Recent discoveries made at an archaeological site in Kazakhstan suggests it is here that man first domesticated the horse, taming it and keeping it for food, milk, and to ride. For many years, Mongolia was thought to be the home of the domesticated horse but the artifacts in northern Kazakhstan date much farther back, all the way to the Copper Age about 5,500 years ago.
Extensive research is being conducted at three sites that represent the Botai culture. Of these three sites, the main one is proving the most enlightening. At a time before organized agriculture, when people were still hunters and gatherers, the main Botai village numbered as many as 160 houses, unheard of for a nomadic culture.
To sustain such a population, there had to be some continuous form of readily available food and the evidence strongly suggests horses played a tremendous role in that ancient Botai civilization. Of all the animal bones excavated at the site, as many as 300,000 of them, or about 90% found thus far, are horse bones.
In addition, many of these horse bones bear marks made by stone tools used for butchery, suggesting a communal diet that included horse meat. Other artifacts, including tools made from the jawbones of horses, indicate they were used to fashion rawhide into whips, hobbles, and bridles, all of which suggest the Botai rode their horses, too.
Chemical analysis of pot sherds reveal evidence the pots once contained horse's milk, a finding that strongly supports the theory of domestication because it is virtually impossible to milk a wild horse.
The early domestication of horses is of keen interest to historians in many disciplines, as horses are thought to have impacted the course of history more so than any other domesticated animal. Throughout time, horses have served humanity as transportation; assistance in herding, plowing, and hauling; sports; warfare; and dairy production. Geopolitcal boundaries the world over have been altered time and again thanks to the horses wielded by imperial cavalries, immigrants, and frontiersmen everywhere.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Steelers Game a Death Sentence for Puppy Named Flip
Personally, I'm not much of a sports fan. My reasons for feeling this way have lots more to do with the attitudes associated with sports than with the games themselves. It's the people, not the game.
One person who epitomizes my disdain for these game-related attitudes is William Woodson, 22, of Bridgeville, Pennsylvania. Seems Woodson used Sunday's Pittsburgh Steelers game as the opportunity to mete out a death sentence on his girlfriend's puppy named Flip. Flip was just 13 weeks old.
In an affidavit Woodson provided to Bridgeville police, he stated he never liked his girlfriend's puppy in the first place but the puppy really got under his skin when the dog wouldn't behave according to Woodson's desires in the moments preceding Sunday's football game. The puppy, being just a puppy, after all, was not walking obediently alongside Woodson and his live-in girlfriend, Christine Gielarowski, 21, so Woodson began kicking it "like a soccer ball," according to one witness. Woodson continued kicking the pit bull puppy down the street until the puppy died from the abuse.
Woodson fled once the dog appeared lifeless, Gielarowski lied to police about her identity and Woodson's, and police had to turn to Gielarowski's parents to learn of Woodson's identity. Once police found the friend's house where Woodson was watching the game, Woodson was captured as he tried to escape out the back door.
I don't know how Sunday's game turned out for the Steelers. I don't even know who they played. And I don't care, either. As far as I'm concerned, it was a loss. Poor little Flip lost his life and the rest of us lost some of our collective humanity.
One person who epitomizes my disdain for these game-related attitudes is William Woodson, 22, of Bridgeville, Pennsylvania. Seems Woodson used Sunday's Pittsburgh Steelers game as the opportunity to mete out a death sentence on his girlfriend's puppy named Flip. Flip was just 13 weeks old.
In an affidavit Woodson provided to Bridgeville police, he stated he never liked his girlfriend's puppy in the first place but the puppy really got under his skin when the dog wouldn't behave according to Woodson's desires in the moments preceding Sunday's football game. The puppy, being just a puppy, after all, was not walking obediently alongside Woodson and his live-in girlfriend, Christine Gielarowski, 21, so Woodson began kicking it "like a soccer ball," according to one witness. Woodson continued kicking the pit bull puppy down the street until the puppy died from the abuse.
Woodson fled once the dog appeared lifeless, Gielarowski lied to police about her identity and Woodson's, and police had to turn to Gielarowski's parents to learn of Woodson's identity. Once police found the friend's house where Woodson was watching the game, Woodson was captured as he tried to escape out the back door.
