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Animals

Virginians think a Labradoodle is a Lion

Better safe than sorry? Some residents Norfolk, Va., are probably saying that to justify their confusion after a mix-up of canine proportions. Local police received a call on Tuesday morning about a lion cub that was walking down Colley Avenue in downtown Norfolk. Police then referred the information to Virginia Zoo to verify that Mramba,…

The Happiest Animal in the World?

The quokka. I’m not convinced this marsupial is the happiest animal in all the world, but it does look moderately contented. h/t Huffington Post: Meet The Quokka, The Happiest Animal In The World.

Common Council Session of 12.18.12: Backyard Chickens

Here’s my fourth post on last night’s meeting. Approved unanimously, and waived from a second reading, Whitewater now has a backyard chicken ordinance. Not just an ordinance, but a fine, model one of which we should be proud. This is a good idea, that’s come to Whitewater through the hard work of a thoughtful resident.…

A Model Ordinance

These last few months, beginning in September, Whitewater’s Planning Commission has heard, and subsequently considered, a proposal for an urban (backyard) chicken ordinance. The proposal is not mine; I have been a mere observer of this effort. One may write about a topic, but only after months of careful observation, as in this case. I…

Old Dogs, Amazing New Tricks

Eighteen-month-old Giant Schnauzer Monty, 1-year-old Whippet-cross Ginny and 10-month-old Beardie-cross Porter are undergoing an intensive course with animal trainer Mark Vette to prove in a driving test live on-air that rescue dogs are just as worthy of human love and effort…. So far, all three dogs have driven a real car with human assistance —…