Luckily, no one was harmed. I should’ve consulted Google before handling the birds. Here are some facts about baby birds so you don’t make the same mistakes I did. 

The different stages of baby birds 

Baby birds are born in spring or early summer. Many birds in North America nest in May. Nestlings are recently hatched. They are usually blind and have few feathers. The nestlings eventually grow in their feathers and become fledglings. Mockingbirds become fledglings at 12 days old. Fledglings usually leave the nest before learning to fly. The parents are watching nearby, so they can check on the fledgling and bring them food. 

Bird parents can be super territorial!

I learned the hard way to not mess with bird families! Mockingbirds are territorial and aggressive during nesting season, so they will attack people who are too close to their nest. They have also attacked cats, dogs, and hawks. Songbirds might chase you or swoop around you to scare you away from the nest, but you’ll be fine if you back off. It’s a lot more dangerous and scary if you encounter a big bird species. Baby Canada geese look cute, but you don’t want to be near a Canadian Goose nesting site when the parents are around!  

What to do if you find a baby bird

Most of the time, you should leave the bird alone. Most baby birds found on the ground are fledglings and their parents are taking care of them. If the fledgling is near somewhere dangerous like a road, it’s ok to move the bird to a nearby bush or somewhere safer. If the bird is a nestling, it should be returned to its nest. Nestlings can’t walk or run very far, so the nest should be nearby. The parents won’t abandon a baby bird if you touch it. 

Yes, baby birds are super cute

I mean, just look at this. They look like little fluffy versions of their parents!

Just resist the urge to pet one when you see one. 

If you want to learn more about birds, Cornell has a good website with bird ID and information:  https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/search 

You can also install a birdbath or a bird feeder to attract birds into your yard. 

The post Facts about cute baby birds appeared first on GirlSpring.

I know it’s past Valentine’s Day, but love lasts all year.

I’ve always knew that the swan boats in the Boston Public Garden were perfect for a romantic scene, but they also have connections to some of my favorite childhood love stories.

In the Trumpet of the Swan, trumpeter swan Louis is mute, meaning he can’t mate with other swans. He steals a trumpet and becomes a famous musician so he can find his voice and confess his love to his crush Serena. He plays on the swan boats to repay his trumpet. After travelling to Philadelphia and rescuing Serena from the zoo, he serenades her with the trumpet and wins her over. Now that’s W rizz!

You might not associate Make Way for Ducklings with love, but a story of familial love and sacrifice is just as beautiful. Finding the perfect home is an exciting and nerve-wracking experience for many couples. Mrs. Mallard takes her ducklings on a journey through dangerous Boston streets (I can confirm, the traffic is crazy!) to their forever home in the Public Garden. They lived happily ever after- if you visit today, there is a statue dedicated to the Mallard family and so many ducks in the pond! 

In real life, love is more complicated than our daydreams and cute lovebird stories. We fantasize about perfect moments and finally being accepted by the one! But it’s the struggle that makes love worth it. The uncertainty, the sacrifices, the heartbreak. And I think it is better to face rejection than not having tried at all. 

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There are so many ways caring for a dog improves your mental health. From keeping our worries at bay to helping us stay active, our pups can truly make us feel our best. Here’s how your favorite four-legged friend can make a positive impact on your mind and soul.

Unconditional Love: The Power of Connection

Dogs love you no matter what, and that kind of connection is powerful. Whether you’re having the best day or feeling completely down, their wagging tails and excited energy remind you that you’re never truly alone. Spending time with a dog can reduce feelings of loneliness and make you feel more emotionally connected. They’re like your furry emotional support system, always ready to cheer you on.

Daily Routine: A Sense of Purpose and Responsibility

Caring for a dog naturally brings structure to your life. Feeding them, walking them, and making sure they’re comfy adds little tasks to your day that make you feel accomplished. Plus, extra the work, such as cleaning up the yard and creating a chew-friendly environment for your furry friend, gives you a chance to be creative and proactive. A predictable routine can help make your days feel more purposeful, giving you something to look forward to.

