, and they feature fully-equipped kitchens and living rooms.

Nearby Attractions

Miami has much to offer, and the Kendall Hotel and Suites is conveniently located to experience the best of the city. Dadeland Mall is two miles away, and Miami Metro Zoo is 10 miles from the hotel. Miami's famous South Beach is located 15 miles from the hotel while the exciting nightlife, dining and shopping of downtown Miami is also just 15 miles away. The Falls, one of the United States' largest open-air shopping, dining and entertainment complexes, is located four miles from Kendall Hotel and Suites.

Tags: Hotel Suites, Kendall Hotel, Kendall Hotel Suites, miles from, exciting nightlife, from hotel

Breeds Of Cats That Are Hypoallergenic

Sphynx cats are not 100 percent hypoallergenic.

There are no breeds of cat that are 100 percent hypoallergenic for people allergic to cats, according to Bernadine Cruz, spokeswoman for the American Veterinary Medical Association. People allergic to cats are not allergic to the cat's fur but to a protein in cat saliva and dander called Fel-D1. Some breeds produce less of this protein than others.

Allerca Cats

Specially bred by the Allerca company, these short-haired cats have been genetically altered to not produce Fel-D1. There are two varieties, the Allerca GC and the Ashera GD. The latter combines the desirable Ashera coat patterns that mimic big cats like leopards with the lack of Fel-D1 glycoprotein. This is not technically a breed sinceparent cats cannot produce hypoallergenic kittens, as of the time of publication. But the cost of an Allerca GC kitten starts at $6,950 while the Ashera GC costs $22, 950, as of the time of publication.

Hairless Cats

Hairless, or mostly hairless, cat breeds still produce Fel-D1, but produce much less of it because they do not shed hair attached to dander. But since each person suffers from cat allergies differently, even a hairless cat may set off allergic reactions. There are many bald cat breeds, including the first bald breed and most commonly available, the Canadian Sphynx. Other rarer breeds include the Don Sphynx, the Russian Peterbald and the Ukranian Levkoy, according to the "ASPCA Complete Guide to Cats." Not all members of these breeds go bald. Kittens can cost thousands of dollars.

Rex Cats

Rex cat breeds helped to create the hairless, or Sphynx, cat breeds because some individual cats were lightly furred or developed bald patches. Rex cat breeds possess kinky or wavy coats that shed less than the normal short- or long-haired cat. Rex cats have a natural mutation in their genes that causes their unusual coats. Often the whiskers curl up to the face. They often have large ears and lean bodies. Rex cat breeds include the Cornish rex, Devon rex, Selkirk rex, and the American wirehair.

Siberian

This new cat breed is touted as being naturally hypoallergenic, but no studies exist proving that Siberians are any more hypoallergenic than any other breed of cat. Information is all anecdotal from Siberian cat owners and breeders. Siberian cats were tested for Fel-D1 by the allergy testing company Interior Biotechnologies and found to have lower levels of the protein in their saliva, but the lab admits they do not know what a normal level of the protein is for all cat breeds. Siberian cats also are very expensive.

Tags: allergic cats, breeds include, cats have, cats were, percent hypoallergenic, produce Fel-D1, Siberian cats

Where Is The Bermuda Triangle Located

Where Is the Bermuda Triangle Located?

Imagine crossing a large, open section of ocean where strange things happen and ships disappear without a trace. Now imagine that there are no markings and no natural borders to let travelers know when they've entered this mysterious zone. This is the Bermuda Triangle, a region of the Atlantic off the coast of Florida that owes its existence as much to folklore as it does to maps.

Geography

Traditionally, the Bermuda Triangle stretches across the waters of the Atlantic off the coast of Florida. The points of the Triangle are most commonly given as Bermuda, Miami and San Juan, Puerto Rico. However, some sources have put the ends of the Triangle as far away as the Azores. The islands of the Bahamas are generally within the boundaries of the western point of the Triangle. The southern border of the Triangle between Florida and Puerto Rico runs off the coast of the island nations of Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The majority of the Triangle is located over open ocean.

History

Enthusiasts of Bermuda Triangle lore often trace the strange events associated with the location back to the days of Columbus. Supposedly, Columbus recorded unusual events in his log while traveling through the region. Since then, a number of disappearances and other strange circumstances have added to the folklore surround the Triangle. Some instances are more famous than other, such as the USS Cyclops in 1918 and the six aircraft of US Navy Flight 19 in 1945, which all vanished without a trace somewhere in the Triangle and helped cement the region's paranormal reputation. (The official position of the US Navy ascribes both disappearances to non-paranormal factors.) These disappearances, combined with other stories, literally put the Bermuda Triangle on the map in the twentieth century.

Significance

For those that believe in the Triangle, it represents a particularly mysterious and perhaps even ominous region of the sea. There is some evidence that the Triangle does have some unusual properties, most notably upon compasses that are claimed to point not to magnetic north, but true north. However, according to official documentation these effects are not unique to the Triangle, and are of no relation to its borders. There is also the confluence of ocean and atmospheric currents--particularly the oceanic Gulf Stream--which contribute to the storms in the region. Of course, being a heavily traveled section of both sea and air, thousands of vessels travel through the Triangle each year without incident.

Theories/Speculation

Official explanations for the Triangle blame the usual factors or either weather, currents, human error or some combination of all of the above. The Gulf Stream is a particularly strong current that runs right through the Triangle. It is an area also frequently affected by violent storms, including hurricanes. Paranormal explanations involve everything from UFOs to inter-dimensional wormholes. Still, other folklore enthusiasts offer no explanation yet still insist, based on the number of disappearances, that something strange must be happening inside the Bermuda Triangle. Depending on who's asked, the Triangle is either one of modern maritime's greatest mysteries, or no mystery at all.

