Good Living Guide

Animals

Artist Turns Old CDs Into Amazing Lifelike Animal Sculptures

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We all talk about recycling and repurposing, but one young artist is walking the talk by transforming broken, discarded CDs and DVDs into gorgeous animal sculptures.

Sean Avery is an art teacher in Western Australia who began experimenting with CD and DVD art while he was still at university. He has created dozens of the brightly colored, sparkling sculptures since then.

A Sparkling Collection

They include gorgeously detailed bunnies, bluebirds, hummingbirds. monkeys, raccoons, dogs and snakes.

The pieces are amazingly lifelike and intensely glittery. Some of them veer into the fantastic with their bright, dazzling colors. A platypus with purple scales, a kangaroo with a baby in her pouch, a hedgehog with a brilliant blue coat and a silvery koala are all part of Avery’s menagerie.

Precise Details

Seeing them up close really gives you a sense of the painstaking level of work that goes into each one. Avery says it can take more than a week to create each one.

Avery begins by creating a frame out of chicken wire. He then breaks the CDs and DVDs into dozens of tiny, sharp shards. He glues the shards onto the chicken wire frame. It can take up to 50 CDs to make one animal.

Where to See More Animal Sculptures

You can keep up with Avery’s’s work on his website. Even if you can’t afford to buy one of his magical sculptures, looking at them will bring a smile to your face.

Artist Turns Old CDs Into Amazing Lifelike Animal Sculptures

Mother-Daughter Duo Turn Old Dressers Into Personalized Dog Beds

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Nothing is too luxurious for a beloved pet. Now, you can buy a handmade bed fit for the most spoiled furballs in the world.

Mother-Daughter Duo Turn Old Dressers Into Personalized Dog Beds

Sheltie Shacks

Wild Beauties

A mother and daughter who live on the ruggedly beautiful Shetland Islands north of Scotland are responsible for the gorgeous handmade beds. They make them by repurposing and refurbishing old dressers.

Mother-Daughter Duo Turn Old Dressers Into Personalized Dog Beds

Sheltie Shacks

Kaylee and Tricia call their dresser beds “sheltie shacks,” but any breed of dog would find these beds the perfect place to snooze. Every self-respecting cat would also love one of these beds.

Mother-Daughter Duo Turn Old Dressers Into Personalized Dog Beds

Sheltie Shacks

Doing It Shetland Style

Appropriately enough, they each own Shetland sheepdogs, which are affectionately known as shelties. Between the two, they own more than six dogs. Their love of their dogs inspired them to create these great-looking, cozy beds.

Mother-Daughter Duo Turn Old Dressers Into Personalized Dog Beds

Sheltie Shacks

Their gorgeous, clever dogs have become local celebrities for traveling around in a much-photographed pack together.

Mother-Daughter Duo Turn Old Dressers Into Personalized Dog Beds

Sheltie Shacks

The Doggone Details

Kaylee and Tricia said they started transforming old dressers into beds as a way to stay out of trouble, “but it didn’t work.”

Each dresser features hand painting and a thick cushion with a hand-sewn cover. No two dresser beds are alike.

Repurposed for a Purpose

Some of their company’s profits go to support worthy causes. One is the Humanimal Trust for human and animal medicine, and the other is the US-based Shetland Sheepdog Placement Services of New Jersey.

Mother-Daughter Duo Turn Old Dressers Into Personalized Dog Beds

Sheltie Shacks

Get Your Own Sheltie Shack

When a dresser bed is ready, Kaylee and Tricia place it for sale on their Etsy shop. They’re happy to ship overseas.

Mother-Daughter Duo Turn Old Dressers Into Personalized Dog Beds

Sheltie Shacks

Sheltie Shacks

 

Mother-Daughter Duo Turn Old Dressers Into Personalized Dog Beds

Eleanor the Echidna Is So Chonky She Survived A Car Hit

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Echidnas have lots of ways to defend themselves. One lucky echidna even used her extra fat as padding when she was hit by a car. Her hefty size helped her survive unscathed.

