After the Oct. 7  Hamas attack on Israel‚ many Jews around the world are choosing to arm themselves for self-defense‚ according to a panel of Jewish professionals.    “Jews tend not to own guns‚ and that’s very unfortunate‚ because if you look at our history‚ we could’ve used one or two throughout that time‚” Karol Markowicz‚ a columnist for the New York Post and Fox News‚ said at the Jewish Gun Ownership and Self-Defense event at The Heritage Foundation on Thursday. (The Daily Signal is Heritage’s news and commentary outlet.)  The Oct. 7 attack is what convinced Markowicz‚ who is Jewish‚ to become a gun owner and get both a handgun and an AR-15. She said she believes the terrorist attack has created a shift in the Jewish community and now more people are inclined to arm themselves.    “When I went shooting on Oct. 10‚ [there were] tons of Jews at the shooting range. [A] girl walks out with a Chanel bag and a big Jewish star‚ and we give each other kind of a nod‚” Markowicz said.    “I don’t understand how one can look at Jewish history and think that leaving Jewish security unto others is a winning strategy‚” said syndicated columnist and Newsweek senior editor Josh Hammer at the self-defense event.    “A core foundational component of American democracy is this idea of the natural law—that there are certain rights as human beings that we are endowed by our creator with—the right to life‚ liberty‚ and pursuit of happiness—and out of this naturally flows this right of self-defense‚” said Amy Swearer‚ a senior legal fellow at Heritage.    Americans use their guns to defend themselves or others somewhere between 500‚000 times to several million times a year‚ according to a CDC study‚ said Swearer.  The claim that guns are more dangerous than useful is not true‚ according to Swearer. It is only more dangerous to own a gun if you are actively suicidal or prone to violence.    “If you are a sane‚ sober‚ moral‚ prudent person engaged in basic levels of responsible gun ownership‚ then it is simply not true that possessing a gun exacerbates the likelihood that you or someone in your family is going to be killed or injured by that firearm. That gun is not going to suddenly whisper mean things into your ear and make you violent or suicidal‚” Swearer said.    A lot of Jewish people are currently feeling politically adrift‚ according to Heritage senior research fellow Jay Greene.    “I actually think we should be very welcoming and tell them [Jewish people] they have a home here in the conservative movement. They actually belong here naturally. This is where their values are best represented‚” said Greene.    “If all of this collectively does not red pill [get people to start seeing the truth]‚ so to speak‚ some of these lethargic assimilationist Jews with trembling knees‚ then I honestly throw my hands up and say nothing will‚” said Hammer.    “I have yet to be at a pro-Israel rally that does not thank law enforcement for doing its job … for protecting religious liberties for all. That’s a major difference‚ by the way‚ between pro-Israel rallies and the pro-Hamas rallies‚ which are typically burning the American flag and standing against American values‚” Hammer said.    “And that’s the message that Jews should take away‚” said Markowicz. “No one is coming to save us. We have to save ourselves.”  Have an opinion about this article? To sound off‚ please email letters@DailySignal.com and we’ll consider publishing your edited remarks in our regular “We Hear You” feature. Remember to include the URL or headline of the article plus your name and town and/or state.     The post The Increasing Gun Ownership Among Jews After Oct. 7  appeared first on The Daily Signal.

Feel-Good Friday: Let's Celebrate Hanukkah Edition

Kate Cox learned at 20 weeks gestation with her baby that the child had a fetal abnormality. Rather than allowing the child to grow to full term and giving it the best chance at life‚ Cox wants to kill her child. A Texas judge‚ surprisingly‚ is allowing it to happen. Cox‚ a 31-year-old Dallas woman and mom of two and one on the way (for now) learned that her baby in the womb developed a rare fetal abnormality. Her unborn daughter was diagnosed with Trisomy 18‚ which oftentimes results in a fatal outcome either just before or right after birth however‚ that isn’t always the case.  Nonetheless‚ Cox‚ who is past the limit for abortion in Texas‚ is suing the state so that she can obtain an emergency abortion as she doesn’t want a child with issues. As the lawsuit states‚ the baby girl “likely” has “an umbilical hernia; a twisted spine likely due to spina bifida‚ a neural tube defect; clubbed or ‘rocker-bottom’ foot; intrauterine growth restriction; and irregular skull and heart development.” The lawsuit also alleges that there would be risks for Cox during the delivery process‚ as there all with all childbirth processes but that if any of those risks resulted in actual harm‚ her chances for more pregnancies in the future could be at jeopardy “I’m trying to do what is best for my baby and myself‚ but the state of Texas is making us both suffer‚” Cox said in a press release. “I need to end my pregnancy now so that I have the best chance for my health and a future pregnancy.” Cox wants to kill her baby through what's called a dilation and evacuation abortion. A method that dismembers a baby limb by limb and sucks the child out. It's a brutal‚ painful and long death for the innocent baby.  Live Action reported on the situation as such: "Rather than give birth to a baby with Trisomy 18‚ Cox has been given approval to have her child dismembered in the womb in an effort to avoid perceived suffering. After Cox’s cervix has been dilated‚ the abortionist will use a Sopher clamp to grasp the baby’s arms and legs and pull them off. He will end the procedure by crushing the baby’s skull." During a Zoom hearing regarding the case‚ County District Court Judge Maya Guerra Gamble ruled that Cox would be able to get an abortion and that the abortion provider would be barred from any prosecution. This is the first time since Roe v. Wade was overturned last year that a pregnant woman asked for an emergency abortion‚ the Associated Press reported. As of now however‚ Ken Paxton‚ Texas AG‚ insisted that he’d prosecute any doctor who performs an abortion on Cox as an abortion at this point in pregnancy in the state is illegal.  Kristan Hawkins‚ president of Students for Life tweeted the following about Cox’s case.  “This is eugenics and selfishness‚” Hawkins wrote and then added what Cox may be thinking “I know my child may die after birth (which by the way many children with Trisomy 18 survive for years after) and I don't have to have to watch my child die in front of me‚ so I'm going to pay someone to kill her now.” I’d like to think that Cox was an exception but as of now‚ that’s not how it looks. Just a few days after Cox issued her lawsuit‚ a woman in Kentucky asked a judge to grant her the same exception. “Two test cases for what could become a widely utilized strategy to access abortion care in post-Roe America‚” an X user noted.  At this time there have not been reports indicating whether Cox has terminated her daughter’s life or not.

