Cows have been shown to produce more milk when listening to slow music.
They get stressed out when their best friend is not with them.
They dance to survive and tell fellow honeybees where the flowers are.
If baby squirrels are left abandoned, fellow squirrels will take them in.
Hopefully, these facts about animals make you feel warm and fuzzy. Have a great day.
I'll be honest, this is just a personal assumption based on previous experiences. Every hamster, guinea pig, and gerbil I've known has been a biter, so I'm not a big fan. This doesn't mean rats don't bite, because some do, but the trick is finding a local breeder who does temperament tests on the rats before they are sold. This way you are guaranteed to get rats that won't bite at all, even when they're scared!
Unbeknownst to most, rats are highly intelligent animals. They can learn their names, fetch, spin, and do other cute tricks with some training treats. I mean, you've seen the classic "rat solves maze to find cheese" experiment before. Personally, my rats don't know many tricks due to my own laziness, but I can tell you that I have them potty trained to relieve themselves in one spot! It's pretty awesome.
While rats are usually associated with repulsive things like trash and sewers, they actually consistently clean themselves and each other. Unless they have a bellyache, rats also try not to relieve excrement in their sleeping areas. When I'm done playing with my girls, the first thing they do when they're back in their cage is clean each other off, as if I'M the dirty one. Rude!
Based on what I've read on the internet, every rat has its own little quirk. Some like to swim, some are shy, some run away, some are afraid to leave their cage at all! I can easily tell you that out of my four girls, Freddie is the spaz, Meatball is the most loyal, Spaghetti gives the most kisses, and Ziggy is the friendliest. They all have something special about them, and I love it.
Rats do this nifty little thing called "bruxing," and it's pretty startling the first time you see it. They begin grinding their teeth, resulting in a chattering noise, and their eyes bulge in and out of their head. The first time I saw it, I panicked and assumed my rat was about to have a seizure or something, but it's actually very normal. Rats brux when they are happy, so it's seen as the equivalent of a cat's purr. Rats can also brux in moments of high stress, but it's usually pretty easy to tell when they're enjoying something and when they aren't.
This is a sad fact but one that goes to show how compassionate these critters can be. Not many people know that rats are social animals and need at least one other rat companion. Sadly, it's not uncommon that one of the two will pass before the other. When their companion dies, the remaining rat will behave lethargically, just as a human would. Sometimes, if they are older, and they don't have a new friend to take their place, a rat will pass from the loneliness.
This is a pet peeve of mine. In the movies, whenever a rat is on screen, you hear that little high pitched screeching sound effect. Realistically, rats are always silent. If they are screeching, they are either in pain or telling a cage mate to leave them alone. If your rat is making any other funny noise, such as wheezing or chirping, it could mean they are sick.
I can't stress this enough. Other than their overwhelming tail, rats are really not that different from dogs. They lick you, they greet you, they cuddle with you, they do tricks for you, and they love to be pet. Rats make great pets for people who love dogs, but may not be able to have one due to their living situation, financial situation, etc.
I have two Male rats named Remy and Dobby. Remy is black and white while Dobby is orange and white. Remy is pretty outgoing while Dobby is a little skittish. They love to chew on their toys and sleeping in their hammock. Raisins are their favorite treats, but they also love eating carrots with their regular pellet food.
Though, many people think poorly of the thought of having a pet rat, I absolutely love them. Most believe they're disease ridden. Rodents and that they're disgusting. But their is a difference between wild rats and domestic rats. One could have rabies and isnt friendly while the other is cute, friendly, and adorable. Many have negative viewpoints of them, but I'm sure if they met a domestic pet rat they'd change their attitude towards them.
Pet rats are great pets to have because of their good nature, personality, and ability to learn what they are taught. Some of the people I've introduced to my pet rats changed the way they thought about them and they find them really cute now. I can't wait to show them all the kindness in the world and spoil them. They only live a couple years, but I'll make it the best years of their lives.
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That being said, adoption isn't for everyone. With working animals such as service dogs and mine sniffing rats, having their family history can be absolutely vital to ensure that they're going to be healthy and effective workers for as long as possible. But when you're looking for a companion animal, don't forget these ten things about rescue pets.
Just like children, puppies' personalities tend to grow and evolve into adulthood. When you adopt an older dog, their personalities are more likely to remain the same.
Some shelters will take care of an animal's basic health needs at little to no cost to you. Over 30 states require that shelters spay and neuter the dogs and cats that leave their care, and many shelters will even vaccinate, microchip, and do general medical evaluations to ensure that your future pet is healthy and ready to go home.