Physical Activity: Exercise That’s Fun and Rewarding

Dogs are the ultimate motivators when it comes to staying active. Whether you take a walk in the park, play a game of fetch, or run around the yard, dogs make exercise so much more fun. Spending just a few minutes being active with your pup can boost those feel-good endorphins, helping you feel happier and more energized.

Stress Buster: The Soothing Effect of Petting a Pup

There’s something super calming about petting a dog. Their soft fur and warm cuddles can help melt away stress, and science backs it up. Petting a dog has been shown to lower cortisol levels (aka the stress hormone) and even reduce blood pressure. Whether you’re cuddling up on the couch after school or having a chill moment together, your pup is like a furry relaxation therapist.

Mindfulness: Living in the Present with Your Pup

Dogs have a gift for living in the moment. They’re not worried about what happened yesterday or stressed about tomorrow; they’re just happy to be with you right now. Spending time with them encourages you to be present, too. Whether you’re throwing a ball or enjoying a quiet cuddle, your pup teaches you to slow down and appreciate life’s little joys.

From helping you manage stress to nudging you out the door, it’s clear to see why caring for a dog improves your mental health. Beyond all that, they bring happiness, loyalty, and love into your life every single day.

The post 5 Ways Caring for a Dog Improves Your Mental Health appeared first on GirlSpring.

these simple pleasures are revealed to me.

perhaps although your gaze is cold as ice

your gentle yawning brings ecstasy.

which is why, my dear friend

no matter how hard you bite my arms–

my love, to you i’ll send–

even knowing all the harms.

every day I sit and wait

in the comfortable prison of my bed.

I know you see it too, the fate

of each person ignored, their texts unread.

but even so, you stay here;

your eyes are daggers they pierce

through my anger, through my fear

and burn brightly, ever fierce.

truly, my friend, your presence alone

is enough to make me stay.

you are a beam of light, always shone

upon the thoughts that lead me astray.

-a poem dedicated to my cat Pumpkin

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Global warming is an environmental problem that has been affecting the world for decades. Its devastating effects can be seen in various aspects of our lives, from the economy, to human health, and the environment. For the environment, global warming has caused melting glaciers, which leads to rising sea levels and extreme weather conditions.

Problems Arise

We already see effects scientists predicted, such as the loss of sea ice, melting glaciers and ice sheets, sea levels rising, and more intense heat waves. Scientists predicted global temperature increases from human-made greenhouse gas that will continue. Severe weather damage will also increase and intensify.

Furthermore, global warming leads to the release of persistent organic pollutants which pose a threat to the environment, animals, plants and human health due to their toxic nature. In addition to environmental impact, global warming also has negative implications for human health.
For example, increased temperatures can lead to heat stress and exhaustion, as well as more frequent and severe weather events like hurricanes. As a result, there is an urgent need for measures to mitigate the effects of global warming.

Economical Issues

Ultimately, global warming also affects the economy. Governments and organizations must act cautiously to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through sustainable energy sources, clean transportation methods, and implementing environmentally-friendly policies.

Global climate change is not a future problem, but changes to the Earth’s climate driven by increased human emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases are already having widespread effects on the environment: glaciers and ice sheets are shrinking, river and lake ice is breaking up earlier, plant and animal geographic ranges are shifting, and plant and trees are blooming sooner.

Effects that scientists had long predicted would result from global climate change are now occurring, such as sea ice loss, accelerated sea level rise, and longer, more intense heat waves.

We are losing our animals due to the damage of plastic and the water supply being contaminated.
Hotter temperatures. As greenhouse gas concentrations rise, so does the global surface temperature.

Consequences of Global Warming

A lot of things have been happening to the world lately and we cannot figure out how this is happening. All we can do is try our best to reduce the damages that are caused by our society and reduce gas cars. We are in a climate where they are trying to get rid of gas fueled cars due to pollution in the air.

