Berlin’s Most Expensive Animal Rescue

It was the most expensive animal rescue in Berlin’s history, and it took 40 firefighters and animal relief technicians to rescue Skipper, a white Parson Russell Terrier. Shortly after 6 p.m. last Friday, Skipper broke free from his leash while on an evening walk and got caught in a badger’s burrow. Skipper’s distraught guardian called the Fire Department after her efforts to rescue him were unsuccessful.

The rescuers had to excavate an area of approximately 50 square meters and dig to a depth of 12 feet. Skipper was finally rescued shortly after 1:00 a.m. This unfortunate mishap will cost Skipper’s guardian 10 000 Euro ($13,000).

In the USA, when a child is rescued from an unfortunate situation, the taxpayer, and not the parents, usually foots the bill. But what happens if a pet’s endangered. Who pays the costs then? Are costs assigned differently if it’s an animal that needs help? Both the child and the pet have responsible caregivers, shouldn’t liability be assigned equally? 

Berlin’s Most Expensive Animal Rescue

It was the most expensive animal rescue in Berlin’s history, and it took 40 firefighters and animal relief technicians to rescue Skipper, a white Parson Russell Terrier. Shortly after 6 p.m. last Friday, Skipper broke free from his leash while on an evening walk and got caught in a badger’s burrow. Skipper’s distraught guardian called the Fire Department after her efforts to rescue him were unsuccessful.

The rescuers had to excavate an area of approximately 50 square meters and dig to a depth of 12 feet. Skipper was finally rescued shortly after 1:00 a.m. This unfortunate mishap will cost Skipper’s guardian 10 000 Euro ($13,000).

In the USA, when a child is rescued from an unfortunate situation, the taxpayer, and not the parents, usually foots the bill. But what happens if a pet’s endangered. Who pays the costs then? Are costs assigned differently if it’s an animal that needs help? Both the child and the pet have responsible caregivers, shouldn’t liability be assigned equally? 

End Factory Farming!

Hilary Evans sent me this powerful video about factory farming. The only way we can end this cruel industry is through our pocketbooks. Let’s end industrial farming. Make it possible. 

A Good Reason To Adopt a Cat

There are many reasons to adopt a cat or a dog. They provide companionship, affection, and unconditional love. Each year between 3 million and 4 million cats and dogs are euthanized. Why not save a life. And, by the way, did you know, a cat or dog might save your life one day. Watch this video about Rusty, a rescue cat that became a guardian angel.

Towns are Unsafe for Wild Animals

During the late summer and early fall, I’ve noticed more wildlife around the neighborhood; and unfortunately, there is more road kill. This time of year, animals are preparing for winter and searching for food in populated areas. It’s especially dangerous for these creatures at night when they are invisible to cars and trucks. Last week, there was a dead possum in front of our house, and few weeks ago, a dead skunk, a few houses down.

One way to discourage animals from wandering into unsafe areas is to keep pet food inside the house, and to keep trash and litter secured in animal-proof bins. It’s also important to report any dead animals to the local animal control. Some animal control districts will search for any orphaned young to make sure they are cared for before they are returned to the wild. 

Towns are Unsafe for Wild Animals

During the late summer and early fall, I’ve noticed more wildlife around the neighborhood; and unfortunately, there is more road kill. This time of year, animals are preparing for winter and searching for food in populated areas. It’s especially dangerous for these creatures at night when they are invisible to cars and trucks. Last week, there was a dead possum in front of our house, and few weeks ago, a dead skunk, a few houses down.

One way to discourage animals from wandering into unsafe areas is to keep pet food inside the house, and to keep trash and litter secured in animal-proof bins. It’s also important to report any dead animals to the local animal control. Some animal control districts will search for any orphaned young to make sure they are cared for before they are returned to the wild. 

Those Clever Birds Take Advantage of Trash Collection

Birds are smart. It’s Wednesday, and I woke up to the sound of birds outside my bedroom window. You see, it’s Wednesday, and Wednesday is trash collection day. For birds that means food. On the other days of the week, there’s hardly a peep from our feathered friends, but on Wednesday, it’s another story altogether. They’re out and about scavenging for tasty morsels, and making quite a racket and mess of it. 

In Portland all trash for curbside pick up must be in blue Portland Trash Bags. Residents purchase the bags at the local supermarket ($1 for a 15-gallon bag and $2 for a 30-gallon bag). In principle this method of trash collection is great. You pay for the amount of trash you produce. However, as with most things, there is a downside. These plastic bags are easily punctured by crows, gulls, and other neighborhood wildlife. Until recently, the neighbors would place their trash on the curb the night before collection. But lately, the birds have gotten to the bags before it’s collected. I never knew how much litter these birds could make. Now, most people place their trash on the curb shortly before pick up.

Lately, there are less birds around on Wednesday morning. In a way, I feel sorry for them. I guess they’ll have to get food the old-fashioned way: hunt.

Those Clever Birds Take Advantage of Trash Collection

Birds are smart. It’s Wednesday, and I woke up to the sound of birds outside my bedroom window. You see, it’s Wednesday, and Wednesday is trash collection day. For birds that means food. On the other days of the week, there’s hardly a peep from our feathered friends, but on Wednesday, it’s another story altogether. They’re out and about scavenging for tasty morsels, and making quite a racket and mess of it. 

In Portland all trash for curbside pick up must be in blue Portland Trash Bags. Residents purchase the bags at the local supermarket ($1 for a 15-gallon bag and $2 for a 30-gallon bag). In principle this method of trash collection is great. You pay for the amount of trash you produce. However, as with most things, there is a downside. These plastic bags are easily punctured by crows, gulls, and other neighborhood wildlife. Until recently, the neighbors would place their trash on the curb the night before collection. But lately, the birds have gotten to the bags before it’s collected. I never knew how much litter these birds could make. Now, most people place their trash on the curb shortly before pick up.

Lately, there are less birds around on Wednesday morning. In a way, I feel sorry for them. I guess they’ll have to get food the old-fashioned way: hunt.

Dolphins Caught Underwater

Isn’t the Web amazing. While searching for the Dolphin Browser to install on my Nexus 7, I discovered this video of dolphins swimming underwater. The footage was taken off the coast of Santa Cruz, California. It’s really something to behold. 

Injured and Abandoned: Missy is Rescued

Missy

Missy, an injured dog that was left to die on a mountain, was rescued on Monday by a group of volunteers who braved dangerous conditions and snow. The group had heard of Missy’s plight and organized a rescue party.

Missy’s owner, Anthony Ortolani, said he was forced to leave Missy on the mountain when her feet became injured and she could no longer walk. Mr. Ortolani admitted that he made little effort to retrieve his dog, who he assumed was dead.

Nevertheless, Missy miraculously survived after going without food or water for eight days. She is now safe. Unbelievably, Mr. Ortolani is now seeking custody of Missy. Can you believe it! Missy’s fate will now be determined at a custody hearing conducted by the Clear Creek County Animal Control in Colorado. 


In contrast to Mr. Ortolani’s actions, watch this video of a dog rescuing another dog in the middle of heavy traffic. This selfless dog risked his own life to save that of another dog.