In ancient Egypt, cats and dogs were both mummified after death and buried with their owners.
Each species has had its fair share of animals called upon to keep down vermin (the modern day Yorkshire terrier is surely best ratter around).
When it wasn’t a head-on crash of cats versus dogs, both were well able to deal with other forms of life. Long, long before cats became domesticated they were employed to fight and kill snakes.
Spiked collars are not new
During the middle ages dogs were collared for boarhunting. Shepherd dogs wore spiked collars to protect their necks from wolf attack. But these collars served a dual purpose in that they could also be used to attack predators. Spiked collars are still seen today, now unfortunately in the hands of youths and others with evil intent.
Padlocked collars were a status symbol usually placed on large, impressive dogs. Because no-one but the owner could open the lock these collars, the sight of them told the public at large that these dogs were worth a fortune..
Importance of grooming
Grooming is important to any pet. Regular brushing of cats, dogs, horses and any long-haired animal enables the owner to remove burrs, ticks and tangles. More importantly, it also provides an opportunity to feel the animal all over and check for any unusual cuts, bumps or bruises.
Yes, we know all that can be done at the pet grooming parlour.
But why go to the trouble and expense of visiting a professional groomer when your four-legged friend will enjoy every minute of having it done at home?
Do it yourself. He’ll probably roll over to say thank you and ask for more.
Volunteering at Christmas
Most cat and dog rescue centres are crying out for volunteers to help them out at Christmas when there is always the possibility that their regular volunteers will be otherwise engaged looking after families and even helping Father Christmas with those all-important seasonal deliveries.
While some rescue centres may have organised themselves months in advance, others may not have, so it is well worth doing a quick telephone call.
Cat fight ..
Do cats fight? Of course they do, but surelly never as badly, or as fatally as the legendary Kilkenny cats from Ireland where the expression ‘to fight like a Kilkenny cat’ is known all over the country. According to folklore, the expression dates back to a time when two local cats fought to the death, then ate each other until there was nothing left but their tails.
… or dog fight?
The dog fight refers to something entirely different.
This refers to aerial combat of the type first seen during the First World War when those ‘magnificent men in their flying machines’ enjoyed having a go at each other. The type of combat continued into the Second World War and later, though today the techniques are much more sophisticated. And probably not half as much fun for any little boys who might happen to be watching… and to those dads who still enjoy playing with their airfix models
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