Don't have real farm animals? Then get some virtual ones on Facebook! An application called FarmVille is the fastest-growing social game on the Internet since its launch in June, reports The Washington Times. With 21 million people playing FarmVille now, it has never been cooler to plow a furrow.
In this addictive virtual game, you can plant and harvest crops on your farm, purchase your favorite farm animals (chicken! sheep!) or adopt stray animals that show up on your farm. By collecting your animals' byproducts, you'll have enough money to help you extend your farm and buy more animals from the market or give them as gifts to your neighbors. After a hard day's work, you can go right up to your cow or sheep and pet them. Don't be surprised when you hear a "moo" coming from your computer -- these virtual animals are equipped with virtual sounds! Within minutes of playing FarmVille, you may just turn into Old MacDonald!
Well, this is definitely the most darling piglet we've seen since runty Wilbur Arable. Just look at his wittle face popping out of that ridiculous floatie! Sure, it must bruise the ego to be forced out of one's pen by rampaging, gluttonous siblings (though you can't blame pigs for gluttony; that's just how they roll), but it sure looks like Farmer Johnson's makeshift spa treatment soothed this little piggy's soul. Terrific! Radiant! Some pig!
When Teri Schrock first decided to raise miniature horses, she had no idea where it would lead. Now, almost 20 years later, the land around her Michigan home has become a farm filled with unique and exotic miniature animals.
Schrocks' Mini Blessings farm began in 1998, when Schrock's daughter was leaving for college. In addition to the miniature horses, the farm now houses miniature donkeys and zebu, muntjac (miniature) deer, two alpacas, a lop-eared rabbit, a wallaby, fainting goats, a zeedonk (a cross between a zebra and a donkey), miniature babydoll sheep, turkeys, a highlander (a cow with long red hair), numerous barn cats, and two dogs.
Though it's difficult to pick a favorite, Schrock is partial to the miniature horse mare named R-Cee, the female munjac deer, and of course, her dogs. Visitors, however, have another favorite.
Is there anything cuter than a teeny, tiny muntjac deer?
Teri Schrock
Teri's grandson makes sure the miniature horses know where the food is. All kids who visit the farm get a lesson in how to care for, feed, and clean up after the animals.
Teri Schrock
The Highlander, which is a long-haired red cow, gets a little love from one of the resident dogs.
Teri Schrock
Teri Schrock poses with one of her many miniature animals, a zeedonk.
Teri Schrock
This is one helpful hound!
Teri Schrock
"Have food, will travel," says this wallaby.
Teri Schrock
Teri cuddles one of the barn cats in one arm while snuggling a baby miniature horse in the other. Tough job, but somebody's gotta do it.
Teri Schrock
The zebu might be too shy to strike a pose for the camera, but he doesn't mind being the center of attention when it's time to eat!
Teri Schrock
Don't call him a pony! This baby miniature horse already looks ready to run!
Miniature Poodle Miniature Poodles, like all Poodles, are excellent swimmers who originated as a water retrievers. All Poodles, Standard, Miniature and Toy are actually one breed, just different sizes. Miniature Poodles, who can be white, black, apricot or gray, are usually 15 inches or under, according to the American Kennel Club.
David McKelvey/http://www.flickr.com/photos/dgmckelvey/3748491903/
Miniature Dogs
Miniature Dachshund
The Miniature Daschund, only 11 pounds or under, is not a separate classification of the Daschund -- it's just a smaller version of the Standard. The miniature dog, with its long bodies and strong sense of smell, are both hunters and lapdogs, according to the American Kennel Club.
Miniature Poodle Miniature Poodles, like all Poodles, are excellent swimmers who originated as a water retrievers. All Poodles, Standard, Miniature and Toy are actually one breed, just different sizes. Miniature Poodles, who can be white, black, apricot or gray, are usually 15 inches or under, according to the American Kennel Club.
Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is of German descent and was originally bred to be a small farm dog. The most popular of the three Schnauzer breeds, the Miniature Schnauzer is a attentive, lively and a favorite among celebrities like Mary Tyler Moore and Bill Cosby. The strongly built miniature dog is between 12 to 14 inches, according to the American Kennel Club.
Miniature Bull Terrier
Just like the playful Bull Terrier, the Miniature Bull Terrier, who originated in England, has a similar personality. Don't let its size fool you – the Miniature Bull Terrier is strong, energetic and audacious. Miniature Bull Terriers are between 10 to 15 inches and can be solid white or colored, according to the American Kennel Club.
Miniature American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo Dog is one of three separate categories of the American Eskimo Dog. Between 12 to 15 inches, the bright white dog is loving, protecting and sociable. Now a great companion dog, the miniature dog was once a circus dog, according to the American Kennel Club.
Miniature Pinscher
Also known as the "Min Pin," the Miniature Pinscher is a German Breed whose ancestry includes the Daschund, Italian Greyhound and the shorthaired German Pinscher. The quick, curious dog is the perfect apartment dog. Despite its small size, the compact pooch makes a wonderful watchdog. The spirited miniature dog, about 10 inches to 12 1/2 inches, can be red, black, or chocolate with tan, according to the American Kennel Club.