CFHS Is Out To Prove That Real Men Love Cats

by Mary Simpson

Published: March 28th, 2015

cfhs is out to prove that real men love cats

Which month are you? CGHS looking for real-life men and their cats for the 2016 Cats & Bros calendar

Not since the Village People parodied gender typecasting in the song Macho Man, has the tough-guy image been so heavily challenged to… well, get over itself.

Yes, the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies has decided to shatter the stereotypical image of dog being man’s best friend by challenging guys to come clean and go public with calendar-worthy photos of the ladies they spend their evenings with – their cats! C’mon dudes, we know you have them. And we think it’s sexy!

The project is tagged as Cats & Bros and CFHS is recruiting contenders for the 2016 version of the calendar, asking guys to enter their favourite photo in a bid to be one of the 13 chosen to win a spot in the coveted fund-raiser.

In Canada alone an estimated 600,000 cats are either homeless or languish in shelters with many not making it out due to illness and euthanasia. The Cats & Bros calendar helps to raise awareness and assist CFHS in educating the public and finding forever homes for these forgotten felines.

How it works? Snap a photo of you with your tuna loving housemate and enter it on CFHS’ online photo site between March 16 and June 30, 2015. Share your entry on social media, using the hashtag and encourage friends, family, your co-workers, even that neighbour you don’t get along with, to vote for you and puss! Famous Canadian cat-aficionado Bubbles (“Trailer Park Boys”) has already submitted his entry… and we may have voted for him!

Voters can visit the site and purr-use the contenders before deciding on their calendar boy (ideally, you!). You can then donate anywhere from $1 to $2,500, with each dollar counting as one vote. The deadline is June 30, 2015 and all funds go to support CFHS’ mission to end the cat crisis in Canada.

So are you ready for that close up? Say treats! And we’ll let you know where you can purchase a calendar once the winners have been picked.

[Source: Catster]

Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and a feline who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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Meow-sician Deadmau5 Pounces On Just For Cats Film Festival

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Cats Break The Internet With Kittenish – A Book Of Naked Selfies!

Kim Kardashian has nothing on these adorable (and self-absorbed) cats – and this new coffee book of cat selfies is going to prove it! Do you ever wonder what type of picture your feline furball would snap if equipped with her own iPhone and told to “have at it”? Yeah, we can’t either! Well lucky for us, New York Times bestselling author Gwen Cooper did and the crowd-sourced results that numbered in the thousands were deemed sufficiently entertaining to produce a 200-page, coffee-table caliber book entitled “Kittenish”. Yes, author Cooper is poking fun at Kim Kardashian’s bestselling (really, people?) “Selfish” and has assembled a literal gallery of selfies taken by cats in the nude! Yep, no funny hats, silly boots or coats… simply in the fur Mother Nature gave ‘em! Related: Photographic Proof That Men Who Own Cats Are Hot! While I’m not convinced any one of my gang has the dexterity to snap a shot of themself let alone perfect the requisite “pout” or “duck-face”, the mention of newly intro’d “sparrow face” might get their creative juices flowing or at least get them to stay awake long enough to smile for the birdie. Related: CFHS Is Out To Prove That Real Men Love Cats And although the project may sound daffy (sorry, I’m still stuck on the duck-face), 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of “Kittenish” will be donated to Humane Society International to fund their ongoing efforts in Nepal. In fact, Cooper points out that many of those featured in the book are shelter cats from not only around the world but close to home: Tenth Life in St. Louis and Austin Pets Alive! in Texas. Asked by her readers why she supports animal-rescue efforts in countries other than the U.S., Cooper responds that animals aren’t citizens of countries, but of our hearts and that our hearts have no borders. Her past efforts have raised tens of thousands of dollars to support animal-rescue efforts related to the Egyptian revolution, the Japanese tsunami, and natural disasters throughout the U.S. Though I suspect Kittenish will raise the fundraising bar in dollars, I just smell a sequel in the works: Kittenish: The B-Roll! To support animal-rescue efforts in Nepal, you can purchase your copy of “Kittenish” in ebook format for a minimum suggested price of $3.99, and in hard copy for $23.99.Both versions are available for purchase on Cooper’s website.