Gavin Newsom is so eager to run for president that he even campaigns to insist he’s not running. That’s what he did last week‚ when the California governor went on Fox News to debate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis‚ who is officially in the race. Why does a Democratic governor appear on a Republican-leaning cable channel to debate a candidate‚ if he’s not a candidate himself? The devil’s in the detail: "Neither of us will be our party’s nominee in 2024‚" said Newsom -- with an eye peering over the horizon to 2028. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris aren’t an obstacle to Newsom’s ambitions; they’re a stepping stone. If they lose their reelection bid next year‚ as polls increasingly suggest they will‚ Newsom’s eventual path to the White House will seem clear.  Would Democrats in 2028 choose a failed vice president like Harris as their next nominee? Unlikely. And would voters want another Republican after four more years of Donald Trump? Any Democrat would bet not. Newsom isn’t patient; he’s shrewd. He can loyally support Biden-Harris and then reap the rewards when they fail. So as filing deadlines for the early primaries fly by‚ Democrats are stuck with Biden this cycle. Newsom’s calculations are those of other Democratic hopefuls as well. But are they wrong? Is there still life left in the Biden-Harris ticket? Biden’s job-approval numbers are mired in the low 40s. But then‚ so were Barack Obama’s in December 2011. Midterm voters in 1994 and 2010 passed a harsher verdict on Presidents Clinton and Obama than voters in last year’s congressional elections did on Biden: Clinton’s Democrats lost 54 seats in the House of Representatives; Obama’s lost 63. Under Biden‚ Democrats beat expectations in 2022‚ holding Republican gains in the House to just nine seats‚ even amid soaring crime and inflation. Americans today are unhappy about the economy. Yet inflation is coming down -- even if prices aren’t -- and the U.S. has weathered the post-COVID global economic environment better than almost anyone else. Eleven months from now voters might feel much better about the economy and the president who takes credit for it. It’s harder to imagine Biden’s liabilities in foreign policy going away. He turned the withdrawal from Afghanistan into a national humiliation‚ and the course of the Ukraine war inspires no confidence in anyone. Hawks and doves both fault Biden for his gradual extension of support for Kyiv‚ a strategy that’s leading to stalemate or worse. Yet Biden follows much the same strategy in the Middle East‚ infuriating the left wing of his party by supporting Israel‚ even as he endlessly lectures the Israelis on their conduct of the war with Hamas‚ with the result that America seems hypocritical and impotent. But nobody votes on foreign policy‚ or so the conventional wisdom says. And if polls paint a darkening picture of Biden’s prospects against Trump‚ the record of the last time the two went head-to-head gives Democrats hope. If Biden could beat Trump in 2020‚ what’s to stop him from doing it again? Democrats reassure themselves that all Biden has to do is stick with what worked. And next year they’ll have an advantage they didn’t have in 2020: momentum acquired from the abortion issue since the overturning of Roe. Meanwhile‚ even if Donald Trump can avoid conviction in the countless criminal cases he’s facing‚ it seems he can’t suppress the urge to make his trials and travails central to his presidential campaign. In 2016‚ voters could see Trump as a break from the stale orthodoxies of Washington‚ D.C.  In 2024‚ there will be no break from the relentless drama of Trump’s personal version of Court TV. At least‚ that’s what Biden’s team is counting on. The trouble with all this is that Joe Biden himself is barely a factor in these scenarios. Biden’s campaign‚ and its best hopes for victory‚ depends on everything but the candidate’s own strengths and charm. And that’s not simply because the other forces in play are overwhelming; it’s because Biden really is deficient in his abilities and appeal. The 2024 election will therefore be an interesting test. Will Americans vote about the economy‚ abortion and Donald Trump’s court battles -- or will they vote about the merits of President Biden? Political scientists say presidential elections are referendums on the incumbent. If that’s the case next year‚ none of the Biden team’s grounds for optimism will matter. Instead the race will already be on for 2028 -- and for Gavin Newsom‚ it clearly is. Daniel McCarthy is the editor of Modern Age: A Conservative Review. To read more by Daniel McCarthy‚ visit www.creators.com

