In the first photo you see what the Koi pond in our backyard looks like. The water hose is running and it has cleared thing up. Also notice the big plants in middle of the pond. These help to protect the fish and give them something to nibble on occasionally. You can see the long waterfall that helps water oxygen, and notice the white spots that quickly disappear after we turn on the water hose. The close up picture of the Koi only show about half of the fish in that pond.
We’ve had quite a few Koi fish for 18 years now and they have remained very healthy. The pond we built for them is at least 4 feet deep, around 10 by 14 feet in length, and constantly flowed into by a large waterfall. Each Koi we purchased was only about an inch or two in length. And now many of them are nearly 24 inches long and weigh over 10 pounds. Why was this so good for these fish? Well, here is what I have observed:
Pond depth: Thanks to the depth of the pond all of our Koi could escape attacks by raccoons or some other predator. Yes, there have been attacks by raccoons, but so far we have only lost one fish after many years.
Water oxygen: The size of the pond and strength of the waterfall we built is very good at ensuring sufficient water oxygen for the fish. And it also keeps the pond from freezing in winter.
Food: We feed our Koi once per day but there are other sources for their food. Koi are bottom feeders, but also eat plants, worms, and other small creatures that they can catch. Since our pond is outside in a large backyard all year in the temperate WA weather, these other forms of diet for them come up a lot. We do not feed them when temperatures get below 40 degrees. At that point they are not at all active.
We have had a couple of challenges to raising these fish, however. The main problem is water purification for a pond so large. We do not have a standard water filter for it, but I have found a way to get around that. I put filter material in at the top of the waterfall and clean those out weekly. We also drain some of the pond water and refill it with fresh water. Thankfully we do not get our water from the city. Out here in a rural area we have a water well so we do not have to worry about any kind of harmful chemicals like chlorine or the PH level. And all of this water is extremely filtered in our home before it goes out. We usually turn on the hose an let it run all day and all night. This fixes another issue we have with our Koi pond – the white spots often seen when the water hose has not been running for several hours. One of reported causes of this are organic wastes. But whatever the cause is, very soon after we start running the water hose in the pond, those white wastes go away.
How long do you think you Koi fish will live? Most reports have them up to 50 years, but some even much longer than that, even over 100 years!
The Essential Checklist for Opening Your Own Veterinary Clinic
by Rebecca Moore
Opening a veterinary clinic combines a passion for animal welfare with the intricacies of entrepreneurship. This guide outlines key considerations and strategic steps necessary to launch and sustain a thriving veterinary practice. Focusing on everything from location selection to regulatory compliance, it prepares aspiring clinic owners to craft a business that excels in both animal care and operational success.
Strategic Site Selection
When choosing the location for your veterinary clinic, prioritize accessibility and visibility. An ideal location is easily reachable for your target clientele and has high visibility to attract passing traffic. Consider the demographics of the area to ensure alignment with pet ownership trends and client accessibility needs. Additionally, factor in the competition and the proximity of similar services to optimize your location choice.
Crafting Your Business Plan
Developing a detailed plan is crucial. This should encompass the range of services you intend to offer, your pricing strategy, and day-to-day operational procedures. Outline clear goals and benchmarks that will help steer your clinic toward financial health and service excellence, ensuring a smooth operational flow from the outset. Regularly revisiting and adjusting your business plan based on market dynamics and clinic performance is equally important.
Enhancing Your Business Acumen with an MBA
To effectively manage a veterinary clinic, it’s vital to bolster your managerial competencies. Looking into an online MBA program offers a direct route to refine your grasp of essential business disciplines. This course of study will immerse you in the intricacies of strategy and organizational management while also enhancing your capabilities in leadership and personal evaluation. These skills are indispensable for adeptly steering your clinic through the complexities of the veterinary industry.
Designing an Efficient Clinic
The layout and design of your clinic should serve dual purposes: optimizing the quality of animal care and operational efficiency. Ensure that the design accommodates all necessary medical equipment and provides a comfortable environment for both pets and pet owners. This strategic design will facilitate smoother operationsand enhance overall client satisfaction. Effective design also minimizes stress for both animals and staff, creating a more harmonious workplace.