For this to change, we will have to step up and save our people, animals, our drinking water, and our environment. We’ve already see effects scientists predicted, and scientists predict global temperature increases from human-made greenhouse gases will still continue.

Plastic doesn’t degrade in environment, see how you can start small by reducing your plastic waste!

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The Space-Dog’s Beginnings

When the Soviet Union decided they wanted to launch a manned ship into orbit, they realized they had no idea how to create a ship where a human could survive and return to earth. Therefore, they decided they would use animals to test ships for them. Enter Laika. 

Kudryavka (Little Curly) was a sweet stray from the streets of Moscow. She, along with many other female strays, was selected by the Soviet Canine Recruiters for their small size and gentle temperaments. The dogs were then put through a series of tests to determine their obedience, passivity, and endurance. The selected canines would live in tiny pressurized capsules. At first, this was for days at a time, and then weeks. They checked their reactions to air pressure changes and loud noises that would occur during liftoff. 

Prior To Liftoff

Finalists from these tests were fitted with sanitation devices at the pelvic area that would allow them to use the bathroom. Even so, they were very uncomfortable for the dogs. Most dogs would retain their bodily waste rather than use the device. However, some dogs learned to adapt. The final candidates were chosen to become the Sputnik 2’s canine cosmonaut. 

Kudryavka was chosen as the finalist, and Albina was chosen as an alternate. Kudryavka was introduced to the public through radio. She was given the name Laika, which meant “barker.” Doctors performed surgery on Laika to implant a medical device that would monitor her heart rate, respiratory rate, physical movement and blood pressure. 

Three days before her liftoff, Laika entered the tiny capsule with a sanitation device and a spacesuit with metal restraints. Her capsule only allowed for a few inches of movement. She was only given one meal for the entire trip and no way to return to earth. 

Early in the morning on November 3rd, Laika’s ship was launched into space — the G-Force reaching five times the normal level. 

Laika’s Tragic Flight

As Laika was flying towards outer space, the noise and pressure of flight horrified her. Her heart rate rose to triple the normal rate, and her respiratory rate was four times its normal rate. When she went through the heat shield, the temperatures in the ship rose. After reaching orbit alive, Laika soon died. She was cramped, overheated, hungry, and terrified. 

Laika’s Legacy

Laika was not the first dog in space, nor was she the last. Thankfully, after her tragic death, several dogs were able to make it back alive and well. As tragic as Laika’s story is, her death allowed us to learn a lot about space travel. Soon after, mankind was successfully launched into space. 

Laika also was one of the first cases that sparked concern about animal rights and cruelty. Since the Soviet Union sent Laika into space knowing they lacked the technology to send her back, Soviet Citizens protested this inhumane action. This garnered attention from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the British Society for Happy Dogs, and a group of dog enthusiasts who protested on the steps of the United Nations in New York. Her death helped transform the animal rights movement into what it is today. 

Laika has been immortalized by pop culture all over the world. She has a statue at the Moscow Military Research Facility and a crater on Mars named after her. While space research facilities continue to test on animals, after Laika’s heartbreaking story, they only experiment if it’s possible for them to survive. 

Check out more articles by GirlSpring contributors!

https://www.girlspring.com/tips-for-caring-for-your-new-pet/

https://www.girlspring.com/life-with-a-puppy/

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But is dressing up our pets in cute costumes ok?

The Bottom Line

Every pet is different. And while some animals may not mind getting dolled up in a pumpkin costume for Halloween, or in pair of PJs that match the whole family at Christmas, others cannot stand it. Knowing whether your pet is okay is the most important thing.

But, unless you have a magic pet, your furry friend cannot openly say “hey, actually I hate when you make me wear costumes.” So, it is down to you as a pet parent to identify the signs that they are uncomfortable.