Eleanor the Echidna Is So Chonky She Survived A Car Hit

Eleanor the Echidna / Image Credit: Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Get to Know Echidnas

Native to Australia, echidnas are part anteater, part platypus and part porcupine. These endearingly odd creatures have long, sticky tongues that are perfect for pulling ants from anthills. They also use their long noses as crowbars to dig up grubs and worms.

Eleanor the Echidna Is So Chonky She Survived A Car Hit

A video from the Smithsonian shows how this “waddling pincushion” uses her needles as defense. Even a dingo won’t touch a rolled-up echidna.

Echidnas have even been able to survive fires by burrowing underground and slowing down their systems.

Ella the Enchanted

Eleanor surpassed all these survival efforts. While on the hunt for ants or grubs, she was hit by a car.

The Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary in Tasmania rescued her. Rescuers noted that she was “quite possibly the fattest echidna we have ever seen!”

Her chubby size, they said, prevented her from being seriously injured when the car hit her.

Good News Was Welcome

The cute story made news in a country that could use some happy news in the wake of devastating bush fires that killed millions of animals.

Ella had only minor bruises, and the sanctuary released her into the wild the next day.

Here’s to hoping for more good animal news from the land down under.

Eleanor the Echidna Is So Chonky She Survived A Car Hit

“Canine Campers” Are For Dogs Who Want To Enjoy The RV Lifestyle

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Are you a dedicated road rambler? Do you love the RV lifestyle? If so, you’re going to love these canine campers that recreate the RV life for your favorite dog.

Canine Campers

Big Creek Mercantile

Awesome Vintage Style

Each handcrafted camper is a miniature recreation of the classic campers you’ll recall from vintage postcards. Your pet can slumber in style inside a cozy home that looks like it’s ready to roll.

Each camper has decorative touches including handmade curtains, framed artwork and a back bumper you can personalize with your pet’s name.

Canine Campers

Big Creek Mercantile

Choose Your Size and Style

These adorable campers may look like the real thing, but they’re not actually road-ready. They’re perfect for parking in your garden, covered porch or indoor room.

They come in your choice of three sizes.

Canine Campers

Big Creek Mercantile

Check Out These Special Features

Each camper comes with a built-in feeding station that securely holds your pet’s food and water bowls.

Another nice touch is the universal phone mount that hangs on the top of each camper. You can check on your pet throughout the day or night with the free PRESENCE home security app.

Canine Campers

Big Creek Mercantile

Meet the Canine Campers Craftsman

The artist behind these campers is Steve Johnson of Portland, Tennessee. At his workshop, Big Creek Mercantile, Johnson specializes in unique dog beds, planters and birdhouses.

Canine Campers

Airman Says Tearful Goodbye To Dog Who Kept American Soldiers Safe

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Soldiers who serve overseas often find comfort by forming bonds with each other. Others find the courage to continue when they form a unique bond with an animal. When Air Force veteran Kyle Smith deployed, he always counted on his military service dog Bodza to get him through the toughest times.

Airman Says Tearful Goodbye To K9 Who Kept American Soldiers Safe

Kyle Smith

A Loyal Companion

Bodza was a German Shepherd who accompanied Smith on four deployments to Kuwait and Kyrgyzstan. Smith is a specialist in dog training for the Air Force, and Bodza was the first dog he trained.

When Bodza retired after years of brave service, Smith adopted him as a pet. Over the years, their bond grew stronger than ever. They became best friends and staunchly loyal companions.

Airman Says Tearful Goodbye To K9 Who Kept American Soldiers Safe

Kyle Smith

It Was Time to Face a New Fight

Two years later, they faced a new fight together when Bodza was diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy, a painful and disabling spinal condition. Smith made the heart-wrenching decision to put Bodza down to end his suffering.