I don't know how Sunday's game turned out for the Steelers. I don't even know who they played. And I don't care, either. As far as I'm concerned, it was a loss. Poor little Flip lost his life and the rest of us lost some of our collective humanity.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Feline Lady Thatcher's Death Spurs PM Funeral Buzz
About 1,700 Canadian dignitaries met in Toronto earlier this week to pay tribute to Canada's military forces. So-called "smart" phones started buzzing during the dinner hour, setting off a frenzy that almost instantly spread from Toronto all the way to Buckingham Palace. The message? "Lady Thatcher has passed away."
As diners lamented the passing of the much-revered former British prime minister, Margaret Thatcher, 84, dispatches were sent across the pond to confirm the sad news.
It was quickly confirmed by both Buckingham Palace and current British PM, Gordon Brown, that Mrs. Thatcher was indeed alive and well. There was no need for nationwide mourning after all; news of her death was simply wrong.
So what prompted all that funeral buzz?
It was the beloved cat, Lady Thatcher, 16, belonging to Canada's Transport Minister, John Baird. He'd named his cat Lady Thatcher in tribute to one of his personal political heroes. The feline Lady Thatcher had met her end, surely a cause for mourning in the John Baird household but hardly enough to spur public grief spanning two continents.
Mr. Baird, this cat-lover is sorry for your loss.
As diners lamented the passing of the much-revered former British prime minister, Margaret Thatcher, 84, dispatches were sent across the pond to confirm the sad news.
It was quickly confirmed by both Buckingham Palace and current British PM, Gordon Brown, that Mrs. Thatcher was indeed alive and well. There was no need for nationwide mourning after all; news of her death was simply wrong.
So what prompted all that funeral buzz?
It was the beloved cat, Lady Thatcher, 16, belonging to Canada's Transport Minister, John Baird. He'd named his cat Lady Thatcher in tribute to one of his personal political heroes. The feline Lady Thatcher had met her end, surely a cause for mourning in the John Baird household but hardly enough to spur public grief spanning two continents.
Mr. Baird, this cat-lover is sorry for your loss.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Ride a Cowboy, Save a Horse
That's just one of many nuggets of animal-loving wisdom you'll find in Kinky Friedman's latest book, "Kinky's Celebrity Pet Files." Being the human companion to a whole slew of unique and unusual pets just isn't enough to satisfy Kinky's love of animals. He's the "spiritual leader" of a no-kill animal shelter in Kerrville, Texas. He helped Willie Nelson and the mayor of Kaufman, Texas, to shut down a couple of slaughter houses. And he's written a book all about the animal companions of people rich and famous the world over.
Here in Texas, we know Kinky as a musician, humorist, author, and politician. He's got stage performances - music and musings - lined up in Philadelphia, New York, and Alexandria, Virginia, all happening next week. He'll be in Washington, DC, on November 17 to promote his book.
I don't usually do volunteer book reviews, especially when I haven't even read the book yet, but I couldn't wait to write about this one the minute I learned of it myself. I'm such a big Kinky Friedman fan that I'll endorse anything he does on faith alone. I can't wait to read this one and I hope you'll read it and enjoy it, too. Having read Kinky's other books and enjoyed his music and performances through the years, I know this book will be jam-packed with laughs, wisdom, and entertainment from cover to cover.
And, hey, y'all. Get out there and vote. That's what I'm going to do. I'm voting for Kinky Friedman to be the next governor of the soon-to-be-again great state of Texas. And it's a vote I'm delighted to cast. Won't you think about doing the same?
Here in Texas, we know Kinky as a musician, humorist, author, and politician. He's got stage performances - music and musings - lined up in Philadelphia, New York, and Alexandria, Virginia, all happening next week. He'll be in Washington, DC, on November 17 to promote his book.
I don't usually do volunteer book reviews, especially when I haven't even read the book yet, but I couldn't wait to write about this one the minute I learned of it myself. I'm such a big Kinky Friedman fan that I'll endorse anything he does on faith alone. I can't wait to read this one and I hope you'll read it and enjoy it, too. Having read Kinky's other books and enjoyed his music and performances through the years, I know this book will be jam-packed with laughs, wisdom, and entertainment from cover to cover.
