Category Archives: Animals

27

The Summer Was a Zoo

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How to Train a Siamese Cat (4 Easy Steps) | Hepper Pet Resources

Ms Cavendish, an elegant Siamese, was the new primary-level teacher at the Cheeseland Academy of Inter-Species Learning. It’s the first day back after summer break.

Ms Cavendish: Welcome everyone to our first day of school. My name is Ms. Cavendish, and I’ll be your teacher this year. I thought that a good way to introduce ourselves would be to go around the room and tell everyone one thing that you did this summer. Would anyone like to start?

Video: Who Wins This Battle Of Cat Vs. Squirrel? | PawTracks

Sally Squirrel: Ooh, me! My brother Hal got into a fight with the cat next door. There was so much hissing and chittering that my mom had to throw water on them to break it up.

Ms Cavendish: Oh my! Is everyone okay?

Sally: Yes. But my mom said that they aren’t allowed to play in the bird bath anymore.

Running the Raccoons at Critter Care Wildlife Society - YouTube

Ralph Raccoon: We went on a trip to the mountains to visit some relatives this summer.

Ms. Cavendish: Oh, that sounds lovely.

Ralph: We had a great time. And I learned something new.

Ms Cavendish: What did you learn?

Ralph: That humans are really weird. Some of them think that we are adorable and others think that we are full of diseases. One lady saw me and my sister playing chase, running after each other. She started yelling at someone to get a gun because we had to be diseased to be running around like that.

Adorable raccoon eats a marshmallow

Ms Cavendish: That must have been terrifying. What happened?

Ralph: Another lady came out, but she didn’t have a gun. She said, “Myrtle, you’re crazy. Can’t you see that they’re little raccoons having fun?” Then she made the other lady go inside.

Ralph: It turned out really well. The humans had a bonfire later, and we went back to thank the nice lady. She gave each of us something called a s’more. It’s 2 graham crackers with melted marshmallow and chocolate between them.They were really yummy.

Su Pallosu's cat beach is taking Sardinian tourism by storm - Traveling Cats

Tommy Tabby: Me next. We went to the beach.

Ms Cavendish: That’s an interesting choice for a cat family. Do you all like water?

Tommy: Not at all. I mean it’s great to drink, but don’t make me walk or play in it. My mom’s the same way.

Su Pallosu's cat beach is taking Sardinian tourism by storm - Traveling Cats

Ms Cavendish: So who planned the trip?

Tommy: My dad did. He says he didn’t notice all of the water. He wanted to go for the sun and sand. That part was really nice. But my little brother didn’t understand that it wasn’t an open-air litter box. We almost got kicked out when another guest saw him doing his thing. Mom was so embarrassed. She says we’re never going back.

Ms Cavendish: I can definitely see why she would be a little uncomfortable. Who’s next?

Labrador Retriever Group | Facebook

Lily Lab: We went to a family reunion in a place called Woofington.

Ms Cavendish: That sounds like a dog-friendly place.

Lily: We thought so too. But maybe a little too dog-friendly. My aunt had reserved a place in one of their parks for all of us. She was expecting 20-25 dogs. But the park is big, and it seemed like every Yellow Labrador family in the state was in Woofington. There were also lots of Chocolate Labs and Golden Retrievers.

Ms. Cavendish: That sounds like a lot of dogs.

Tibetan Mastiff Owner's Guide | Greencross Vets

Lily: My mom said that she had never seen so many dogs. We followed the directions to our site. She found her sister pretty fast. My aunt was really upset. Some other family had taken over the site.

Ms Cavendish: That’s awful. What happened?

Lily: Not long after we got there, Mom’s other sister arrived with her family, Aunt Shelly’s married to Steffo. He’s a Tibetan Master. He’s really sweet and wouldn’t hurt a fly. But he’s huge and very protective of his family. He went to the alpha of the other family and suggested that they had made a mistake. They were really good about moving on.

_MG_1231 | A young grizzly bear and a coyote having a conver… | Flickr

Ms Cavendish: This is all very interesting. Anyone else want to share?

Kyle Coyote: We got kicked out of a national park. I don’t want to say which one because they might be looking for us.

Ms Cavendish: Oh my goodness! What happened?

Kyle: My family went to this park and wanted to camp. Did you know that some of those places are run by humans? We thought bears ran them all. Bears are cool to coyotes; humans are not.

What's All the Ruckus? Coyote Howling at Night.

Ms Cavendish: And the one you went to was run by humans?

Kyle: Yeah. Mom and Dad got into a huge fight when they found out. Mom won, so we decided to stay. But the guy at the entrance was kinda a jerk. He read all of the rules to us like we were too stupid to do it ourselves. We finally set up camp and ate. We were relaxing at night when we heard the call of the wild. Of course we had to respond. Several other coyotes joined in.

Ms Cavendish: That sounds wonderful.

Kyle: It was. Until the humans showed up and told us we were breaking the rules by making noise after 9 pm. He got into a fight with my dad who scented him. Then we got kicked out.

My favorite animal in i party hat, how cute!!

Ms Cavendish: This has all been a lot of fun. I’m sorry but we’re out of time. Any last thoughts?

Voice at the Back: Party with animals, not with humans.

Pets In School

Pictures courtesy of Google Images

23

Do They Sell Fleas at a Flea Market? Part 2

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Sgt Stripes here. After much discussion, the Communications Team agreed that it was a bad idea to have a flea market in Cheeseland. While the name doesn’t really mean that fleas are involved in the human market, there is a much higher possibility that actual fleas would make an appearance at an animal flea market. So we took another idea from the humans and rebranded it.

How Cats Show Affection Through Their Tails - Cat Explore

So I am here at the 2025 Cheeseland Rummage Sale. Thomas Tabby is here to listen to his constituents. We are going to give you a tour of what is going on.

Sgt Stripes Here’s a familiar face. We didn’t expect to find you here, Gypsy.

Gypsy: What can I say? I though Rummage Sale meant we got to rummage around looking for something that catches our eye.