2016 Will Be A Hot Year, Thanks To Tails Of NYC Rescue Men Calendar

Hot men plus cute rescue animals equal an irresistible combination! Make every day a great day with the Tails Of NYC Rescue Men 2016 Calendar. Want a date with a handsome hunk? What about 365 dates with a great looking guy and his pooch? Okay, let’s sweeten the pot and add a little chocolate to the mix… peanut butter chocolate! Okay, now we’re talking, right? If your answer is a resounding “yes”, then have I got a deal for you… err, for those animal loving, chocolate fanatics on your holiday shopping list! Related: Photographic Proof That Men Who Own Cats Are Hot! It’s called the “Rescue Package” and it’s the brainchild of New Yorkers Felicia Greenfield and Jen Halpern who are determined to raise funds and drive home the case for adopting shelter pets. Both gals are in the entertainment industry so it was a no-brainer that the project would need to be a fun and creative one for this determined duo. According to Halpern, “It’s a blast. Not only do we get to look for handsome men, but we get to hear amazing stories of compassion and love these men have for animals in need. They truly inspire us to want to continue to make a difference for shelter animals.” With a mantra of driving awareness around Adopt, Never Shop for companion animals, the calendar features 12 men from the Big Apple who have all rescued their furry sidekicks. Generous in spirit, these perfect pet pops have not only saved a life (or in many cases, lives), but they open eyes (and raise eyebrows) of so many who might have wrongly assumed private breeders over shelters is the best route to take. Just one of the handsome faces that grace the pages of 2016 include actor Danny Pino, the star of NBC’s Law & Order: SVU). Related: CFHS Is Out To Prove That Real Men Love Cats All who worked on the calendar donated their time on a volunteer basis which means all net proceeds from the sale of the Rescue Packages will go to chosen charity Pillows for Paws, a volunteer-run organization that brings comfort and love to NYC shelter animals. The cash raised helps provide supplies for the group to create handmade shelter beds and toys for animals still waiting to be adopted. As the Animal Care Centers of NYC has the greatest number of animals waiting to be adopted, they receive the lion’s share of these donated products. The “Rescue Package” is just $20 and includes a Rescue Men calendar and two delectable vegan Peanut Butter Pit Bull chocolate bars from Rescue Chocolate. This is the perfect gift for any animal admirer on your holiday shopping list – and don’t forget to order one for yourself! For more details or to order, visit the official Rescue Men website.

How Do Cats Show Affection?

Have you ever thought: “How do cats show affection?” Here’s how to pick up on all the affection your kitty is throwing down! Although there’s an incorrect stereotype out there that says cats are aloof and don’t really care about their human companions, cat owners are well aware of the fact that felines are able to exhibit affection in myriad ways. Ever wonder how you can tell when your cat is letting you know how much he loves you? We answer the “how do cats show affection” question with some of the ways kitties show you they really do care. Head Bunting and Cheek Rubbing Head bunting occurs when a kitty gently presses his forehead against your body, hand, or face. You’ve probably seen cats do this to one another to show affection, but it’s also one of the ways that your cat will let you know that you’re important to him. Related: How To Understand Cat Body Language Combine this with cheek rubbing, and you definitely know that your kitty’s in love with you. In addition to leaving his scent behind to claim you as his own, he’s telling you that you’re one of his favorite humans and he never wants to part ways. Softening the Gaze Cats are usually on the alert, especially when they’re around people that they don’t know well or that they don’t feel comfortable around. But your cat knows you better than anyone, so he’s comfortable enough to relax his gaze and maintain eye contact with you. If your cat’s eyes soften and he blinks slowly at you, think of it as your kitty blowing you a kiss. Return the gesture by slowly blinking in return. Related: CFHS Is Out To Prove That Real Men Love Cats Grooming You When a mother cat grooms her kittens, she’s teaching them a very important sign of affection, which is why cats who love one another will groom each other even into adulthood. So consider yourself lucky if you have a cat who enjoys grooming you. He’s telling you that he feels connected to you and that he totally trusts you. Spending Time with You If your kitty spends time near you, sits in your lap, or follows you around the house, you can rest assured that you’re a great pet parent who has acquired the special love of a feline. Wagging the Tail Like dogs, cats can communicate their emotions with their tails. For example, when your cat is really scared, he will puff out the fur on his tail. But if his tail is held high and twitching at the tip as he approaches you, he’s letting you know how much he cares about you. Another way cats show affection through their tails is by resting their tails on you while sitting or lying down with you, as well as wrapping their tails around your arm. Giving You Love Bites Love bites typically aren’t painful because they’re gentle in nature, though it may hurt a bit if your kitty goes for your nose or chin. The reason for this behavior is that cats nip one another as a sign of affection, and when your cat considers you one of his own, he’ll exhibit the same behaviors towards you that he would to his feline friends. Exposing the Tummy A cat who loves you will be so comfortable around you that he’ll be willing to lie down on his back with his belly exposed. Why is showing you his belly such a big sign of affection? As a highly vulnerable area of his body, he’s proving that he knows you won’t hurt him, and he loves you for that. Even though cats can’t speak like humans, they do have a variety of ways to show you how much you really mean to them. If you thought your cat was just being a cat by grooming you, head bunting, or biting, it turns out that there was a lot more meaning behind his actions after all!

