Ecosysmp.com

posted by admin on Feb 26

By Adriana N.

Animal research has undergone many updates and transformations of the years, and certainly within the past few decades. Even up until the 1980s many leading cosmetic giants were insisting that animal testing was necessary in order to prove that their products were safe for human use.

Many organizations came out of nowhere to help protect animals that were, in their eyes, being mutilated and killed needlessly in the name of beauty. These organizations quickly came to the defense of these animals and made certain that the general public was well aware of what was happening at these cosmetic companies by releasing photos of tiny helpless bunny rabbits that were blinded or even worse, for no good reason. Cosmetic companies were forced to find alternative means to test their products and now, all cosmetic companies carry disclaimers on their labeling to alert consumers to the fact that they do not engage in animal research.

Even up until the 1970s, companies involved in animal research were heavily involved in a practice called vivisection where animals were tested and forced to undergo painful procedures without anesthesia.

If an animal even happened to survive one of these “tests”, he was simply brought back to his cage to await what was in store for him next. The use of vivisection was quickly stopped by legislation once the public was aware of all this inhumane suffering.

Regardless of these updates, medical research still needs animal research, yet most research facilities have been forced to find labs where they work away from the public eye and avoid as much scrutiny as possible. No longer housed in the basements of large inner city teaching hospitals, labs have sprung up behind secure barriers literally in foothills and desert communities.

Groups and organizations such as PETA have used what some have referred to as aggressive and unsavory tactics in their self appointed role of animal protectors, but it is largely due to their relentless investigations and the willingness of the mass media to listen, that unnecessary animal research and mutilation has been almost wiped out.

There have been, however, successful and much needed advances in various diseases and conditions that have plagued man for eons, all due to animal research. Researchers have been able to discover research methods, however, that do not mandate the death or permanent maiming of these creatures and instead they have learned to create vaccines and serums that have shown great promise in many diseases from cancer to AIDS.

With all that success, however, comes a new form of research: genetic engineering. This focuses on many types of cloning for replacement body parts, internal organs and skin. One of the most common procedures involves the use of mice on which to graft and grow human ears. Although the procedure has provided some incredible results and has been well received by both the medical community and recipients of their new fully functional ears, it does involve the ultimate (humane) euthanization of the host mouse. Because of this, there are qualified recipients who choose not to undergo the procedure.

About the Author: People have been dreaming about creating new buildings and engaging in Engineering Canada for centuries now, along with animal research for learning more about the biology of creatures on this planet.

Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=495503&ca=Society

Originally posted here: Animal Research Over the Decades

posted by admin on Feb 26

By Lily Morgan

Working with animals is a dream for many people. It might seem like something that requires training and career orientation but that really isn’t so. Hobbies can be animal related. Anything you enjoy doing that involves animals is valuable in a multitude of ways. It takes a special type of person to work with animals, one that possesses patience and compassion.

Most SPCA organizations in any number of cities accept and need volunteers. The volunteers often do tasks like dog walking and playing with the animals within the care of the facility. It can be a stressful position but it needs to be done. Call your local SPCA or other animal shelter to find out how you can help. You might be amazed at the huge difference even just one person can make, plus it’s rewarding.

Offering dog walking services, either paid or free is a fantastic way to get some exercise while playing with the neighbourhood pooches. Many seniors or busy families may welcome this type of service. It allows you to spend quality time with several animals while on your own time and conditions. Pet sitting goes hand in hand with dog walking. Caring for animals is a big job but one that can easily be done by the right person.

Sometimes there is nothing better than a relaxing walk or hike. Take your digital camera along and capture pictures of all of the animals that you meet along the way. This is a fine time to start a bird watching hobby if you haven’t already. Alone time with nature can be a powerful and personal experience. For many there is simply nothing better than relaxing in a clearing, watching the birds and whatever else happens to come along.

One animal that is perfect for a number of hobbies is the horse. Horses are very dynamic creatures with a vast intelligence. Go out for a leisurely ride or learn how to do something a little wild like barrel racing. An old fashioned wagon is all it takes for a traditional hay ride in any season. A well trained horse will usually be safe for people of all ages, using proper safety equipment of course.

The training of animals is a full blown career for many but it often begins as a hobby. Start with your own animals at home by teaching basic obedience. If you find it to be something you have a knack for, consider a professional approach. Animal obedience training is always in demand.