We've all heard the stories of animals saving lives, but often times these aren't purebred animals with papers and the perfect lineage. When Amy Jung had a diabetic seizure, her recently adopted cat woke her and got her life-saving help; Roman the dog grabbed hold of his 13-year-old owner's shirt as she was trying to commit suicide and delayed her actions long enough for emergency services to reach her; and even my old pair, Wolfie the dog and Sassy the cat, alerted me to any major changes in my health. Just because they're not purebred doesn't mean they don't care just as much.
While one major health condition, ruptured cranial cruciate ligaments, is more common in mixed breeds, 10 genetic disorders including epilepsy, bloat, and elbow dysplasia are found more commonly in purebred dogs. For those unable to pay for major vet bills, a rescue mutt may be a better option.
Sometimes you're absolutely convinced that you want a specific breed of dog or cat, but you end up in the same situation as my mother. She walked in looking for a senior rottweiler or Labrador, but she walked out with a six month old, three pound Pomeranian puppy rescued from a puppy mill. Over a decade later, she still knows that she made the right decision with Ranger. That being said, I still remember the scramble that night to find bowls that he could actually eat and drink out of...
Not every rescue pet is a senior. Using this site, you can find puppies near you; using this site, you can find kittens near you; and by contacting your local shelters, you can ask about any parrot chicks, foals, or rat pups they may have.
Remember those 1.5 million animals euthanized annually? Not only will you save one from being euthanized, you make space for another animal to be helped and hopefully find their forever home. The more people adopt, the fewer animals that are euthanized and the more that can be helped!
I mentioned puppy mills earlier, but what exactly are they? Well, for once everyone can agree with PETA's definition of puppy mills—even filthy, meat-eating, leather-wearing heathens like myself. Both PETA and the ASPCA agree that puppy mills place profit over the well-being of the dogs being bred, and female dogs are bred as often as possible. Dogs are often dirty, ill, and not properly cared for, with female breeders killed once they can no longer give birth and puppies often having various mental and physical health problems. As for Ranger, my mother's Pomeranian, he was malnourished, had muscle atrophy in almost every muscle in his body (including his heart), had an unexplained broken leg that healed incorrectly, was likely only a few weeks old when separated from his mother, and has skin and fur problems such as alopecia X.
By opting to go to the shelter rather than a pet shop, puppy mills will have fewer buyers and will hopefully go out of business altogether.
Lisa Hurtado, a family friend, explained her experience with Silver the rat:
"We got Silver from an unfortunate breeder situation. Someone saved him, hoping we would be able to adopt him. Silver was an unlikely friend and he taught us how to love and care for something we would've never considered loving before. He was constantly surprising me with his intelligence and personality. He was a great little rat and changed the way we looked at [them]."
By opening her home to an animal in need, both she and her family were able to grow to love what many people don't.
If you can put in the time and energy to show your new friend that they're safe, you'll have a sweet, loyal friend for the rest of your life. They'll be there for you, just like you were there for them.
Remember though: as long as you don't rule out shelter animals, getting your new furry friend from a breeder isn't a bad thing. As another family friend, Bri Anna Marshall, said about her dog Riley, "I was planning to rescue, and was talking about it while in the salon chair. [My ex-hairdresser] was saying her dog had [a puppy] and wanted me to consider her so she could guarantee she was going to a good home where she could see her again [rather than] putting her on Craigslist to go with strangers. I originally told her no [...] She made a deal with me to at least bring the kids to come to meet her before I said no, and then decide. We did, and we left there knowing that Riley was our girl."
Give the shelter dogs a chance. You'll never know who you'll find until you look.
Below I ranked all 20 movies from worst (#20) to best (#1). Please remember all opinions are my own, all of these movies are still some of the best animated movies out there, and I'd happily watch any of them again.
Lastly, before I start, here's a little shameless plug. Follow me on Letterboxd (@aslagter9) for more of my reviews and opinions.
After the first movie, the Cars franchise became too commercial for me. The Cars movies continue to do well since they are by far the best car centered films for kids. However, this international race turned spy vs. Lightning McQueen adventure is missing all the hope and small-town charm from the first movie. This movie, unfortunately, took a turn for the worst the second McQueen and Tow Mater left Radiator Springs.