Building a Competent Team
Hiring qualified and experienced veterinary professionals and support staff is essential. Each team member should not only possess the necessary qualifications but also align with the clinic’s mission and values. A skilled and dedicated team is pivotal in establishing a reputable and trustworthy practice. Continual training and development ensure that your staff remains at the forefront of veterinary best practices.
Regulatory Adherence
Navigating the complexities of veterinary practice and business regulations is non-negotiable. Ensure your clinic complies with all local, state, and federal regulations to avoid legal pitfalls. This compliance covers everything from facility licensing to proper waste disposal, ensuring safe and ethical operations. Staying up-to-date on these regulations will keep your practice in line with current laws and industry standards.
Conducting Market Research
Before opening your doors, conduct thorough market research to gauge the demand for veterinary services in your chosen location. This research should analyze competitor offerings, potential client demographics, and market gaps. Understanding these elements will allow you to position your clinic to meet specific community needs effectively. Staying attuned to market trends and customer feedback will guide the ongoing development of your services.
Marketing Strategies for Success
Developing a robust marketing strategy is key to attracting and retaining clients. Utilize a mix of traditional and digital marketing tools to reach your audience effectively. Tailor your messaging to highlight the unique aspects of your clinic, such as specialized services or cutting-edge technology, to differentiate yourself from competitors. Engaging with the community through events and partnerships can also enhance your visibility and reputation.
Opening a veterinary clinic is both challenging and rewarding, requiring a blend of professional acumen and personal commitment. This endeavor not only promises a fulfilling career but also offers a valuable service to the community. As you move forward, remember that the success of your clinic hinges on continuous learning, adaptability, and an unwavering dedication to animal care. By embracing these principles, you are well on your way to creating a lasting impact in the field of veterinary medicine.
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This first picture has a lot of tadpoles in it, but there are many more in this stream where they were born. And here are a few frogs almost fully grown. No, they are not tailed frogs. They are young pacific tree frogs that will soon loose these tails. And here are the salamander larvae I found in a small pond on my property. Considering the species I usually see around here I believe they are long toed salamanders. There are photos of that species on this site. Use the search tool if you wish to see them as adults.
Right now if you spend some time walking around ponds, lakes, and streams, take some time to look closely and you will find baby frogs and baby salamanders. Yes, there are some species that do things very differently, but not here. Frogs and salamanders of the NW all lay their eggs in water using ponds and streams. Salamanders prefer more slower moving streams and calm water such as a small still pond. Although it is often hard to identify the frog or salamander species you see, it is usually easy to tell if it is a frog or a salamander larvae. They both have long tails but you are seeing a salamander if it has gills spreading out on both sides of its neck. Yes, tadpoles have gills too, but only when they are very young and then just 2 gills on each side of their head which are soon covered up by their skin. Salamanders have 3 gills on each side and these last longer than those on the tadpoles. Of course, the older they get the easier it is to identify them. But how long does it take for them to grow up? This can take up to 90 days depending on the species but some can grow up in 60 days. Therefore they are using the bulk of the summer season for growing up. Sometimes it is very amazing how many of these creatures you will find. I usually find just a few salamander larvae in the ponds on my property or else ware, but there is a place here in WA were I see the hundreds of tadpoles pictured above. What do they eat? Most tadpoles eat algae, while the salamander lava go after small creatures. But at some point the tadpoles will go after small creatures, too. And what are these amphibian babies called? As most of us know baby frogs are called tadpoles or pollywogs. Salamanders, however, do not have such well known nick names. They are called efts, nymphs, or larva.
Tips for Integrating Your Pet Into Your Digital Nomad Journey
by Rebecca Moore
Embracing the digital nomad lifestyle with your furry companion offers a unique blend of freedom and companionship. Navigating this path requires careful planning and consideration to ensure both you and your pet thrive. This guide from Northwest Wildlife Online delves into tool mastery, income stability, and pet-friendly logistics, all aimed at smoothing your journey into this adventurous lifestyle.
