Capy-mendous

Photo from the website of Caplin Rous

Last blog I mentioned an interesting story about anacondas that I saw on television. In some of the footage shown, I saw what looked like a herd of small hippos hanging around near the water. Upon closer inspection, I realized it wasn't hippos at all, but something else. Something rather strange-looking...best described as a long-faced guinea pig on growth hormones.

My husband, the wildlife aficionado, announced that the critters were called capybaras, and were the world's largest rodents. Rodent? Yes, as it turns out they're related to squirrels, guinea pigs, rats, and you-name-the-rodent. Capys belong right in there with the rest.

I started looking for information on them. Apparently, they average 2 feet tall and over 100 pounds. When living in the wild, capys hang out in groups and always around water (thus a major meal source for predators such as anacondas and crocodiles). They're excellent swimmers, too, staying up to five minutes underwater (look out Johnny Weissmueller!), are very social, and apparently can easily become friendly with people.

Thus it came as little surprise to discover that some folks keep capys as pets. Pictured above is a woman named Melanie who lives with her pet capy, Caplin Rous, in Texas. Caplin Rous has become so popular he has his own website. Imagine cuddling up on the couch with that fellow!

I had to smile. No matter a critter's size, shape, or species, the simple truth is this:

Somebody, somewhere, is sure to fall in love with it.

Snakes Alive!

Photo from the Rivas' website

A few days ago, we watched a fascinating program on a pair of research scientists named Jesus and Sarah Rivas and their study of anacondas. Anacondas are enormous snakes in South America that slither through watery areas looking for prey to crush and consume. The scientists (a married couple) walk barefoot and bare-legged through the water. They use a long stick to poke around in front of them which assists in locating the anacondas. Once found, one of the researchers grabs the head of the snake and then they both work hard to wrestle into submission the remaining portion of a long, writhing, twisting, turning, powerful body.

Talk about bravery! The mere thought of walking barefoot in swampy, creepy crawly areas populated with the largest snakes in the world (not to mention crocodiles and other assorted critters looking for an easy meal) puts this couple in line for Heroes of the Year in my book. What people won't do in the name of research!

As Critter Alley blog readers know, I've had a run-in or two with snakes in the past. Therefore not only do I refrain from seeking snakes out, but I pale at any encounter with them. A blood-curdling scream and hasty retreat are my primary means of defense.

Beyond the shiver-enducing anacondas, there were other critters in the program that drew my interest enough to find out more about them.

Hint: They're big, too. Really big.

Results will be revealed in my next blog.

Relaxation

From time to time something on television really catches Bogey's attention. Then he'll watch the screen with the intensity of a research scientist studying a new laboratory slide.

In the photo you see one of his more unusual television watching poses. By lying on the DVR and letting his head hang over the edge, he's created the perfect kitty recliner. Ahhhh. Now that's relaxation. All that's missing is the popcorn.

Hope your weekend provides equal pleasures!

Groundhog Day 2010

Punxsutawney Phil, looking somewhat startled by all the commotion--Reuters photo

Six more weeks of winter.

That's the verdict from Phil, the hibernating groundhog pulled from deep sleep to give a weather prediction that's probably as accurate as any television weather wizard can give.

As a matter of fact, our local station broadcast the moment of truth "Live". (It is, after all, pretty darn important news) Perhaps weathermen around the world took notes as Phil looked at the crowd and studied current conditions.

He looked reasonably calm, despite the hub-bub that included more men in top hats than seen at a 1950's presidential inaugeration. And after a few minutes of being held up for the viewing pleasure of the crowd, a serious consultation was held between Phil and the hatted heads.

Suddenly the top top-hatter stood tall to read a proclamation that announced, "Six More Weeks of Winter!" A few disappointed observers booed at the news.

Hey folks, don't kill the messenger!

Now Phil's brief day in the sun (literally) is over. He can return to his burrow and snuggle down for a few more weeks of slumber.

H'mmm. Warm and comfy at home? I think Phil's got the right idea.

Pupdate

Nothing like taking a healthy happy dog to a vet appointment for a "minor" procedure that turns into days of illness, worry, and, yes, even more vet bills.