Yet another type of Big Tech-government online collusion has been revealed‚ where foreign  governments reportedly use app push notifications to spy on users. In a statement to Reuters‚ Apple and Google appeared to admit that they collaborated with governments to surveil Americans’ activity via the notifications of smartphones’ applications. These admissions came in response to a letter from Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR)‚ who called attention to the potential government surveillance. The rumored surveillance and reported U.S. government secrecy about it follow ongoing revelations of coordination between Big Tech companies and the government in censoring content. This issue has been highlighted again through newly published research by Twitter Files journalists Michael Shellenberger and Matt Taibbi.  Apple stated that the government had prohibited them from sharing information about the contentious allegations‚ as reported by Reuters. “In this case‚ the federal government prohibited us from sharing any information‚” the Big Tech company claimed. “Now that this method has become public we are updating our transparency reporting to detail these kinds of requests.”  Wyden‚ in a post to X (formerly Twitter)‚ stated that Google also confirmed the government surveillance but‚ unlike Apple‚ requires “a court order for US requests.” Wyden sent a letter to Biden’s Attorney General Merrick Garland‚ requesting the Department of Justice (DOJ) to “repeal or modify any policies” limiting public discussion of this notification surveillance by the government. The DOJ declined to provide a comment to Reuters on the disturbing allegations. Wyden explained in a press release‚ “Push notifications are alerts sent by phone apps to users' smartphones. These alerts pass through a digital post office run by the phone operating system provider - overwhelmingly Apple or Google. Because of that structure‚ the two companies have visibility into how their customers use apps and could be compelled to provide this information to U.S. or foreign governments.” It seems the senator was right to highlight this potential threat to privacy and freedom. The alleged surveillance came on the heels of more evidence that the federal government undermines the free speech of Americans online. Taibbi and Shellenberger’s ongoing CTIL Files continue to expose the Censorship Industrial Complex.  Conservatives are under attack. Contact Google at 650-253-0000 and demand it be held to account to mirror the First Amendment while providing transparency‚ clarity on so-called hate speech and equal footing for conservatives. If you have been censored‚ contact us using CensorTrack’s contact form‚ and help us hold Big Tech accountable.

Facebook and Instagram are under legal scrutiny stemming from a lawsuit filed by New Mexico‚ accusing the companies of inexplicably facilitating “prime locations” of child sex abuse content—and X (formerly Twitter) owner Elon Musk is blasting the inexplicable silence from advertising companies that have boycotted ads on X over accusations of anti-Semitism. The disturbing allegations‚ brought forth by New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez‚ accused the Mark Zuckerberg-owned social media platforms of turning a blind eye to the spread of sexual content involving sexual “coercion” of children‚ through “prostitution” and/or the “sale of [Child Sexual Abuse Material].” Specifically‚ the attorney general’s office alleged that Facebook and Instagram “served” streams of “sexually explicit images” to children and reportedly “enabled” adults to “find‚ message‚ and groom minors‚ soliciting them to sell pictures or participate in pornographic videos.” Musk pressed Disney CEO Bob Iger on whether Disney would pull ads from the Meta-owned platforms. Notably‚ Iger in recent weeks pulled ads from X over dubious accusations that Musk’s platform placed ads near or next to racist and anti-semitic content. "Why no advertiser boycott‚ Bob Iger [sic]? You are endorsing this material!" Musk wrote in a fired-up X post. In a follow-up post‚ Musk added‚ “[W]hy do their Chief Marketing Officers endorse child trafficking!? Let’s ask them.” Musk’s criticism came in response to Disney’s decision to pull ads from X after the release of a dubious report accusing the platform of placing ads near or next to alleged anti-Semitic or racist posts. Musk then took legal action.  Seemingly without questioning the evidence‚ notable companies such as Apple and Disney quickly pulled ads. However‚ neither company has yet decided to take similar action following the new accusations from the New Mexico attorney general. New Mexico prosecutors led an undercover investigation and reportedly found evidence that accuses Facebook of recommending children to join “unmoderated” groups devoted to promoting commercial sex. Reportedly‚ the embattled social media platforms inexplicably allowed a fictional mother to “offer” her 13-year-old daughter for sale‚ Torrez said in a Thursday press release. “Mr. Zuckerberg and other Meta executives are aware of the serious harm their products can pose to young users‚ and yet they have failed to make sufficient changes to their platforms that would prevent the sexual exploitation of children‚” Torrez declared.  “Despite repeated assurances to Congress and the public that they can be trusted to police themselves‚ it is clear that Meta’s executives continue to prioritize engagement and ad revenue over the safety of the most vulnerable members of our society.” Amid the scathing accusations‚ a spokesperson for Facebook’s and Instagram’s parent company Meta attempted to save face by claiming it deploys so-called “sophisticated technology” to root out potential perpetrators. “Child exploitation is a horrific crime and online predators are determined criminals‚” the spokesperson claimed‚ according to CNBC. Read the 228-page complaint from the New Mexico Attorney General here.  Conservatives are under attack. Contact your representatives and demand that Congress refuse to authorize funding for NewsGuard. If you have been censored‚ contact us using CensorTrack’s contact form‚ and help us hold Big Tech accountable.

