Animals and Pets

from left to right: loki, jean grey, and echo. all rescue dogs and all the best dogs. 🥰

A rare event was documented: a single killer whale, or orca, successfully hunted and killed a juvenile great white shark. This "astonishing" attack, filmed in 2023, showcased the orca's exceptional predatory skills. It's the first recorded instance of a solo orca hunting a great white, highlighting the animal's adaptability and learning abilities.

Previously, scientists had observed orcas working together to target and consume the livers of great white sharks. This new observation raises questions about the impact of killer whale behavior on shark populations and potential consequences for the ecosystem. The scientists emphasize that further research is needed to understand the motivations behind this behavior and its broader ecological implications. The discovery also highlights the remarkable hunting skills and intelligence of killer whales.

jean (the little tan dog) was so good about coming to me and jumping into my arms after each of her two runs. so glad we got some photos of that.

this was loki's (the australian shepherd's) first fast CAT. look at those goofy ears! he also loves kids, so it's no surprise he was checking them out after he ran, hehe.

photos by dahlie dog studios.

i’ve been doing more training sessions lately since we’re headed into trial season(s). i try to keep my sessions short 5-10 minutes, and i figured i would start recording some to see progress. :)

more photos here: https://postimg.cc/gallery/wpD86tvn/981bfbab

and more about fast CAT here: https://highlandcanine.com/what-is-fast-cat/

she only did a fun run, so no scoring. her first real event is on the 24th!

[Image description: a four month old tabby cat looks intensely at the camera]

This is Frostbite, the kitten who took shelter in my parents' garage during a recent period of cold weather. She's gotten her first round of shots so far and is currently quarantining due to her lack of distemper 2. It's been reported that she is soft and has a deafening purr.

This is not the first time the house (possibly placed upon some ancient sacred spot) has manifested an animal matching the wishes of a child occupant.

Won't be doing any laundry just yet then.

Edit - pic didn't load

And now I know.

This was my wife’s new throw/ blanket thing. Daisy never used to get on the sofa. But now if the throw isn’t there, she’ll sit and look until one of us cracks.

She loves these throws. And as long as I keep my ankles crossed and legs still, she'll stay.

Must admit I choked up a bit as our last two would never do this.

[Image description: a spotted salamander, Ambystoma maculatum, on a snowbank somehow]

I heard the ducks having a freakout in their yard - they were all gathered around this absolute specimen of a salamander with poor timing.

she’s overwhelmed and confused right now with the long drive and new home, but i’m looking forward to seeing her come out of her shell over the next few weeks. 🥰

i see a lot of confidence building in her future.

[Image description: a large dragonfly rests on some guy's shoulder during and after eating an insect it had captured]

It has been rainy and dreary and I've been looking at some pictures from this past summer to stave off the seasonal affect. Picture taken by a neighbor who had stopped to chat and had never seen one eat.

They are real treetop acrobats. And great family guys.