Indy did not perk up after his surgery. No appetite. Lethargic to the point of being almost dazed. Could this be the result of the anesthesia or the post-op pain med he was given, Rimadyl? I looked up the medication and read so many horror stories about it that I threw the stuff straight into the trash can after 3 doses. Then the diahhrea started.

With auto-immune disorders in his history, sometimes Indy can be thrown into a spell of hemmoragic gastroenteritis. Fearing that's where we were heading, I took him to his regular vet who placed him on antibiotic, a stomach acid reducer, and a pill to help restore natural flora to his intestinal tract. Then the vomiting started and sure enough, so did the bloody diahhrea.

We were on Day 3 of food refusal, and gastrointestinal upset, so next day we returned to the vet. I couldn't get any of the medications down him because no treat on earth tempted him to allow anything except water into his mouth. The vet did blood work which was within normal range, so she gave him sub-cutaneous fluid, an anti-nausea shot, and several days of anti-nausea pills.

It's been a slow process, but Indy has finally regained his appetite. So far, no more vomiting or diahhrea. I'm keeping finger crossed that we're finally on the mend.

No one can be certain whether anesthesia, stress, or medications caused this reaction, but with an auto-immune-type dog like Indy, the vet agrees we won't do Rimadyl again. I realize it's a medication that has helped a lot of arthritic dogs, but my advice is...read about it before using and be very, very careful!

Indy's Surgery

The patient

A few weeks ago Indy's vet referred him to the doggie opthalmalogist to have a growth removed from his upper eyelid. We went to the appointment yesterday, and after a five minute consultation discovered that the doc would be able to do the surgery same day. Only, of course, after I received my estimate of expense.

That process took a little longer. An assistant came in with a handful of papers. Our conversation went something like this.

"Will I faint when I see the number?"

"Oh no. It's not bad at all."

I glanced at the list of things the doc proposed to do, but my eye drew immediately to the bottom line figure. The amount came in at roughly double the worst case scenario figure I'd contemplated. I gulped and whispered an inquiry.

"Do you take credit cards?"

Not to worry. Of course they do.

If this is a "not bad at all" figure, I can't imagine a "knock your socks off one." Perhaps it's equal to the gross national product of a small country.

Ah well, the costs of pet ownership.

Anyway, surgery is over. All things reportedly went well (pending pathology report--a bargain at only $90).

As you can see in the picture above, Indy's wearing the dreaded collar while his poor little stubby tail points south. That part of his anatomy is always a barometer to how he feels. Even Bogey, not known for his compassion, feels sorry for our boy.

We all hope he'll have tails up by tomorrow!

Black Bear Blues

Lily. Image credit North American Bear Center

Among the latest video crazes to hit the internet is the 24/7 recording of a female black bear called Lily, as she waits out winter in her den. It's her time to rest, living off the fat she's stored after a major summer/fall eating binge. Lily had to prepare for what's to come because black bears give birth during hibernation. And this well-watched Mama has entertained the world by doing just that.

Check out the webcam.

I'm sure the camera is catching information which will lead to a new understanding of black beardom. But I can't help feeling sorry for Lily during the process. Think about it.

Millions of viewers watched her every move as she went into labor. After delivering a single cub, the high-fives resounded. Never mind the tortuous birthing process which did not include one drop of anesthesia. Lily wasn't happy. It's been rumored that while giving birth she kept growling through clenched teeth, "He'd better not come near me again or so help me I'll...!". Ah-hem. You get the picture.

Meanwhile, viewers continue to watch while Lily nurses, cleans and otherwise cares for her naked, helpless newborn through numerous sleepless nights. No one brings her a midnight snack. No cubsitter pops into her by-now-very-untidy den to help out. There's no getaway night out with the girls. Nothing. Nada. Zero. Zip. Lily's on her own and she certainly has her paws full.

Never mind what the experts discover. I've already learned something from Lily's ordeal. It's the reason park officials warn us to be extra careful around bears after hibernation.

Because nothing can be more dangerous than a post-partum Mama.