PetSugar

What's Your Take: Did Heather Mills Kill a Dog?

PetSugar — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 01:30:25 -0700

An East Sussex woman is claiming Heather Mills' fireworks killed her Weimaraner, Glow, seen above. The incident occurred last weekend during the 20-minute firework conclusion of the birthday celebration for Mills' daughter with Paul McCartney, Beatrice.

Sandra Rowbury (who lives yards away) says her five-year-old dog was terrified by the loud explosions and suffered a "fatally bloated gut," dying only a few hours after the birthday party ended.

I have a feeling it's going to be hard to prove this one, but what's your opinion – do you think she's guilty or not?

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The Scoop: Fish Turn on the Red Lights

PetSugar — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 11:00:29 -0700

I have to admit that a lot of my sea fish knowledge came from Finding Nemo. Like who knew that the ugly, glowing (and kinda scary) fish from the animation was real?! So when I read about other fish that glow down there in the deep, dark sea I was intrigued. And, come to find out, there are even some that glow in one of my favorite colors.

Although scientists thought that fish only saw short wave colors - like blue and green, which are pretty common glowing colors for fish - a new discovery finds that some fish want the spotlight all to themselves: they glow in shades of red! The finding shows that at least 32 species of reef fish communicate by glowing red instead of the typical blue and green to cut through all the other "communication" that's going on. Just like if you were in a library where everyone was whispering, these fish would be shouting! There's a bit of useless knowledge for you - pass it along.

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Glow in the Dark Nail Polish: Spoiled Sweet or Spoiled Rotten?

PetSugar — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:00:49 -0700

Wouldn't it look spooky coming at you in the dark: Just four sets of twinkling nails as they click-clacked on the floor? Now I've never seen this polish in person to vouch for its glimmering luminosity, but I know how nutty North is for his glow-in-the dark toys.

While it comes down to the principle of lacquered claws of any color, would the fact that this polish ($8) purportedly glows earn a glowing review from you?

This Floating Ball Glows In the Light and Dark

PetSugar — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:45:27 -0700

When your dog's outfield includes a water landing, you want to make sure your ball of choice not only floats but is visible for the catching and fetching. After all, the sport isn't fun when the game has to stop because the toy can't be located. The glow-in-the-dark (and in the daytime) Meteorlight ($10) uses an LED light to shine brightly in all surroundings.

The standard size is perfect for use with a Chuckit! launcher if the dog's going long or bounces if he prefers the dribble. Don't worry, there's an off switch for when play is over. Good game!

What's Your Take: Korea Clones Glow-in-the-Dark Doggies?

PetSugar — Fri, 01 May 2009 09:00:46 -0700

It seems that Korea just can't get enough of cloning, and this time it includes sea anemones and beagles. What does one have to do with the other, you ask? Normally nothing, but recently scientists have incorporated a glowing protein into a set of cloned beagles that makes them glow under infrared light. Not only does it make for an interesting (albeit creepy-looking) combo, but it also proves that you can insert specific genes into an animal, even if it's not from their own species.

This video I caught on AP, shows why the scientists engineered the beagles with the protein in the first place. Check it out, then tell me if you think this advancement is for the best . . . or for the worst.

This Ball Keeps the Fetch Going, Even in the Dark

PetSugar — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 08:30:05 -0700

Fetch and repeat is a favorite game for many frisky pups. Now even though his mouth waters when he sees the ball (and will happily run wherever you toss), it can be hard to continue play after nightfall. But not with this toy.

The Glow-in-the-Dark Whistle Ball ($15) shines brightly to help him along and is equipped with mini whistles that hum as it goes - if you're still practicing your speedy pitch, the harder you throw it, the louder it whistles! Like many of my top ball picks, it fits into the standard size tosser if you want to keep the slobber away from your mitts. Game on!

Ask PetSugar: Why Do My Pet's Eyes Look Awful in Photos?

PetSugar — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 12:20:16 -0700

Admittedly, I sometimes use editing software to touch up North's pupils but, when a pal asked about the phenomenon of red, yellow, blue, or green eyes in animal photos, I found myself rambling on like a quasiscientist. Just call me Dr. PetSugar . . .

When taking a picture, eye discoloration often occurs if a flash goes off with someone (or something) looking straight at the camera. I know I'm not the only one bending down to capture my pooch's cute antics and look at these baby blues! North's pupils aren't really that color, but learn why they look that way and read more.

You know how many creatures can see better at night? Well, that actually occurs because of the tapetum, a special reflective layer in the back of the eye. To get a touch technical, light passes through an animal's retina from the outside of the eye and is then reflected back through the retina a second time from the reflective tapetal layer beneath the retina. Not only does passing through this layer help species see better in low light, the color of the tapetal layer is actually different for different pets.

Most puppies and kittens have a blue tapetal reflection until the backs of the eyes fully mature and change based on coat color. Dark colored dogs often have a green reflection, light pets will often show a yellow tapetal reflection and other species (like Siberian Huskies and Siamese) may have no pigment and flash back red just like us!

Now there's nothing you can do about the science of animals' eyes, but Snapfish has a new way to battle this problem – Pet Eye can help rid pets of the unwanted glow from your precious piccys without using another editing software before ordering your prints. What color do your animals' eyes most often appear when snapping?

The Scoop: Jellyfish Help Research Team Win Nobel Prize

PetSugar — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 03:00:20 -0700

If you've ever wondered how some jellyfish glow green, you're not alone. Three researchers from across the country – Osamu Shimomura, Martin Chalfie, and Roger Tsien – teamed up to discover ways to produce the protein unique to Crystal Jellyfish – called GFP – to help aid in medical research. The discovery was so important that it earned them the Nobel Prize for Chemistry.

How would this glowing protein aid the medical community? Formally, certain things have been invisible to the eye – like how cancer cells form and spread – but with this fluorescent protein, we can now see those cells and watch how they develop. What's more, researchers can also see how nerve cells deteriorate as they do in patients with Alzheimer's, which means that a deeper understanding of the disease is possible! Hopefully, this will help form a cure for both cases, and open up a whole new understanding for other medical related issues. Way to go jellyfish!

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Flameless Lights Keep Pets Safe Around Pumpkins

PetSugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 15:45:57 -0700

Curious noses and swishy tails can spell disaster if your home includes lit pumpkins! If you want to carve a creation, please put it high out of playful pets reach, and choose a nonflame alternative to let the face go on glowing. I've picked a couple options – hey, batteries last longer than most candles burn anyway . . . and you can reuse these year after year.

Flickers ($8)

Rainbow Colored Pumpkin Light ($6)

Pumpkin Strobe Light ($6)

Do a Doodle on MyPetLamp

PetSugar — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 10:50:52 -0700

It may be meant for kids, but I think HoweePup is pretty cute . . . even adults need lights! This lamp comes in six colors and a range of species (from cats to piggies), making it the perfect alternapet for any household. My fave feature is that it comes with a washable marker – write right on the animal to draw silly faces, fancy outfits, or even leave notes to yourself. I'd love to have the whimsical glowing doxie on my nightstand, how about you?

OFFI - MyPetLamp - Piggy - $59.00	OFFI - MyPetLamp - Siamese - $59.00
OFFI - MyPetLamp - HoweePup Jr - $59.00	OFFI - MyPetLamp - TerriBear - $59.00
OFFI - MyPetLamp - Angora - $59.00	OFFI - MyPetLamp - Duckling - $59.00
OFFI - MyPetLamp - Begging Buddy - $59.00	OFFI - MyPetLamp - Dachshund - $59.00