Signs Your Pet is Not Okay With Dress Up

Some pets absolutely love getting all the attention and playing dress up, while others will feel scared and uncomfortable. Here are some tell-tale signs that dressing up your pet is not okay.

They keep trying to take it off

Obviously, the easiest way to tell if your pet is not enjoying their costume, is if they are visibly trying to get it off. Batting, scratching and wriggling are all attempts to get out of the costume so if you see any of this, take it off for them and give them a little stroke to apologize.

They are struggling to move

If you see your pet limping or struggling to move like they normally would, it probably means they are uncomfortable. The costume is either too small or too restrictive for them to feel okay in it.

They are showing signs of anxiety

While your pet might have accepted their new costume, there are subtler signs that they are anxious or stressed about it. Repeatedly yawning can be a tell-tale sign, as can their ears being pricked back. Some cats and dogs may even pant or widen their eyes to try tell you how they are feeling.

It feels wrong

As a general rule of thumb, if you are not sure your pet is enjoying their costume, it is probably best to assume they aren’t. It is always better to make sure your furry friend is as comfortable as possible. If that means they will not match for the family Christmas photo then so be it. They will be just as happy to be around the festivities, free from costume.

When removing the costume, be sure to give them lots of snuggles afterwards so that they know they can relax!

If your pet does not enjoy dress up, there are plenty of drama queen animals online to help you get your fix. If you find your pet’s anxiety does not seem to disappear after you have tried to put them in a costume, it is worth checking in with a vet like Kelly Crossing Animal Hospital, to make sure there are no underlying issues that have been triggered.

So, when asking is it okay to dress up your pets, the answer really depends on your pet. As a pet parent, you need to make sure you are able to identify their signs of discomfort before trying anything new.

Check out more articles from GirlSpring contributors!

https://www.girlspring.com/a-brief-and-incomplete-list-of-the-best-ice-cream-in-birmingham/

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Research Nutrition

Just like you, your pet needs to eat a balanced and nutritious diet to maintain good health. It’s worth taking the time to do some research into the amount of nutrients a pet food must contain for optimal health. Every species will have specific dietary requirements, and if you want your pet to get all the right nutrients it needs, you must understand what those requirements are. This can also help you discover the best brands of pet food to buy or perhaps even try out some recipes you can follow at home.

Create a Space for Them

It’s always nice to have a space that’s yours at home, and your pet will appreciate having their privacy as well. Before your pet moves in, create a space for them to retreat to when they’re tired or want to be left alone. A quiet corner in your bedroom or another area of the house is always a good spot for pets that want some alone time. You can do this by placing their bed there, as well as some toys or other accessories that could be comforting to them.

Regular Exercise

As well as thinking about the right nutrition for your pet, you should also look into how much exercise they should be getting to help maintain their health as well. Some pets won’t need you to take them out for walks or play with them all day, but always make sure you’re providing them with something that can help them stay active, like a hamster wheel, climbing frame, or other relevant equipment, depending on their species.

Find a Good Vet

Even if you’re giving your pet all the right food and making sure they exercise, it’s still essential that they have access to professional healthcare providers in case they get ill or become injured. Finding a quality vet clinic is one of the most important things a pet owner needs to do, especially if you have a special breed like a lab or a Cavapoo. It might be better to find a vet that can offer a range of services beyond healthcare as well, such as grooming or day-care if you’re unable to look after your animal if you’re out of town or busy. A good example of this is exceptionalpets.com, which can offer great services at good prices.

Understand the breed

Many animals come in different breeds, each of which can have their own individual needs. Dogs for example come in so many different breeds from pugs to dalmations. Different types of dog food are recommended for different breeds of dog, and each dog has its own exercise needs. This is all important to look into to make sure that your pet is getting the best care. 

Be Affectionate

The best example of an affectionate pet is probably a dog or a cat, but all animals need you to show them some love. There are many ways you can show your pet affection, whether it’s through cuddling them on the sofa, playing with them, or giving them a treat now and again. Make sure your pet knows how much they mean to you through these gestures.

