Making holiday cookies and treats is a tradition for many people. At this time of year, kitchens all across the country carry the classic smells of vanilla, cinnamon, and chocolate… Read More
By Deb Butler 5 hours ago
I'm Deborah, and I'm an ardent animal lover and impassioned environmentalist. An educator for over 30 years, I recently retired so I could pursue my passion of writing full time. I have had many pets throughout my life, from a Russian tortoise, to fish, to cats, and dogs. My husband and I are currently owned by our very bold pug, Daisy Lu. I have two grown daughters: Chelsea, who lives in Belgium on a NATO base with her husband, Ryan, and Carissa, who lives near me and visits often.
Making holiday cookies and treats is a tradition for many people. At this time of year, kitchens all across the country carry the classic smells of vanilla, cinnamon, and chocolate… Read More
By Deb Butler 5 hours ago
The word polydactyl refers to a person or animal with more fingers or toes than usual. In the feline world, polydactyl cats have more than five toes on their front… Read More
By Deb Butler 1 day ago
Arizona has more than 8,000 bridges. Unfortunately, almost 400 of them are deemed structurally deficient or in poor condition. Despite the poor conditions of some of these bridges, several of… Read More
By Deb Butler 6 days ago
Known for its diverse regions with distinct climates, gorgeous beaches, and exceptional educational systems, North Carolina is a fantastic place to live. Those who live in this state value the… Read More
By Deb Butler 3 weeks ago
Due to soaring gas prices across the country, people want the most affordable local gas prices they can find. Crude oil prices will continue to hit and exceed their current… Read More
By Deb Butler 3 weeks ago
The Galapagos Islands consist of thirteen large islands, six small ones, and dozens of islets, comprising an archipelago of 17,000 square miles. Located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador,… Read More
By Deb Butler 3 weeks ago
What has four legs and two ears, with all the energetic attitude of a Chihuahua and the spunky playfulness of a dachshund? It's a Chiweenie. This little designer-breed dog is… Read More
By Deb Butler 3 weeks ago
Michigan was once a steadily growing state with a booming economy. In fact, cities like Detroit experienced high growth rates for several years. However, many factors have impacted the state… Read More
By Deb Butler 4 weeks ago
Maize — familiarly called corn — has a long history of feeding people while evolving over the past 9,000 years. As humans domesticated the formerly wild plant through one of… Read More
By Deb Butler 4 weeks ago
Any person who has had to shed a few extra holiday pounds understands how difficult it can be. Our canine companions are no exception to being susceptible to weight gain.… Read More
By Deb Butler 1 month ago
Key West is a tropical paradise, a romantic getaway for couples, and a ... chicken sanctuary. That's right — Key West is home to a large population of feral chickens.… Read More
By Deb Butler 1 month ago
If you see a Komondor and puli in separate photos, you may note the similar corded coats and little black noses peeking out from their furry faces. However, if you're… Read More
By Deb Butler 1 month ago
If you're looking for an affordable place to get away from the cold this winter, there are scads of locations to sift through. That's why we've done the research to… Read More
By Deb Butler 1 month ago
Sasquatch. Yeti. Do both names bring similar pictures of massive apelike hominids to mind? Maybe, but that doesn't mean that there aren't fundamental distinctions between the two. Both are cryptids,… Read More
By Deb Butler 1 month ago
Dog lovers around the world have pets from a multitude of different breeds and groups. There are herding dogs, hounds, toy breeds, non-sporting dogs, terriers, working dogs, and those in… Read More
By Deb Butler 1 month ago
Upland hunters enjoy the pursuit of pheasants all over the United States. Naturally, some areas are more fruitful than others when it comes to finding these game birds. So, we've… Read More
By Deb Butler 1 month ago
In the darkening days of autumn, under the swollen moon, the folklore of monsters and otherworldly creatures can make your imagination run wild. Actually, many of those legends and lore… Read More
By Deb Butler 1 month ago
Betta fish have been sold in Western pet stores since the 19th century. However, they have served as pets to Thai royalty for even longer — since about 1,000 years… Read More
By Deb Butler 1 month ago
Known as the Cowboy State, Wyoming has over 97,914 square miles of wide-open spaces. Elk, moose, whitetail deer, and pronghorn roam the ruggedly beautiful lands, while bears, mountain lions, bighorn… Read More
By Deb Butler 1 month ago
For many of us, the winter season brings the opportunity to snuggle up under a blanket with a cup of hot cocoa while watching the snow fall out the window… Read More
By Deb Butler 1 month ago
It is no secret that Canadian lakes offer residents a sumptuous lifestyle. Therefore, buying a lake home may be an excellent idea if you enjoy lake activities and appreciate magnificent… Read More
By Deb Butler 2 months ago
If you're considering a new puppy and a smaller breed suits your lifestyle, you may want to consider an adorable miniature schnauzer. Of course, there's a lot to consider and… Read More
By Deb Butler 2 months ago
When summer slips into autumn, it often brings with it the smells of ripened apples and chimney smoke, visions of vibrant golds, oranges, and reds of falling leaves, and the… Read More
By Deb Butler 2 months ago