There are countless animal charities and organizations that always need some kind of financial support. If fundraising is something you exceed at or would like to try, there is no better way to help needy animals than by ensuring they have much needed provisions. Many volunteers consider the work they do to be a hobby. They enjoy what they do because it makes a difference. Animal related hobbies are numerous. Take the first step in the direction that draws you for the hobby you can be proud of.

About the Author: There are as many hobbies as there are people who enjoy them. Learn more about the popular hobby of building and collecting dollhouses and miniatures. Visit our large selection of wooden doll house kits today at http://www.TheMagicalDollhouse.com.

Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=294820&ca=Pets

See the original post: Animal Related Hobbies

posted by admin on Feb 26

By Misti Norusis

It’s so fun being a child nowadays. There are so many different kinds of toys. The computer and the Internet put the world at the fingertips. And they even have their own specially designed furniture–miniature beds, chairs, tables, toy chests, bookshelves, and clothes cabinets.

The Benefits of Specially Designed Children’s Furniture

But what’s so important about investing in children’s furniture? For one thing, it’ll actually be good for your child’s health. When they use a table or a chair that’s too large for them, they tend to hunch over, legs dangling uncomfortably, arms stretched just to be able to maintain their position without toppling over. This hurts their posture, leads to back pains and neck pains, and (if they fall) lead to injuries.

Young children can also hurt themselves trying climb up a chair or reach for a book on a high shelf. They can slip, break an arm, or have a pile of toys or books fall on top of them. Adult furniture may also have sharp corners or metal edges that can cut their small fingers.

Children’s furniture is made for children, and is perfectly built to their proportions. But there’s one thing, too, that children’s furniture can do–they can create magic.

The Magic of Animal Theme Kid Furniture

Children have amazing imagination and energy. They are constantly daydreaming, thinking of adventures, acting out the favorite characters in their book, or creating imaginary worlds (and imaginary friends to explore those worlds with!). They want to conquer the jungles of Africa, or explore every nook and cranny of the farm. They want to ride with the animals on Noah’s Ark, or even run away and join the circus!

Why not encourage their imagination and creativity by buying animal theme kid furniture? These beautifully decorated pieces instantly transform a boring bedroom into a jungle safari or a sprawling farm. Everywhere he looks, he sees cute and friendly animal friends: a bear, a lion, a black and white jersey cow. It’s like all the pictures in the books–or even the images that he’s created in his active mind–have suddenly come to life, thanks to animal theme kid furniture.

Our Favorite Animal Theme Kid Furniture

There’s a wide variety of animal theme kid furniture. All of them are adorable, functional, and meet all safety standards. Choosing which one to use in a bedroom is entirely your child’s personal decision (it’s best to get him involved). However, here are some of the top picks:

Noah’s Ark Toy Chest – This beautiful wooden toy chest has an illustration of the ark, done in vintage style. The white paint has been distressed to give it an antique look–perfect for a Victorian nursery or playroom. A giraffe and elephant wave hello and invite your little one to come and play. Truly one of the most charming pieces of animal theme kid furniture. Other options are the Safari Theme Toy Chest, also with a vintage feel.

Kid’s Slumber Barnyard Fun Sleeping Bag – He and his friends will be as snug as a bug in a rug in this sleeping bag! Be sure to own at least two of these, in case your child wants to hold a sleepover. The bright colors and charming illustrations of cows grazing in a field are the perfect compliment to he rest of your animal theme kid furniture. If your child doesn’t like farm animals try one decorated with funky looking reptiles and the words “Leaping Lizards!”

Noah’s Ark table and chairs – Your child needs a table for drawing, crafting and other activities. These green and blue animal theme kid furniture sets provide a comfortable work surface… and are, in themselves, works of art. We like the color theme, which gives options to parents who’d rather not use pastels or primary shades.

Safari Table and Chair set – The bright red and yellow colors of this set looks very modern and so are the simple illustrations of elephants, giraffes and zebras. These animal theme kid furniture are a good investment for parents who want the room to be fun yet not frilly.

Toad Stool Step Stool – No, not the mushroom, silly. This animal theme kid furniture looks like a green frog poised to jump. It is sturdy enough to hold your child as he steps up to get a book or toy, and fits conveniently under the bed or table. For those who need a higher step stool, consider the giraffe step stool. The animal’s long necks provide a handle for the child to hold and steady himself. These items can be bought separately or as a part of an animal theme kid furniture set.