Airman Says Tearful Goodbye To K9 Who Kept American Soldiers Safe

Kyle Smith

At the veterinarian’s office, Smith hugged Bodza and said goodbye as the dog’s life slipped away. At that moment, one of Smith’s colleagues found an American flag to drape over Bodza’s body. The pictures from that scene are deeply moving.

Airman Says Tearful Goodbye To K9 Who Kept American Soldiers Safe

Kyle Smith

A Fitting Tribute to a Fallen Hero

The flag was a fitting way to honor a military dog. It’s certain that Smith will never forget the brave, strong and loyal friend who lived and died a hero.

“Meow Meow” Is The New Grumpy Cat In Town And She’s Furious

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Fans of the dearly departed Grumpy Cat have wondered if any new cat could take the place of that feline phenomenon. A sweetly scowling cat named Meow Meow might be getting ready to do just that.

"Meow Meow" Is The New Grumpy Cat In Town And She's Furious

Image Credit: Siro0913

Meow Meow is a longhaired feline whose story is quickly going viral. Meow Meow is rising through the ranks of internet fame to stand beside those other social media stars Smudge Cat, Lil Bub and Cole and Marmalade.

"Meow Meow" Is The New Grumpy Cat In Town And She's Furious

Image Credit: Siro0913

She’s Her Own Cat

Like the original Grumpy Cat, Meow Meow’s scowling face hides a sweet, cuddly nature. Her markings make her look angry, but her owner says she’s a bundle of joy.

"Meow Meow" Is The New Grumpy Cat In Town And She's Furious

Image Credit: Siro0913

According to the hard-hitting investigative reporting done by the Cat Reporter, Meow Meow may look like Grumpy Cat, but she is her own cat with her own story.

"Meow Meow" Is The New Grumpy Cat In Town And She's Furious

Image Credit: Siro0913

Meow Meow’s Moving Story

In an interview, Meow Meow explained that she was abandoned as a kitten and adopted by her current owner 10 years ago. When Meow Meow came down with hyperthyroidism, her owner mortgaged her house. She used that money to fly Meow Meow to America so she could receive life-saving iodine treatment.

"Meow Meow" Is The New Grumpy Cat In Town And She's Furious

Image Credit: Siro0913

Now back in home in Taiwan, Meow Meow is healthy and happy. She even looks slightly less grumpy. You can follow her adventures on her Instagram account.

"Meow Meow" Is The New Grumpy Cat In Town And She's Furious

Image Credit: Siro0913

"Meow Meow" Is The New Grumpy Cat In Town And She's Furious

Image Credit: Siro0913

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Dramatic Horse Plays Dead Whenever People Try To Ride Him

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We’ve all had days when we’d rather not go our job, but would you go as far as playing dead to get out of working? That’s just one what lazy horse named Jingang routinely does.

Playing Dead Like a Possum

According to his owners, Jingang has perfected the art of acting like he’s dead. As soon as someone approaches him for a ride, he flops dramatically down on the ground, rolls onto his back and closes his eyes.

Horse Plays Dead

Instagram / Kritter Klub

They admit they were fooled the first time the sly horse pulled this move, but realized that as soon as they walked away, he jumped up and looked perfectly fine. It seems that some horses are like some people. They just don’t like to work, and they’re not going to do it willingly.

Tossing and Turning

The horse has even done his dead routine when someone’s already in the saddle and ready to ride. He tosses that rider right to the ground. As his trainers say, “He’s cute but naughty.”

Jingang’s incredible acting may not have won him an Oscar, but the video depicting his antics has racked up more than 2 million views. Jingang certainly has a career in show business if he wants one.

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Alaska Man Ducks Into Shed To Avoid Bull Moose

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Alaskans might be used to seeing all kinds of wildlife roaming through their neighborhoods, but even a hardy Alaskan was taking no chances with a bull moose on the loose.