Pet owners understand that the emotions you feel for your feline companion can be overwhelming at times. Perhaps they give you a head butt and curl up next to you when you’ve had a bad day‚ almost as if they somehow knew what you needed. The best way to express what you feel can be captured artistically in cat poems. They often speak the words that describe your mood perfectly. Let’s face it: Sometimes‚ felines get a bad rap. They have many negative associations‚ but our list of poems about cats sets the record straight about our beloved pets. The 20 Poems About Cats 1. “Cat’s Dream” by Pablo Neruda Few poets express emotions so eloquently as Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. “Cat’s Dream” is an excellent example. Perhaps he is reading our minds when he writes‚ “…I should like to sleep like a cat‚ with all the fur of time…” No animal rests so soundly and seemingly without a care in the world. Neruda’s works speak of close observation of the little things that may escape our notice but not his. 2. “The Kitten and Falling Leaves” by William Wordsworth William Wordsworth is one of the most influential poets of all time. While he’s known for other pivotal works‚ such as “The Prelude‚” “The Kitten and Falling Leaves” is another fine example of his work. It’s a simple piece yet speaks so well of his observation of a cat hunting. When described this way‚ it’s hard not to respect the predator in the feline and their stealth. Image Credit: Aaron of L.A. Photography‚ Shutterstock 3. “Cat on a Couch” by Barbara Howes Poems like Barbara Howes’ “Cat on a Couch” give us a bird’s-eye view of the feline’s take on the world. The work reads as if we’re silently observing the kitty that carries on‚ unaware of our scrutiny. It points out the nuances of feline behavior with metaphors that speak the truth about our pets. We know their non-verbal communication is relayed to us through the position of their ears or twitching of their tails. 4. “The Blue Cat” by Mary O’Malley “The Blue Cat” is a sympathetic work that recognizes how the life of a feline may conflict with their owner’s. Pet owners understand. It’s worth noting that the poet is Irish‚ and they are more likely to let their animal companions out than Americans. That fact can help explain the background that’s evident in these lines. Image Credit: milivigerova‚ Pixabay 5. “The Owl and the Pussycat” by Edward Lear “The Owl and the Pussycat” reads like a fairy tale. What an adventure going out to sea! The irony is that the two would hardly be traveling companions but predator and prey. The poem has a romantic and lyrical air that can easily transport you to a moonlit night filled with song and dance. Edward Lear was a creative individual who dabbled in art and music. It’s on display with this work. 6. “Fog” by Carl Sandburg The beauty of “Fog” by Carl Sandburg is its simplicity. The well-chosen words evoke emotions and bring the scene to light. People have different feelings about it. However‚ we can sense the opportunity the kitty sees as it envelopes the atmosphere. Image Credit: Tatiana Chekryzhova‚ Shutterstock 7. “My Cat Jeoffry” by Christopher Smart “My Cat Jeoffry” is a touching tribute to a pet well-loved by their owner. There’s intimacy in the words spoken by a person who knows his cat well through careful observation. You become more acquainted with this feline as you skim the verses. You also sense the poet’s reverence for his animal companion. Clearly‚ they were more to their owner than just a pet. 8. “The Cat” by Charles Baudelaire “The Cat” is a love poem with an analogy drawn between the poet’s pet and a woman. Charles Baudelaire lived life fully and artistically through his writing. The emotions are palatable in this work. There’s an undercurrent of danger that speaks to the mystery we associate with felines‚ an image that persists today. Image Credit: SunRay BRI Cattery RU‚ Shutterstock 9. “Cat in the Window” by Lam Thi My Da The image that “Cat in the Window” conjures is enough on its own. It’s a familiar scene for any pet owner. This poem takes it and wraps it in emotion and admiration of the animal’s beauty. They are also symbolic of freedom and how the cat personifies it only by being. They needn’t do anything but just sit there to create this association. The power lies with the potential and opportunity. 10. “Finding the Cat in a Spring Field at Midnight” by Pattiann Porgers “Finding the Cat in a Spring Field at Midnight” paints the picture perfectly. It’s an apt description of how the animal can fade into the background as an asset for hunters of the night. You feel as if you’re seeing something hidden from others who don’t take the time to observe the signs. The words make you feel as if you’re watching this silent scent with the poet describing the action. Image Credit: fantom_rd‚ Shutterstock 11. “To Mrs. Reynold’s Cat” by John Keats “To Mrs. Reynold’s Cat” is a testament to how our pets can touch other lives. We would feel honored to have a friend immortalize our feline companion in such a way. But cats have a way of doing that‚ making us notice them and wonder about them. We are drawn to their wild side as Keats questions the number of kills this kitty made. 12. “The Sphinx” by Oscar Wilde “The Sphinx” by Oscar Wilde is a haunting poem that reaches back in time to the Ancient Egyptians and their love affair with cats. The words draw you into the imagery deeper and deeper. Some references are obscure unless you know the history. However‚ it doesn’t seem to matter as you’re caught up in the magic of Wilde’s creativity. 