Sgt Stripes: That’s pretty much the idea. And what cat doesn’t love a good rummage?

Gypsy: You better tell the guy with the meat pies. How was I supposed to know which one I wanted to buy without tasting them? He made me buy the first one I tried. And it was some kind of bird. Yuck! I hate poultry. I thought they’d be, you know meat.

North American raccoon | San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers

Sgt Stripes: I see your point about the poultry vs meat. But once you’ve tasted something, they can’t sell it.

Gypsy: Whatever. I hope they have samples at the treats table.

Sgt Stripes walks up to a raccoon family.

Sgt Stripes: How are you enjoying the sale?

Raccoon looking in mirror

Mama Raccoon: We love it. There is so much stuff to paw through. And whoever thought of the fun house for the kids is a genius. Who doesn’t love funny mirrors and tilted floors?

Papa Raccoon: They might want to rethink the balloons though. A lot of the kids are just learning to control their claws. A few of the more timid ones were frightened by all of the popping.

Thomas Tabby: Thank you for sharing. That’s just the type of feedback we’re looking for.

How To Care for Your Pet Rat | PetMD

Sgt Stripes and Thomas Tabby are pleased to see a large crowd of animals. And a lot of the tables were doing a good business. They walk up to a crowded table and find a large, cheerful rat behind it.

Thomas Tabby: You have an interesting assortment of merchandise.

Rat: You may have heard of a rat’s nest being a jumble of things. When my grandfather went over the Rainbow Bridge, he had been working on it for years. And he collected a lot of stuff. This sale is perfect.

Arizona Pack Rats | Atomic Pest Control

Thomas Tabby: Your grandfather would have been pleased to know so many folks will be enjoying his things.

Rat: You’re right. He was a great guy.

Sgt Stripes: Sorry for your loss.

The two tabbies continue around the park. There are all types of things to buy. A beaver was selling wooden toys he had made.

Here are 2 photos of a beaver chewing the bark and cambium off of a branch. Beavers eat tree product, but don't eat the wood itself. They will eat the twigs, leaves,

Sgt Stripes: These are great! If Mom didn’t have a rule against bringing more stuff into the house, I would definitely get something for the small humans.

Beaver: Thank you! I hadn’t really thought about small humans. I was looking more at the puppy/rabbit market. But that is a excellent idea!

They heard a splash and a lot of laughter.

Sgt Stripes: What was that?

Otter Contemplates a Swim in the Puppy Pool — The Daily Otter

Beaver: That’s the Otter Brothers Dunk an Otter game.It is extremely popular. Anyone who buys a piece of their grasshopper cheesecake gets a chance to spin a wheel to dump one of the otters into a vat of water.

Thomas Tabby: We should go over and take a look.

Sgt Stripes: You go right ahead. I do not like water in my fur.

Beaver: They don’t dunk you. It’s one of the otters.

Why Do Cats Hate Water? 5 Reasons & Tips for Bath Time

Nothing would convince Sgt Stripes to go near the water. He got a salmon smoothie and waited on a bench. Finally, Thomas returned. looking a little soggy.

Thomas Tabby: It looks like you were right, Stripes. They aren’t using a water tank; They are using a tub. Every time the otter goes into the tub, it splashes everyone.

Sgt Stripes: I knew it wasn’t a good idea. Where do you want to go next?

Thomas Tabby: There’s something called The Field of Dreams over by the pavilion. It’s a fundraiser for the Cheeseland Hospital.

Sgt Stripes: That sounds interesting. Let’s go!

The Peruvian Llama - Lima Spanish House

The field was very crowded. They finally got to the pavilion. There was a llama directing some other animals.

Sgt Stripes: This looks exciting. What’s going on, and who is in charge. Is it you?

Llama (laughing): No, I’m part of security. You want JJ Gorilla. He’s the brains behind it.

Sgt Stripes: Mr Gorilla, this looks very interesting. Can you explain what is going on?

Gorilla: Please call me JJ. With all of the budget cuts we’ve been going through, the hospital needed to raise some money. A treasure hunt game sounded like a different, fun way to do it.

😻Cats at the Spa😻 - Funny Cats Doing Human Things

Sgt Stripes: Can you explain how it works?

JJ: We got animals to donate some really nice prizes. We have a heated cat condo, and all-you-can eat dinner for six at Freddy’s Fish Factory, and a custom burrow for winter, and a couple’s spa day at Ruth’s Premier Salon and Day Spa. All told, we have ten excellent prizes.

Sgt Stripes: That does sound nice.  Did everyone here have to buy a ticket? How do you decide who wins?

Differences between cats and dogs: Cats Are Not Small Dogs

JJ: Most of them bought a ticket.They were given an envelope. Ten envelopes had a gold printed map, and the rest had a black printed map. The gold maps each lead to one of the prizes. The black maps lead to a bag of treats.

Sgt Stripes: Why are there so many animals here?

JJ: A lot of the animals who got treat bags are trying to help the lucky winners find their prize. The gold maps are very tricky.

Thomas Tabby: It looks like some of them have family and friends helping too.

How often do you find yourself talking to your pets?

JJ: That’s true. Since each map leads to a different prize, there’s no reason to fight.

Sgt Stripes  and Thomas Tabby returned to the main selling area. There were animals everywhere

Thomas Tabby: This didn’t turn out the way I expected it would. I thought it would be just animals bringing in old stuff.

Sgt Stripes: That’s true. But this is so much better.

Pictures courtesy of Google Images.

26

Do They Sell Fleas at a Flea Market?

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You may recall that Sgt Stripes is on Thomas Tabby’s Communications Team. He is trying to figure out how something that sounded so good could be this far off track. He’s reading through a recent chain on the official Cheeseland social media account @CheeselandHappenings.

Giggles the Angry Cat

@cassiecat Can you believe what they’ve put up on the community bulletin board? It’s an ad for a Flea Market!

Cheeseland Sale

Do they really think any of us will go to an event sponsored by fleas?