And, hey, y'all. Get out there and vote. That's what I'm going to do. I'm voting for Kinky Friedman to be the next governor of the soon-to-be-again great state of Texas. And it's a vote I'm delighted to cast. Won't you think about doing the same?
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Traits - Labrador Retriever
The brave saga of a black Labrador retriever named Sabi may leave many readers wondering what makes a Lab so useful for sniffing out bombs, booby traps, and other explosive devices that endanger our troops fighting the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. This breed of dog is a natural for military service. They are innately intelligent, loyal, adaptable, highly trainable, and very eager to please. Just the kind of soldier I'd want next to me during a combat mission.
Labs are a large breed of dogs, weighing between 55 and 75 pounds when fully grown. They typically stand between 21 and 25 inches tall. The expected life expectancy of a Labrador retriever is 10 to 12 years.
High energy levels mean Labs need plenty of regular exercise that best includes swimming and, well, retrieving. They like to play, exercise, or work in large open areas where they have plenty of room to romp and roam. Their natural playfulness, coupled with their sense of loyalty, make them excellent choices for families with children.
The Labrador retriever's personality makes this dog an ideal choice for service environments, such as the one Sabi enjoys with her Australian Army unit. Labs are great for policing in all sorts of situations; Sabi detects explosive devices but other Labs are trained to detect narcotics.
Since Labs are short-haired dogs, grooming needs are minimal. A good brush a couple of times a week does the job just fine. Labs are commonly black, like Sabi, or yellow or chocolate brown; their coats are almost always mono-colored but a small white spot on the chest is not uncommon either. All labs have a short, dense coat of straight hair with an undercoat that is soft and weather resistant, keeping them warm and dry when the weather is cold and wet.
In spite of their name, Labrador retrievers actually originated in Newfoundland. Labrador is a coastal region in the easternmost part of Canada and Newfoundland is a large island off the Labradorian coast. Both areas were united as one Canadian province - Newfoundland and Labrador - in 1949. In the 19th century, when the breed originated, Labrador retrievers were instrumental in helping fishermen pull in heavy nets filled with fish. The Labs would hop into the chilly water, grab hold of the cork floats attached to the nets, and swim them back to the boat for retrieval.
Labs are a large breed of dogs, weighing between 55 and 75 pounds when fully grown. They typically stand between 21 and 25 inches tall. The expected life expectancy of a Labrador retriever is 10 to 12 years.
High energy levels mean Labs need plenty of regular exercise that best includes swimming and, well, retrieving. They like to play, exercise, or work in large open areas where they have plenty of room to romp and roam. Their natural playfulness, coupled with their sense of loyalty, make them excellent choices for families with children.
The Labrador retriever's personality makes this dog an ideal choice for service environments, such as the one Sabi enjoys with her Australian Army unit. Labs are great for policing in all sorts of situations; Sabi detects explosive devices but other Labs are trained to detect narcotics.
Since Labs are short-haired dogs, grooming needs are minimal. A good brush a couple of times a week does the job just fine. Labs are commonly black, like Sabi, or yellow or chocolate brown; their coats are almost always mono-colored but a small white spot on the chest is not uncommon either. All labs have a short, dense coat of straight hair with an undercoat that is soft and weather resistant, keeping them warm and dry when the weather is cold and wet.
In spite of their name, Labrador retrievers actually originated in Newfoundland. Labrador is a coastal region in the easternmost part of Canada and Newfoundland is a large island off the Labradorian coast. Both areas were united as one Canadian province - Newfoundland and Labrador - in 1949. In the 19th century, when the breed originated, Labrador retrievers were instrumental in helping fishermen pull in heavy nets filled with fish. The Labs would hop into the chilly water, grab hold of the cork floats attached to the nets, and swim them back to the boat for retrieval.
Missing Bomb-Sniffing Dog Returns to Her Post in Afghanistan
Sabi, a black Labrador Retriever, went missing from her Australian Army patrol unit 14 months ago. Sabi is trained to sniff out roadside bombs and other explosive devices planted as dangerous booby traps in the Afghan province of Uruzgan. She was last seen by her handlers during a particularly fierce ambush of a joint Australian-Afghan patrol unit that left nine troops wounded.
