Fall 2021 Children's Sneak Previews
Newfoundland Dog Has 'Guard Duck' BFF Who Decides Who Gets Playdates With Him
I often tell my daughter that one mark of a good friend is not being possessive. It's very suspicious when a friend tries to police your other friendships and isolate you from the rest of your community. Hopefully, it's advice that will serve her well in life, keeping her from joining cliques, or cults, or getting into abusive relationships. But when the possessive and judgmental friend in your life is a duck, as in this hilarious video, I'm inclined to be a little more lenient. After all, maybe the hundred-pound Newfoundland Dog the duck is so carefully guarding actually needs his buddy to run interference.
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In this video, a smaller white and black dog is attempting to coax a large brown Newfoundland into a game of chase, but every time he approaches, he's scared off by a duck.
Related: Begging Newfie Hits the Jackpot When Sister Makes Him a Bowl of Ice Cream
The Newfie and duck are named Biss and Olee and they live on a hobby farm in Oklahoma. Biss first came to live on the farm back in 2020, and Olee the duck instantly bonded with him. Olee, according to the farmer, thinks of himself as not only Biss's best friend, but also as his "guard duck" who gets to decide who approaches the giant dog…and why.
It's an unusual friendship to be sure, but it's one that has taken the internet by storm.
Interspecies Animal FriendshipsWe humans tend to think we're the only animals that can create interspecies friendship. We have our pets—our dogs and cats, horses and birds, that we grow to love and care for. But if we can make friends with the members of the animal kingdom (and they can deign to like us in their turn) then it's little wonder that they can make friends with each other, too. A rabbit can serve as a foster momma to cats. Turtles can grow to love their doggy brethren. Barn cats can fall hard for the horse in the next stall. Even a pet rat can make friends with a dog.
In fact, in many cases, it is advised that very social animals be kept with others, even if they are not the same species. Goats are social creatures who are often kept in paddocks with sheep, cows, horses or other livestock to keep them from becoming lonely. Rescuers often tell potential cat or guinea pig adopters that the little creatures should be taken up in pairs. And anyone who has kept a single bird can tell you how much socialization they need if they don't have another bird to play with.
Though the duck in this video clearly has duck friends to hang out with on the farm, he far prefers the company of the Newfie. Do we blame him? No, no we do not.
A Star CoupleBiss and Olee's adventures have so captivated people online that farmer Jessie Vallier has recently written a children's book about their friendship, documenting their days and other shenanigans on their Oklahoma farm. It's a sweet story that shows you that even though friends might seem very different, that doesn't mean there can't be a lot of love shared between them.
As long as Olee allows others to pet the dog, too.
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Dog Trainer Lists Breeds He Considers 'exceptional With Children'
Picking a dog that's going to integrate well with your family is really important – and it's even more vital to get it right when you've got kids.
Much like your little ones, every dog breed has different needs and sets of challenges that may come with it, so it's vital that you're equipped with the knowledge you need to make a proper decision that you're not going to regret further down the line, because it's crucial to be prepared for the training and daily walks that a dog will require.
A dog trainer from @southenddogtraining1 took to TikTok to share four dog breeds he believes are "exceptional" with children because of their temperament.
He said they're "not necessarily great for first-time dog owners," but they are great with kids, and he's talking about dogs that are "well-bred from a decent breeder". So which ones make it onto his list?
1. NewfoundlandThe trainer described this breed as a "natural gentle giants" that are the "epitome of gentle". Speaking about Newfoundland dogs, the PDSA backs the breeder up, saying that they are "gentle giants – calm, good-natured dogs that tend to get on well with everyone."
There are some drawbacks though. The PDSA adds: "Grooming is a daily task, particularly when shedding. Newfies also tend to drool and can be quite messy drinkers."
Newfoundlands are "amongst a group of breeds classed as 'Category Two' by The Kennel Club. These are breeds of dog that have been highlighted as having 'points of concern' – visible features which, if exaggerated, might potentially affect the breed in the future and cause health and welfare concerns".
2. LabradorsNext on the breeder's list was the Labrador Retriever, saying that you should avoid working line dogs, because they "need a job," but "show line" Labradors are perfect for those with kids.
The PDSA shares that Labrador Retrievers are "devoted, affectionate, loving dogs that will happily get along with everyone. They're obedient, quick to learn and eager to please, so training should be fairly easy." However, they are also 'Category Two', so it's worth keeping this in mind before getting one.
3. Golden RetrieverThe breeder described Golden Retrievers as the "absolute epitome of what sociable and friendly should be in a dog". What's more, the PDSA shares that they "can be a great family dog for an active family due to their high energy levels, but also calm natures and intelligence".
The experts add: "They can be easy dogs to train and can make good first dogs for new dog owners, as long as you know what you're getting into taking on a larger breed dog."
4. Staffordshire Bull TerrierWhile the trainer said it may "shock" some, he revealed he's a big fan of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. He clarified: "I'm not talking about Staffy crosses or bully breed mutts; do not mistake them. I'm talking about the Staffordshire Bull Terrier."
