Maggie the goat and Nicole Linkfield spend time relaxing together on a paddleboard on Plum Orchard Lake in Scarbro, W.Va.
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Maggie, the paddleboarding goat, in her life vest. Her owner, Nicole Linkfield, found a dog-sized life vest that fits Maggie perfectly.
Photos: Dandelion-loving tortoise named Tyrion is a Kansas City celeb
Bill Kalahurkain feeds his seven-year-old tortoise Tyrion half of a banana to lure him out of his hut.
Tywin, a tortoise in its mid-20s, has banana on his face after being fed half a banana by his owner, Bill Kalahurka. Tywin is one of two large African spurred tortoises owned by Bill and Stephanie Kalahurka.
Tyrion, the seven-year-old tortoise, wanders around his large enclosure on the front lawn of his owner's home.
6 ideas for throwing your pets a party
Dog days of spring
To honor the fun, quirky and lovable sides of your pooch, throw them a bone by hosting a doggone fantastic party. Invite some of their favorite furry friends.
Serve up favorite dog delicacies like homemade Peanut Butter Bacon Banana Dog Treats (see strawberryblondiekitchen.com for the recipe) or store-bought Ziwi Good Dog Rewards Air-Dried Beef Dog Treats, rated among The Strategist’s top 10 dog treats of 2022. And don’t forget a bacon-topped layer cake or pup-cakes.
Cat’s meow
Unlike their canine counterparts, kitties can be rather finicky about who they frolic with. So unless you know for certain your whiskered one is a fan of a fellow feline, it’s best to keep the guest list limited.
Be sure to have plenty of catnip on tap. Sneak it into clever morsels, such as Carrot and Catnip Kitty Cat Treats (recipe on epicuricloud.com) or toys like CiyvoLyeen’s six-pack of plush Sushi Cat Toys with Catnip (shown in the image here, $15.99 at Amazon). Create a scratching post palace fit with plenty of claw-digging surfaces, a catwalk and other obstacles suited to paws and playfulness.
Birds of a feather party together
Before gathering a flock of feathered friends, it’s important to remember that birds can be picky about with whom they choose to socialize; a wrong pairing can result in more than a loss of a few feathers.
Most all exotic birds love fresh fruits and vegetables. Just make sure you pick those that are safe — some produce like avocado can be deadly. Make a spread of chopped delights for beaks to bury into. As an extra treat, parrots and parrotlets go bonkers for parrot cookies (Oven Fresh Bites has a number of flavor options available on Amazon.com).
Mouse warming party
Want to deliver your mouse, rat, hamster, gerbil or guinea pig a squeaky good time? If so, your first order of business should be the acquisition of exercise running wheels.
Make sure each hamster has a mini-party hat and all guinea pigs have a seat at the tiny table. Provide an assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables (based on the dietary needs and safety guidelines of your particular rodent).
New littering
Is your cat, bird, hamster, horse or hound expecting? Delight family and friends when new litters make their way into the world. Once new mothers have had time to rest and adjust, invite a small group for a quiet viewing of the new arrivals.
Prior to the emergence of your pet’s offspring, send out baby shower invitations and don’t forget to “register” for toys, snacks and grooming essentials the mother will appreciate for her new brood.
Find your fur-ever companion
Don’t have a pet yet? Consider hosting a pet adoption party. Partner with a local animal rescue, especially one that has a surplus of adoptees.
Print pictures of adoptable pets, write a little bio about each (e.g. This is Barkley, a 5-year-old beagle who loves evening walks and scratches behind his ears) and hang them on a line with clothespins. Provide adoption application sheets on clipboards with any fees and other important details.