Misconceptions

In fact, there hasn't always been a Triangle, let alone a mystery surrounding it. The idea of some strange supernatural zone in the ocean didn't occur until the mid-twentieth century, when the area was first categorized as "The Devil's Triangle" in a 1950 publication. Prior to that, of course, ships and planes had both gone down in the region, but no paranormal explanations were attached to these disappearances. Nor is there good evidence of the area being seen as anything other than a vast stretch of open ocean by either the indigenous native tribes or the Europeans and Americans who sailed there later. Thus, as an artificial construction not bound by any natural features, the Triangle only truly exists in the annals of popular modern folklore.

Tags: Bermuda Triangle, Atlantic coast, Atlantic coast Florida, Bermuda Triangle Located, coast Florida, number disappearances, open ocean

Find Tourist Information In New York New York

There are so many places to see when visiting New York, New York.

New York, New York is affectionately known as The Big Apple. This large city boasts numerous tourist attractions from Broadway shows to landmarks such as The Statue of Liberty. If you are a new visitor to New York City, you may wonder where to start and find tourist information in New York. Fortunately, there are a few places you can look.

Instructions

1. Talk to your hotel concierge. A hotel concierge assists with guest services such as transportation, theater tickets, city tours, arranging babysitting services and restaurant reservations, according to the New York Affinia Manhattan Hotel. The hotel concierge can provide you with any type of tourist information about the city that you are looking for.

2. Visit the tourism office. New York, New York has its own tourism office, which is located on 7th Avenue at West 53rd Street. The tourism office offers visitors information on local events, tours and attractions within the city of New York.

3. Check out the Times Square Visitors Center. This visitors center is located in the heart of Times Square and provides tourists information such as free brochures, maps, guided tours and information on local events and shopping. Services such as theater and concert tickets can be arranged as can airport transportation.

Tags: York York, hotel concierge, tourism office, information local, information local events

Become A Pet Nurse

If you love animals, you may be suited to becoming a vet tech.

Pet nurse is a non-technical title for a veterinarian technologist or veterinarian technician. Both of these professions fill the role of nurse in a veterinarian's office or animal hospital. Although these two animal health professionals perform very similar duties, they arrive at their positions through different training. Veterinarian technologists earn a bachelor's degree, while veterinarian technicians have an associate's degree in veterinary technology.

Instructions

1. Online schools give busy adults the advantage of flexibility.

Locate a community college, veterinary science college or vocational school that is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Online learning is also an option. Distance learning schools are subject to accreditation in the same manner as on-campus programs.

2. Veterinary technology degrees are as challenging as registered nursing degrees.

Attend classes. Basic courses are veterinary technology, biology, microbiology and chemistry. Advanced areas of study are hematology, radiography, surgical principles, anesthesia, comparative anatomy and physiology, animal medical techniques and animal husbandry and diseases. Depending on the level of education you are pursuing, you will have three to seven semesters of theory, followed by a semester of clinical training. Your clinical training will consist of an externship arranged for by your school.

3. Your degree is a great investment in your future.

Graduate with an AAS in Veterinary Technology or a BS in Veterinary Technology. Your entire education should take between two and four years, if you attend full-time classes. Most schools require full-time attendance, because of course interdependencies.

4. Certification is the last step before employment.

Take certification testing. All states require certification. Job titles are licensed veterinary technician (LVT), certified veterinary technician (CVT) or registered veterinary technician (RVT).

5. Continuing education credits are available online.

Earn continuing education credits. Continuing education maintains your certification. Individual state's laws mandate the number of credits needed.

Tags: veterinary technician, clinical training, Continuing education, education credits

Train An African Grey Parrot

The African Grey parrot is very intelligent and great at imitating sounds. Studies have shown that they are also capable of cognitive thinking. Training parrots takes a lot of patience and positive reinforcement. Unlike dogs, parrots are not obedient and are more strong-willed. African Greys, especially, are very independent and do what they want, when they want. You need to have a trusting relationship with your parrot before you can start the training.

Instructions

1. Start with short sessions of about 10 to 15 minutes several times a day. Parrots are like lifelong 2-year-old children and become bored easily. Do not try to start training your parrot right after getting it out of the cage. Wait for about an hour so it can burn off some energy. Start with a behavior that comes natural to the African Grey parrot such as flapping its wings. Natural behaviors are easier to teach.

2. Remove any jewelry and wear comfortable clothing. Remove anything that might be distracting to the parrot from the training area.

3. Start with the flapping exercise while the parrot is perched on your hand. Quickly lower your arm (make sure the parrot has a good grip of your fingers). This will cause the parrot to flap its wings to keep its balance. This is also good physical exercise for the parrot and can also be used to distract it from biting (when used as a distraction, it’s commonly referred to as “earthquake”).

4. Once the parrot has fun with the exercise, start using cue words such as “Flap” or “Eagle.” Praise the parrot with a treat and “good bird!” Remember, parrots like drama so the more you praise the parrot, the more likely the behavior will be repeated. Be careful not to reward negative behaviors.

5. As the behavior becomes more common, reinforce only intermittently with a treat but always verbally praise the parrot. Soon, the parrot will only require the verbal praise for the displayed behavior. Also, parrots are very intelligent and may repeat the behavior to get the treat.

Tags: African Grey, Start with, Grey parrot, parrot with, praise parrot, start training, they want

Endangered Georgia Species

The sea turtle is one of Georgia's endangered species.

The Federal Endangered Species Act lists animals that are endangered throughout the country; 63 of these are present in Georgia. Georgia also has its own list of animals and plants that are protected by state-wide laws. Various organizations including universities, private land owners and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources work to protect these species to help preserve them and their habitats.