If you’ve recently welcomed a pet into your home, use these tips to help show them some love and to take care of them properly.

The post Tips for Caring for Your New Pet appeared first on GirlSpring.

It’s the age of technology. Nowadays, you can find an app to perform pretty much any function you could think of. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you all the ways you have benefitted from your smartphone. There are millions of apps for games, social media, health and fitness trackers, photo editing, music streaming, video watching, scheduling, shopping, and delivery. The options are, literally, endless.

But did you know that you can even use apps to make money? Whether you want to build a business or simply pick up some more cash, you can use the modern-day tech-obsessed world to your advantage. There are probably hundreds or even thousands of apps out there that allow you to make money. I am going to focus on just three—Rover, DoorDash, and Depop.

Rover

I didn’t really know much about Rover until recently. I moved into a house with three other college students for the summer, and all three of my housemates are signed up for Rover. Essentially, it’s an app for pet sitting. People who are going on vacation or leaving town for a few days need someone to look after their pets. They can use the app to find people who are registered pet sitters. The sitter gets paid to take care of the animal while the owner is gone. Basically, you get to get paid to hang out with other people’s dogs! There are also options for house sitting, drop-in visits, pet day care, and dog walking. Although I don’t use the app, it’s been so fun having dogs in the house that my housemates are taking care of. My housemate who is signed up for Rover says, “I love having a furry friend around when I’m away from home, and it’s a great way to get a little extra cash!”

DoorDash

I’m sure you’re heard of the app DoorDash. It’s a food delivery app that allows you to order from restaurants that don’t typically do delivery. DoorDash employs people to drive around and pick up the food from these restaurants and then bring it to the customer. Recently, I became one of these employees! It’s so easy to sign up to be a “Dasher.” All you need is a car (and a driver’s license!). You can dash at any time of day for however long you want. While you are dashing, the app will ding when an order pops up. You can choose to accept or decline. If you accept, it will route you to the restaurant to pick up the food. Then it will route you to the address of the customer. As long as you feel comfortable following GoogleMaps and driving along routes you don’t normally take, it’s so simple and easy to make money using DoorDash.

Depop

Depop is a peer-to-peer shopping app that you can use to buy and sell used clothing. Personally, I love shopping on Depop . It allows you to buy second-hand instead of supporting the awful fast fashion industry. (See an article about the vices of fast fashion here.) It’s basically like thrift shopping online, and instead of digging through racks and racks of clothes, you can search for the specific items you want. And, you guessed it, you can also use Depop to make money! All you have to do is go through your closet and sort out all of the clothes you don’t wear anymore—then snap a picture and upload it to your Depop store, and bam! Anybody on the app can find your pieces and buy them. It’s a great way to de-clutter your life and pick up some extra cash while doing so.

It has never been easier to find innovative ways to make money. Rover, DoorDash, and Depop are all fun, easy, and rewarding. And they are just three of the thousands of ways technology can help you utilize the resources you already have to earn some cash. Whatever materials, skills, or ideas you can think up—there’s an app for that!

The post There’s an App for That… Making Money in 2020 appeared first on GirlSpring.

Four months ago, my family adopted an English Cream Golden Retriever puppy named Luna. At the time, she was about eight weeks old and was as cute as a button. With her extremely fluffy white coat, small round face, and dark black nose, she looked exactly like a baby polar bear and had the playful spirit to match. As soon as I met her, I knew that Luna’s arrival in our lives marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

After months of thorough consideration, my parents decided that they were finally ready to bring another dog into our lives.

Previously, we had a Golden Retriever named Princess. Princess was the first pet I ever had and had been with me since I was four years old. Sadly, Princess passed away in May 2018 but will always continue to live on in our hearts and memories. In the 14 years Princess was with us, she taught me so much about love and friendship while I was growing up. There wasn’t a day I could remember where Princess hadn’t been in my life and dealing with her passing was one of the hardest things I have ever experienced. As other dog owners know, it can be incredibly difficult to even consider getting another dog after going through the heartbreak of losing one. However, after two years of healing, my family felt like it was the right time to bring another dog into our lives.