What Makes Quokkas So Happy?!? — Well/Beings

@rexrover This is a terrible idea. Do you have any idea how many animals have suffered with flea bites? Or how many of us have suffered through an infestation?

@mimiminx I know we’re supposed to be some kind of ultra-tolerant, open-to-everyone kind of place, but this is ridiculous. Fleas are parasites. Why would we want to get anywhere near a flea?

@goofygiraffe It’s kind of confusing. Is a flea market a place where fleas sell stuff or a place to buy fleas?

Video Shows Curious Bear Cub Open Car Door to Get a Bite of Man's Sandwich - Newsweek

@dabears It sounds like they’re running the thing, so I guess they’re selling stuff. But what would a flea have to sell?

@gingertom I’ve heard that they make flea farms so you can grow your own fleas.

@redthedog That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. Who wants to grow fleas?

Buster the Puss in Boots!

@cassiecat That’s probably why they want us to bring stuff to sell. They know no one would come to their lame sale otherwise.

@pussinsandals I bet they’re trying to infiltrate Cheeseland to take it over. If they get enough of us there, they can jump on us while we’re busy looking at other animals’ stuff. They’re probably going to bring lots of pregnant lady fleas. We’re looking at a total infestation if we’re not careful.

@dambuilderbeaver Maybe the doctors are in on it too. They’ll make a fortune helping us get rid of the fleas.

Alligator Steps Up and Rings Doorbell of Florida Home Like a Traveling Salesman - PetHelpful

@alexbear And some of us are allergic. They’re probably trying to ruin our entire way of life.

@alligatore They’re not even animals. I don’t think they should even be allowed in Cheeseland.

@fabfeline You’re right. We need to stop this madness before it gets out of hand. Our very existence may be at stake.

10 Sassy, Fun Cat Facts for Curious Owners

Moderator: Please do not make unsubstantiated accusations on this site. As a point of reference, the term “flea market” refers to a busy second-hand market where previously owned items are resold. The French humans have been having them for over 100 human years.

@fabfeline So why is it called a flea market if the humans invented them?

Moderator: No one knows for sure. Probably because used upholstered furniture would likely have contained fleas. France and other places humans have had fleas in their furniture. It’s actually kind of disgusting. Humans always blame us for fleas.

900+ Best SQUIRREL! ideas in 2025 | squirrel, cute animals, animal pictures

@roborobert That doesn’t make any sense. Why would human fleas be showing up at our fair? I think we need proof that there won’t be any fleas before we set up any tables there.

@artsyaardvark We need to talk to whoever put this thing together. How dumb is it to bring fleas to something that’s full of animals?

@supersquirrel Maybe we could invite some lizards for flea control.

Mad Orange Cat Angry Ginger Tabby Cat Hisses And Attacks Stock Photo Download

@cassiecat I don’t think I want to be a part of something where I have to hire protection.

@dabears Agreed. We don’t want to be a part of anything that has fleas.

@gingertom Who’s responsible for this awful idea? I’d like to have a talk with them.

Cat Rolls up on the Neighborhood Crew and Screams like a Whole Mood - Parade Pets

@tabbytude Isn’t Thomas Tabby responsible for anything that’s between the animals and the humans?

@elephantal I don’t think that includes animals vs parasites.

@tabbytude Maybe not, but I’m not going until someone guarantees there won’t be fleas everywhere.

Sgt Stripes calls an emergency meeting of the Communications Team. They need to save the flea market.

The council will judge you now : r/cats

 

 

12

The Bears Flying Adventure – Part 2

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Summer Wildlife Series: Bears - Gray Line Alaska

Dave and Dottie Bear are trying to fly with their two cubs to Yellowstone Park on a human-run airline. Things were going fairly well until they got to security and realized they had no identification. You can read Part 1 here.

The bears are standing in front of a sign telling them that they must have government-issued identification before they can get on the airplane. 

Myth: When Bears Lose Their Fear of People, They Become More Likely to Attack - North American Bear Center

Dottie: Didn’t they tell you on the phone that we would need identification?

Dave: I don’t think so. Most of the conversation was about whether or not we would eat the other passengers.

Ethan: That’s dumb. We don’t eat people.

Most of the black bear's natural diet consists of berries, nuts, roots, and insects. To gain enough weight for winter dormancy, black bears have to consume about 20,000 calories a day! It's

Edgar: Yeah. My favorite food is blueberries.

Ethan: And raspberries.

Edgar: And honey.

Ethan: Mom, can I have a snack? I’m getting hungry.

Dottie: Not now. We have to figure out how to get through Security.

Bear photo a reminder for Tri-Cities to be aware of all surroundings - Tri-City News

Employee: You have to move along folks. You’re holding up the line.

Dave looked around and there was a small crowd behind them.

Dave: Why didn’t they just ask?

Employee (whispering): You’re a bunch of bears. They don’t want your wife going all “Mama Grizzly” on them.

Paige 🗻 Alaska Adventures | Mama bears are on guard 24/7 trying to protect their cubs. It was crazy to see how tirelessly they work to be aware of their surroundings.... | Instagram

Dottie: What’s “Mama Grizzly”?

Employee: You know. Chasing them down so they don’t hurt your cubs.

Dottie (to Dave): I knew we shouldn’t have gotten mixed up with humans. They’re all crazy.

Dave: Sir, I can assure you that no one has better manners than my wife. The humans could have asked politely, and we would have let them past.

Everything You Need to Know About Bears in the Smoky Mountains | Gatlinburg Cabins | Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals | Chalet Village

Employee: Please just move along and keep the line flowing.

Dave: But we don’t . . .

Employee: Just move along.

The bears move along as they were directed. They notice that the line is rather long but seems to be moving well. Before long, they are in front of a desk.

Brown Alaskan Bear standing up - Picture of Alaska Homestead Lodge, Lake Clark National Park and Preserve - Tripadvisor

Security Agent: Please show me your boarding passes and identification.

Dave: Here are the boarding passes.

Security Agent: Thank you. Now I need to see identification for you and the lady.