Mammals

There are five mammals at risk in Georgia including the Indiana and gray bats, West Indian manatee and northern right and humpback whales. The bat species is at risk due to human interference in caves and floods and pesticide use. The whales are located along coastal waters and are at risk due to boats and barges slowing reproductive rates. The manatee is at risk due to collisions with boats and humans' destruction of its habitat.

Invertebrates

The following invertebrates are threatened or at risk of extinction. The purple bankclimber, fine-lined pocketbook, Alabama moccasinshell, fat three-ridge, Upland combshell, Southern acornshell, shiny-rayed pocketbook, coosa moccasinshell, Gulf moccasinshell, Ochlockonee moccasinshell, Southern clubshell, Southern pigtoe, oval pigtoe and triangular kidneyshell. They are found in rivers and streams. All species are threatened or at risk due to degradation of water quality, habitat modification and sedimentation.

Plants

The following plants are threatened or endangered; Little amphianthus, hairy rattleweed, smooth coneflower, swamp pink, black-spored quillwort, mat-forming quillwort, small whorled pogonia, pondberry, Mohr's Barbara's buttons, Canby's dropwort, harperella, Michaux's sumac, Kral's water-plantain, green pitcher-plant, American chaffseed, large-flowered skullcap, fringed campion, Virginia spiraea,

Florida torreya, persistent trillium, relict trillium, Tennessee yellow-eyed grass, cooley meadowrue, Alabama leather flower and the rock gnome lichen. Reasons for the endangerment of plant species include quarrying, vehicle traffic, agricultural and urban development, logging and personal collections.

Reptiles and Amphibians

Various reptiles and amphibians are at risk of or already are endangered, including the flatwoods salamander, green sea turtle, hawksbill sea turtle, Kemp's Ridley sea turtle, leatherback sea turtle and loggerhead sea turtle. They are at risk of being extinct due to human encroachment on beaches, multiple predators, food exploitation, fishing and trapping nets and habitat loss from farming, construction and forestry.

Birds

Five bird species are endangered or at risk including the bald eagle, wood stork, Kirtland's warbler, red-cockaded woodpecker and the piping plover. Reasons the birds are at risk include older trees being knocked down, loss of feeding and nesting habitat and commercial development.

Fish

Endangered fish species include the amber darter, Cherokee darter, Etowah darter, goldline darter, snail darter, Conasauga logperch, blue shiner, shortnose sturgeon, spotfin chub and yellowfin madtom. They are endangered due to dam and reservoir construction, poor water quality and habitat degradation.

Tags: quality habitat, species include, threatened risk, water quality, water quality habitat

Prove Abandonment In Adoption Cases

Parents can adopt children rather than giving birth.

Proving abandonment by biological parents or guardians may be necessary before a child can be adopted into a new family, or by a step parents. Exactly what meets the criteria for abandonment will vary, depending on the situation and the state you live in. Laws for adoption vary by state, you should check with an attorney in your state to learn about specific laws and circumstances that will effect the success of your particular case.

Instructions

1. Determine what constitutes abandonment in your state. In most cases, abandonment means the parent has had no contact with the child for a specific length of time and has not provided any kind of financial or emotional support to the child.

2. Document the abandonment. You should provide witness statements, phone records, bank records and any other resource that will enable you to show that the parent has not contacted the child or sent money to care for her.

3. Prove abandonment in court by providing your evidence to the court and judge. Your attorney can help you prepare your arguments and present your documentation. The parent or parents in question not showing up for court appointments and dates will also help prove abandonment, so provide a record of all the court events and legal proceedings the parent has missed.

Tags: that will, your state

Money Cheats For Webkinz

Webkinz are stuffed animals that come with secret adoption codes that allow you to access to an online virtual world known as the Webkinz World. You can guide a virtual version of your stuffed animal through a world where you can give your pet a name, build it a room and earn special prizes and virtual cash for hours of online fun. Cheat codes make your life in the Webkinz World easier, but there is the possibility that the Webkinz site will become aware of your cheating and cancel your account.

100,000 Kinzcash

When your friend phone appears on the screen and makes a sound, press and hold Ctrl+m+g while closing the phone. This must be done quickly and may take several attempts before you succeed. After closing the phone, go play Quizzy's Word Challenge. When you receive Kinzcash from this game, the audio will freeze and the Webkinz World will crash. When you log in again, your money will have increased by 100,000.

Zingoz Pop

When you score over 100 Kinzcash playing Zingoz Pop at the arcade, lose and press replay. Press "2 player," pick two balls and press the gold "X" to win the same amount of Kinzcash you won in your game of Zingoz Pop. Repeat as often as necessary to accumulate more money.

The Adoption Center

While in the adoption center, type "117yur5h" then log out. Wait at least two hours before logging in again. When you log in, you will have more Kinzcash, pets and items. You can also type "115yuihd" for a payout of 100,000 Kinzcash and several Webkinz. You may need to try each code several times before the Webkinz World recognizes it.

Normal Ways of Making More Kinzcash

Sell extra items and house furniture to earn extra Kinzcash. Once a week, open the Webkinz Newspaper and click the "Contact Us" button at the top. Click "Comments and Suggestions." Click on the Poll and receive 50 Kinzcash for every question you answer. This also increases your health.

Play games like The Big Button of Kinzcash, the Wishing Well and the Wheel of Wow because they provide large cash prizes. Plant a garden and sell the farm veggies back to the game. Price the larger items at $10 each. It will take two growing cycles to cover the cost of the plants and begin to make a profit.