Months of search followed, with no sign of Sabi anywhere. Most of the soldiers who knew her never expected to see her again.
Sabi didn't meet a tragic fate, however, as her Australian unit recently learned. She's recently enjoyed a happy reunion with the soldiers she served so bravely.
A US soldier found Sabi in a remote area also in the Uruzgan province. Once her identity was discovered, she was returned to her Australian military home base. Her military friends will probably never know the details of her whereabouts during her 14-month absence but they are grateful that Sabi was found in good condition, a sign that she's been in good hands during her odyssey.
Sabi's unit is one of many involved with training Afghanistan security forces. Many of the 1,500 military troops from Australia work with explosive detection dogs like Sabi.
It is unclear at this time if Sabi will stay in Afghanistan. If tests prove she is disease free, she may be returned to Australia.
Months of search followed, with no sign of Sabi anywhere. Most of the soldiers who knew her never expected to see her again.
Sabi didn't meet a tragic fate, however, as her Australian unit recently learned. She's recently enjoyed a happy reunion with the soldiers she served so bravely.
A US soldier found Sabi in a remote area also in the Uruzgan province. Once her identity was discovered, she was returned to her Australian military home base. Her military friends will probably never know the details of her whereabouts during her 14-month absence but they are grateful that Sabi was found in good condition, a sign that she's been in good hands during her odyssey.
Sabi's unit is one of many involved with training Afghanistan security forces. Many of the 1,500 military troops from Australia work with explosive detection dogs like Sabi.
It is unclear at this time if Sabi will stay in Afghanistan. If tests prove she is disease free, she may be returned to Australia.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Pig Ear, Hoof Doggie Treats Tainted with Salmonella
Yesterday the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a health alert involving pig ears and pig hooves that may be tainted with Salmonella bacteria. These much loved doggie treats (at least they're much loved in my household, where I even use them as doggie currency) are sold under many brand names and as both packaged and bulk items in pet shops and retail chain stores. Products under investigation are produced at the Sanger, California, manufacturing facility for Pet Carousel.
No cases of illness linked to these treats have been reported to the FDA but the agency urges all pet owners who have them on hand to throw them away in a covered trash receptacle. Humans can become infected and ill from handling things, including these pet treats, contaminated by Salmonella bacteria.
Symptoms in humans include diarrhea that may become bloody, nausea, and vomiting. More severe symptoms are possible and some of them can develop into life-threatening medical emergencies.
Symptoms in dogs include a loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and fever. The bacteria can be transferred from pet to human or human to pet so it's always important to wash hands thoroughly after handling a pet and his toys or treats. Any suspicious symptoms in humans or pets should be immediately reported to a medical or veterinary facility.
Brand names selling the pig ear treats in packages include Doggie Delight and Pet Carousel. The pig hoof treats are packaged as Pet Carousel, Doggie Delight, Dentley's, and Choo Hooves. These treats are often sold in bulk at pet stores and retail chains, with no associated brand name exhibited.
The Salmonella contamination was identified in a routine test conducted at the Pet Carousel plant in September 2009. Further testing revealed contamination of both the pig ear and pig hoof treats and in the manufacturing environment itself.
The FDA investigation continues, with updates to be issued as new developments arise.
No cases of illness linked to these treats have been reported to the FDA but the agency urges all pet owners who have them on hand to throw them away in a covered trash receptacle. Humans can become infected and ill from handling things, including these pet treats, contaminated by Salmonella bacteria.
Symptoms in humans include diarrhea that may become bloody, nausea, and vomiting. More severe symptoms are possible and some of them can develop into life-threatening medical emergencies.
Symptoms in dogs include a loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and fever. The bacteria can be transferred from pet to human or human to pet so it's always important to wash hands thoroughly after handling a pet and his toys or treats. Any suspicious symptoms in humans or pets should be immediately reported to a medical or veterinary facility.
Brand names selling the pig ear treats in packages include Doggie Delight and Pet Carousel. The pig hoof treats are packaged as Pet Carousel, Doggie Delight, Dentley's, and Choo Hooves. These treats are often sold in bulk at pet stores and retail chains, with no associated brand name exhibited.
