Animal Person

MAY 12, 2009

If you pay attention you realize who likes whom, who's a loner, where the nests are, and that, for instance, Muscovy ducks like those above have routines and rituals that involve seeking, pleasure, sun bathing, lots of grooming, and if they have a certain personality, a desire to connect with those around them, including humans.

Geese 100

Geese Ducks Feral Cats Vermont 100

Animal Person

NOVEMBER 1, 2010

And I received confirmation of something I've known since 2004, when we adopted retired racing greyhound, Violet Rays: That there's sort of a critical period for dog-behavior acquisition, and if it's missed, the dog isn't likely to mature into the type of loving being whose behavior we've come to associate with "pet" dogs.

Dogs 100

Dogs Pit Bulls Greyhounds Kennels 100

Animal Person

DECEMBER 21, 2009

On a very quiet night during a lull in the drama of the ducks, I was researching the Greyhound racing industry, and seething over its treatment of dogs as well as the support it often gets, through subsidies, to help it survive. And right before my eyes, I discovered that Muscovy ducks eat frogs.

Greyhounds 100

Greyhounds Dogs Ducks Litter 100