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Are Dogs Smarter than Cats?

The rivalry between cats and dogs is an age-old thing. Many pet owners are divided in their affections, as some adore kitties, but others are strictly doggo lovers. And this rivalry poses an intriguing question – could there be a difference between cats and dogs? While both are cuddly and loveable, they are inevitably different. So, could it be possible that  dogs are smarter than cats, or vice versa? This is a popular question in the scientific world, and many tried answering it. Let’s see what they came up with.Are Dogs Smarter than Cats? For ages, the debate on the rivalry between cats and dogs has been ongoing. Ultimately, however, it all depends on how you define “smart”. Dogs are often loved for their obedience, their ability to be trained and follow commands, their unwavering loyalty, and their excellent guardian traits. Cats, on the other hand, are known for their independence, their adaptability and problem-solving skills, their free and restless spirit, and their cuddly nature. So, as we can see, while generally different in personalities, both of these animals possess certain cognitive skills – but is one smarter than the other?Recent studies have revealed that both dogs and cats possess unique cognitive abilities suited to their respective lifestyles and evolutionary histories. Meaning, they are completely different animals. Dogs, for example, originated from domesticated canines, far, far back in history. They were bred over thousands of years to work alongside humans, protect flocks, help with hunting, and guard homes. This, in turn, has likely influenced their ability to understand and communicate with us, and to be so devoted as pets. But cats are different. In stark contrast to doggos, cats have retained more of their wild instincts, allowing them to thrive in a variety of environments and situations.All of this means that you can’t really compare the intelligence of a cat and that of a dog. It’s like comparing apples and oranges – it just doesn’t go. Each animal excels in different areas and possesses different strengths. It's more accurate to appreciate the unique qualities of each species rather than trying to determine which one is "smarter."But even so, scientists tried to reach a decisive conclusion. They studied both cats and dogs and ultimately reached an answer - at least, scientifically speaking. Their research shows that dogs are smarter than cats! Some of you might find this answer surprising but don’t raise a revolt just yet. Cats are super intelligent even so. It’s just that they are likely not as smart as some dogs are. The secret is in “smartness” itself. Dogs are intelligent in their own way. They are generally more reliant on humans for problem-solving tasks, but they are adept at learning from observation and experience. They can also be trained to perform a wide range of tasks, from simple tricks to complex behaviors, such as guiding the visually impaired or detecting explosives. Cats, however, are natural hunters and possess excellent problem-solving skills. They are known for their agility, stealth, and ability to strategize when stalking their prey. In a domestic setting, cats demonstrate problem-solving abilities when navigating obstacles, finding hiding spots, and even manipulating objects to access food or toys. So, both of them have different positive traits and different types of intelligence. But it could be that dogs, with their ability to learn and obey commands, are just a tad bit smarter.

