On Jan. 6, the six Republican candidates who sat on the debate stage in New Hampshire stated: “We have the best health-care system in the world.” Well, Ron Paul probably disagreed with that statement, but the others were unanimous in praising our health-care system. Obviously they missed my letter in the Asheville Citizen-Times in late … Read more
Recently our government claimed that Iranian ships had threatened U.S. naval ships stationed in the Straight of Hormuz. President Bush was quick to tell Iran (and the rest of the world) that they should be prepared for retaliation, should we feel threatened or attacked. Now the Iranian government [has] released tapes quite different from the … Read more
When I was faced with the difficult prospect of putting down my beloved old dog last spring, I wrote the following entry in my journal: “My dog is dying, 15 years after I brought him home as a 5-pound ball of cuteness. He was a character from the start, and I picked him out of … Read more
When it comes to furry companions, a possum probably isn’t the first creature that springs to mind. A lot of animal lovers keep cats, dogs, gerbils, maybe even rabbits in their homes. But wildlife rehabilitator Sondra Allison specializes in possums—many of which have narrowly escaped becoming roadkill. Allison, whose volunteer gig has earned her the … Read more
“Any time one of those miniature animals gives birth, there’s a chance of something going wrong. If that happens, you’ve got to do a C-section,” says Margaret Pressley, founder of Fox Run Veterinary Services in Weaverville. Keeping things stable: Margaret Pressley tests horses at the WNC Agricultural Center for infectious anemia. Photo By Jonathan Welch … Read more
No one knows who the unlucky person was that first stepped on a dog turd. After all, it probably happened 10,000 years or more ago, when wolves first began to appear at the margins of human settlement. But it’s not hard to imagine the expression on that person’s face. Even today, very few regularly encountered … Read more
The top two pets these days are cats and dogs, and among the most-chosen names are Max and Sam. No surprises there. But as long as humans and beasts have roamed the earth, they’ve been working out the finer points of the cohabitation arrangement. Beyond pooper-scoopers, “Best in Show” awards and matching dog-and-owner sweaters, hard-core … Read more
The days of leaving an open bag of food for your dog while you go on vacation are over. Its time to bring in an expert. And Rex and Fluffy (or Tempeh and Lapis Lazuli, if you live around here) aren’t just pieces of moving furniture that need to be fed. They’re little furry people, … Read more
Parrots are truly companions for life. They’re beautiful, highly intelligent and have an amazing amount of personality. Perhaps that’s why so many people are eager to share their homes with a feathered friend. The wind beneath their wings: Ann Brooks of Phoenix Landing with two of her feathered friends Fred, at left, and Phoenix. Photo … Read more
You may think it’s your pet, but both the city of Asheville and Buncombe County have ordinances regulating proper animal care and maintenance. Animal Services Supervisor Brenda Sears of Asheville offers the following advice on how to keep your pet on the right side of the law. (For details concerning the county ordinance, visit buncombecounty.org/living/neighborhood/animalcontrol.asp … Read more