Always get the coupons to use on high-priced items then sell the items back to the game, charging enough to make a profit. Mine and sell gems on their own or use them to build crowns of wonder to sell back to the game. Always play the bonus game of the day. Collect all the clicking and floating freebies.

Tags: Webkinz World, back game, closing phone, make profit, receive Kinzcash, will have

Youth Volunteer Job Description

According to the Youth Volunteer Corps of America (see the Resources section), a youth volunteer is a child between the ages of 11 and 18 who volunteers to work for organizations such as nonprofit health care facilities and other organizations who provide work and enrichment activities for youths.

Function

Youth volunteers provide needed support to organizations by performing a variety of tasks, which include clerical work, making telephone calls to solicit donations, providing services to people in need and other general duties to assist in business operations on a daily basis.

Organizations

Youth volunteers may work for a variety of organization types that require assistance, such as hospitals, animal shelters, human services, farming and arts and sciences.

Compensation

Youth volunteers are not paid for their services. This type of work contributes to a youth's life and professional experiences. Most organizations who hire youth volunteers provide valuable employment references for future careers.

Tags: Youth volunteers, volunteers provide, volunteers work, Youth Volunteer

Donate Dogs For The Handicapped

Dogs can be great companions for the physically challenged.

Dog ownership carries a lot of responsibility. When circumstances change in your family, perhaps due to a move, the birth of a baby or a new job, your dog may not adapt and you might not be able to give it the attention it deserves. You can make the decision to donate your dog to assist a handicapped person, which is often a winning situation for everyone involved. It is essential that you find the right placement and follow up properly.

Instructions

1. Know your dog thoroughly--breed, age, sex, temperament and overall physical well-being--and have all vaccination and medical records from your veterinarian available as you begin the process of transitioning your pet to its new environment. Retrievers and poodles under three years of age are most in demand as service dogs, but other dogs can be successfully trained to work with the handicapped, too.

2. Investigate shelters and rescue organizations in your community that can assist you in placing dogs with special needs individuals. Dogs that are high energy or have a nervous disposition will not be good candidates. Contact "no-kill" facilities that have foster homes ready to temporarily house the dog if the shelter is filled and you can no longer keep your pet.

3. Be prepared to make a monetary donation to cover the cost of training your dog to help the handicapped gain greater independence. The trainer must ensure that your dog meets the minimum standards set by Assistance Dogs International, Inc. Your dog may be trained to perform service-oriented tasks such as barking to alert its owner to danger, opening a door or latch, or providing balance. The standards mandate that the commands be followed 90% percent of the time upon first request.

4. Check out resources such as 4 Paws for Ability that can help you find the right placement. Some dogs can better assist physically challenged or autistic children, others are more suited for deaf clients, and still others thrive in group settings such as therapy centers, rather than becoming in-home companions.

Tags: find right, find right placement, physically challenged, right placement

Animal Shelters In Crisis

An animal shelter is not a good place for a cat or dog to find itself. Many animals that enter shelters do not come back, and the small numbers of no-kill shelters are struggling to keep up with an exploding stray population and a lack of funding and volunteers. Animal shelters across the country face a major crisis in finding humane and helpful ways to reduce the stray population and find loving homes for animals.

No-Kill Shelters

According the United States Humane Society, about four million cats and dogs are euthanized in shelters each year. While some of these animals may have been recovered in bad health or with severe behavioral disorders, the large majority are pets that simply could not find homes. No-kill shelters have a strict policy in which they refuse to euthanize animals that come into their shelters. This creates a significant strain on financial and equipment resources.

Overpopulation

The primary problem that needs to be addressed in terms of lessening the burden on animal shelters is pet overpopulation. Stray dogs and cats run rampant in many U.S. cities because they are overpopulated and over bred. Backyard breeders then cannot find homes for their animals and are more likely to dump them in a city as they are to bring them to a shelter. One of the simplest solutions for fixing the pet overpopulation problem is spaying or neutering your pet to prevent accidental puppies or kittens.

Causes for Abandonment

Most of the animals found in an animal shelter are there because of simple behavioral problems. This is especially true of dogs, which are harder to train than cats and cause more damage to property and people if not taught correctly. These problems are not usually irreversible--or even major--and can be as simple as the dog not potty training quickly enough, or accidentally knocking over a child. In many cases, a simple puppy training class could have kept the dog out of a shelter.

Ways to Help

You can help animal shelters in specific ways. Donate money to assist with their funding, or donate your time by volunteering at a nearby facility. Some people work as foster parents to animals while they find a new home, while others rally community awareness and organize large adoption events at schools or pet stores. If you want to help, contact your local humane society or other rescue organization and ask what you can do to assist.

Tags: animal shelter, animal shelters, animals that, find homes, stray population

Rv Parks In San Benito Texas

Swimming is a popular at San Benito RV parks.

Located in Cameron County, San Benito, Texas, is approximately 110 miles south of Corpus Christi and 235 miles southeast of San Antonio. The town is home attractions such as the Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center, the Historic City Cemetery and the San Benito History Museum.

Palmdale RV Resort

Located on 21 acres of ground to the southeast of downtown San Benito, Palmdale RV Resort offers 200 recreational vehicle campsites. The lots measure 40 by 90 feet with full electric, water and sewage hookups. Wireless Internet is available throughout the resort, and long-term guests can arrange for phone and cable connections to their rigs for an additional fee. The park provides restrooms, showers and a 24-hour laundry facility. The entire community is gated for added security. A game room and library are located on-site. In a centralized area known as the "Back Yard," guests can access a hot tub, a communal barbecue pit, shuffleboard courts, horseshoe pits and the 20-by-40-foot in-ground, heated pool. Pets are welcome at the campground.