Essential Digital Tools Mastery
In the realm of remote work, having reliable digital tools is paramount. Secure a reliable internet connection and a laptop capable of handling your professional needs. Familiarize yourself with software that facilitates your work efficiency. These essentials not only ensure your productivity but also help in managing your pet’s needs, from scheduling vet appointments to ordering supplies on the go. Adequate tech support and mobile apps streamline both work and pet care, making life on the road smoother.
Essential Digital Tools Mastery
Going back to school to enhance your career prospects is a strategic move that pays off, especially in fields like cybersecurity where you learn crucial skills in protecting a business’s computers and network systems. By going after a cybersecurity degree, you make it easier to balance learning with your current job, ensuring you can apply new knowledge directly to real-world challenges. For those looking to make such a pivotal career advancement, it’s an investment that can lead to significant rewards.
Securing Financial Stability
Financial stability is the backbone of the digital nomad lifestyle. Diversify your income through freelancing, remote employment, or running an online business. This financial foundation allows for a stress-free journey, ensuring you can cater to both your needs and your pet’s, from unexpected vet bills to daily care expenses. A steady income also affords the flexibility to choose destinations that best suit both you and your pet’s needs, enabling a more enjoyable and fulfilling lifestyle.
Finding Pet-Friendly Living Spaces
Research and secure accommodations that welcome pets. This search includes pet-friendly hotels, rentals, and coworking spaces. Ensuring a comfortable and safe environment for your pet is crucial, as it affects their well-being and your peace of mind while working remotely. Access to pet-friendly amenities, like parks and walking trails, can greatly enhance your pet’s quality of life during your travels.
Stress Management for You and Your Pet
Minimize travel and work-related stress to prevent pet anxiety. Regular routines, mindfulness practices, and engaging in activities that both you and your pet enjoy, can help maintain a serene atmosphere. A stress-free environment is essential for your productivity and your pet’s happiness. Adequate stress management techniques ensure a balanced lifestyle for both you and your furry companion, making transitions between destinations seamless.
Stress Management for You and Your Pet
Minimize travel and work-related stress to prevent pet anxiety. Regular routines, mindfulness practices, and engaging in activities that both you and your pet enjoy, can help maintain a serene atmosphere. A stress-free environment is essential for your productivity and your pet’s happiness. Adequate stress management techniques ensure a balanced lifestyle for both you and your furry companion, making transitions between destinations seamless.
Navigating Pet Travel and Legalities
Understanding the legal landscapeof pet travel is essential. Familiarize yourself with the vaccination requirements, microchipping, quarantine rules, and pet import/export regulations of your destinations. This knowledge ensures a smooth travel experience, avoiding legal hurdles and keeping your pet safe. Staying informed about these legal aspects helps in planning and executing a hassle-free journey with your pet.
Veterinary Care and Emergency Preparedness
Researching local veterinary services and emergency care options in your destination is crucial. Consider pet insuranceto cover unexpected medical expenses. Being prepared and informed about veterinary care options ensures your pet’s health and well-being while abroad. Establishing a relationship with a trusted vet in each new location provides peace of mind and continuity of care for your pet.
Keeping Up with Pet Health Standards
Maintain your pet’s vaccination schedule and ensure they are microchipped. These preventative measures are not only health essentials but also mandatory for international travel. Staying up-to-date with these requirements is key to a hassle-free nomadic experience with your pet. Regular health check-ups and adherence to vaccination protocols safeguard your pet’s health, facilitating international travel and reducing the risk of disease.
Embarking on a journey as a digital nomad with your pet is an enriching experience that requires meticulous planning and preparation. By mastering essential tools, securing financial stability, and ensuring your pet’s comfort and safety, you can enjoy the freedom and joy of this lifestyle. With the right approach, this adventure can be rewarding and fulfilling for both you and your beloved companion.
Here are my 3 Oscar fish. The largest one is the Albino but it gets along pretty well with the Tiger Oscar. The Albino and Tiger Oscars, however kept attacking the Albino Red Oscar, so that one stays alone in it’s own aquarium. Oscars also have relatively large eyes and they often look like thy are staring at you.