Personally, I was intrigued by the concept of dinosaurs just not becoming extinct and humans still evolving into what we are now. However, I think Pixar missed the mark on this one. I just found Arlo and Spot's chemistry to be missing some of that Pixar magic. To be fair the colors and the animation is still very well done and fun to look at.
Maybe it's just me, but I don't think sequels are Pixar's strong suit. This movie was still enjoyable, but the whole notion that Dory is now lost/trapped/technically saving her parents just seems like a weird take on the original movie's plot. However, the characters didn't lose any of their charm from the first film and we got to see baby Dory!
While a lot better than the second Cars film, it still wasn't the first. However, I think Pixar knows everyone loves a good comeback story, and in this case, a come back from the plot of the second movie. Also props to the Pixar advertising department, because that first teaser of Lightning McQueen crashing crushed me.
After waiting fourteen years for the sequel it did not disappoint. However, the new-age superheroes just weren't my favorite Pixar characters and spoiled some of the fun of the Parr family. Although I will forgive all of that because Edna babysitting is now my favorite thing ever.
This movie isn't bad but compared to the first movie this prequel is lacking. However, the idea of a rowdy college comedy made for kids amuses me. Not to mention the bond between Mike and Sully was the best part of the first film, so seeing that origin story was worth it.
I like the way Pixar makes the princess the burden to the queen's life in their only princess centered film. It has all the typical princess movie traits, but this take on the traditional princess story is just what Pixar's known for.
Again one of Pixar movies that no one really hates on, but yet is this anyone's favorite movie? It is the second ever Pixar movie so it did help pave the way for many more films.
I'm always changing my opinion on this one. Sometimes I think it's really slow and boring, I mean there's like no dialogue or big action in the first half of the film and Wall-e goes around picking up trash. Other time I think the social commentary told through the eyes of robots is stunning.
By far the best film in the franchise. In the end Lightning McQueen accidental journey to Radiator Springs brings him many life lessons, a new best friend, a girlfriend, one of the best coaches out there, and most importantly a new home. However, when the spoiled superstar winds up there it shows just how much help McQueen really needs from this small town, not to mention what we might all be missing now that we have interstates.
As someone whose biggest fear is mice this is hard to say, but this is one of my favorite Pixar movies. The combination of the awkward young chef Linguini trying to please his mother mixed with the father defying little chef Remy is just perfect.
The family of superheroes trying to live normal lives is just the perfect mix of adventure, action, and comedy. There really is anything more to say.
Nemo, Marlin, and Dory are amazing, but the cast of secondary characters really takes this movie to the next level. From everyone Marlin meets (including Dory) on his journey, and the gang in the fish tank who all come together to help release Nemo. It really shows it takes a village to raise, or rescue, a kid.
The idea that the monster under your bed or in your closet isn't just real, but it's actually their job and means of existing is actually pretty funny if you think about it. Especially when the monster and child create a very special bond (I'm looking at you Sully and Boo).
Also if this isn't your favorite scene, you're wrong.
This is actually my favorite Toy Story movie, however critically it might be the worst in the franchise. All three are some of Pixar's best work and each has a unique and engaging story, but Woody accidentally being sold and rescued gives us the weird, yet exciting, invention of Al's Toy Barn and company.
Once you get past the first ten minutes this story is actually very fun and exciting. Although, the movie's opening is bound to make everyone tear up, without that backstory Carl and Russell's adventure isn't nearly as exciting and heartwarming as it turns out to be. The sadness leads to this lovely bucket list journey which makes everyone's heart happy.
By far the saddest Toy Story movie in every way, it's also one of the most exciting. Seeing the toys have a second chance at life strangely helps every teenager come to terms with growing up.
Honestly, this might be the most visually stunning movie Pixar has. Even though it appears to be Pixar's attempt at becoming more diverse in the modern world, they were able to do just that while creating a spectacular film. The mix of adventure, betrayal, and love has something for everyone. Not to mention an amazing (and Oscar-winning) soundtrack on top of everything else.
This is also one of my all-time favorite Pixar movies. There's something so simple about it, yet completely relatable in every way. Not to mention haven't you always wondered what's really going on up there.
And at number one the movie which started it all. The original Pixar movie is just as good as today as it was when it first came out (trust me, I just watched it the other week). The fun, the friendship, the social workings of toy and their child is something which every kid (and anyone who was a kid at some point) can relate to. The world met Andy, Woody, Buzz and the rest of the gang twenty-three years ago and as we wait for the fourth movie to come out next year the love is still there. Although the weird scene with Woody in Sid's house still creeps me out.
