Category Archives: birds

Look at how handsome he is.

Strange animal friends are nothing new.In fact, I think the friendships are only strange to us humans because the animals seem to be perfectly at ease with them.

I have to admit, the friendships that surprise me most are those between predator and prey.  But again, if the animals themselves are happy with their choice of friends, who am I to judge?

There is a wonderful new book out about strange animal friendships and the story today is one that is from this book.  The book is called

UNLIKELY FRIENDSHIPS by Jennifer S. Holland

I really don’t have any interest in this book other than to tell you readers about it.  Fluffyfeet is not affiliated in any way with the book or the author other than in our clear mutual love for animals of all kinds.

As my long-term readers know, I do not think anyone “owns” an animal.  I believe we are caretakers and guardians for both our pets and any other animals we may come into contact with.  That means it is our duty to stop abuse and cruelty to the best of our ability and to take good care for the well-being of the animals around us.

For most people this means making sure the pet dog, cat, bird or other animal they are guardian for is well fed, humanely treated at all times and taken for medical treatment when they need shots or check-ups or if the suffer an accident. for which a vet is needed.

However, if you grew up on a farm or even in the countryside, you have more than likely seen some strange animal goings on and perhaps some unlikely animal friendships.  I know I have seen things that brought a sense of wonder and awe to my heart. That is why I say so often animals will never cease to amaze me.

Even having seen, read and written about animals and their sometimes seemingly strange behavior, I am still quite blown away to see a dog, a cat and baby chicks as friends.  The dog and cat don’t really come as any big surprise, but day old baby chicks are something that is  really different.

Let’s face it I know my cats couldn’t really be trusted not to devour tiny birds that couldn’t fly and I doubt most of yours could either. At the least the little birds would be batted around like toys, or I think they would.  As I said animals can surprise us and that includes hugely spoiled and indulged cats.

Let’s also face the fact the Pit Bull dog is not looked upon as a fountain of friendliness. Many people would think the cat was in grave peril around the Pit Bull and the tiny chicks, well just forget them because they are goners.

The Pit Bull dog breed is the reason I wrote this post today.  Not for people who know the breed or people who have seen many strange things occur with animals.  But rather for the people who harbor distrust, fear and even hatred of the Pit Bull because of news accounts and many urban myths.  Perhaps it will soften them just a little to this noble breed  and if it does that for even one reader, it is worth all the time and trouble in the world.

From Freekibble Knews; (Sharky is the Pit Bull)

Sharky dove into fatherhood before he was a year old and was like an excited big brother to his pups. “He couldn’t wait to see them, even more than the female,” says Helen. “If I’d ask, ‘Where are your babies?’ his eyes would sparkle and he’d run off to look for them. He’s just in heaven when he’s surrounded by all his babies.” Those babies came to include Siamese cat Max and the batches of chicks that Helen gets each spring.

The clearest bond is the one ever growing between dog and cat. “They make me laugh so much,” says Helen. “Sometimes Sharky and Max sit in exactly the same position, one paw stretched out straight and the other crunched inward, like they’re mocking each other.” And other times, she says, they sprawl out back to back by the pool, two friends just looking at the sky.

Be sure to follow the link to FreeKibble Knews to see pictures of Sharky, Max and a big batch of baby chicks.  You will also find links there to where if you want you can purchase the best-selling book Unlikely Friendships.

Please remember, the next time you decide to add another pet to your family, don’t look at a pet who needs a home through tainted eyes about their breed or breed mixture.  Judge the animal on their own personality and follow your heart.  After all, you never know when you will get another Sharky!   And wouldn’t that be fun?