Scientists Uncover Secrets of Extinct "Wooly Dog" Breed

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High fever is no joke, and can be quite serious – both for people and their furry four-legged friends. Yes, dogs can have a fever too, and it can be a much more serious condition for them than it is for us. Unfortunately, fever is not an ailment you can spot with your bare eye. Because of this, you will need to thoroughly observe your pet’s behavior and learn how to spot those little details that indicate a fever. Read on as we go through the basics of dog fever and just how to tell if your pet needs your help.Symptoms of Fever in DogsDogs, like humans, can develop a fever as a response to illness or infection. It’s the body’s natural way to fight off the “intruders” in the body. Fever comes in many forms and for various reasons. You can tell if your dog has a fever by observing their behavior and checking for physical signs. Here are just a few of the most common indicators.Increased Body Temperature: 

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Who said that there is no love between cats and dogs? This touching story proves that some bonds between a cat and a dog are so strong that one would risk their life for the other! The event took place in Edmond, Oklahoma, where a tiny pooch was miraculously saved from a vicious coyote attack– by none other than a feisty cat. At first glance, Oakley, a white Havanese dog, and Binx, a black cat, seem to belong to completely different worlds. But even so, they are family. Lane Dyer, the owner of the two, explains for Oklahoma News how the attack - and the daring rescue - came to be.“I was kind of inspired by it, quite frankly,” she said. The event occurred on November 30th, when the 6-year-old Havanese dog, Oakley, was let outside to go to the bathroom. “Out of nowhere she was attacked by a coyote,” said Dyer. Soon enough, another coyote came rushing.

These Are The 10 Most Common Male and Female Dog Names, Survey Reveals

Naming a new puppy that’s come into the world or thinking of a name to symbolize a new beginning for a rescue dog is a precious moment – but sometimes you need a bit of inspiration to think of a fitting name for your fur baby. Some people prefer names with personal meaning or symbolism, but most just sift through name lists in hopes of finding one that fits our pooch and sounds nice. Well, this list can help you find the most popular names for dogs these days and see if any of them stick!  Sniffspot, the so-called “AirBnB of dog parks”, went through their massive database of 100,000 dog names and through hard work determined the 10 most common boy and girl dog names. The results are very interesting – take a look!Here are the top 10 male dog names:10. Leo:A very unique name that’s quick on the tongue, and very fitting for large and majestic doggos. A lion always comes to mind.9. Ollie:Believe it or not, Ollie is a gender-neutral name, but fits perfectly with energetic and goofy male puppers.8. Moose:Who would think that Moose is such a common dog name? It is fun, that is for sure, and strangely fitting too.7. Zeus:The mighty God of thunder in Ancient Greece has come a long way over the centuries. Nowadays, his name is given to dogs!6. Oliver:A classic, elegant, and fun name that, although used for humans, fits doggos as well. 5. Finn:An old-timey name that belongs on the pages of some good youth novel, Finn is remarkably fitting for puppers.4. Loki:The trickster god of the Old Norse has found his way into the modern age in a rather odd way. Lately, Norse gods are a popular choice for dog names.3. Bear:How adorable would it be to name your tiny little pup Bear? 2. Cooper:A simple but very fun name that works well for male pets of all characters and sizes.1. Milo:A very ancient-sounding name, Milo is the number one choice of many owners. Are you surprised that this is number 1? Well, you saw the most common names for boy dogs, so now it’s the girls’ turn. Let’s see their list!10. Sadie:This adorable female dog name, it brings to mind the summer, flowers, and all things girly.9. Nova:In stark contrast to Sadie, Nova sounds quite futuristic, and strong, and rolls easily off the tongue. Did you know that a Nova is an astronomical term? It is the name given to bright stars that appear suddenly in the sky and release powerful energy. Wonderful symbolism.8. Willow:Back to vintage and cozy-sounding names with Willow, a true classic that belongs to the pages of an old children’s book.7. Nala:Here’s a name that is quite a surprise. It is unique, modern, and not heard that often. But, according to this survey, it belongs with other most common female dog names!6. Stella:A name of Latin origin, it translates to “star”. And what better name to give to your zoomy, fun, and lovely female pup?5. Bailey:This is another fun and homely name that is often given to pets. Any similarity with a favorite drink is pure coincidence!4. Lucy:If you have a kind, loveable, and gentle female doggo, then you cannot go wrong with a name such as Lucy!3. Daisy:This is one of the most popular names given to animals, especially cows. But surprisingly, it works well for dogs too!2. Bella:A classic feminine name, Bella is ideal for all female puppers, no matter their character.1. Luna:And the number one female dog's name is Luna, which is Latin for “Moon”. It is simple and pretty, which makes it an easy choice for many owners!So, were you surprised by this survey? What is your favorite dog name? Let us know!