Dave: We’re bears. We don’t have identification.

How to Answer This Trick Interview Question - Business Insider

Security Agent: You can’t get on the plane until I see your identification.

Dottie: I have school IDs for the boys. Will that work?

Security Agent: I don’t need identification for them. I need it for you.

Dave: No one told us we needed identification. We just get on the trains and buses.

Security Agent: We have different rules here. Sometimes people try to blow up planes.

Listen to 911 Call About Bear Cub

Dottie: I don’t want to get on a plane if someone is going to blow it up.

Security Agent: We’re trying to keep the planes from blowing up. Please step aside.

The bears move to the side while the agent talks to someone on the phone. Shortly another human appears and tells them to follow him. Dottie and the boys look terrified. Dave is getting angry. They are shown to a small room.

Tourist suggests Yellowstone National Park train bears for better viewing - Cottage Life

Human: My name is Sgt Stryker. What seems to be the problem?

Dave: We’re trying to get to Yellowstone to see my Aunt Edna. She’s never seen the boys.

Dottie: I wanted to take the train, but the boys really wanted to fly. This was the only airline we could afford.

Dave: Nobody told us we would need official identification to get on the plane.

Sgt Stryker: That is the federal regulation.

Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)

Dave: What do other animals use?

Sgt Stryker: I’m not really sure. To be honest, you’re the first animals I’ve seen in Security. Let me make a call.

Dave and Dottie wait, trying not to let the boys see that they are scared too.

Sgt Stryker: Good news. I understand what went wrong. They sent you through the human line. You were supposed to go through the non-human security line. Let me take you where you need to be.

Dave: Thank you. That would be very helpful.

Honestly, it was pretty challenging working with a talking raccoon. 🙃🙃

They follow Sgt Stryker outside to a different building. They are relieved to see the badgers and raccoons again.

Rex Raccoon: We are really glad to see you. We thought maybe you got kicked off.

Dave: No. They sent us to the human line.

Molly Raccoon: The human line? That’s awful. They think that everyone might blow up the plane.

Wally Badger: They’re much more civilized on this side. And wait until you see the great section they have for us. Lots of space and plenty of snacks.

Pin by Olga Glazova on OG BEAR | Bear cubs, Grizzly bear, Grizzly bear cub

Edgar: Daddy, look! It’s our airplane. It’s huge!

Ethan: Oh boy! This is gonna be epic. Wait until we tell everyone at school that we got to ride on a big airplane with lots of scary humans.

Rex Raccoon: Don’t worry about the scary humans. They’re not allowed in our part of the plane.

Dottie: Thank goodness! Maybe this is going to work out after all.

File:Tired brown bear 050701 01.JPG - Wikimedia Commons

Pictures courtesy of Google Images.

10

The Bears Flying Adventure

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Walking Among Giants': A Writer's Introduction to the Grizzly Bear

Dave and Dottie Bear are planning a family vacation to visit relatives at Yellowstone, a huge National Park in Wyoming. will be traveling with their twin cubs Ethan and Edgar.

Dottie: I’m trying to decide whether it makes more sense to get a suite on the train or try to wrangle the boys in the club car for meals and just get sleeper seats. The sleeper seats are a lot more comfortable.

My favorite ad for the National Parks...love that bear and his backpack!!

Dave: How long does it take there by train?

Dottie: There isn’t anything direct from Northern Michigan. We need to transfer in Detroit. So it’s a little under three days, total.

Dave: That’s a long time for the little guys.

Dottie: Do you want to go someplace closer?

Adorable moment two bears were caught hugging on camera whilst playing | Nature | News | Express.co.uk

Dave: No. Aunt Edna really wants to meet the boys.

Dottie: Then I guess the suite is the better choice.

Dave: Don’t any buses go there?

Dottie: I am not spending 18 hours on a bus with 2 cubs.

Katmai National Park Flight Service (A Review of Bald Mountain Air) - YOUR ALASKAN ADVENTURES

Ethan: I know, Mommy! Let’s fly! (He was holding a toy airplane.)

Edgar: Yeah! That’d be cool! Like on Masha and the Bear.

Dottie: Honey, Masha and Bear have a train, not an airplane.

Edgar: The penguin has a plane cause he has to fly a long way.

China's Harbin Beer Campaign Teams up a Polar Bear and Chimp on a Plane | Branding in Asia

Dottie: Airplanes are really expensive.

Dave: I wonder how much it would cost. Can you check on it?

Dottie: Okay. Let’s see. Round trip on Airbear is more than the train suite. Animal X doesn’t fly there. Let me keep looking. Here’s one that’s reasonable. It’s called Mountain Mover. Have you heard of them?

Dave: I’m looking them up right now. Been in business since 2022. Looks like they were a cargo company before that.

US ends era of emotional support animals on planes

Dottie: It’s run by humans. I don’t think it’s a good idea to use a human company.

Dave: The pictures show animals and humans. They seem pretty happy.

Dottie: Are there any bears?

Dave: No. But that doesn’t mean anything. It won’t hurt to talk to them.

One Mama Bear, Two Cubs, and Three Filmmakers: Disneynature's Bears - The Credits

Dottie and the boys listen to Dave on the phone.

Dave: Hello. I’m interested in a flight from Marquette, Michigan to Yellowstone, Wyoming. I should mention that there would be two adults and two cubs. Yes, we’re black bears. Yes, we’re under 400 pounds each. I guess we’re technically omnivores. No history of attacking anyone. Excellent! I’ll talk it over with my wife. Thank you very much.

Dottie: What did they say?

An Orphanage for Grizzly Bears | Discovery

Dave: They’ve never had bears on board before, but there’s no rules against it. I think we should go for it.

Ethan: Please?

Edgar: Please?

Dottie: I really don’t like the idea of being around humans.

Dave: It’s the cheapest and fastest choice.

Dottie: I guess it makes the most sense.

Watch: Bear tries to get through sliding door to reach food - UPI.com

Their instructions say to arrive at the human airport at least 2 hours before the flight. They hire a BearLyft for the trip.