13. “Ella Mason and Her Eleven Cats” by Sylvia Plath “Ella Mason and Her Eleven Cats” draws a definitive line between cat lovers and non-cat lovers. Anyone who has more than one pet understands how unique each individual animal is. Of course‚ the number pushes the limit. However‚ cats have a way of attracting other cats to a home. Maybe we can forgive Ms. Mason since the word has gotten out to the feline population in the neighborhood. 14. “Ode on the Death of a Favorite Cat‚ Drowned in a Tub of Goldfishes” by Thomas Gray We think “Ode on the Death of a Favourite Cat Drowned in a Tub of Goldfishes” is meant to be a tribute instead of a humorous tale. It reads more like a cautionary tale to be careful when on the hunt. Don’t be too sure about your stealth and ability to navigate the hazards. Sometimes‚ things don’t work out as you think they will. Image Credit: Oleksandr Volchanskyi‚ Shutterstock 15. “February” by Margaret Atwood “February” by Margaret Atwood is a surprise. You likely think of her fiction before her poetry. It’s a fun poem that describes the relationship between owner and cat to a tee. We learn about the private moments the person observes. Atwood understands her pet and their response to the seasons. We feel the animal’s anticipation of the hunt with her words. 16. “She Sights a Bird – She Chuckles” by Emily Dickinson Emily Dickinson captures the scene of a cat on the hunt purr-fectly with this poem. Pet owners will nod in agreement as they read these lines of “She Sights a Bird – She Chuckles.” We love the reference to the chirping sound cats make when they’re on the hunt in the title. It also refers to the fact that felines aren’t always successful. Image Credit: 165106‚ Pixabay 17. “The Cat and the Moon” by W.B. Yeats “The Cat and the Moon” is another dreamlike offering. This one plays on the nocturnal nature of felines with an invitation for the Moon to dance with the cat. The interplay is fitting and makes the reader want to join in with the fun. We love the imagery of the animal running through the grasses‚ perhaps hidden in the shadows of the night as the Moon watches. 18. “Macavity the Mystery Cat” by T.S. Eliot T.S. Eliot is a cat-lover’s poet. He paid tribute to his feline companions in many works. “Macavity the Mystery Cat” recognizes the stealth and cunning of cats. The clever kitty makes another appearance in the musical “Cats.” Eliot drew upon his love of the writings of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle‚ fashioning his character as an antagonist of the famous detective Sherlock Holmes. Image Credit: VLADIMIR LVP‚ Shutterstock 19. “Cats Sleep Anywhere” by Eleanor Farjeon “Cats Sleep Anywhere” will make pet owners smile. They could probably add several verses to this poem. After all‚ anywhere means anywhere. Somehow‚ the felines find them‚ even the places right under our noses. The mention of the cardboard box is especially true for anyone who gets deliveries at home. The best part for your cat is not what’s inside. It’s the box itself for a place to hide. 20. “Poem (As the Cat)” by William Carlos Williams “Poem (As the Cat)” captures what pet owners know about these animals. They can maneuver stealthily without knocking down anything‚ whether on a bookcase or table. The simplicity of the poem echoes this observation. The action happens quietly for the cat without a thought or care. Of course‚ there’s something new to explore at the end of the tale. Image Credit: Sviatoslav_Shevchenko‚ Shutterstock Conclusion Cat poems come in various guises. Many are tributes that describe the actions and behavior of this sometimes mysterious animal. They are proof of the way they still captivate us. Others are rich with emotion‚ of cats known and lost. These are among the most poignant. An underlying theme is how the poets try to understand cats. That’s true‚ but we think the felines have the last say in what they reveal. Sources https://www.poemhunter.com/poem/cat-s-dream/ https://poets.org/poem/kitten-and-falling-leaves https://www.jstor.org/stable/27538444?mag=six-cat-poems-that-arent-that-owl-and-pussycat-one https://www.jstor.org/stable/25579141?mag=six-cat-poems-that-arent-that-owl-and-pussycat-one https://pawversity.com/history-and-society/how-cat-ownership-differs-in-the-united-kingdom https://poets.org/poem/owl-and-pussy-cat https://www.poemhunter.com/poem/fog/ https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45173/jubilate-agno https://fleursdumal.org/poem/132 https://www.jstor.org/stable/4230040?mag=six-cat-poems-that-arent-that-owl-and-pussycat-one https://rpo.library.utoronto.ca/content/mrs-reynolds-cat#13 https://www.jstor.org/stable/20586618?mag=six-cat-poems-that-arent-that-owl-and-pussycat-one https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44302/ode-on-the-death-of-a-favourite-cat-drowned-in-a-tub-of-goldfishes https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/47787/february-56d2288025b1e https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/She_sights_a_Bird_%E2%80%94_she_chuckles_%E2%80%94 https://www.poetrybyheart.org.uk/poems/cat-and-the-moon https://poets.org/poem/macavity-mystery-cat https://www.poemhunter.com/poem/cats-sleep-anywhere/ https://www.poemhunter.com/poem/poem-as-the-cat/   Featured Image Credit: Ground Picture‚ Shutterstock The post 20 Poems About Cats Everybody Should Read appeared first on Pet Keen.