I have a big dog (a Great Pyrenees) but I also have some big fish pets, too. Oscars can be found in the wild in Florida or other tropical habitats, but they are found many times much easier at pet shops. They are interesting colorful additions to an aquarium but there are some things you should know before getting one of these large species. Depending on the species type they can get up to 18 inches long and way up to 4 pounds. So ensure you have at least a 50 gallon aquarium to begin with, and a water heater strong enough to keep the temperature at 74-80 degrees. Of course Oscars eat smaller fish, but they will also attack other Oscars. But if you purchase a pair of Oscars or even more when they are still very small, they will usually get along very well. I have done some research and much to my surprise I found that they will eat grasshoppers, crickets, and mealworms, too. But the food I find easy to purchase at a pet shop and feed to them is Tetra Cichlid. A lot of research about this fish can be found online, but here a few other things that I have learned about Oscars after keeping them for a while: Make sure your aquarium has a secure top. I have had an Oscar jump out of its tank more than once. Over and over the Oscars I have raised knock over the decorations I have put in the aquarium, and move the gravel at the bottom to a surprising degree. When you first begin to clean the aquarium the Oscars are outraged, but they soon learn there is nothing to worry about and accept what you do. They also tend to crunch down on their food and this results in many tiny particles that end up in the gravel. Despite their size, Oscars do not eat gobs of food like goldfish do. You can tell when you have fed too much because a lot of it just floats around in the aquarium. I clean the aquariums once every 2 weeks and always surprises me how much I have to clean from the gravel. To keep thing very clean I also maintain 2 kinds of filters for each tank – a big one that sits under the aquarium and the other type that hangs on the side of the aquarium. This also ensures plenty of air in the water for them.
If you have an Oscar and have noticed any unique things about them please email me at [email protected]
Enhancing Your Dog’s Life: A Comprehensive Approach
Rebecca Moore
Owning a dog goes beyond merely providing food and shelter; it involves actively enriching their lives to ensure they achieve the highest levels of happiness and health. This holistic perspective on pet care fosters a thriving environment where your dog can flourish in both spirit and health. Here’s how you can transform your approach to ensure your furry friend thrives, shared below courtesy of Northwest Wildlife Online.
Exploring Diverse Play Options
Introducing varied forms of play can dramatically enrich your dog’s daily life. Engage your pet with puzzle games that challenge their problem-solving skills or scent work that taps into their natural instincts. These activities stimulate both their mind and body, moving beyond traditional games like fetch. Interactive play enhances the physical and mental well-being of your dog, ensuring they remain active and sharp.
Creating a Comfortable and Safe Home
Ensuring your dog enjoys a comfortable and safe living environment is crucial. It ishelpful to considerutilizing a home maintenance and repair app to handle necessary repairs efficiently and affordably. This technology simplifies the process of scheduling service appointments and tracking repair statuses. It also connects you with service professionals who can offer competitive quotes for any maintenance work your home might need, ensuring your living space is always welcoming and safe for your pet.
Incorporating Positive Training Sessions
Regular, positive training sessionsare fundamental in strengthening the bond between you and your dog. These sessions should be enjoyable and rewarding, emphasizing fun over rigor. Training provides not just discipline but also a learning experience that fosters a deeper connection between you both. It’s vital to use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praises, or toys to encourage good behavior, making training sessions something your dog looks forward to, rather than fears.
Transforming Mealtime into an Engaging Activity
Mealtime offers another great opportunity for mental stimulation. Swap traditional feeding bowls for food puzzles or interactive feeders. Consider creating DIY treat scavenger huntsthat encourage your dog to use their hunting instincts, turning an ordinary meal time into an exciting adventure that satisfies their intellectual curiosity. This not only entertains them but also slows down their eating pace, which is beneficial for their digestion.
Fostering Calm and Connection
Dedicating time to calm bonding activities like gentle grooming, massage, or quiet sitting can profoundly impact your dog’s emotional health. These moments are simple yet powerful, conveying love and security, and reinforcing the trust and bond you share. This quality time can help alleviate anxiety and stress in your pet, promoting a peaceful and harmonious living environment.