Giraffe Clothes Stand – Always picking up your child’s clothes? Tired of the daily search for missing mittens and scarves? The giraffe clothes stands are a great way of decorating the hallway while teaching your child to put away her things. It can also be used to hold school bags.

Butterfly Cottage Playhouse – If your child prefers bugs, try these butterfly playhouse. The bright colors match well with most furniture (including the ones used by adults!) and the soft walls and window shutters won’t hurt him if he jumps or rolls inside. One of the cutest animal theme kid furniture. You can also get a Froggy playhouse and a Barnyard playhouse. We warned you it would be hard to pick which one you’d like best.

Completing the Look

After you’ve bought and set up your animal theme kid furniture, you may be so excited by how pretty it looks that you want to add additional accessories or design features. If space is a consideration and you may not be able to get really big animal theme kid furniture pieces, here are some decorating suggestions

Place toy animals and scatter in key areas of the room. For example, you can have a tiny group of stuffed monkeys peek from the corner of a study table or you can get an animal mobile (usually found in the baby’s section) and hang over the child’s bed.

Use animal stencils, sold in craft stores. Keep the color of the walls simple to let your animal theme kid furniture and accents take center stage.

About the Author: Wishrooms.com offers unique Kid Furniture for bedrooms and playrooms at affordable prices!

Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=115103&ca=Parenting

View post: Animal Theme Kid Furniture

posted by admin on Feb 26

By Brittney Foster

Tomb paintings in Egypt and Mesopotamia depict pictures of stuffed animals that were used for both religious and play purposes. These early animals were stuffed with various items that were found around the area. The popularity of stuffed animals has never waned and has instead grown in popularity throughout the centuries. The development of stuffed animals has been refined. It started out with the toys being stuffed with straw, cotton and beans. Today, stuffed animals are commercially produced and come in every imaginable creature both real and fantasy.

Children love stuffed animals. They provide a sense of comfort and children can cuddle with them and play with them for hours. They are also educational and can lead to wonderful conversations with parents and older siblings about various species. It can also help children enact emotional situations to help them communicate with adults and come to terms with issues alone. The stuffed animals can become like close friends to children. The imagination will expand when children use stuffed animals in play.

Safety is always a concern for parents when buying any toys for children and stuffed animals are no exception. Stuffed animals, like any toy, should be age appropriate for the child. When buying stuffed animals for younger children, make sure the quality of the workmanship is sound so there are no easily breakable parts or loose seams that may pose a choking hazard. Eyes, nose and mouth that are embroidered as opposed to glued on are much safer for younger children because there is less of a chance of these items coming off. The stuffed animals should be easily washed and soft for cuddling. Younger children should have lighter toys that will be able to be manipulated easily and moved.

Stuffed animals for infants can be black and white such as a panda. As they grow, you can get more colorful ones so the children can develop tactile sensations and vision acuity. Older children enjoy the larger animals that spark the imagination. They can get lifelike animals they can play with and climb on. The stuffed animals prove educational opportunities, comfort and play.

Often parents can use a favorite stuffed animal to explain things to a child who may be afraid of it. For example a trip to the doctor can be acted out with the stuffed animal to show them exactly what will happen and show them that there is nothing to be afraid of. Saying it’s teddy’s bedtime and he’d like some company can divert a child who does not want to go to bed on time. The parent can tuck in the bear or other stuffed animal and the child will be more prone to go too just to be helpful. It instills a sense of responsibility and discipline in the child.

A child can learn about various types of animals. Although the teddy bear and sock monkey are among the most common types of stuffed animals, you can find every animal in a stuffed version. Your child can have a zoo in their room that can be used for imaginative play and education about animals. Parents can begin conversation, incorporating play with the stuffed animals, on origin, habits, care and feeding.

Fine motor skills can also be learned with stuffed animals. There are various animals that have clothing that you can tie, zip button and clasp so the child learns all about how to do those things for himself. This is a great way to play dress up with both the stuffed animal and the child. Children who have impairments can find stuffed animals with similar issues that can often provide comfort for the child. You can find them with hearing aids or in wheelchairs. Children can relate to these toys and use them during difficult times for comfort.

Most children have some stuffed animals in their toy collection and love them. They can be a great comfort when upset or when sleeping. Parents can interact with their children using stuffed animals that will bring a variety of various educational and communication opportunities. Always make sure when buying stuffed animals that there are safety precautions that are met so that no choking hazards are presented and that the child will be able to enjoy the toy without harm. Also when buying stuffed animals, choose a variety of different types so that the child is exposed to different species of animals. The teddy bear is the most popular stuffed animal but you can also buy lions, tigers, ducks, snakes and just about any animal you can imagine.

