Forget the chocolate and the flowers. If you’re looking for a more creative Valentine’s Day gift this year, log on to the Mystic Aquarium’s Web site, for some one-of-a-kind artwork benefiting the African penguin.
Scratch your dog’s winter itch off the to-do list with an oatmeal bath in a bottle – and much more. Vicki checks out the latest in retail itch relief from Especially for Pets.
Looking for more information on these products?
Is it winter itch – or a more serious allergy problem? Get to the source of your dog’s constant scratching – with help from Dr. Smithie!
Slow down – and get an up-close view of a tortoise living at the Museum of Science in Boston. Animal curator Bunny Watson gives us the rundown on this incredible reptile.
If you’d like to learn more about the education programs at the Museum of Science in Boston, just log on to their Web site:
http://www.mos.org/
Photo by Jason Collier.
(NECN) – Stain and odor removers have come a long way since the old days.
For anyone who’s battled the issue over time, it’s practically a miracle.
But there are so many products on the market.
So Vicki Croke thought she would get a little help from NECN Web Producer Allison Sonfist in sorting it all out.
(NECN) – Well dogs score again.
Scientific research keeps showing us how good dogs are for us and the latest is nothing short of remarkable, as the lead scientist says herself.
A new study from the University of Missouri compares older people in a walking program:
Part of the group chose humans as exercise partners, and part chose to walk dogs from a local shelter.
and guess what?
The people walking dogs were much more consistent about getting out there and showed a much bigger improvement in fitness.
The walking speed among dog walkers?
It went up by 28 % and many increased their balance and strength so much they stopped using walkers and canes.
The human-companion group only increased speed by 4%, and they often made excuses not to go out at all.
As researchers crunch the numbers further, they suspect they’ll document improvement in areas like depression and anxiety too.
Joining Vicki Croke to talk about why dogs are superior exercise partners and how we can best take advantage of that are Dr. Martha Smith, head vet at the Animal Rescue League of Boston.
Dr Martha Smith on Secret Life of Animals
(NECN) – On the Secret Life of Animals, Vicki Croke turns now to a bird that recently made headlines for its rare appearance in Massachusetts.
Video of a beautiful allen’s humming bird, a native species of California, was caught just a few weeks ago in snowy Harwich-Port on Cape Cod.
For a while, the bird was constantly sipping sugar-water from one woman’s feeder, trying to stay fueled to fight off the cold.
But eventually, the hummingbird ended up in the snow and needing help from a wildlife rehabilitator.
It died on January 19th.
The story led at least one of our viewers to ask: Did the bird stay here and get into trouble because someone was feeding it?
Here to answer that question and explain how the things we do might help or hinder migrating birds is Tia Pinney of Mass Audubon.
(NECN) – It’s a powerful snake, but also a popular pet.
The Boa Constrictor can grow to almost 13 feet in length and can weigh up to 60 pounds.
Sure there are smaller variations, but most people would agree, the boa is big and so is the responsibility that comes with owning and taking care of one.
Joining Vicki Croke to share more is Bunny Watson.
Bunny is the live animal curator at the Museum of Science in Boston.
Taking care of Boa Constrictor on Secret Life of Animals
NECN videographer Dave Brosemer catches sight of some lovely moose in Greenville, Maine. They must be used to cars and people stopping to look, because they didn’t seem to mind having their pictures taken!
Moose spotting in Greenville, Maine
The Secret Life of Animals is a celebration of our deep ties to the creatures around us. Its a show that seeks to unlock the wonder of the animals themselves, our mysterious bond with them, and our lives together: From breathtaking stories of survival in the wild to pragmatic tips on understanding our pets and keeping them healthy.
The mammal in charge is host Vicki Croke, who has been covering animal issues for more than 20 years on television, radio, and in print. Her entire career has been one big excuse to pat as many animals as possible.
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