There are thousands upon thousands of fictional characters out there‚ but it might surprise you to learn that there are quite a few famous fictional frogs! This isn’t a new phenomenon either‚ with some fictional frogs coming about over 100 years ago. There’s just something about these small‚ hoppy creatures that enthralls our imagination and makes us want to personify them in our books and movies. The 15 Famous Fictional Frogs 1. Kermit Origin: The Muppets Year Introduced: 1955 If you’re looking for the most famous frog cartoon characters in the world‚ it’s no surprise that Kermit is at the top of our list. As a member of The Muppets‚ Kermit first met the world in 1955 with the rest of The Muppets crew‚ but since then‚ he’s been in numerous shows‚ books‚ television series‚ and so much more. 2. Tiana Origin: The Princess and the Frog Year Introduced: 2009 Disney is well-known for making lovable fictional characters‚ and with The Princess and the Frog in 2009‚ they created a well-known masterpiece. Tiana isn’t a frog throughout the entire movie‚ but she is during a portion of it‚ more than earning her a spot on this list! 3. Prince Naveen Origin: The Princess and the Frog Year Introduced: 2009 Prince Naveen is Tiana’s counterpart in The Princess and the Frog‚ and since he’s a frog throughout almost all of the movie‚ it makes sense to include him on this list. Only once he kisses a princess can he turn back into a human‚ and when he kisses Tiana at the end of the movie‚ this finally happens! 4. Michigan J. Frog Origin: Looney Tunes Year Introduced: 1955 Well-known for his complex and over-the-top musical notes‚ Michigan J. Frog isn’t the most well-known fictional frog in the world‚ but he’s no slouch either. He’s constantly making music in his Looney Tunes appearances‚ and while you might not recognize his name‚ we’re sure you’d recognize him with his top hat and cane. 5. Pepe the Frog Origin: Boy’s Club Year Introduced: 2005 While Pepe the Frog took the world by storm as a meme in 2010‚ he actually stemmed from a comic called Boy’s Club about 5 years earlier. He quickly became a controversial figure because of things completely unrelated to him in any of his comics‚ so don’t let all that overly taint your image of poor Pepe. 6. Toad Origin: The Wind in the Willows Year Introduced: 1908 Mr. Toad has the honor of being the oldest frog character on our list‚ first coming into existence in 1908. Kenneth Grahame wrote the book with this anime toad‚ and to this day‚ it’s a literary classic‚ with over 2 million copies sold. In fact‚ this book is so well-loved that a first-edition copy once sold for over £32‚000. 7. Frog Origin: Frog and Toad Year Introduced: 1970 Frog‚ from the iconic series Frog and Toad‚ first hit bookshelves in 1970‚ and through the years‚ Arnold Lobel created numerous stories with these two loveable characters. They’re some great stories with some even better morals‚ but Frog and Toad certainly don’t have the most unique character names. 8. Frogger Origin: Frogger Year Introduced: 1981 Were you a Nintendo gamer in the 80s and 90s? If so‚ you already know all about Frogger. Frogger had numerous iconic games‚ and the title of the games included nothing but his name: Frogger. Trying to get across the road‚ logs‚ and lily pads is what Frogger is all about‚ and he’s led to countless hours of fun and frustration! 9. Froakie Origin: Pokémon Year Introduced: 2013 Pokémon first took the world by storm in 1996‚ but it was 17 years later when they introduced Froakie the Pokémon. Because of this‚ many old-school Pokémon players don’t recognize the name‚ but most newer players know all about Froakies and what they can do. 10. Hypnotoad Origin: Futurama Year Introduced: 2001 Hypnotoad is a classic anime frog in Futurama‚ even though he only appears in one episode. Still‚ he made quite an impact on fans of the show‚ and he had an extremely prominent role throughout that entire episode‚ emitting a droning‚ “hypnotizing” sound. 11. Frankie Origin: Meet the Robinsons Year Introduced: 2007 Meet the Robinsons isn’t Disney’s most popular movie‚ but it’s still well enough known that most people will know what you’re talking about and have seen the movie. Frankie doesn’t star in the movie‚ but he does make a few appearances in different musical scenes throughout. 12. King Harold Origin: Shrek Year Introduced: 2004 King Harold first appears in Shrek 2 as Princess Fiona’s father‚ and it isn’t really known that he was once a frog until the end of the movie. However‚ for all subsequent Shrek movies‚ he’s a frog the entire time‚ so the more you follow the series‚ the more you start to equate him to a frog. 13. Jean-Bob Origin: The Swan Princess Year Introduced: 1994 This list is full of frogs that were once princes and princes that turned into frogs‚ and Jean-Bob is the latter. Jean-Bob is always trying to get Odette to kiss him to turn him back into a human‚ but it never really seems to work out for him. 14. Froggy Origin: Froggy Year Introduced: 1992 Froggy is yet another frog character from a children’s book‚ although it is a bit newer than many other options on our list. There are tons of Froggy books to pick from‚ allowing your kids to learn all sorts of lessons as they follow Froggy through his various adventures. 15. Throg Origin: Marvel Year Introduced: 1986 Throg is far from the most well-known Marvel character‚ but if you’re an avid comic book and Marvel fan‚ you probably already know a bit about him. He first came into the Marvel Universe in 1986‚ and he’s essentially the frog version of Thor. He has superhuman strength‚ but he’s still a frog‚ so he’s not quite as impressive as other superheroes. Conclusion With so many fictional frog characters out there‚ it’s easy to mix them up from time to time‚ and it wouldn’t surprise us a bit if there are more to come in the future. You don’t even have to pick a favorite‚ but if you haven’t heard of any of the options on our list‚ now would be a great time to check them out and learn a bit more! Featured Image Credit: Andrea Danti‚ Shutterstock The post 15 Most Famous Fictional Frogs (With Videos) appeared first on Pet Keen.