Palmdale RV Resort

30910 Highway 100

San Benito, TX 78586

956-399-8694

palmdalervresort.com

First Colony Mobile Home and RV Park

First Colony Mobile Home and RV Park is to the northeast of San Benito. The park offers more than 200 RV campsites, many with a pull-through design. Full water, sewer and electric hookups are provided throughout the park as well as free wireless Internet access and cable television connections. The park is enclosed in a security fence, and is accessible only with a key card. Onsite facilities include restrooms, showers and laundry. The park provides free coffee every morning and free purified water all day. Recreation facilities include an indoor game-room, in-ground swimming pool, Jacuzzi and shuffleboard courts. The park is pet-friendly--dogs must remain leashed.

First Colony Mobile Home and RV Park

2800 Turner Road

San Benito, TX 78586

956-399-8595

firstcolonyrv.com

Fun N' Sun RV Resort

Fun N'Sun RV Resort is a long-term and short-term RV campground for adults over the age of 50. The large park has more than 1,400 lots, around half of which are available for daily or weekly rental. All of the short-term sites measure 32 feet by 55 feet, and approximately 50 sites allow for pull-through parking. Full water, electric and sewage hookups are available at every site. Guests can arrange for wireless Internet and cable television connections for an added fee. Restrooms, showers and laundry facilities are provided for guests as well as a beauty shop, post office and boutique. The park's community center features a billiard room, an exercise center and a dance floor, which is home to scheduled events throughout the year. Additional facilities include a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, tennis courts and air-conditioned shuffleboard courts. Pets are welcome.

Fun N'Sun RV Resort

1400 Zillock Road

San Benito, TX 78586

800-399-5127

mhchomes.com

Tags: Benito 78586, Colony Mobile, Colony Mobile Home, facilities include, First Colony

Choose A Foster Care Agency

Choose a Foster Care Agency

There are a number of different agencies that provide foster care services. The most well-known is Job and Family Services for your county or state, but you are not limited to working only through your local government agency. There are a number of private and specialized organizations you should consider, too.

Instructions

1. Decide what type of foster parents you want to be. The different agencies cater to children with different needs. Public agencies care for a wide range of children while private agencies are usually more focused by special needs or specific demographics of people.

2. Talk to other foster parents and ask about their experiences with the different agencies. First hand experience is key in making a good decision. Each agency will point out what they believe are their strong points. Find out how you are really supported as foster parents and what types of children each agency actually places.

3. Research your options before selecting an agency. Local public agencies will have information on private foster facilities. You can also search on the internet or visit your public library for resources and contact information of nearby foster agencies.

4. Figure out how far you are willing to drive. The further you are willing to take your foster children to appointments and visitation, the more agencies you will have to choose from. Most agencies will work with foster parents within a 50 to 60 mile radius of the agency.

5. Understand your obligations to the agency you choose. Usually, you have to stay with an agency for at least one year before you can transfer. Make sure that you are with the facility you want to work with or be willing to wait out your time with them.

Tags: foster parents, agencies will, different agencies, agencies will have, Care Agency

Locate A Vet That Will Treat A Pet Monkey

Monkeys, like humans, have long life spans. They require good health care throughout their lives. So, you will need to locate a vet that will treat your pet monkey. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Locate a Pet Monkey Vet Online

1. Visit the "Monkey Maddness" website (see Resources below).

2. Click on the "Vets" link at the bottom of the page.

3. Select the state you reside in. Clicking on your state will bring up a list of veterinarians who treat pet monkeys.

4. Speak with each monkey vet in your area. You will have a long relationship with this doctor; so you should choose someone you like.

Get Referrals to Vets

5. Ask your breeder to recommend a good vet who will treat monkeys.

6. Join The Simian Society of America (see Resources below). Talk with other members in your area to locate the best vets.

Plan Your Monkey's First Vet Visit

7. Schedule an appointment prior to purchasing your pet monkey, when possible. You may be able to avoid costly vet bills down the road by having the monkey checked out first.

8. Ask the vet to check the monkey's weight, eyes, ears and mouth.

9. Talk with the vet about your monkey's behavior. Monkeys become more aggressive as they enter adolescence. However, behavior changes can also be a sign of an ill or unhappy pet.

10. Request that the vet run blood tests. Blood tests can reveal problems with your monkey's liver and kidney condition. Blood tests will also let you know if your monkey suffers from anemia.

11. Have the vet check your pet primate for tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is a serious health threat, and is highly contagious.

12. Bring a sample of your monkey's droppings. Your vet will do a fecal concentration test to check for internal parasites.

13. Get a serological survey panel done. This test will determine where in the world your monkey comes from. This information is used to determine if your pet is at risk for Simian AIDS or other dangerous viruses.

Tags: your monkey, your monkey, Blood tests, have long, Resources below, Talk with

The Action Replay Doesn'T Work With My "Animal Crossing" For Ds

The Action Replay is an accessory for the Nintendo DS hand-held gaming system that allows you to alter games by entering cheat codes into the system. You load these codes on the Action Replay using the Action Replay computer software. If your Action Replay is not working with "Animal Crossing" for the Nintendo DS, you may have too many codes, corrupted codes or conflicting codes. You may need to remove the "Animal Crossing" codes and rebuild the code database using the computer software.

Instructions

1. Connect the Action Replay to your computer through the USB connector.

2. Launch the Action Replay software on your computer.

3. Click the "Software Update" button in the top right corner and allow the software to install any new updates.

4. Locate the "Animal Crossing" file from the list of codes in the "Nintendo DS" box.

5. Right-click the "Animal Crossing" file and choose "Delete" from the menu. This will remove all "Animal Crossing" codes from the Action Replay.