Driver: Do you know which door you need?

Dave: It’s Mountain Mover, if that helps.

Driver: Let me ask.

Attendant: I don’t know, but they’re not allowed here.

The Two-Second Solution That Keeps Stuff Safe and Bears Wild - BearWise

So it went until they got to the very end. It didn’t look promising, The bears got out and paid the driver.

Dottie (whispering): I told you this was a bad idea.

Dave: Relax. Look, there’s a couple of badgers. And a family of raccoons over there.

Dottie tried to smile at them.

North American raccoon | San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers

Edgar: Wow! This place is huge. Where’s our plane?

Dave: It says we have to check our luggage and go through Security.

Ethan: What’s Security?

Dave: I’m not sure. I know it’s supposed to keep us safe on the plane.

Watch: Gatlinburg theme park worker gets bear scare at concession stand

Dave joined the line to check in their luggage. Dottie and the boys sat on a bench nearby.

Agent: Hello, sir. You have a beautiful family.

Dave: Thank you. It’s our first time on an airplane.

Agent: Everything is set. Would you please step on our scales?

Dave: Why? No one else had to.

Weight - North American Bear Center

Agent: Just a formality. We have a passenger weight limit and you are a good-size bear.

Dave hesitated, a little insulted. Then he stepped on.

Agent: Excellent sir, a little under 300 pounds. Must be the fur that makes you look larger. Enjoy your flight.

Two Funny Black Bears Sitting on a Wooden Bench

When Dave got back to Dottie, she and the boys were surrounded by humans. They looked frightened.

Dave: What’s going on here?

Human 1: We’ve never been up close to a bear before.

Child: We want to pet them.

Human 2: Your cubs are incredibly cute.

Dave: Thank you, but you are scaring them. Please move back.

Adorable bear cub siblings hug it out after being reunited

Dottie: Thank goodness you came back. I was afraid they were going to take one of the boys.

Dave: Everything’s fine. Let’s find Security.

They followed the other passengers to a sign that said, Security. Please take off your shoes and have your boarding pass and government ID ready.

Dave: This is not ideal. We don’t have shoes and Michigan doesn’t give bears identification cards.

Bear Feet! | New Journey

Next week: Will the bears get on the flight?

Pictures courtesy of Google Images.

20

Yak Express: We Don’t Do That

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Loaded Yak, Mount Everest, Tibet

Today we are listening in on a customer phone service experience with Borris, representative of Yak Express, and Muffin, an unhappy customer. 

Cute Animals: Funny Cat with Cell Phone

Borris: “Thank you for calling Yak Express. This is Borris. May I please get your name, and order number?”

Muffin: “Hi, my name is Muffin, order number is C1029. 

Borris: “Thank you. I see this is regarding your Fish in a Bowl, is that correct?”

Footprints of the yak: The man who has spent four decades preserving Sikkim's lifeline

Muffin: “Yes” 

Borris: “How may I help you today?”

Muffin: “I am very displeased with your service, and I demand a full refund on my shipping!” 

Kitten Watching Fish in a Bowl with Amusement. Art Prints from Ardea

Borris: “I’m sorry to hear that. May I ask what the issue is?”

Muffin: “I paid for same day delivery, as I intended to play with my meal, then eat it. This cost me a whole silvervine stick! However, your stupid delivery yak didn’t get me my fish in a bowl for 2 whole days!” 

Borris: “I’m so sorry that happened to you. Were you given a reason for the delay?”

Wild Yak Wallowing in the Mud - YouTube

Muffin: “He claims that the mud was too deep from the recent rains to get through. What sort of yak can’t plow through a little mud?”

Borris: “I see. Unfortunately, he is correct, for the safety of our yaks, if there are excessive or extreme conditions, we prohibit them from delivering”. 

Muffin: “That is unacceptable! By the time my fish in a bowl arrived, he was belly side up, and no fun to play with at all!” Cat angry store

Borris: “I understand your frustration. I can definitely offer you a refund on your silvervine stick.” 

Muffin: “What about my fish in a bowl? Are you going to replace that?” 

Borris: “I don’t see how that would be possible. We’re Yak Express, not Fish ‘R’ Us.” 

Cat Hissing: Everything You Need to Know | Great Pet Care

Muffin: “Exactly! Express! And you didn’t deliver expressly! And now I’m out a fish in a bowl! I demand you replace my fish in a bowl!”

Borris: “If you order a new fish in a bowl, we’ll be happy to ship it, free of charge. Unfortunately, we can not physically provide the fish in a bowl”. 

Muffin: “Well, you’re just useless, aren’t you”?

MJ constantly drinks water out of the fish bowl until she can pet the fish. She never hurts the fish, just wants to pet. : r/shittyaquariums

Borris: “Sorry, I’m not sure what you want me to do.” 

Muffin: “I want you to get me a new fish in a bowl!” 

Borris: “I can see this is going nowhere. I will refund your silvervine stick, and it will be delivered to you via Yak Express same day shipping. You should receive it by 5:00 tonight.” 

The yak is an imposing giant of the high mountains

Muffin: “And my fish in a bowl”? 

Borris: “I’m sorry, you’ll have to go through the retailer for that.” 

Muffin: ‘Ugh! I hope all of your naps get interrupted”. 

Borris: “Thank you for calling Yak Express. Please call us back if you have any shipping needs. Have a fur-tastic day”!

Why Tibetan Yaks are Indispensable in Tibet?

Pictures courtesy of Google Images.

20

Letters to the Easter Bunny

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The Unusual History of the Easter Bunny | Easter Traditions

A couple of weeks before Easter, Santa Claus stopped by the Easter Bunny’s main burrow on Easter Island. He was amazed to see that it was almost as busy as his workshop at Christmas.

Santa: Goodness. This place is really hopping!

Easter Bunny: If that’s supposed to be a joke, this is not a good time. We are really busy getting ready for the big day.

Santa: What are you talking about? Christmas isn’t for another eight months.