Engaging in Nose Work and Sensory Games
Take advantage of your dog’s keen sense of smell by engaging them in nose work and sensory games. These activities provide a fun way to exercise their brain and keep them entertained. It’s a fulfilling way to tap into their natural abilities and enhance their day-to-day experiences. By setting up simple scent trails or hiding favorite toys, you can turn these games into exciting challenges that stimulate their natural hunting skills.
Celebrating and Rewarding Individuality
Every dog has a unique personality and set of abilities. Celebrate these differences by acknowledging their achievements and rewarding their progress. Whether it’s with treats, new toys, or verbal praise, showing appreciation for their unique traits reinforces positive behaviors and encourages them to maintain good habits.
Utilizing Enrichment Toys and Gadgets
Numerous toys and gadgets are designed specifically to keep your dog engaged and mentally stimulated, even in your absence. From smart toys that react to your dog’s touch to gadgets that dispense treats, these tools can help ensure that your dog is entertained and active throughout the day. These gadgets can also help manage behaviors by keeping them occupied with constructive activities, reducing boredom and associated frustrations.
Caring for your dog extends beyond the essentials of food and shelter, focusing on enriching their overall life experience. Implementing these varied strategies promotes not just survival, but a thriving lifestyle, allowing your dog to enjoy a fulfilling and vibrant existence. By doing so, you contribute to their well-being, ensuring a shared life filled with health and happiness.
Art as a Superpower: Revolutionizing the Lives of Children with Learning Disabilities (article by Rebecca Moore)
Especially for children with learning disabilities, art can serve as a powerful teaching instrument, offering distinctive modes of communication through the lens of artistic expression that open up pathways for their development. By employing customized strategies, we can amplify their explorative journey within the realm of art. This enables them to not only delve into but also thrive within the expansive terrain of creativity. Today, courtesy of Northwest Wildlife Online, this article takes a closer look at these ideas and how you can implement them.
Utilizing Visual Aids and Hands-On Activities
Using visual aids can significantly boost comprehension. These tools, when coupled with interactive activities, form a powerful duo for teaching art. By incorporating a hands-on method, children’s attention is kept captivated, making the learning process enjoyable. Consequently, this approach ensures that the teaching sessions are not only entertaining but also yield effective results. For instance, teaching kids how to make videos helps introduce them to technology while also teaching them concepts like editing, brevity, and revision – not to mention instilling them with greater belief in themselves!
Exploring Different Art Media
Encouraging a variety of art formscan ignite curiosity among children. It’s beneficial to motivate them to experiment with all kinds of mediums, ranging from painting to sculpting. This broad-based exposure aids them in discovering their genuine interest, thereby keeping them engaged in their artistic endeavors. As a result, this approach ensures they stay committed and invested in their journey towards artistic expression.
Integration of Music Therapy
The combination of art and music serves as a therapeutic companion. Integrating music therapy into art classes provides a comprehensive creative journey. This unique fusion stimulates creativity and facilitates emotional articulation, further enhancing the experience. Such a method proves to be especially beneficial for children grappling with learning disabilities. You can also help children learn more about music by investing in a karaoke machine, which is also a fun way to help them build confidence!
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Artistic talent can open doors to entrepreneurship. Children with a creative inclination should be motivated to investigate potential business opportunities. This could range from offering art classes to marketing their own creations. Such endeavors are not only to celebrate their artistic abilities but also to inculcate crucial life skills in the process. There are a number of different business ideas you and your child could explore, ranging from writing a collaborative ebook on a favorite subject to selling designs as printable files. Explore the different options available and find something that works for you and your child.
Cultivating Artistic Passion at Home
Having art spaces at home can significantly fuel a child’s passion. Establishing a specific area for artistic pursuits provides children with steady motivation. This dedicated space transforms into a haven for creative expression, supporting them in refining their talents. Moreover, it allows them to develop their skills in an environment that is comfortable and familiar to them. What’s more, transforming a part of your home into a studio space could help boost its value should you decide to sell (just make sure you keep receipts and good notes).