The Salmonella contamination was identified in a routine test conducted at the Pet Carousel plant in September 2009. Further testing revealed contamination of both the pig ear and pig hoof treats and in the manufacturing environment itself.
The FDA investigation continues, with updates to be issued as new developments arise.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Church Service Gone to the Dogs in California
And congregation members are shouting a hearty "Amen!"
The Reverend Tom Eggebeen has spent the last three years serving as interim pastor of the Covenant Presbyterian Church of Los Angeles, California. He thought his church services needed a dose of excitement and he let the dog loving part of his nature inspire him.
Last Sunday evening, Eggebeen presided over the first ever Canines at Covenant service, where congregation members were invited to bring their dogs to church. The 30-minute church service was a howling success, with about 30 people bringing pooches of all persuasions, large and small. The church-going dogs were honored with doggie treats, plenty of water, doggie beds, prayer requests in their honor, and a special hymn, "GoD and DoG."
The Canines at Covenant service is to be a weekly service. An informal survey suggests as many as 500 events at churches nationwide focus on the blessing of pets, although only a handful have gone to the dogs to the extent of offering regularly scheduled pet-friendly services like that at Covenant Presbyterian.
According to Rev. Eggebeen, the Bible says God is light and God is love. "And when we love a dog and a dog loves us, that's a part of God and God is a part of that."
Amen, Brother!
The Reverend Tom Eggebeen has spent the last three years serving as interim pastor of the Covenant Presbyterian Church of Los Angeles, California. He thought his church services needed a dose of excitement and he let the dog loving part of his nature inspire him.
Last Sunday evening, Eggebeen presided over the first ever Canines at Covenant service, where congregation members were invited to bring their dogs to church. The 30-minute church service was a howling success, with about 30 people bringing pooches of all persuasions, large and small. The church-going dogs were honored with doggie treats, plenty of water, doggie beds, prayer requests in their honor, and a special hymn, "GoD and DoG."
The Canines at Covenant service is to be a weekly service. An informal survey suggests as many as 500 events at churches nationwide focus on the blessing of pets, although only a handful have gone to the dogs to the extent of offering regularly scheduled pet-friendly services like that at Covenant Presbyterian.
According to Rev. Eggebeen, the Bible says God is light and God is love. "And when we love a dog and a dog loves us, that's a part of God and God is a part of that."
Amen, Brother!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
The Animal Rescue Site
Animal lovers will want to add The Animal Rescue Site to their list of online favorites or bookmarks. I've got it set as my home site, along with the other five sites that make up the Greater Good Network.
Each site serves a particular cause - hunger, breast cancer, child health, literacy, rain forest, and animal rescue - by inviting readers to click a colorful rectangle prominently displayed near the top of the site. Each click generates a monetary donation from the many sponsors who support these sites. It's an incredibly quick and entirely painless way to honor a worthy cause. Or six of them.
Animal shelters in the US take in more than 27 million animals every year, according to The Animal Rescue Site. That's a lot of hungry mouths to feed. Each click of the purple rectangle means .6 of a bowl of food will be donated, thanks to the money supplied by the site's sponsors. From January through June of 2009, 37.4 million bowls of food were donated as a result of reader clicks.
Sponsors of the site offer hundreds of irresistible things to buy, ranging from clothes to jewelry to pet needs, and each purchase generates even more bowls of food. During the first half of 2009, purchases of sponsor merchandise generated 5.8 million bowls of food.
Once you click the purple rectangular button on the animal rescue home page, you'll be directed to a second page, where you can scroll down a bit to see how many bowls of food have been donated in recent days. Yesterday, 257,591 bowls of food were donated to animal shelters and sanctuaries all across the country, thanks to just the click of a mouse.
Make one purple click a daily event. I do.
Each site serves a particular cause - hunger, breast cancer, child health, literacy, rain forest, and animal rescue - by inviting readers to click a colorful rectangle prominently displayed near the top of the site. Each click generates a monetary donation from the many sponsors who support these sites. It's an incredibly quick and entirely painless way to honor a worthy cause. Or six of them.