Welcome to Santa Claus Village | Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi Lapland

Easter Bunny: Do you live in a cave the rest of the year? Easter is only fifteen days away!

Santa: Surely it can’t be that hard painting a few eggs to ship around the world.

Easter Bunny: No. Seriously. Do you not pay any attention to anything after Christmas?

Santa: Well, I usually take the whole crew to a small island off Denmark for a few weeks after Christmas. Just to chill out after the rush.

Busy Bunny? 8 Quick Ways to Spruce-up your Website this Spring

Easter Bunny: So you have no idea how crazy things get around here in March and April?

Santa: I try to ignore social media. There’s a lot of negativity out there.,

Easter Bunny: I meant do you pay any attention to current events?

Santa: Not really. Humans depress me.

Easter Bunny: I can understand that. But Easter’s a lot more popular with the animals than Christmas.

Santa: That can’t be right. I’m beloved everywhere.

The Stick Monster (New Bunny Toy Idea)

Easter Bunny: Really? Listen to this.

Pulls out a letter and reads: Dear EB, I am so excited to see you, I can hardly wait. I never knew there was a big bunny who gives out presents. I’ve been a good bunny. Please bring me some new sticks to chew on and some alfalfa. We are leaving a treat for you outside the door.

Santa: Boy, he’s gonna be disappointed when all he gets are eggs.

Easter Bunny: What do you mean? I give out treats too.

Santa: I don’t think grass and sticks are really treats. What about the toys?

How to Play With a Kitten | Small Door Veterinary

Easter Bunny: Here’s another one.

Dear Easter Bunny: Mama says that you bring treats to all of the good girls and boys, not just bunnies. I’m a little kitty. Would you please bring me a toy with a bell in it? Thank you, Maggie

Santa: You don’t really deliver that type of thing do you?

Easter Bunny: Of course I do. I have Easter magic the same as you have Christmas magic.

Medium Oval Easter Basket | Natural Decorative Amish Woven Wicker

Santa is looking over the Easter Bunny’s list of deliveries.

Santa: Why don’t I know most of these names? Who are these children?

Easter Bunny: They’re not children. They’re small animals. I only deliver Easter baskets to the humans. My special orders are all young animals.

Santa: Why don’t they ask me for toys? Most animals like toys.

Easter Bunny: A lot of them are afraid of you.

Laughing santa claus cartoon Royalty Free Vector Image

Santa: How is that possible?

Easter Bunny: You are a very large human with a very loud voice. That’s scary to a lot of small animals.

Santa: Hmm. I never thought about that.

Easter Bunny: And you are on television and in stores. Most animals steer clear of human activities.

Santa: That’s probably smart.

Yak | Wild Ox of Asia, Himalayas & Tibet | Britannica

Easter Bunny: Besides, animals don’t have any use for most of what you bring at Christmas. You’re too human-centric.

Santa: That might be true. How do you get all of this done by Easter?

Easter Bunny: I have rabbits and hares all over the world to help. And if it’s too remote, we use Yak Express.

Santa: I like them. Very dependable.  I guess I’ll leave you to your work. Maybe we can get lunch after Easter.

Easter Bunny: Sounds good to me.

Cute Cats All Dressed Up For Easter (15 Photos)

Pictures courtesy of Google Images

27

How Not to Wake Up From Hibernation – Part 3

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Feeding Cuteness on the Himalayas: Up Close and Personal with Adorable Marmots

Where we are: Sophie Marmot and her daughters woke up from hibernation to a clubhouse for their subdivision being built right over their burrow. Unable to stop construction on her own, Sophie has hired  an attorney, Java Gorilla, to help her. You can read Part 1 here and Part 2 here.

Xavier News | GRIZZLY versus GORILLA: Who Would Win?

Java has been granted an emergency order to stop construction on the clubhouse. He told Sophie and the girls that it was safe to stay in their burrow and that they should stay there so there would be no issue of abandonment. In the meantime, he sent out his ace evidence team, the Super Sleuth Snake Squad (S4) to see what they could find. He had requested a hearing in front of Judge Peter T Possum. Sophie was visiting his office.

Gorilla In Hat Sitting At The Desk Background, Funny Picture Work, Funny, Picture Background Image And Wallpaper for Free Download

Sophie: How are things looking, Java?

Java: Let me find out. Spencer, would you please come in here?

A very large prairie rattlesnake came in. Sophie was terrified. Java spoke up quickly.

Java: Don’t worry Sophie. He won’t hurt you. Spencer is my top investigator. He’s here to help you.

Spencer: Very pleased to meet you.

Sophie: P-p-pleased to meet you.

Prairie Rattlesnake

Java: What have you found out, Spencer?

Spencer: First, the original plan filed with the county doesn’t show a clubhouse. That was added later.

Java: Does it show the clubhouse over Sophie’s burrow?

Spencer: Originally it was going to be quite a ways south of her burrow. It was going to be at the edge of the subdivision, bordering on land that is currently occupied by bears.

Marmots | Catseye Pest Control

Sophie: That agrees with what my neighbors told me. How did it end up over my burrow?

Spencer: That is an excellent question. There is no paperwork filed for that location. My team is still working on that.

Sophie: Will it be ready in time for our meeting with the judge?

Java: Don’t worry. S4 has never let me down.

Picked-On Marmots May Inherit Their Low Social Position | Discover Magazine

Sophie went home feeling very nervous. Java seemed like such a nice, professional gorilla. What if the snakes couldn’t find anything. By the time the meeting with the judge occurred, she was sure they wouldn’t be able to find anything to hold Maurice Dupree accountable.

When she arrived at the court building, she saw Java waiting for her. She also saw Maurice, the president of the Homeowners Association (HOA). He looked very relaxed and was talking on his phone. They all went in and sat in a conference room. Maurice did not have an attorney with him.

Opossum | Game Commission | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Judge Possum: I understand that we are here to determine whether or not a clubhouse should be build over the burrow of Ms. Sophie Marmot-Jones. Is that correct?

