Art by Other Animals
February 1, 2012 by Michael Mountain
In the late 1950s, the surrealism painter Salvador Dali saw one of the canvases by Congo, a chimpanzee, whose artworks had been shown on the British TV show Zoo Time.
Healing Arts We Can Learn from Animals
February 1, 2012 by Zoe
Modern treatments for acute illnesses, he told me, boil down to a handful of “pillars of medicine.” But the interesting twist was that these pillars have also evolved in other species. His enthusiasm for his new theory was infectious, and I caught the bug.
For Eden, Together
February 1, 2012 by Zoe
An old crabapple stands rooted – She is tense intention, enduring – At the cusp of fall turn-to-winter, – Yellow green leaves fall first – One by one then – In waves of resignation
They all drop, – But the fruit remains – Red glory against the sky – Witness to her heart.
Are You a Vegansexual?
January 4, 2012 by Michael Mountain
Latest word to enter the scientific vocabulary: Vegansexual. The term was coined in New Zealand after much media attention was given, four years ago, to a study that noted that an increasing number of vegans said they engaged in sexual relationships and intimate partnerships only with other vegans.
New Year’s Resolutions Your Dog Wishes You’d Make
December 29, 2011 by Zoe
In 2005, Veterinary Economics reported that 40% of U.S. dogs are overweight. And according to a report from the National Academies’ National Research Council, 25% of pets in Western societies are obese. Our advice? Keep your dog moving.
The New Face of Pet Therapy
December 27, 2011 by Michael Mountain
Companion animals are playing a larger-than-ever role in psychotherapy, physical therapy and crisis response. And different kinds of animals have different roles.
When Families Fight over Pets
December 22, 2011 by Michael Mountain
People often refer to their pets as members of the family. As such, the pets are subject to many of the joys and tribulations of the household. Children and pets go through their own stages of development as do their parents and guardians. They bond and grow together, but not always harmoniously. We often hear of custody battles going on for years over who is responsible for the care of the child and under what conditions.
Does Loving Pets Make It Easier to Eat Meat?
December 19, 2011 by Zoe
A recent article on food taboos got me thinking about how living with pets affects our beliefs about eating meat. The article by James Serpell, one of the most insightful and creative minds in anthrozoology, offers a new perspective on why we eat some animals but not others.
How We’re Being Stuffed by the Big Food Companies
December 19, 2011 by Michael Mountain
The folks at Frugal Dad have produced an infographic showing how our food supply is governed by a small handful of huge companies. They wield enormous influence.
O Christmas Tree
December 16, 2011 by Michael Mountain
It all began in the great old forests of Northern Europe, when people would bring a young tree indoors for the winter and then replant it in spring. Back then, the great spruce, oak, pine and redwood trees were venerated as representing every aspect of the divine life force.