6. Locate the "Animal Crossing" file in the "My Subscriptions" box.

7. Drag and drop a new "Animal Crossing" file from the "My Subscriptions" box to the "Nintendo DS" box. This will create a new set of updated codes.

8. Click on the "Animal Crossing" file in the "Nintendo DS" box to expand the list of codes under the game header.

9. Deselect any codes that you do not need. This will prevent the Action Replay from freezing by decreasing the number of codes it attempts to launch when you start the "Animal Crossing" game.

10. Disconnect the Action Replay from the computer and restart your Nintendo DS. You should now be able to load your "Animal Crossing" game using the updated firmware and codes on your Action Replay.

Tags: Action Replay, Animal Crossing, Animal Crossing file, Crossing file, This will, Action Replay from, Animal Crossing codes

About Homeless People On Drugs

The homeless present a challenging population with which to work. The Association of Gospel Rescue Missions, a national organization that works with homeless populations across the country, cites statistics that up to two-thirds of the homeless population suffers from alcoholism or drug additions. Of those, more than half are dually diagnosed, meaning they have a secondary mental illness in addition to their drug addiction.

Significance

Homeless drug addicts, while suffering from a disease from which there is no known cure, often create their own predicaments. Most often, they have been through family, friends and institutions that cannot help them anymore. Treatment centers and detox programs often are ill-equipped to provide the necessary long-term care required by the addicted population, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Types

The types of drug addicts on the street vary. Young people, including runaways and dropouts, are usually homeless for the same reasons as the adult homeless population. Older drug addicts who have been through jails, rehabs and hospitals continue to visit those institutions regularly. The National Alliance to End Homelessness reports that these chronic homeless addicts utilize more than 50 percent of available community services for healthcare, intermittent rehabilitation, housing and food services.

Prevention/Solution

When drug addicts have additional psychological problems, it is difficult to identify the true nature of the problem because drugs exacerbate the mental illness. Many of the homeless population self-medicate with illegal drugs when they cannot, or will not, continue treatment with their prescribed medication. Programs that focus on treating mental illness in addition to the addiction problems show a higher rate of success in fighting homelessness, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

Consideration

Drug addicts who do receive rehabilitation services often return to their previous way of life when there is not sufficient follow up or re-entry services provided. They may have trouble getting and keeping a job. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that programs that introduce the homeless addict to outside assistance such as 12-step programs and provide continued medication for the mental illness have a greater chance of maintaining self-sufficiency and avoiding relapse.

Warning

According to the Criminal Justice Forum, an advocacy group for treatment of homelessness and addiction among other causes, reports that the cost to taxpayers of providing long-term rehabilitation to homeless addicts pays off in the long run. Crime that drains the justice system can be lessened when more addicts are taken off the street. Funding and services for the homeless and job placement should be tempered with intense drug treatment programs to be effective.

Tags: drug addicts, mental illness, homeless population, Mental Health, reports that, addicts have, been through

Care For Show Pigs

Pigs are shown at state fairs and other competitions year long.

Many people view pigs as dirty animals, but a well-cared-for show pig is a beautiful creature. Believe it or don't -- but do -- temperature is an important factor in caring for pigs. They need to be cool in the summer because they have sweat glands only in their snouts. Feeding, exercise and grooming are also important to caring for a show pig.

Instructions

1. Wet the pigs with a hose three times a day during the summer. A cooled pig has a bigger appetite and less stress.

2. Exercise the pig starting two months before the show. Walk the pig three times a week at a distance of half a mile. Walk your pig in the early morning or late evening in warm seasons, as pigs do not have sweat glands.

3. Feed your pigs using a self-feeder. They eat whenever they want. Hand-feed your pig after it gets approximately 170 pounds. When the pig reaches this weight, it does not have as much motivation to eat.

4. Wash your pig with pig shampoo and a soft brush. Cover your pig's ears with your hands. If water gets into a pig's ear, it can disrupt its equilibrium.

5. Spray the pig with a mist of water and brush your pig's hair with the grain. Start at the spine and brush downward. Do not use oil or powder on the hair, as it makes the pig hot.

Tags: have sweat, have sweat glands, sweat glands, three times

Adopt A Wild Mustang

Descended from horses that escaped the Spanish explorers, Native Americans, miners, ranchers and even wayward cavalry mounts, wild mustangs are protected and managed by the U. S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U. S. Forest Service (USFS). Since the passage of the Wild Free-Roaming Horses Act of 1971 the BLM has placed over 207,000 wild horses in homes across the U.S. Adopting a mustang can be a challenging experience; but it is also very rewarding. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

1. Download an adoption application from the BLM's adoption website. Fill out the application and mail it to your local BLM office. You must be at least 18 years of age, have no prior convictions for inhumane treatment of animals or for violations of the Wild Free-Roaming Horses Act and demonstrate that you can humanely care and house a mustang.

2. Prepare your facility or barn to house a wild horse. To qualify to adopt a wild horse you must provide an enclosure at least 20 feet by 20 feet wide and six feet high to house your mustang until she is fence broken. The corral can be made from sturdy pipes, planks or poles. Spaces between rails should be no large than one foot wide. You also have to supply a shelter that will adequately protect your mustang from severe weather and inclement temperatures.

3. Wait for a representative from the BLM to contact you. They will review the adoption process with you and verify that your barn meets all the minimum requirements. Once you qualify for the program you can begin searching for a mustang to adopt.

4. Search for a mustang to adopt. Select an animal that fits your training goals, do not pick a mustang based on its color alone. There are several ways to adopt: you can select a mustang off the Internet from the BLM's online adoption program, attend a BLM's wild horse and burro sale or visit one of BLM's adoption sites. Call 1-866-4MUSTANGS toll free to find out about adoption dates and locations near your farm.