Moose on the Loose

Anchorage resident Curtis Phelps decided to play it safe when an overly friendly bull moose ambled into the man’s yard.

In the video captured by a security camera, you can see the bull moose head right for the man as he’s taking his trash out to his shed. The moose only has one antler, which means he’s probably been in a fight recently.

Phelps pulls himself inside his shed and yanks the door shut. After a moment, the moose wanders away and decides to try his luck elsewhere.

Move Aside for Moose

According to naturalists, Phelps did the right thing. If a moose is headed toward you, it’s smart to put something in its line of vision.

Moose are not aggressive, but they will attack if they feel provoked. They can be dangerous to humans because of their sheer size and power. A North American moose can grow to about 6 feet tall and weigh over 1000 pounds.

The moose breeds in Alaska, however, are even bigger and heavier. They can grow more than 7 feet tall with an antler spread of 4 to 6 feet. They’re also fast for a big animal, with top speeds of more than 35 mph.

Alaska Man Ducks Into Shed To Avoid Bull Moose

Beware of Moose Mamas

The most dangerous moose are not the bulls, but the females who are protecting their calves. They’ve been known to kill humans, grizzly bears and even other moose who got too close to their young ones.

Whatever the species, you just don’t mess with mama.

‘Jungle Bubbles’ Let You Sleep Under The Stars With Rescue Elephants

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At a new resort in the Golden Triangle region of Thailand, you can get close to wild elephants in their natural habitat. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that immerses you safely in their world.

Jungle Bubbles

Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort

Jungle Bubbles

At the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, you can spend a night in a transparent “jungle bubble” in the middle of an elephant preserve.

These amazing structures look like giant snow globes, but instead of a snowy village scene, they contain you in your hotel room looking out at the jungle.

The bubbles are fully and comfortably furnished. They come complete with luxurious linens, bathrobes, slippers, bedding, a minibar, coffeemaker, 24-hour room service and a bathroom that’s not transparent.

Part of a Growing Trend

The Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort is part of a growing trend in travel that’s ecologically responsible. This trend, known as eco-tourism, is all about travel that protects endangered animals and fragile ecosystems.

Although eco-tourism used to be associated with backpackers and others who travel light and off the grid, it has increasingly spread to the high-end, luxury market.

Some Are Rescue Elephants

The resort’s owners note that they were inspired to set up the camp after witnessing elephant abuse in Thailand. More than 20 of the camp’s elephants were rescued from abusive situations.

The price for a “jungle bubble” night may be high, but at least you know the money’s going to a good cause.

Goat Suffering From Anxiety Needs Her Duck Costume To Calm Down

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A little goat named Polly is melting hearts all over the internet and gaining sympathy for animals with disabilities everywhere.

Polly and Her Duck Costume

Instagram / Goats of Anarchy

A True Story

Polly is a blind goat and the star of her own children’s book, Polly and Her Duck Costume. The book tells the story of Polly’s rescue from a farm and arrival at Goats of Anarchy, a sanctuary in New Jersey.

When Polly’s rescuers realize that Polly only feels safe when she is wrapped in something warm, they make her a warm, fuzzy duck costume that she wears everywhere.

Polly and Her Duck Costume

Instagram / Goats of Anarchy

 

Although Polly feels safe in her duck costume, the day comes when she develops a new interest. When she meets a baby goat named Pippa, the two become best friends. Once that happens, Polly no longer needs her protective costume.

Get Out the Tissues

The video depicting Polly’s caretaker reading her own story to her is one of the most charming, heart-tugging things you’ll see on any screen of any size.

Get the tissues out for this one, we’re warning you!

You can buy the book about Polly on Amazon.

How to Help

Goats of Anarchy is a farm sanctuary that specializes in caring for disabled and special needs goats. If you’d like to help Polly, Pippa and the other goats, you can make a donation or buy goat-themed merchandise.

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