Emphasizing Effort and Progress
The process of artistic creation holds greater value than the final product. Prioritizing effort and growth over just the finished piece aids in boosting self-confidence. The unwavering commitment, determination, and small victories acquired during the journey contribute significantly to shaping an emerging artist. Essentially, it’s these elements that truly define and refine an artist’s journey.
Adaptive Art Tools and Devices
Every child deserves the opportunity to engage in art without any constraints. The introduction of adaptive tools can make this a reality, even for those facing physical difficulties. Through the integration of these supportive devices, we can guarantee inclusivity within the artistic domain. Essentially, these efforts ensure that the world of art remains unrestricted and accessible to all.
Art serves as a potent medium of empowerment for children battling learning disabilities. When equipped with appropriate tools, proper guidance, and a conducive environment, the limits to their artistic prowess are virtually non-existent. Advocating for their creative pursuits does more than just fostering their talents. It sets them up for a future that’s ripe with self-assurance and brimming with imaginative expression!
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Many times while out looking for wildlife I see something odd some distance away that looks like it might be something. And usually it is not. Over and over it turns out to be a rock, weird tree leaves, or trash. But I always take the picture, just in case. And that is worthwhile because, You Never Know! From time to time it does turn out to be something. And here are a couple of examples. I was once taking a lunch break from my job while in Illinois. As I sat in my car eating lunch I saw what might have been something or a piece of white trash in a tree. So I took the picture and found this big white possum. Then, a few days ago, while out walking my dog I saw something way up a very narrow tree. That turned out to be a nice racoon. I’m glad I brought my camera with me, and glad I took that shot.
Jack got this book published 1989. He has 8 other books still on Amazon. Long before that I was working for him at the Central Florida Zoo with the wonderful elephant named Sobik. One of the greatest times of my life. Thank you, Jack!
In the news a few days ago I read disturbing report about Jack Hanna’s memory loss. I feel bad for that and I pray for his recovery. I worked for Jack many years ago at the Central Florida Zoo in Sanford, FL. Jack mentions his time there in his book “Monkeys’ and I happen to be in one of the pictures. While he ran that zoo it was wonderful. His ability to raise money and take care of the animals there was extraordinary, and what he did for me made my life wonderful. And that small zoo there totally depended on his ability to raise funds. He was so good at it enough money came in to give us the ability to create and move all animals to a much bigger location. After I volunteered at the zoo for a while, Jack interviewed and hired me as the Curator of Hoofed Stock animals. Then I was taking care of the wonderful elephant named Sobik, and Fat Boy the hippopotamus. My time there was one of the best years of my life, and I cannot thank Jack enough for it.
Like all other dogs, Pyrenees pups start off small and cute. Here you see ours several years ago becoming friendly with our cat. As he grew up he became more and more attracted to cooler weather and protection of our property.
This is a big feline that you’ve probably heard about, but have rarely seen. I’ve had one for almost 6 years now and I want to pass on my experience with this dog. So far it has been surprisingly good. Now that is not what I expected when first reading about this breed. They were bread to protect domestic animals like cows and sheep from predators, and due to their size I thought they might not be such a great pet. My dog Pekgu (Korean word that means “White cloud”) is a strong woofer. We purchased him as a cute little 10 pound puppy. He started growing very quickly, gaining about 10 pounds every month. And during that first year his size and energy were hard to hold. But that changed. He is now full grown and up to about 170 pounds. He does “woof” extremely loud at any strange person, vehicle, or animal that approaches our home. But when I take him out for a walk and run into someone else walking their dog, Pekgu likes to just stop and sniff in a very friendly way. He is very good with our cat, too. He is also very friendly and lovable to all members of my family and anyone we allow into our home. He is also quite obedient to orders we give him. Pyrenees are not highly energetic dogs that scramble around when they get older, but they do like a large property in which they can wander. I recommend this breed for a pet but do it a place that has mainly cool temperatures and be ready for their powerful energy in the first couple of years. They are large enough to yank you off your feet, and it is important to socialize them as much as you can while they are young. Then, by age 3 or 4 you will be surprised at how much they calm down and are so easy to deal with.