Maurice: That is correct, Your Honor.

Java: Yes, that is the issue. My client woke up from hibernation to the sound of stakes being driven into her living quarters.

Maurice: She knew when she moved in that there we were going to build a clubhouse in the spring. She signed a contract with that information included. I have a copy with me.

Koko Eats Paper - The Gorilla Foundation

He handed the contract to the judge. Judge Possum looked at the section that Maurice had highlighted.

Judge Possum: I see that construction of the clubhouse was included. However, I don’t see a location.

Java: That’s because the location on the paperwork is not where he was building. The paperwork he filed shows the clubhouse being on the other side of the subdivision.

Maurice: You obviously missed the addendum we filed. We had to move the clubhouse because the original location was in a high-traffic part of the subdivision.

Mount Rainier National Park... - Mount Rainier National Park

Judge Possum: Please give me a copy of that addendum.

Maurice: My assistant filed it. It should be public record.

Judge Possum: Then give me a copy.

Java: Excuse me, your Honor. We have researched the public records thoroughly. There is no addendum,. However, we did find someone who knows why it was moved. May I give you their statement?

Angry Gorilla by Paulette Thomas

Maurice: I have a right to see what you’re giving the judge.

Judge Possum: He’s right. He should have been given a copy.

Java: I didn’t think I needed to give it to him. He’s one of the signers on the document.

Maurice: That’s ridiculous. I have no idea what he’s talking about.

More cute opossum. | Fandom

Judge Possum: Let me see it.

The judge looked over the paperwork. It was a short note attached to a receipt.

Judge Possum: This says you moved the clubhouse after Rafael Bear performed several jobs for you. You signed the receipt.

Maurice: It wasn’t going to be a problem until Sophie moved in at the end of the summer. That spot had been open for a long time.

37 Photos of Ridiculously Happy Animals that are Bound to Make You Smile

Judge Possum: I see. She’s there now, and she shouldn’t have to live with stakes in her home and all of the noise. You’re going to have to remove all of the building materials from that location and build somewhere else. Be sure to file the correct paperwork the next time.

Maurice: Yes, Your Honor.

Java: Thank you, Your Honor.

Happy Birthday Marmots! – The Vancouver Island Marmot Recovery Foundation

Pictures courtesy of Google Images.

19

How Not to Wake Up From Hibernation – Part 2

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Himalayan marmot, India 2016 | Only one species of marmot (M… | Flickr

Where we are: Sophie Marmot and her daughters had moved into a new burrow last fall. They had awoken from hibernation to find that their Homeowners Association (HOA) was building a clubhouse directly over their burrow. Both the builders and the president of the HOA told her that nothing could be done. You can read about it here.

Fur flies as angry Swiss farmers take aim at marmots

After talking to some of her neighbors, Sophie had learned  that the clubhouse was not originally planned to be over her burrow. The original plan was to build it near the entry of the subdivision, just off the woods.There had been a lot of arguing among the animals who lived in the woods but would not be allowed to use the clubhouse. As far as anyone knew, the issue hadn’t been resolved prior to hibernation.

Long-tailed marmot - Wikipedia

Sophie: I guess I need to find out who decided to move it over my burrow.

Nelly: That won’t be easy. Maurice controls everything.

Sophie: Then I’ll have to talk to a lawyer. We have an old family friend who should be able to help.

Sophie and the girls made an appointment to see Stanley J Marmot, Attorney at Law.

Alpine Marmot (Marmota marmota) · iNaturalist

Stanley: Welcome to my office. May I ask how you got my name? I like to thank folks who send me referrals.

Sophie: Actually you did some work for my uncle, Stuart Yellow-Belly, and my father Mortimer.

Stanley thought for a few minutes.

Stanley: I’m sorry, what did you say your uncle’s name was?

Sophie: Stuart Yellow-Belly

Stanley: You’d think I would remember a name like that.

photographs by Mark Chappell

The girls looked at each other and tried not to giggle.

Sophie: You helped him sell some property. He spoke very highly of you.

Stanley: That’s nice to hear. How is Stuart?

Sophie: Unfortunately, he passed away last year.

Stanley: I’m sorry to hear that. You said I knew your father as well?

Sophie: Yes, Mortimer Yellow-Belly.

Yellow Bellied Marmot | Umpqua Watersheds

Stanley: Those are very interesting names. Your grandmother was very creative.

Sophie: She was a yellow-bellied Marmot.

Stanley. Oh, yes. That makes sense. Did you have a reason to come by?

Sophie was wondering if she should just tell him that she had changed her mind. But her father had spoken very highly of Stanley. So she told him the entire story about purchasing the burrow and waking up to a clubhouse being built over it. Stuart had closed his eyes, and she wasn’t certain he was still awake.

Free Stock Photo of A group of groundhogs in grass | Download Free Images and Free Illustrations

Sophie: So I was speaking with my neighbors who have been in the HOA longer than us. They said that the plan had not been to build the clubhouse over my burrow. I need to find out why the plans changed.

Stanley: That does sound very unfortunate. Did you sign a contract with the HOA?

Sophie: Yes, I did. I brought it with me.

Stanley glanced over the contract and stopped at the last page.

Marmot - Wikipedia

Stanley: Is this your signature?

Sophie: Yes, it is.

Stanley: Then you have to abide by the rules of the HOA.

Sophie: But there’s nothing in that about the location of the clubhouse. I need you to find out whether it was changed after I moved into my burrow.

Stanley: How would you suggest I do that?

Sophie: I don’t know. That’s why I need a lawyer.

Yosemite)Nose to Nose....yet another marmot picture but t… | Flickr

Stanley: Oh. I see. I really don’t see that you have much of a case here. You did agree to live in the subdivision with this HOA setting the rules.

Sophie was almost in tears.

Sophie: Thank you for your time.

Stanley: My pleasure. Please say hello to your uncle and father for me.

World Wildlife Fund | WWFGifts Catalog

When they returned to their burrow, they discovered that the entryway had partially collapsed from the work above it. They had to dig out a new entry.

