PETS

from Southside February 2021

by Hong Kong Living Ltd

ZIM CITY

pets Ask a vet

Dr Pauline Taylor shares her knowledge on the animal of the year

Dr Pauline Pets Central veterinarian

As we enter the Year of the Ox, I thought I would share some interesting facts about them. I worked with ox/ cattle for many years back in Scotland. As a kid growing up cows were always around me. I would see those big lumbering beasts from my bedroom window grazing in all kinds of weather with their big, beautiful eyes watching each other and anything else that came near. I used to round up the lactating cows and bring them into the milking parlour or feed hay to the herd during winter when grass was short.

Cattle Is the word for certain mammals that belong to the genus Bos. This includes ox, yaks, buffalo, steers, bulls, cows, heifers, calves. Cattle are the most common type of large domesticated hoofed animals and live in a herd which usually comprises of one adult male, a bull and his harem of cows which vary in numbers. Domestic cattle are descendants of wild oxen known as aurochs who lived in SE Turkey around 10,500 years ago. It is estimated that 1.4 billion cattle exist today. Cows love to be petted, stroked and scratched behind the ears. They are very loving and welcome interactions with kind people. Studies show that by naming a cow she will produce more milk.

A cow has 32 teeth and will chew about 50 times in a minute, making their jaws move about 40,000 times a day. The main stomach of a cow, the rumen, holds up to 50 gallons of food that has been partially digested. Referred to as cud, a cow will chew cud and belch methane gas which is produced at this time for up to eight hours a day. They spend 10-12 hours/day lying down and of that sleep about 4 hours.

Cattle have almost 300 degrees of vision, with blind spots only right in front of and behind them. They are unable to see the colour red; red flags used by matadors only catch a bull’s attention because of the movement.

May I wish everyone a very happy, prosperous, peaceful and healthy Year of the Ox.

Fun facts

Lifespan: 18-22 years Gestation period: 283 days Scientific name: Bos taurus Speed: 40 km/h (Maximum) Daily sleep: 4 hours Mass: Male: 1,100 kg (Adult, Bull), Female: 720 kg (Adult, Cow)

Got a question for Dr. Pauline? Email editorial@hongkongliving.com

Written in the stars

Letao Wang, The Kingdom Healer shares his insights on what the stars hold for you this month

thehealingkingdom.com

AQUARIUS PISCES ARIES

You may feel emotionally and mentally isolated from others, Aquarius. It seems that everyone criticises everything you do and prevents you from expressing yourself freely and enjoying social interactions. However, this is a trap of your mind filled with insecurities, Aquarius. Use this time to work on your self-esteem and self-confidence. You are going to excel in every single task you set out to do, Pisces. You will need to assert your personality, so activities related to power and leadership will be welcome. Your sensitivity and empathy will connect you with new people. Your charm and loving personality are contagious and everyone will want to be by your side. Enjoy your popularity to the fullest. You will have a strong need to design the right structure for your professional goals. These new challenges are exciting and you will have enough determination to overcome all the obstacles in your way, Aries. However, beware of any authoritarian attitudes you may have towards your colleagues. Remember that the end does not justify the means.

TAURUS

The path to your independence, both financially and emotionally will be clear. You will prioritise freedom in all activities you perform, Taurus. Therefore, you will not allow any social or family dictates to rule your life. However, keep in mind that eagerness may sometimes beat you in the race. So be careful not to prioritise individual needs over those of the group along the way.

LEO GEMINI

Sensitivity and intuition will guide your actions and prospects during this time. Creative or artistic pursuits will bring you much satisfaction, as you are connected to a higher vision of life. However, be careful not to project a confused and distorted image of your own reality onto others. Try to detach yourself from the rest when emotions get the better of you, Gemini.

CANCER

The planetary energies encourage you to achieve professional and financial goals, Cancer. Your great perseverance, objectivity and self-confidence will lead you to success. Therefore, trust in your wisdom and expertise to undertake new projects. Don’t forget to aim high because you’re ready for it.

VIRGO LIBRA

Although you tend to have an outgoing personality, you will need to get away from the hustle and bustle to find yourself. It is not a good time to take on new responsibilities or start new projects. However, you will be able to connect with your intuition and your inner self. Honor your sensitivity and tap into your creativity, they will be your allies in the future.

SCORPIO

You will undertake independent projects that promise good fortune. Your ambitious and energetic spirit will be supported by beneficial planetary influences, Scorpio. This will provide a solid foundation for a stable and happy future. If you are looking to buy a new property withyour partner, this is the ideal opportunity to do so. You may feel shy or insecure about expressing your ideas at this time Virgo. However, the astral configuration encourages you to trust yourself and reveal who you are, with no fear of being different from others. Your originality and creativity will captivate everyone around you, promising new projects that will fulfill you in the future.

SAGITTARIUS

You may feel disoriented during this time, but it is because you are going through a paradigm shift. A cycle in your life has ended, so it will be necessary to leave behind old patterns. It is time to release the shackles of the past and focus fully on your future. You may not know exactly how to continue, but your mental creativity will light the way forward. Your romantic relationships will take an unexpected turn, Libra. You are going to look for new ways to express your affections. New people will become part of your life, although it will feel like you already know their souls. However, beware of excessive control and power struggles. Keep in mind that you must learn about freedom in your relationships during this period of time.

CAPRICORN

Conventional methods provide you with security and comfort. However, changes are imminent, Capricorn and resisting them will only generate more suffering. Therefore, it’s time to venture into new programmes and jump into the unknown. Far from being a negative experience, this is the path that will bring you closer to your dreams.