Hundreds of Cats and Dogs Saved from an Animal Testing Laboratory

In a groundbreaking action, the Beagle Freedom Project (BFP), a non-profit organization that rescues animals used in testing, has shut down an animal testing facility in Nowata, Oklahoma, and rescued over 200 dogs and cats from certain death.This monumental action closed down one-third of the flea and tick product testing industry in the U.S., ending years of cruel experimentation on an untold number of animals, and saving thousands of cats and dogs from the same dreadful fate.Most of the animals kept in these facilities are bred specifically for testing, meaning they spend their entire lives in terrible conditions. According to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), animals in laboratories are kept alone in steel cages, with little room to move, and devoid of animal and human companionship.More than 200 cats, dogs, and a family of pigs were kept in horrifying conditions in the 30-acre facility in Nowata, Oklahoma. The poor animals were kept outside in the cold, in nothing but small tents to serve as a shelter. Those kept inside were housed inside tiny cages placed on hard concrete. In the past, the Nowata laboratory has been the subject of many USDA citations and violations. The animals kept there had to endure aggravating pain and discomfort caused by fleas and ticks breeding on their bodies. To make matters worse, the cats and dogs were forced to wear cones so they couldn’t relieve the itching and the pain.“We had to end this,” the president and founder of the Beagle Freedom Project, Shannon Keith, said. “Rather than rescue the dogs and cats one by one, while the facility continued its cruel operations, several months ago, we took a chance and approached the owner of the facility about relinquishing his USDA license and ending operations.”And they were successful! Animal Health Innovations Inc. has ceased operations and surrendered its USDA license. “The importance of this monumental achievement cannot be overstated. Not only have we rescued hundreds of animals from being tested on and certain death, we have also created a pathway for others to do the same,” said Keith to Agusta Free Press.But, that’s not the end. The Beagle Freedom Project plans to transform the former laboratory into a rehabilitation and adoption center called the Freedom Fields - a place where the rescued animals will receive medical attention and the love they deserve.“This has never before been accomplished. We are overjoyed that not only will we give more than 200 dogs and cats their freedom and identity, but that we will also transform an animal testing facility into a place of hope, happiness, rehabilitation, and love,” added Keith.The new space should consist of a doggy park, catio, cat cafe, dog dens, groom room, and lots of open space for dogs and cats to run around and play in. Additionally, there will be a barn for farm animals and a visiting center where the visitors can learn about animal testing before meeting the adoptable animals. Extensive renovations are already underway at Freedom Fields, including replacing small metal cages and makeshift outdoor tents surrounded with electrical fencing with warm and sturdy barns for large farm animals. A landscaped dog park and cozy indoor/outdoor spaces will make rescued cats and dogs feel at home. According to Keith, there are safer and better methods of flea and tick control, and these products don’t have to be tested on animals. Currently, the Beagle Freedom Project is arranging the closure of another large laboratory and is working with companies to provide safer and more ethical methods of flea and tick control for cats and dogs.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Animal Shelter Has Clever Way to Fundraise for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is for celebrating love, but for some, it can be a reminder of failed relationships. If you’re still feeling bitter towards an ex, you can now take that resentment and transform it into something positive, thanks to a clever fundraiser being run by an animal shelter in New Jersey.“Neuter Your Ex” and Help Stray Cats This Valentine’s Day Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center in Blackwood, NJ has come up with a funny way to raise much-needed funds for stray cats this Valentine’s Day. The campaign is called Neuter Your Ex for Valentine’s Day, and its slogan is “Because some things shouldn’t breed.”It’s simple: when you donate $50 to Homeward Bound, they’ll name a feral cat after your ex and then neuter or spay the kitty before releasing them back to their outdoor colony. If you’re familiar with trap-neuter-return, also known as TNR, then you already know how this works—cats who aren’t adoptable are allowed to live out their lives outdoors, but because they’ve been neutered or spayed, they can’t reproduce and, therefore, won’t contribute to the overpopulation problem.A Big Success So FarThis campaign is already a hit. Multiple news outlets have reported on it, so word has spread far and wide. The shelter states that they’ve received a lot of names (they’ve gotten so many that it will take months to use all of them). And donations have come from around the United States and other countries, such as the United Kingdom and Australia. Want to Help? Here’s HowIf you want to make a donation towards this worthy cause, you can fill out the form here, provide your ex’s first name or a nickname, and make a one-time or monthly payment to support the shelter’s TNR efforts. If you have questions, you can reach out to Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center. Their recent Instagram post provides answers to some frequently asked questions about the campaign, so you can check that out as well.  Keep an eye on Homeward Bound’s Instagram to see photos of the cats that end up benefiting from this Valentine’s Day fundraiser.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How Do I Train My Dog to Wear a Muzzle?