Animal shelters in the US take in more than 27 million animals every year, according to The Animal Rescue Site. That's a lot of hungry mouths to feed. Each click of the purple rectangle means .6 of a bowl of food will be donated, thanks to the money supplied by the site's sponsors. From January through June of 2009, 37.4 million bowls of food were donated as a result of reader clicks.
Sponsors of the site offer hundreds of irresistible things to buy, ranging from clothes to jewelry to pet needs, and each purchase generates even more bowls of food. During the first half of 2009, purchases of sponsor merchandise generated 5.8 million bowls of food.
Once you click the purple rectangular button on the animal rescue home page, you'll be directed to a second page, where you can scroll down a bit to see how many bowls of food have been donated in recent days. Yesterday, 257,591 bowls of food were donated to animal shelters and sanctuaries all across the country, thanks to just the click of a mouse.
Make one purple click a daily event. I do.
Iowa Cat Catches Swine Flu
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) announced today that a house cat in Iowa has been officially diagnosed with the H1N1 strain of swine flu that is causing the sweeping pandemic now circling the globe. The cat, 13 years old, is the first to be diagnosed with this particular strain of influenza.
The cat lives with three humans, two of whom have recently suffered from the swine flu themselves. It is believed the family cat caught the disease from its people but all family members - human and feline - have recovered with no lingering after effects.
According to the AVMA, dogs and horse are also susceptible to the influenza virus but, so far, none of either species has been diagnosed with the H1N1 strain.
Read more about it here
.
The cat lives with three humans, two of whom have recently suffered from the swine flu themselves. It is believed the family cat caught the disease from its people but all family members - human and feline - have recovered with no lingering after effects.
According to the AVMA, dogs and horse are also susceptible to the influenza virus but, so far, none of either species has been diagnosed with the H1N1 strain.
Read more about it here
.
What's REALLY on Fido's Mind?
Ever wonder what your canine best friend is thinking? Or how smart is he, really?
Me, too. That's why I was intrigued by the headline I saw recently at NYTimes.com. "Good Dog, Smart Dog," the headline reads. The article opens with the story of Jet, a New Jersey Labradoodle, trained to detect and respond to his human's seizures, psychiatric disorders, and other medical conditions.
So impressive is Jet's ability to protect his owner that the US Army is even studying ways service dogs like Jet can help soldiers returning from the ugly military conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Of particular interest is a service dog's potential ability to respond to issues involving post-traumatic stress disorders.
Another study being conducted in Hungary is seeking the mechanism(s) by which a dog can tell when a person is on the verge of seizure. Is it their keen sense of smell? Facial expression? Body language? Other studies suggest dogs can sniff out lung cancer.
A University of British Columbia professor thinks we may have underestimated the mental abilities of dogs. The professor, Dr. Stanley Coren, even says dogs can understand human vocabulary numbering into the hundreds of words. University of Florida's Clive DL Wynne recalls a border collie with a vocabulary of 1,500 words. German studies confirm the canine understanding of human words. Most dog lovers can confirm it, too.
Everyone who knows their dog is an emotional and intelligent being will enjoy this article. I highly recommend it.
Me, too. That's why I was intrigued by the headline I saw recently at NYTimes.com. "Good Dog, Smart Dog," the headline reads. The article opens with the story of Jet, a New Jersey Labradoodle, trained to detect and respond to his human's seizures, psychiatric disorders, and other medical conditions.
So impressive is Jet's ability to protect his owner that the US Army is even studying ways service dogs like Jet can help soldiers returning from the ugly military conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Of particular interest is a service dog's potential ability to respond to issues involving post-traumatic stress disorders.
Another study being conducted in Hungary is seeking the mechanism(s) by which a dog can tell when a person is on the verge of seizure. Is it their keen sense of smell? Facial expression? Body language? Other studies suggest dogs can sniff out lung cancer.
A University of British Columbia professor thinks we may have underestimated the mental abilities of dogs. The professor, Dr. Stanley Coren, even says dogs can understand human vocabulary numbering into the hundreds of words. University of Florida's Clive DL Wynne recalls a border collie with a vocabulary of 1,500 words. German studies confirm the canine understanding of human words. Most dog lovers can confirm it, too.
Everyone who knows their dog is an emotional and intelligent being will enjoy this article. I highly recommend it.
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