Animals Unfolded

Military Working Dogs, another part of the equation on Memorial Day - AnnArbor.com

In my conversation with local cockatoo owner and grass roots exotic bird care expert , Marlene Butkiewicz, she offered so much insight beyond basic care. Because the Goffins Cockatoo , and other birds are so social, they really need to not only interact with you, but to bond and establish trust. This doesn't just make for a happy, psychologically sound bird, but it helps you to better care for them . Marlene could not stress enough the importance of interacting regularly with them - but also physically handling them. This does a few things: it gets them comfortable with you - touch is such a crucial stimulus that boosts physical and mental wellness. Handling the birds, especially from a young age allows you to trim the beak and nails in with better ease. You can examine the bird visually, better in this way, too. Being close to your bird allows you to look for feathers that appear to have less than optimal integrity and a white powdery residue. Getting a look at their skin as ...

Thinking about getting an exotic bird? A local expert offers insight, tips on care - AnnArbor.com

It's been a very fulfilling time! With Memorial Day weekend approaching, I have opportunities to see clients that I typically only see when their owners go out of town. As a result, I'm busy with holiday sittings, daily dog walking and even a new puppy on my roster who I'm completely amazed by. Her growth, playfulness and overall joy are great to see each weekday when stopping in to see her for puppy visits that include potty breaks, walks and puppy playtime to help her hone in on her instinctive skills and build her brain and body. More neat stuff! Since the beginning of the week, I have been interviewed by the following radio shows, Dwyer and Michaels (Davenport,IA), CJAD 's Tim Parent (Quebec), and the Ed Wenck Show on WIBC (Indianapolis) - across North America to discuss my recent piece " The bucket list for pets " on AnnArbor.com . The feedback has been phemonenal and this whole thing has opened up a lot of discussion with regard to our relationship...

The Bucket List - AnnArbor.com

My partner Chris Glahn and I have traveled to Key West a handful of times together. It's a fun island community, prideing itself on the mantra: " One Human Family ". Anyone that has gone there will attest to that, and the goodwill is extended to people's pets, too. Dogs can go most anywhere their human counterparts do, and we've never had a problem. Dogs in Key West behave differently. They are laid back, mannerful and joyful to be around. Most don't even walk on a leash. One of my favorite memories is seeing a huge chocolate lab whiz by, sitting on the platform of their owners' moped - a typical mode of transportation there. Despite the fact that we leave our pooches behind when we go, the dog friendly atmosphere is one of the reasons that we love it there. Read here why that could change, permanantly. If only former mayor, Capt. Tony were still here. Lorrie Shaw is a professional dog walker and pet sitter living in Dexter Twp, MI with her family tha...

This 'ol fella was in area of Jackson Rd. by the Q-16 Cinemas around the 14th of May. Is he yours? He's now at the HSHV . He looks a lot like my Gretchen. I'm sure that he misses his people.