About the Author: Wooden toys are making a comeback in todays society. If your child is into stuffed animals we suggest one of our jellycat toys!

Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=95060&ca=Parenting

Continue reading here: The Stuffed Animal Phenomenon

posted by admin on Feb 25

By Brigitte Smith

Visiting an animal shelter can be an emotional experience for an animal lover. It’s difficult to see all the animals in their pens and not want to take them all home. Such feelings are understandable and commendable; however, just be sure that prior to adoption you consider all of the ramifications. And remember, your best friend is waiting for you at your local animal shelter.

Why are animal shelters always filled with animals waiting to be adopted? Well, lack of neutering dogs is a major contributor. Shockingly, it has been calculated that over a six year period, one female dog and her offspring will, if allowed access to male dogs at the relevant times, produce 67,000 puppies! Small wonder that there are more animals looking for homes than there are people who want to adopt them.

Sadly, some 6.5 million animals (mainly cats and dogs) are euthanized each year in the United States alone.

Given the above statistics, it goes without saying that adopting an animal can be a kind and loving thing to do.

But before thinking seriously about adoption, there are a number of things that you should consider.

Many of the animals awaiting adoption in shelters have had a very poor history. Some were abused, some abandoned and some were turned in because the owners had grown tired of the novelty, changed their lifestyle in a manner which didn’t include a dog, or simply didn’t have time for them.

A large number of shelter dogs have been left alone for long periods and some were never house trained.

So if you’re thinking of adopting a dog from an animal shelter, you need to be prepared to work with them.

Many adopted dogs will come to the new surroundings filled with fears based upon earlier mistreatment or the harsh rules of their previous owners. Some dogs will be reluctant to go from one room to another, will shy away when corrected and hide upon hearing a loud noise. New owners must be patient with them and speak to them softly and affectionately.

A shelter dog may be overly sensitive to your tone of voice or to any commands you may give them. You must be prepared to be patient. And you must be prepared to be loving to your new dog, without necessarily receiving any love or acknowledgment in return. Dogs are reasonably intelligent, and they will gradually come to understand their new environment and show their appreciation for your loving care.

When shelter dogs finally realize that they can trust you they will likely reward you with more affection and loyalty than you can imagine.

Adopted dogs are subject to all of the behavioral problems commonly associated to dogs in general. These would include digging, jumping up on people, jumping fences, barking and nipping. There are proven solutions to all of these “offences.” If your dog is prone to digging, and always digs in one area, there are a number of effective repellent sprays that work well. If he digs under your fence, a little buried chicken wire works wonders in breaking that habit. Spray bottles filled with water should be kept at hand to break a dog from jumping up and to combat incessant barking. A quick spritz in the face immediately following, or during, the offensive behavior will usually bring about a quick behavior modification.

If thinking about adopting a dog, you should be prepared to deal with the prospect that your new dog may not be completely housebroken. Previous owners may have been irresponsible in their approach to this training, and/or the change of environment to the shelter coupled with the trauma of being abandoned (in whatever circumstances) by its previous owner, may have resulted in the dog continuing to do its “business” right in its pen.

Housetraining is not a relatively straightforward training issue which should not deter you from adopting a dog. Crate training is recommended to assist in this training, and walking your new dog and letting him out in the yard several times a day will also help. Fenced yards and doggie doors are minimal expenses and are essential if you have a dog.

Adopting a dog as a companion for a small child is not recommended. A dog is not a toy and should never be treated as one. Small children must be trained to understand “animal etiquette”. In other words, animals are not to be hit, dragged, ridden or teased. But with shelter dogs in particular, small children may not be safe around them.

Children should be taught that being overly aggressive with a new dog, especially one recently adopted, could cause the dog to react by biting or running away. If feeding and exercising the dog is to be the responsibility of a child, an adult must follow up and take ultimate responsibility for the dog.

About the Author: Brigitte Smith is a dog lover with two dogs of her own. Brigitte runs two websites about various aspects of dog care. Request your special free report on improving your dog’s health here: http://www.HealthyHappyDogs.com or here: http://www.Dog-Health-Care-Information.com

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More: Adopting A Dog From An Animal Shelter