5. Arrive early at a sale or adoption day. You want to allow plenty of time to view a mustang prior to starting the adoption selection process.

6. Bring a check, credit card or cash with you to the sale to pay the adoption fee. The minimum fee is $125 for a single horse or $250 for a mare with an unweaned foal. Most adoptions fees are based on competitive bidding and they can go higher than $125, but the average remains in that range.

7. Provide a webbed double-stitched, nylon halter and a lead rope at least 12 feet long for your mustang. A BLM employee will put the halter on your new horse and load him into your trailer. Your trailer must also meet minimum requirements. It must have sturdy walls, a covered top and the interior must be free of sharp protrusions. Your trailer should also have floor mats, have no partitions, good ventilation and provide amble head room for your mustang.

8. Contact a trainer knowledgeable in handling and training mustangs if you are not experienced with them. The BLM has a large list of trainers that work specifically with wild horses available on their website. There are also many organizations, such as the LRTC Wild Horse Mentors, that specialize in providing new adopters with assistance and guidance.

Tags: your mustang, also have, Free-Roaming Horses, least feet, minimum requirements

Print A Decorative Birth Certificate

When a friend or family member has a baby, surprise them with an adorable and meaningful gift-a decorative birth certificate that features the baby's pertinent information and a few cute touches. The family will display and treasure it for years to come.

Instructions

1. Ask the parents for a small photo of the baby, along with details that include the proper spelling of the baby and parents' names, the height and weight, eye and hair color, hospital name and the exact time and date of the birth.

2. Print the information onto a piece of pretty patterned paper, solid cardstock or sheer vellum. Format the text to leave enough room on the top and bottom for additional elements and accents. Trim and affix the piece to a coordinating piece of 8.5 by 11 inch cardstock that you can fit into a frame that matches the nursery decor.

3. Add the baby's handprint or footprint to the certificate for added meaning. If the gift is going to be a surprise, find out when a friend or grandparent will be babysitting and visit then to make several prints on a piece of cardstock that coordinates with the background page. Use water-based paint that will be easy to wash off the baby's hand with mild soap and water.

4. Use a paper trimmer to cut out the best handprint and footprint impressions on the sheet. Mount the rectangles on another piece of cardstock or patterned paper. The parents may want to add new prints taken with acrylic paint that will last longer than the water-based paint, but may also be tougher to remove from baby's hands.

5. Arrange and affix the baby's photo and prints around the text, along with cute embellishments like stickers and die cuts. If you've found a shadowbox-style frame, you can also add dimensional accents like ribbon ties, buttons or fabric appliques as an adorable touch.

Tags: along with, cardstock that, handprint footprint, paint that, paint that will

Police Dog Training In Indiana

Police dogs are trained to aid the police by helping them detect narcotics as well as criminals.

There are various dog trainers located in Indiana. According to the American Police Canine Association, which is located in Bedford, Indiana, it is highly recommended that a Police Service Dog team graduates from an accredited training school.

Woof Pack Training Network

The Woof Pack, located in Hammond, Indiana, is a Police K-9 Training Group. Staff are also providers of the Woof Pack Training Network, which helps provide information on Police K-9 Training as well as information for Police Departments interested in creating their own K-9 Units in Indiana as well as surrounding areas.

Indiana State Police K-9 Program

The Indiana State Police also utilizes a K-9 program as a training ground for police dogs. According to Indiana News Center, trained K-9 teams graduate from a 14-week training program. In June 2010, the K-9 Program graduated four new police dogs assigned to Indiana State Police.

Robert ( Bob) Compton

The Indiana State Police K-9 Program as of June 2010 is lead by Master Trainer Robert (Bob) Compton. According to Indiana News Center, Master Trainer Compton has trained more than 1,000 police K-9 teams.

Tags: Indiana State, Indiana State Police, State Police, Police Training, Woof Pack, Woof Pack Training

Find A Child From Ohio To Adopt

Ohio families can adopt through the Public Children Services Agency or private agencies.

If you hope to adopt a child in Ohio, your search for a child to adopt depends on whether you would like to adopt through the Ohio Public Children Services Agency (PCSA), which facilitates adoption of children in the state foster-care system, or if you would like to adopt through a private agency. Children adopted through PCSA became available through a voluntary termination of parental rights or involuntary proceedings in juvenile court; these children may be older or have special needs. You may consider a private agency if you do not choose a PCSA adoption.

Instructions

1. Decide whether you would like to adopt a child through PCSA, which arranges the adoption of children in the Ohio child-welfare system, including children currently living in foster-care arrangements. Assess your family's ability to permanently care for a child who may be older or have special needs, as many children available through PCSA fit this description.

2. Find the list of local PCSA offices published by the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services (DJFS) and made available online. Contact the PCSA office serving the county where your family lives, as each local agency arranges adoptions for a particular county. Ask the local PCSA agency to provide you with information regarding its adoption procedures and to explain how you can find local children available for adoption through PCSA.

3. Seek information regarding private agencies, if you do not plan to adopt through PCSA or wish to find a child with characteristics not often available through PCSA, such a child of newborn age. Review the list of private agencies provided by DJFS in its "Ohio Adoption Guide" publication.

4. Contact organizations from the DJFS list of private agencies to learn more about their requirements and procedures for adoption. Discuss the children available for adoption placement through each particular agency and mention any preferences that you may have regarding a child for adoption, such as the child's age, gender or ethnic background.

