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TipS to Tails
IT’S IN THE NAME The word “hamster” derives from the German word “hamstern,” which means “hoard.” (petco.com)
Quick Facts About Pets
the Toilet
Aquarium Awesomeness
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Did you know? That floof on the inner hair of your cat’s ear? They’re called ear furnishings. Some cat breeds have thick furnishings while others have a thin covering. (litter-robot.com/blog)
Bearded dragon
CLOSE TO HOME The Roy Rogers Show, a popular television series in the 1950s, centered around the daily lives of Roy Rogers, a ranch owner, and his community in the fictional western town of Mineral Springs. Rogers’ favorite horse on his ranch was a palomino Tennessee Walking Horse named Trigger. The third horse to “play” Trigger on the show was Trigger Jr., who was born in Souderton, PA, and raised and trained on John S. Ewell’s farm on Butter Road in Manheim Township. Rogers bought Trigger Jr. in 1954. The rest is television history! (lancasteronline.com)
4 LANCASTER COUNTY PET
Thinking of adding a reptile to your household? Bearded dragons (Pogona) are less active than most lizards, are easy to handle, and love to soak up the warmth from a heat lamp or ceramic heater. Their “beards” are spikes along the chin that can indicate mood. Generally relaxed around people, bearded dragons can communicate by puffing their spikes, waving their arms and posing their bodies. Nicknamed “Beardies,” these reptiles feed on plants and insects, including leafy plants, squash, string beans, and insects such as crickets, waxworms and beetles. blogs.thatpetplace.com/ thatreptileblog/#.Xv502UBFw6Q
Our furry friends aren’t the only ones who contribute to lowering blood pressure and reducing stress: pet fish contribute to our well-being too! According to a study by Plymouth University and the University of Exeter in the UK, viewing fish in their surroundings lifts humans’ moods and reduces anxiety, whether the aquarium or tank is at home or in a public space like a doctor’s or dentist’s office. And remember, aquariums don’t have to be huge or fancy to be beneficial. Watching fish weave around a sunken sparkly treasure chest is amusing, but even colorful marbles or stones reflecting the tones of the fish or day can promote a sunnier outlook. (fishkeepingworld.com)