He described them as "one of the best dogs, if not the best dog on the planet, by a landslide with children".
The PDSA shares that they are "lively and energetic dogs who love company and cuddles from their owner (once they've tired themselves out!). They love to be at the centre of anything going on in the home."
They did warn, however, that it's important someone is at home with them a lot of the time, otherwise "You might find your furniture pays the price".
Steps to take before getting a dogGetting a dog is a decision that will dramatically impact your life, so it's important to do your research and weigh everything up before adopting one.
If you're choosing a breeder instead of a shelter, make sure you are going down the ethical route. It's also important to make time for your pup.
Some breeds require more effort than others – but each and every one will need training and attention. A dog that may be perfect for one family wouldn't fit in well with another, so keep this in mind when making your decisions.
The Goat Who Ran A Marathon, And Other Animals We Fell In Love With This Year
Joshua the Goat captivated readers around the world after he joined runners at the T'Railway Trek half marathon in September — and won a medal. (Taylor's Pumpkin Patch/Facebook)News stories tend to focus on people. The celebrations, the struggles or the calls for action.
But we often do stories with our furry friends and other animals, too. They can often be some of our favourite stories that resonate with journalists and readers alike.
This year was no exception. As this year comes to a close, here are a few of our favourites.
Joshua goes for goldWhen Conception Bay South hosted its first T'Railway Trek half marathon in September, few could have imagined Joshua the goat would be the talk of the town — and go viral online.
Joshua ran the last two kilometres of the race after jumping a fence and trying to blend in with the athletes. He was so adored that he became a pace setter for many runners — who sped up and slowed down to keep up with him as the goat inched toward the end of the race.
When he reached the finish line, he was awarded a medal.
"To have Joshua join in and become kind of a mascot-star of the event is something we didn't expect," Mayor Darrin Bent said at the time.
Joshua's successes garnered international headlines, and Bent hopes the goat can join next year's marathon as a greeter at the finish line.
24 years of RussellWhen Heather Kennedy of St. John's decided to foster an aging cat, she made it her mission to give him a great final year of his life. Eleven years later, Russell the cat is still alive and thriving. He celebrated his 24th birthday in September.
Kennedy told CBC News that Russell is a very special kitty who has overcome a lot of adversity, including a health scare on his birthday. Despite all odds, and after some medication, Russell bounced back.
Russell is a cat that refuses to give up, even after health problems on his 24th birthday. (Heather Kennedy/Facebook)Kennedy says Russell still loves to cuddle and soak in the sun after all these years — and still finds time to dive into the garbage can in her kitchen.
"I guess that's just his old roots," she said.
Great greetersEverybody loves an office pet, right?
If you go to the Old Perlican Public Library, there's a good chance you'll meet Oreo — the three-year-old cat who brings smiles and love to patrons.
Originally brought in by a library employee, Oreo's title is "Town Mouser."
The library staff takes care of Oreo together and library visitors bring her treats, toys and paper bags to play in — her favourite pastime.
Oreo the cat watches over the Old Perlican Public Library, while Maggie the Newfoundland dog welcomes visitors to Corner Brook at the Newfoundland Emporium. (Erin Blundon, Newfoundland Emporium/Facebook)And in Corner Brook, Maggie the Newfoundland dog welcomes tourists from around the world to the Newfoundland Emporium.
"She comes in, she greets people. She, you know, licks babies and eats treats and sleeps a lot. And everybody loves her," Leanne Maxwell told CBC News.
Maggie, who turned seven earlier this year, is a must visit for some tourists. Maxwell says they get part of the Newfoundland experience they're looking for just by seeing her.
Stunning savesWhile some animal stories are lovely spotlight pieces, others are heroic in highlighting dangerous ordeals.
An August play date, near the Trail of the Eagle in Salmon Cove, turned into a rescue mission, after Joey the golden doodle went through a section of broken fencing and fell approximately 60 to 70 feet.
Miraculously, Joey survived the fall and was largely uninjured.
Rescue crews theorized the dog likely hit the water first and then was able to swim to safety before being rescued.
Joey the golden doodle was rescued after he fell an estimated 70 feet off a cliff near Salmon Cove. (Victoria Volunteer Fire Department)And who said everything had to be about cats and dogs?
Uno the Puffin made headlines in October when it was injured in Mobile. The puffin suffered an orbital injury that resulted in major swelling that almost caused Uno to lose its eye.
But thanks to the help of volunteers and the people at the Montreal Biodome, the puffin now has a prosperous life ahead in a new home.
The Montreal Biodome has taken in puffins from Newfoundland and Labrador before. The dome houses five unique ecosystems, including one that simulates the Labrador Coast for Atlantic seabirds.
The Biodome was excited to take in Uno, who made the trip from St. John's to Montreal by plane.
Uno the puffin was taken in by Rock Wildlife Rescue after suffering a traumatic eye injury. Now healed, but unable to enter the wild because of the loss of sight in its right eye, Uno found a new home at the Montreal Biodome. (Charles Contant/CBC)Download our free CBC News app to sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador. Sign up for our daily headlines newsletter here. Click here to visit our landing page.
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