Dogs May Cause Snoring... and Early Death!

I came across a pretty interesting story in The Times of India.

A recent research study has linked snoring with dog owners! Kids who grew up with a canine are more likely to be heavy snorers as adults.

The study was conducted in Sweden, and statistically, growing up with a dog can increase your chances of snoring by a quarter. Not so bad right? Unfortunately, snoring is also linked with early death, heart disease and stroke.

What's the connection?

"Dogs may increase airborne particles that would encourage inflammation and thereby alter upper airway anatomy early in life, causing an increased susceptibility for adult snoring," said lead researcher Karl Franklin of University Hospital Ume.

But not to worry! there are more studies still being conducted by the likes of India-based doctor SK Dasgupta.

"The man's best friend cannot be blamed for snoring. It is vibration of respiratory structures, and the resulting sound is because of obstructed air movement during breathing while sleeping." Which Dr. Dasgupta claims can not be caused by a dog. I hope he's right!

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Elephants aren't the only Artists!

I found this great story in the Seattle times


When Tara McClung went out of town for about a week two years ago, the last thing she expected to find when she came home was her cat's new hobby.

Her cat Engine had discovered wire sculpting.

McClung, of Pompey, N.Y., said Engine likes to take floral wire and bend it into various shapes by using his teeth and paws. Sometimes he even bends the wire into tiny loops.

Engine is among 10 animal artists whose work will be on display at the second annual Pawcasso art show Friday in Syracuse.

Engine's work in Pawcasso is the only wire sculpture. The other artistic cats, dog, rabbit, parrot and penguin all prefer painting. Each animal has its own artistic methods and preferences, according to Debbie Tobin, penguin zookeeper at Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse.

Five of Tobin's tips on training your animal to be creative

Look at your pet's natural behavior dog like to use their mouths, primates their hands and birds their beaks and feet.

Don't force your pet

When you train animals, use a lot of positive reinforcement.

Take baby steps. Break down the entire creative process into little pieces. When painting, for example, first let the animal touch the brush. Next time, teach your pet to hold the brush and work your way up to adding paint. Keep your sessions to about 10 minutes so it's not overwhelming for the animal.

Be patient. If something is not working, take a step back and try again. If your pet can do one little thing, be thankful and reward them.

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