Tags: through PCSA, adopt through, private agencies, available through, children available, like adopt

Dye Baby Chickens

Dye Baby Chickens

Coloring baby chickens is great for holidays or a fun gift. Dyeing baby chickens is not dangerous for the birds if done carefully and hygienically. If it's for Easter or St. Patrick's Day, dyeing your baby chickens can give them an impressive appearance. You can dye baby chickens once they're born or while they're still in the egg. The dye is temporary and will fade with time or once they grow new feathers. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Live Chicken Dye

1. Mix the nontoxic dye with water and stir until the water is fully colored. Use cups or small bowls for separate colors.

2. Rinse the chickens with distilled water to remove dirt or bacteria. This makes the dye hold better.

3. Dip the chickens into the colored water up to their necks and hold them there for at least five seconds. Remove them from the water and shake them gently to remove excess dye.

4. Daub their heads gently with the paintbrush or sponge. Avoid getting the dye into their eyes or beak because it's uncomfortable even though it's nontoxic.

5. Separate the chick for 15 to 30 minutes, or until dry, then repeat with the other baby chickens.

Egg Injection

6. Clean the eggs, needle and syringe with boiling water or antibacterial soap. The eggs should be within a day or two of hatching so you're essentially just giving the fully-developed chicken a colored bath before it hatches and not dyeing the embryo itself.

7. Draw about one drop (1 ml) of nontoxic dye into your syringe.

8. Insert the needle gently in the top of the egg and depress the plunger slowly to prevent leaking or spilling.

9. Cover the hole with paraffin wax or another nontoxic sealant (duct tape will work) and return the eggs to their nest or the incubator.

Tags: baby chickens, baby chickens, once they

Find Cheap Hotels In Orange Beach Alabama

Find Cheap Hotels in Orange Beach Alabama. Orange Beach, Alabama is situated along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, just a few miles from the Florida state line. The perfect place to take a load off, play a round of golf or spend the day on the boardwalk or at a theme park, Orange Beach is a small town for most of the year. But the population swells considerably during the summer months, when tourists arrive from all over the world. Finding cheap accommodations in a seaside resort town like Orange Beach, Alabama is easy if you know where to look.

Instructions

Enjoy Cheap Thrills in Orange Beach, Alabama

1. Get in touch with your inner child at Adventure Island, the only theme park in town, where you'll find an 'active' volcano, miniature golf and paddle boats.

2. Charter a fishing boat or take a cruise around the bay and watch the dolphins swim.

3. Play a short round of golf at the 9-hole public course on Canal Road.

4. Visit the Wharf to take a look at the ferris wheel, catch a show at the massive amphitheater or dine on fresh seafood.

5. Rent a bike and take a tour of the trails throughout Gulf State Park.

Book Cheap Accommodations in Orange Beach, Alabama

6. Take a load off at the Beech Campers RV Park, centrally located on Orange Beach Boulevard.

7. Check out one of the two listed bed and breakfast accommodations in Orange Beach. Compare rates for the Original Romar House, the first seaside B&B in Alabama, and the Acadian Inn on Wilson Street.

8. Rent a beachfront condo and save money on dining out every night. Look for average rates for a two-bedroom condo starting at around $600 a week in spring, which works out to less than $30 per night, per person.

9. Rent a beach house in a residential neighborhood, where you'll find that two-bedroom homes go for around $160 a night during the peak season. Find great deals on cheap rental accommodations just a few blocks away from the beach.

10. Scour the Internet for the best rates on cheap hotel chains on Perdido Beach Boulevard. Expect rates to start at around $50 a night for special Internet offers.

11. To book accommodations in Orange Beach, Alabama, call Hotel Rooms at 800-486-7000 or visit the link below.

Tags: Orange Beach, Beach Alabama, Orange Beach Alabama, accommodations Orange, accommodations Orange Beach

Adopt Calico Kittens

Calico kitten resting on a chair

A calico cat is not a specific breed of cat. It is the actual color pattern of the cat's hair. The hair is tri-color in very specific areas. The color is typically white, red or orange, and black. A person considering adopting a calico kitten uses the same judgment and preparation that it takes to adopt any kind of kitten. Following a few guidelines before adopting a calico kitten may make the process easier and stress free.

Instructions

1. Search newspaper ads and local animal shelters to find a calico kitten. Visit and consider many kittens before deciding right away. Be sure the kitten is a good fit for you. A search may result in finding mostly female calico kittens, a result of a complicated genetic reason. Consider searching in early spring when kittens are most abundant. Be prepared to pay a small adoption fee that may include vaccinations and redeemable coupons towards spaying or neutering the kitten.

2. Adopt a calico kitten only when he is ready to leave his mother. Calicos are by nature very independent however, it is important that he is ready to be on his own before taking the kitten home. The eyes should be open and not closed. Kittens may eat kitten kibble moistened with warm water to make swallowing easier. A calico kitten is ready for adoption around the age of nine weeks and fully weaned from his mother.

3. Look around at the home or place the calico kitten is currently residing. Be sure the area is clean and does not smell like feces or urine. Hold the kitten and evaluate the calico's physical condition. Check for feces in the fur and make sure the kitten is not sick such as coughing, running nose or eyes.

4. Take the kitten to the veterinarian for a first time appointment. Be sure to bring along vaccination records if applicable. Discuss spaying or neutering the calico kitten and set a date if need be. If the kitten is to be kept outdoors, spaying or neutering is a good idea to prevent an over population of cats.

5. Prepare the kitten's new home. Calicos are quirky cats and it may take awhile for the kitten to get use to his new home. Be sure to include a clean litter box, safe and dry place to sleep, plenty of kitten food and water. Hide or put up electrical cords, wires or anything else that the calico kitten may be tempted to chew on.

Tags: calico kitten, calico kitten, kitten home, spaying neutering, adopting calico, adopting calico kitten