Most dog owners know that their pets cannot eat grapes or raisins‚ but the reason why isn’t as commonly discussed. Are dogs allergic to them‚ or do they contain some element that causes the toxicity? No‚ dogs are not allergic to grapes; however‚ it is not clear why they’re toxic. Read on to learn more about grape toxicity‚ including what signs to watch for‚ and what to do if you suspect your pup has gotten into your grape stash. Are Dogs Allergic to Grapes? As mentioned in our introduction‚ dogs are not allergic to grapes‚ but that doesn’t mean they are something you should allow your pup to eat. While they will not cause an allergic reaction‚ ingesting grapes can be life-threatening‚ and is considered a medical emergency‚ even in small amounts. Why Are Grapes So Dangerous? It’s not currently known why grapes are toxic for dogs. Some suggest the toxicity could be due to a mycotoxin (a fungal byproduct) or a salicylate (aspirin-like) drug naturally found in the fruit. However‚ there is mounting evidence regarding tartaric acid1 in grapes being responsible for the kidney damage dogs experience after eating the fruit. This discovery occurred after post mortem examinations were performed on dogs exposed to the cream of tartar and tamarinds. The renal lesions in these dogs were similar to those in post-mortem examinations of the dog kidneys after exposure to grapes or raisins. While this study is promising‚ at the time of writing‚ no one specific toxic agent has been identified. What Kind of Grapes Are Toxic to Dogs? Poisoning has occurred in dogs that have ingested any type of grape‚ including seedless‚ seeded‚ commercial‚ homegrown‚ red‚ green‚ organic‚ non-organic‚ and even grape pressings from winemaking. Even foods containing grapes and raisins‚ such as granola mixes or baked goods‚ are all potential sources of poisoning. Some sources suggest that grape jellies and juices are okay‚ but the Pet Poison Hotline says they may cause toxicity. We always prefer to err on the side of caution‚ so we’re siding with the professionals at the poison hotline on this one. No type of grape is safe for consumption for dogs.  Image Credit: Pexels‚ Pixabay What Are the Signs of Grape Ingestion? The signs of grape toxicity include: Vomiting Diarrhea Weakness Poor appetite Increased thirst Abdominal pain BUT – your dog may show no immediate signs of toxicity. The kidneys are pretty impressive‚ and can function normally with up to 75% damage. So what does this mean for your grape-eating dog? Eating grapes (or even one grape) may cause a significant amount of damage to your dog’s kidney‚ but if more than 25% of the kidneys are healthy‚ they will not show signs of the damage. It might be months‚ even years later that something else tips them over into less than 25% function. This often gives people the false sense that their dog ate grapes with no toxic effects. The other tricky factor is that it seems that not all dogs are susceptible to grape toxicity‚ but at present‚ there is no way to tell the difference between unaffected dogs and those that have suffered subclinical damage. What Do I Do If My Dog Ate Grapes? If you suspect your dog has eaten a grape (yes‚ even eating a single grape can be life-threatening)‚ go to the vet as soon as possible. Immediate treatment is critical as acute kidney failure can occur in as little as 48 hours. The first step will usually be to induce vomiting‚ but you should also never try to make your dog vomit at home unless under the direction of your vet. Even if your dog successfully brings up the offensive fruit‚ your vet may recommend giving them charcoal to reduce absorption from the intestinal tract‚ and intravenous fluids to dilute any effects on the kidneys. Even if your dog seems perfectly fine‚ the cost of 24 hours in hospital is worth it if it keeps your beloved pet safe. Image Credit: Goran Horvat‚ Pixabay Final Thoughts Dogs are not allergic to grapes; a component inside the fruit causes toxicity. Experts have pinpointed several potential causes‚ but there is still research to be done. Grapes can cause kidney failure within 48 hours of ingestion‚ and even eating a single piece can be life-threatening‚ so keep them far away from your canine pals. Sources https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/grapes https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/toxic-component-grapes-and-raisins-identified https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/why-dogs-cant-eat-grapes https://vcacanada.com/know-your-pet/grape-raisin-and-currant-poisoning-in-dogs   Featured Image Credit: NickyPe‚ Pixabay The post Are Dogs Allergic to Grapes? Vet Approved Allergy Facts appeared first on Pet Keen.

Samoyeds are medium-sized dogs with big white coats and a friendly‚ playful attitude. The breed was first developed in Siberia to pull sleds‚ herd reindeer and livestock‚ and hunt. Their coats protect them from the harsh cold climate and while they are considered medium breeds‚ they have a big requirement for exercise and stimulation. You need to provide an hour of good exercise a day‚ at least. Ideally‚ you should provide 2 hours of exercise‚ combining leashed walks with more intensive forms of exercise. The breed particularly excels in sledding and other pulling events but will take to most canine sports. It will also enjoy playing with adults and older children‚ although its thick coat is very grabbable which makes it a target for toddlers and small children.  The thickness of its coat means that very early morning or evening exercise is best‚ when temperatures are cooler. About Samoyeds The Samoyed is classed as a working breed‚ having first been bred by Siberian tribespeople called the Samoyede. The nomadic people used the dog to pull sleds‚ herd livestock‚ and hunt. The dogs would sleep in tents with the Samoyede and were essentially treated as members of the family. The breed was then discovered by European explorers in the 19th Century and made their way back to England. After becoming a popular breed with English nobility‚ word of their worth spread through the rest of Europe before eventually making their way to the US. Its history as a working dog means that the Samoyed is intelligent. A skilled handler should find it relatively easy to train the dog to a basic standard‚ but they aren’t going to be competitors in obedience training events! They love to run and pull‚ so events like CaniCross can be excellent for them. If its owners can provide enough exercise and mental stimulation for their dog‚ the Samoyed makes a great family pet. Samoyeds were raised to be members of their owners’ families. They slept in close quarters with their humans in Siberia‚ and usually get along with all family members as pets. The breed is easy-going and outgoing‚ which means that it will also usually get along with strangers while providing a fun companion for older children who treat the dog with respect. Its size means the Sammie can live in medium sized to larger houses but they are quite vocal dogs‚ so an apartment is likely not