Nikki: Mama, do we have to move?

Sophie: No, sweetie. We’re going to have to figure out a way to stop the building. Maybe I should talk to that nice bear I met the other day.

Nikki: Bears are scary. I don’t think you should do that.

Viaero Wireless - It's Groundhog Day! | Facebook

Zoe had been scrolling through her phone. She handed it to her mother.

Zoe: Maybe you should try this guy. It says he specializes in helping prey animals against predators.

Nikki: We’re not going to be eaten.

Zoe: No. But we’re definitely less powerful than Maurice.

Photo & Art Print Gorilla monkey looking at smartphone. Generative AI

Sophie (looking at the phone): I guess it’s worth a try.

Sophie dialed the number and waited nervously. 

Voice: Java J Gorilla, Attorney-at-Law. How can I help you?

Sophie quickly explained what was going on.

Meet Shabani the gorilla, the internet's latest unlikely crush | Animals | The Guardian

Java: What is the name of the subdivision?

Sophie: Marmot Meadows.

Java: Who is in charge of the HOA?

Sophie: Maurice Dupree.

Java: I know that name. And I think I can help you.

Rain is not doing us good... - Gorilla safari uganda. | Facebook

Next week: Can Java actually do anything for Sophie?

Pictures courtesy of Google Images.

25

How Not to Wake Up From Hibernation

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Yellow-bellied Marmot

Sophie Marmot and her two daughters,Nikki and Zoe, had moved into a large new burrow at the beginning of last summer. It was at the edge of the woods near some large rocks. She had wanted to burrow toward the woods, but the Homeowners Association (HOA) had said that burrows could not be pointed in that direction. Maurice, the head of the HOA, gave Sophie a binder full of rules regarding what she could and couldn’t do with her property.

What is hibernation? - Nature Alberta

Regardless of the restrictions, Sophie and the girls loved their new home. The door was well-hidden under a rock, and there was plenty of space for living and sleeping. They happily settled into hibernation in October and passed the winter peacefully. As they slowly began to come out of hibernation, they were startled awake by a loud pounding.

Zoe: Mama, what is that?

Nikki: It sounds like it’s coming right into the burrow.

Marmots

Sophie: Don’t worry. I’m sure we’re safe in here. It just sounds very loud.

They huddled together and waited for the noise to stop. Suddenly, with a loud bang, a rod came through the ceiling of the tunnel. It barely missed Nikki. She screamed.

Sophie: That’s enough. I’m going outside to see what is going on.

Zoe: We’re coming too. I’m afraid they won’t miss us if they do that again.

The Marmots of British Columbia ...

They quietly crawled along the tunnel until they reached the door. Sunlight was streaming into the tunnel.

Nikki: Where’s our rock, Mama? Did a badger try to get in to eat us?

Zoe: Or a wolf or a coyote?

Sophie: Don’t worry girls. I’m sure we were much too far in the tunnel for anyone to come hunting for us.

Why do beavers build dams? - BBC Science Focus Magazine

They cautiously crept out of the tunnel and looked around. There were beavers everywhere, working on what appeared to be a large building. Sophie walked up to one of them and asked who was in charge. He pointed at two beavers talking to each other at the edge of the woods.

Sophie: Excuse me, the beaver said that you are in charge of what is going on? Who are you?

Beaver: My name is Jacques, and this is my brother Marcel. We own J&M Builders.

Bringing back beavers | Shropshire Wildlife Trust

Zoe: I know you. I’ve seen you on AniGram. You have those, “We build til you’re thrilled” videos.

Marcel: Yep, That’s us.

Zoe: Why are you here?

Jacques: We’re building a clubhouse for the Marmot Meadows subdivision.

Sophie: Why are you building it on top of our burrow? You almost killed us.

Jacques: Sorry, Ma’am. We’re just following orders.

Aspen and Juniper: A Beaver Love Story | Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Sophie: Who hired you?

Jacques: Let me check. It looks like the paperwork was signed by Maurice Dupree. Do you know anyone by that name?

Sophie: Yes. He’s the idiot who told me I had to dig my burrow here. You can’t put a building over my burrow.

Jacques: I think you need to take it up with Mr. Dupree. We can’t make any changes unless he tells us to stop what we’re doing.

A Relocated Bear Walked 1,000 Miles Back to Its Favorite Campsite

Sophie walked away chittering to herself. She was so angry, she almost ran into a large black bear.

Sophie: I’m very sorry. Please forgive me.

Bear: Not a problem. I’m Rafael. Are you a marmot by chance?

Sophie: Yes I am. Why do you ask?

Rafael: I’m looking for a Marmot named Maurice. Do you know where I might find him?

Whisper | The Walt Disney Family Museum

Sophie: I’m looking for him myself. He seems to have authorized those beavers to put their building up over my burrow.

They had reached Maurice’s door. Sophie knocked, and Maurice came to the door.

Maurice: Rafael! Good to see you. How are things going?

Rafael: Can’t complain. I just wanted to thank you for moving your clubhouse away from our den. I’m sure it will be a lot quieter at our end of the woods now.

Sophie: On the other hand, I’m here to complain. Your clubhouse is going to be directly over my burrow. The girls and I aren’t going to get any sleep. And they put a pole right through our dining room. It’s not safe.

Angry Marmot | Explore: Highest position 456 | Luca Bobbiesi | Flickr

Maurice: Sophie, dear. Just let them finish. I’m sure it won’t be as bad as you expect. The rest of us hibernate at the same time you do. You won’t be disturbed at all.

Sophie: I paid a lot for that spot. I should be able to enjoy it.

Maurice: Perhaps you didn’t read the special assessment you signed last fall. It said that we would be building a clubhouse for all members and it would be centrally located. There really isn’t anything I can do for you.

Sophie was furious, but she walked off.

Groundhog Standing | Anne Ahearne | Flickr

Next week: Can Sophie get her privacy back?

Pictures courtesy of Google Images.