Luna’s arrival played a very important role in our lives. My dog Princess had meant the world to my mom and her passing in 2018 took an enormous toll on my entire family. Then in May 2019, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and life as we knew it changed forever. After seeing the pain and depression my mom suffered from as a result of her cancer treatment, my dad wanted to do anything he could to help cheer her up. Seeing how happy Princess had made my mom, my dad decided that the best thing he could do for her was bring another dog into her life. It took some convincing, but my mom finally agreed and we adopted Luna. Four months have passed since then, and Luna has brought an indescribable amount of joy into my mom’s life.

The Challenges That Come with Being a Dog Owner

While I absolutely love being a dog owner and wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world, I must admit that it does come with its own set of unique challenges. Dealing with a puppy takes an immense amount of hard work, patience, dedication, love, time, and sometimes even money. As a dog owner, some of the challenges I have to deal with on a daily basis include:

> Waking up to an energetic puppy barking loudly at 6am every day.

> Constantly vacuuming up dog hair and lint rolling my clothes like my life depends on it.

> Becoming a human chew toy while Luna goes through her teething stage.

> Potty training, picking up dog poop, and cleaning up any accidents Luna has inside the house.

> Trying to work and write articles (including this one) while Luna walks all over my computer keyboard typing gibberish with her paws.

> Dealing with Luna’s counter surfing, jumping, sudden bursts of intense energy, and love of mess making.

While these behaviors are perfectly normal for a puppy, we’ve found that exercising Luna on a daily basis is a great way to keep her high energy level under control.

Exercising My Puppy

Luna is incredibly energetic and smart.  So, we’ve had to come up with various creative ways to play with her and keep her mind stimulated. Whenever it’s cool enough outside, we take her swimming in our pool. In order to help teach Luna how to swim, we bought her a little red and white striped dog life jacket.  Every time we take her swimming, we put her jacket on.  Then we throw either tennis balls or treats in the water for her to fetch. She absolutely loves to swim and wants to do it every chance she gets. However, living in Arizona, the typical temperature in the summer averages well over 100^oF so we quickly had to find a way for her to exercise indoors.

In order to safely exercise her inside, we decided to clear out some space. We then bought a mini indoor obstacle course for her to use. So far, we’ve taught her how to jump through a hoop and how to jump over a bar. With the way Luna loves jumping, I’m sure she’ll be ready for the Dog Olympics in no time. After months of training and a lot of failed attempts, we’ve also taught her how to sit, lay down, come, shake, fetch, touch, and more. I’ve also had the opportunity to watch her form an adorably deep bond with her blue bunny and pink llama stuffed animals.

My Favorite Parts of Being a Dog Owner

Being a dog owner is a lot of work. However, in my opinion, when you choose the perfect pet for your family and household, the amount of love you get in return is well worth it. I personally love the simple moments the most. It’s in those moments that you’re really able to appreciate the beautiful little things that the presence of another being can bring.

For me, these meaningful moments include:

> Walking through the front door and seeing Luna’s face light up as she comes running to greet me with a goofy grin.

> Seeing how the simplest things such as the throw of a tennis ball or the act of going on a walk can get her so excited.

> Feeling her heart gently beating and hearing her breathe softly as she peacefully sleeps in my lap.

> Running around laughing like crazy as my sister and I let Luna chase us around the kitchen.

> Knowing that no matter what happens, Luna will always be there with her unconditional love to brighten my day.

> Seeing how much happier my mom has been since we got Luna.

In my twenty-one years of life, I have honestly never seen anything quite like the selfless love from a dog. I hope that everyone reading this gets to experience that kind of love at some point in their life.

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