Life in the Doghouse is not so bad

The $80,000 home for Rose (below) and five other chow chows is informally called called the Chow Mahal. The 900-square-foot guesthouse built by Charlene and Johnny Grayson of Blossom Valley holds individual kennels with doggy doors that lead to grassy, fenced runs; countless chow knickknacks cover the shelves and walls. "I know it's a little extreme," she said.

Charlene and Johnny Grayson really love their chow chows.

The couple even built them their own place. And it's no doghouse.

The 900-square-foot doggy domicile is done up in earth tones and animal prints. Images of the lion-faced dog gaze out from walls, drink coasters and magazines. A flat-screen TV is tuned to Animal Planet.

The $80,000 house, adjacent to the Graysons' hilltop home east of Lakeside, was christened the Chow Mahal years ago by one of their incredulous friends.

Giant Madagascar Hissing Cockroach Brooch

Is it a pet or is it jewelry?

They're 2-3 inches long. They move slowly, are docile, don't bite, and don't smell. They don't fly, either. The hissing part happens when they're disturbed or handled, and it's quite distinctive.

These insects come in varied patterns and are decorated with the finest Austrian Swarovski crystal. Each roach takes about an hour of painstaking work to achieve his final magical glory. All roaches are male to ensure sterility, and come complete with a leash set. This consists of a gorgeous pin you attach to your clothing with a chain that clasps to the cockroach's carapace to keep him from running amok.

The lifespan of these animals is approximately one year if housed and fed properly.

Roaches love fresh bananas and must have access to fresh water at all times, a very damp paper towel or cotton ball will do the trick. Dehydration is the main cause of death. Keep him in a little terrarium in the dark and he will love you and be very responsive to your touch.
(via)

Mystery as thousands of birds fall from sky

THOUSANDS of birds have fallen from the skies over Esperance (Australia)and no one knows why.
Is it an illness, toxins or a natural phenomenon? A string of autopsies in Perth have shed no light on the mystery.

All the residents of flood-devastated Esperance know is that their "dawn chorus" of singing birds is missing.

The main casualties are wattle birds, yellow-throated miners, new holland honeyeaters and singing honeyeaters, although some dead crows, hawks and pigeons have also been found.

Wildlife officers are baffled by the "catastrophic" event, which the Department of Environment and Conservation said began well before last week's freak storm.

On Monday, Esperance, 725km southeast of Perth, was declared a natural disaster zone.

District nature conservation co-ordinator Mike Fitzgerald said the first reports of birds dropping dead in people's yards came in three weeks ago. More than 500 deaths had since been notified. But the calls stopped suddenly last week, reportedly because no birds were left.

"It's very substantial. We estimate several thousand birds are dead, although we don't have a clear number because of the large areas of bushland," Mr Fitzgerald said.
(via)

Two-faced calf drawing the curious to SW Virginia

One of the newest arrivals at Kirk Heldreth's dairy farm is drawing crowds.

A calf with two faces was born Dec. 27 at Heldreth Dairy Farm, and word has spread in southwest Virginia as residents flock to his farm.

The animal is normal from its tail until its unusually large head. The calf breathes out of two noses and has two tongues, which move independently, according to Heldreth. There appears to be a single socket containing two eyes where the heads split.

``It's the craziest thing I've ever seen,'' the dairyman said.

Hundreds of Turks injured in Muslim animal sacrifice

Hundreds of Turks spent the first day of the Muslim feast of Eid al-Adha holiday in emergency wards today after stabbing themselves or suffering other injuries while sacrificing startled and agitated animals.

Muslims sacrifice cows, sheep, goats and bulls during the four-day religious holiday, a ritual commemorating the biblical account of God's provision of a ram for Abraham to sacrifice as he was about to kill his son. They share the meat with friends, family and neighbours and give part of it to the poor.

In Turkey, at least 1,179 people - dubbed "amateur butchers" by the Turkish media - were treated at hospitals across the country, most suffering cuts to their hands and legs.

Four people were severely injured when they were crushed under the weight of large animals that fell on top of them, it was reported. Another person was hurt when a crane, used to lift an animal, tumbled onto him.
(via)

Santas Lil' Helper Costume

Even though he's supposed to be helping, I bet you can't keep his nose out of those boxes...It's like having another child...

This stylish and funny costume is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
(via)

Doggie Bling - going a bit too far?

Honestly - will anyone in their right mind purchase one of these?

Seaglass Necklace
Oval cut, faceted Aquamarine, Peridot and Yellow Sapphire gemstones, set in a 14K yellow gold double link necklace, evoke seaglass in surf and golden sand. Lobster clasp closure.

Price: $1,250.00

Available through Rex in the City

Nice hairnet, deer

This is the staggering sight of a buck mule deer who has got his antlers in a twist.

The impressive creature took it all in his stride after getting caught up in a bright purple volleyball net.

He is so taken with the unusual headgear a Colorado Division Wildlife officer decided to leave it on until his antlers naturally shed in February.

In the meantime, wardens in Durango are keeping a close eye on him to make sure he doesn't get himself in a knot.
(http://arbroath.blogspot.com/2006/11/nice-hairnet-deer.html)

BowCow Puppy Purse

Watch the hordes mooove over, when you saunter down the street with this playful PuppyPurse.

Fluffy black-and-white spotted faux fur keeps your puppy comfy while you're out walking, shopping,... or just grazing.

Video: Two faced cat

An amazing cat - with two faces.

What Jeff Killed

Your authoritative source for news and information about Jeff The Giant Orange Cat and his favorite pastime: killing things.