appropriate. They are best suited to rural living. Samoyed Care Requirements The Sammie does have quite high care requirements. That thick double coat needs plenty of brushing and the dog’s desire to be outside‚ and its love of running and playing means that it can be a full-time job to keep the coat looking good. Owners also need to provide an absolute minimum of one hour of exercise a day‚ with two hours being considered an ideal amount of daily exercise. Image Credit: Charlotte Lehman‚ Shutterstock Best Forms of Exercise for Samoyeds As well as providing the required amount of exercise each day‚ it is a good idea to offer Samoyeds a variety of different tasks and types of exercise. It helps provide mental stimulation and it also keeps things interesting for you and the rest of your family. Some options include: 1. Long Walks The Samoyed ideally needs around 2 hours of exercise a day‚ including its walks. This means a quick walk around the block isn’t going to do much except get a Sammie excited for more. Consider hour-long walks—the Samoyed can handle a brisk walking pace and will benefit from it. You can also take them out on your weekly or daily hikes‚ and they will do well uphill or on the flat. But remember that the Samoyed is bred for cold climates and may struggle in the heat. 2. Playtime Half an hour of chase or fetch is a great way to burn off your dog’s energy and it will build a bond between you. You can also use this playtime as a great opportunity to enhance your training efforts by incorporating some basic commands into the game and working on recall in your yard.  Hiding treats around the garden can be a fun way to spend some time.  Your Sammie will enjoy sniffing the treats out and gobbling them down. 3. Sledding One of the Samoyed’s primary tasks‚ as part of the Samoyede tribe‚ was to pull sleds laden with people and goods. If you live in a cold climate and there are regular sledding events near you‚ this is a great way to exercise your furry friend. Alternatively‚ get your own sledding equipment and turn it into an activity you can enjoy whenever you like. 4. Urban Mushing Urban mushing‚ also called snowless sledding or dry sledding‚ is similar to sledding except the sled has wheels or tracks and is run on dry ground. Its similarity to sledding means that a Sammie is well suited to this sport‚ and it presents an excellent opportunity for suitable exercise. 5. Running If you’re a regular runner‚ you can teach your Samoyed to run with you. Check local laws regarding the use of belt leashes and harnesses‚ because it may not be allowed in certain areas‚ but you can harness a Sammie and have them run alongside you. You can also take part in organized “CaniCross” events.  Sports like CaniCross can be an excellent way to exercise both you and your dog and Samoyeds can be great at it. However‚ always bear in mind that this is only suitable in a cool climate as Samoyeds can overheat easily. Image Credit: Sbolotova‚ Shutterstock The 3 Dog Breeds That Need Less Exercise Than a Samoyed Samoyeds do need a lot of exercise. Without adequate physical and mental stimulation‚ they can become destructive and may show other unwanted behaviors. If you don’t have the time to provide 1–2 hours of good exercise every day‚ you may want to consider a dog that needs less exercise. 1. Greyhound Image Credit: Alexandra Morrison Photo‚ Shutterstock The Greyhound is renowned for its running abilities‚ but‚ specifically‚ for its intense bursts of incredible speed. The Greyhound is known as the world’s fastest couch potato because while it can reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour‚ it isn’t known for its stamina and after a burst of running‚ it will be happily sprawled out on the sofa with its owners. However‚ a Greyhound may not be suitable if you own cats‚ or if you want a dog you can let off its leash because it has a high prey drive and is very difficult to catch. 2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Image Credit: Svetlanistaya‚ Shutterstock The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small spaniel breed that needs less exercise than most other spaniel breeds. An hour’s exercise a day should be more than enough to meet this little breed’s requirements‚ and as well as its modest exercise requirements‚ it is a friendly and loving little dog that will happily spend time with its owners and usually gets along with other dogs and even cats. 3. Mastiff Image Credit: Ricantimages‚ Shutterstock At the other end of the exercise chart from the Samoyed is the Mastiff. It has minimal daily exercise requirements‚ typically being happy with 30 to 60 minutes of slow ambling. The Mastiff is affectionate with family but aloof around strangers. It needs a lot of socializing as a young pup‚ and the size of the breed means that the Mastiff has a short lifespan of around 11 or 12 years. Do Samoyeds Need a Lot of Grooming? Samoyeds have a thick‚ double coat‚ that is designed to protect them from the cold. The breed benefits from daily brushing‚ which will help remove dead hairs and prevent knots and matting. This‚ combined with the high exercise requirements of the breed‚ means that it does take a lot of daily care. Do Samoyeds Suffer Separation Anxiety? Sammies were bred to be around humans. They would sleep in the same tent as their families and spend most of the day working with their handlers. As such‚ while they are working dogs‚ Samoyeds need human interaction‚ and they can suffer separation anxiety if left alone for too long. If you do need to leave your dog for long periods‚ consider getting a family member or friend to visit‚ or pay a dog walker to come and exercise them. Always ensure that your Samoyed has had plenty of exercise and is provided with mental stimulation while you’re out. Is the Samoyed a Good Family Dog? The Samoyed makes an excellent family dog that will get along with all family members. It will be especially close to those that provide exercise and are willing to play‚ as well as those that take the lead in training. Image Credit: yurakrasil‚ Shutterstock Conclusion Recognizable for its fluffy white coat‚ the Samoyed is a working dog breed that makes a great family pet because it is affectionate‚ loving‚ and fun. However‚ it does have some high care requirements. That luscious coat needs daily brushing to ensure it doesn’t get knotted or messy‚ and the Samoyed ideally needs 2 hours of exercise each day‚ including some form of intensive exercise beyond casual strolls around the block. They can take up a lot of your time but if you have the time and are an activity-loving family‚ they are a good choice of family pet. Sources https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/large-dogs/samoyed https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/samoyed/ https://www.purina.co.uk/find-a-pet/dog-breeds/samoyed https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/samoyed   Featured Image Credit: xxxnik‚ Pixabay The post How Much Exercise Do Samoyeds Need? Vet Approved Advice appeared first on Pet Keen.