florida.
Some Floria beach-goers received the surprise of a lifetime when a group of manatees recently swept through the shallow waters at Fort Lauderdale Beach. Far from shy, the manatees were playful, and even let outgoing swimmers get close enough to touch them. The fearless sea cows swam around for about 30 minutes before heading back to the "deep end" of the ocean. Sounds like fun in the sun! See more manatees: ...
Just like many native New Yorkers, I've thought about retiring to the pleasant climate of Florida. But recently, I've discovered that Florida has put together an anti-snake task force, and now I think my retirement plans may need to be re-evaluated. This so-called "task force" is made up of dogs specially trained to sniff out Burmese pythons in Florida's Everglades National Park. Apparently, some "experts" think that the recent "invasion" of Burmese pythons to the everglades may upset the delicate balance of the ecosystem. RELATED: What's In A Name? The "experts" believe there are two main factors contributing to the python population growth. One is the destruction of an exotic snake ...
Kerrie Tatarka When it comes to the coveted Best in Show title at New York's illustrious Westminster Dog Show, it takes a precise blend of breeding, training and, of course, primping to impress the judges. Lucky for SeaWorld Orlando trainer Jamie Stanley-Bahnsen of Orlando, Florida, her Belgian Malinois, Harley, is all business when it's time to get in the ring. Meet Harley If the breed Belgian Malinois doesn't ring any bells, it's not just you. Although it bears a passing resemblance to the German shepherd, the Belgian Malinois isn't a breed you're likely to see at the dog park. Like other members of the herding group, Harley's breed is best known for its high energy level and ...
Lipsky Family Brandie, the 11-year-old husky, is hoping for a last-minute reprieve from Gov. Charlie Crist's office. This one-time rescue pup has been awaiting her final punishment on death row for six months, per the unusually tough dangerous dog laws of Broward County, Fla. According to the Sun Sentinel, Brandie was charged under the county's zero-tolerance law after a deadly run-in with an off-leash teacup poodle named Jack. State law allows a dog two attacks before declaring it dangerous. Broward County, however, allows only one and has put at least 56 dogs to sleep since the law's passage in May 2008. Broward County's law states that any dog that seriously injures or kills a person ...
Strawberri hamming it up for the camera. Deanna Dent, South Florida Sun-Sentinel / MCT It's a victory for swine lovers everywhere. Last fall we told you about Strawberri, a 300-pound Yorkshire pig who lived with a family in Southwest Ranches, Fla. After town officials told the Falk family that petite potbellied pigs were the only kind of porkers allowed in town, the family announced they'd move before they abandoned their beloved pet. Seven months later, locals no longer have to worry about a 300-pound pig. Strawberri is now full-grown and 600 pounds! But she hasn't gone anywhere, and neither have the Falks. Last week, the Southwest Ranches town council voted unanimously to change the ...
Getty Images Good news! There's finally a way to get your daily dose of puppy love, even if you aren't able to have one of your own. A guide-dog school in Palmetto, Fla. has instituted a program that allows the public to help socialize its pups by letting dog lovers shower them with displays of affection. For five mornings each week, Southeastern Guide Dogs opens its doors to public. "We call it Puppy Hugging," says Southeastern Guide Dogs' PR Specialist Jennifer Bement. "We basically invite anybody in the neighborhood to come into our puppy playroom and sit on the floor, and then we let one of our litters out into the room." Who wouldn't like to spend an hour or two each morning hugging ...