I can't resist writing a post about the birds of New Zealand. No surprise to readers, I was fascinated by the animals of NZ, many of which have been brought in for a variety of reasons. As many of you know, NZ has no native mammals except two species of bats, and has suffered greatly from the importation of many species, including the Australian possum, stoats (Mustela erminea, think weasel or ermine) pigs, deer, and many species of birds. Rats, cats and a host of other critters have hitch-hiked their way in and caused their own set of problems. By the way, the possum in NZ is nothing like the marsupial creature in North America. The possum in question, which is endangered in its own native land, is, uh... I'm sorry, I can't help it ... adorably cute. It is also eating its way through the Read More
Archives for December 2010
More NZ photos; Working Dogs
Just a few photos now, more later when more time (and can download a video of a working Huntaway when we get home).... We're on the Banks Peninsula now, just south of Christchurch, gorgeous place, staying at a B & B called the Olive Grove (complete with olive trees and yummy high quality olive oil). Yesterday we went to a working NZ sheep farm, Paua Bay Farmstay, a fantastic place. Sixth generation farmers, great connection to the land and the history of NZ. Will write longer post on our visit, but here are a few photos: Here's one of their Border Collies (some called them Heading Dogs, some Border collies, while some say that BCs are different than Heading Dogs, although all derived from Scottish BCs.) S Here's Kate, a young Huntaway, doing the barking typical for her Read More
We Made It!
Hardest thing I've ever done (voluntarily!), and the most rewarding. Here's just a few photos from our adventures on the Milford Track, South Island, New Zealand. Our group had a total of 15 people, only 6 of us from the US, all good and true friends. Here we are on Day 1, after a 2.5 hour bus ride, an hour long boat ride and a short mile hike to the first lodge: Matt, Becket, Jim, me, Kelly and Meg. After the photo we went on a 2 hour hike with a great guide to learn about the flora and fauna. It was fascinating (and our only walk without backpacks, what a joy!) We walked 10 miles the next day, Day 2. They call it the "Easy Day." We called it stunningly beautiful, and not always such easy walking, up and down hills, over some very tricky rocky areas. Day 3: When they call it Read More
Give a Dog your Heart – Children’s Book
There's a new book out for children that is designed to help them cope with the death of their dog. It's titled "Give a Dog your Heart" and is written by Aubrey Fine, Ed.D., a child psychologist who has been using dogs in AAT as long as anyone. I'm not completely objective, Aubrey and I co-authored a chapter in his new Handbook of Animal Assisted Therapy, and I found him to be kind, compassionate and a joy to work with. Still, if I didn't like the book I wouldn't post a note about it. The book is beautifully written and designed, has break your heart photos of a black lab, and a wonderful section at the back for children to use as an album and a journal. Hard as it is, pets are such a good opportunity to help children learn about how to wend your way through the woods when you are Read More