Introducing a new tool to your dog can feel like uncharted territory. While some dogs will readily accept whatever is thrown their way, others will become stressed or anxious when presented with something new. Unfortunately, if you are in a position where a muzzle is necessary for the safety of your dog or others around you, forgoing a tool because your dog appears to be uninterested in it isn’t an option. So, what do you do? How do you train your dog to wear a muzzle? This guide will dig into the importance of conditioning when planning to muzzle your dog. This includes explaining what conditioning is, walking you through the process step-by-step, and sharing some helpful tips to set you up for success. What is Muzzle Conditioning? Before expecting your dog to wear their muzzle, it is recommended that you take the time to focus on muzzle training, also referred to as muzzle conditioning. This is the process of introducing the muzzle alongside positive rewards. If each time your dog sees or interacts with the muzzle, they get “good things,” it will create a positive association. Over time, they will not only tolerate the muzzle but happily accept it. Why? They recognize that wearing their muzzle means they will receive good things like verbal praise, pets, and their favorite treats. How Long Does It Take for a Dog to Get Used to a Muzzle? There is no one guaranteed timeline when working on muzzle conditioning. While some dogs will quickly take to the muzzle, adjusting in just a few days, others will take longer. Some factors that can impact this include your dog’s personality, trainability, previous experience (positive or negative) with a muzzle, and their trust/bond with you as the person introducing this tool to them. It’s important to keep in mind that the time it takes does NOT mean you are doing better or failing at your training efforts. We have three dogs, all of which have been muzzle-trained. While two of our dogs took to the muzzle relatively quickly, Lucifer’s nerves and anxiety made the process more challenging. This doesn’t mean it was impossible. With time, patience, and consistency, he is now the dog that is most comfortable in a muzzle out of the three. We just had to move at his pace.

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Why Is My Bird Biting Me?

If you’re a bird parent, you love and cherish your feathered friend – but what do you do when your bird nips or bites? This is a behavior that can be both surprising and concerning, especially for first-time bird parents. But know, you’re not alone!If you’re wondering, “Why is my bird biting me?” This article is for you!We will explore the different factors and explanations for your pet bird’s newly developed biting tendencies, helping you understand the motivations, identify when there is a deeper problem requiring your attention, and learn how to address the behavior appropriately.Let’s look at how to set you and your bird up for a long, happy relationship by addressing problem biting today.Do Bird Bites Hurt?The short answer to this is – Maybe? Whether or not your bird’s bite will hurt depends on a few factors, including how the bird bites, their overall intention, your bird’s size, and your level of pain tolerance.Bird bites can range from a light little nibble that merely tickles to bites that have the capability of causing serious damage, especially to vulnerable areas like the eyes, ears, nose, lips, fingers, and toes.The potential for a bird bite to cause severe or lasting injuries highlights the importance of understanding your bird, why they may bite, and how to prevent this situation from happening. It’s also one of the most important reasons to consider when deciding if a bird is right for your child, elderly, or special needs family member.Even smaller birds can cause a surprising amount of pain. Often, it’s not the initial bite that causes the most pain. Instead, it’s the way that they will dig in or even grind their beaks that will lead to discomfort, stinging, and soreness.

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