Whether it's barbecue, college football, or classic literature — such as To Kill a Mockingbird — Alabama does it better than any other state in the U.S. This southern state… Read More
By Deb Butler 2 months ago
Louisiana is home to a variety of deer habitats. In particular, the upland and bottomland hardwood habitats that lie along the Mississippi River provide fertile soil and resources for deer… Read More
By Deb Butler 2 months ago
People have been coloring their hair with natural dyes for centuries. In the late 1800s, colored contacts were invented, and later — in the 1960s — became available for people… Read More
By Deb Butler 2 months ago
Some people believe that humans are the only species of animals that can kiss. In fact, the late author, Charles Dickens once wrote, "Man is the only animal that knows… Read More
By Deb Butler 2 months ago
All across the United States, people walk, bike, and drive across bridges to get from one place to another. Without these bridges, many of the routes we take for granted… Read More
By Deb Butler 2 months ago
Doberman pinschers are sleek yet muscular dogs that exude an aristocratic air. These dogs were first bred in Germany by a 19th-century tax collector named Louis Dobermann. Facing hostility for… Read More
By Deb Butler 2 months ago
With so many interesting mixed breeds and designer dog breeds today, you can find a cross of almost any two breeds. The pomsky is a mixed breed, with a cross… Read More
By Deb Butler 2 months ago
People buy second homes for a multitude of reasons. It could be because they're looking for a vacation home or an investment opportunity. Louisiana is an incredible state for buying… Read More
By Deb Butler 2 months ago
Most people visualize themselves carving pumpkins, raking leaves, and putting on a warm sweater when they think about October. Although October is certainly an autumn month, there are some places… Read More
By Deb Butler 2 months ago
Virginia is a beautiful state, home to the mountains, one-fourth of the Appalachian Trail, beautiful scenery, and a collection of quaint little towns and larger cities. But, which city is… Read More
By Deb Butler 2 months ago
Who can resist the adorable little terrier with the happy-go-lucky attitude? Cairn terriers are playful little dogs that were bred in Scotland over 200 years ago. At first, these pups… Read More
By Deb Butler 2 months ago
Arguably one of the most interesting-looking animals in the world, llamas have been around for a long time. About 400 million years ago, they roamed the central plains of North… Read More
By Deb Butler 2 months ago
Hockey is one of the most popular winter sports in the United States. Even though the birthplace of professional hockey is Canada, Americans followed suit within a decade and developed… Read More
By Deb Butler 2 months ago
As a result of decreased global mortality rates and better healthcare, the world's population is quickly growing. While the fertility rate is slowly dropping, it can't match the rapid pace… Read More
By Deb Butler 2 months ago
In the past, it wasn't unusual to see service dogs and their owners out together in public. The sight of a German shepherd leading someone with a vision impairment probably… Read More
By Deb Butler 2 months ago
With 10% of the world's population living on the coastlines of our oceans, rising sea levels pose an incredibly alarming dilemma for the almost 800 million people at risk. Since… Read More
By Deb Butler 2 months ago
If you're driving on the fast-paced New Jersey Turnpike, you may look at the passing miles of dark asphalt and wonder how the state got its nickname, The Garden State.… Read More
By Deb Butler 2 months ago
Have you ever dreamed about taking a trip to Australia for its amazing natural wonders and unique wildlife? New South Wales has lush rainforests, impressive waterfalls, and some of the… Read More
By Deb Butler 2 months ago
With only 1,214 square miles in surface area, Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States. Moreover, it measures only 48 miles long and has a width of… Read More
By Deb Butler 2 months ago
Let's face it, most dog lovers have a favorite breed, even if they really do love all dogs. For those who particularly love pugs, you know that this breed is… Read More
By Deb Butler 2 months ago
When someone tells you they're from Wisconsin, your mind may conjure up images of dairy farms, small-town football games, and charming little stores. However, there are some places in this… Read More
By Deb Butler 2 months ago
Most people enjoy setting out on a road trip every now and again, listening to their favorite tunes, and enjoying the scenic byway as they drive along. The East Coast… Read More
By Deb Butler 2 months ago
Missouri is a fabulous travel destination. It is a state filled with vibrant cities, quaint little towns, wide-open spaces, and wonderful waterways. There is a multitude of attractions for both… Read More
By Deb Butler 2 months ago
What exactly makes a city walkable? Naturally, it has to be pedestrian accessible to enable people to get from place to place on foot. However, there are other factors to… Read More
By Deb Butler 2 months ago
There are so many reasons people love whitewater rafting it's no surprise that 24 states in the US have rivers in which people enjoy this pastime. Some people do it… Read More
By Deb Butler 2 months ago
Key Points: Pocatello Pocatello is a lovely valley city with a vibrant historical downtown area featuring museums, art walks, as well as a zoo, hiking, walking trails, and many other… Read More
By Deb Butler 2 months ago
As Laura Gilpin said, "A river seems like a magic thing. Magic, moving, living part of the earth itself." And, rivers are indeed magical. However, they can also be perilous… Read More
By Deb Butler 3 months ago