#christmas

#christmas

Christmas Parties for HorsesThe sign does not indicate that horse meat will be served. The meal is for the horses. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) was founded in 1866 after Henry Bergh saw a cart horse being beaten. In those days, horses were for work, hauling people and all the goods they required. The ASPCA threw Christmas parties in many metropolitan areas where people gave little thought to the workhorses around them. A typical party would feature a tree festooned with corn or apples or something a horse would consider a treat. The city's working horses would find crates of carrots and oats as well. These parties were public, and people were invited to interact with the animals and maybe get a treat for themselves. The purpose of these parties was not only to give the horses a good time, but to introduce the horses to the public as workers deserving of good treatment. The ASPCA would promote better treatment for working horses and all animals at the same time. The men who drove horse carts were included as well, as they needed a break from work and they understood their horses better than anyone. At least some them did- those who were cruel to their animal charges could get a lesson in humane treatment. The ASPCA's horse parties continued until urban horses were completely replaced by motorized vehicles, but hung on some areas longer than others. Chicago held such parties up until the 1960s! Read about the ASPCA's Christmas parties for horses at Smithsonian. -via Strange Company(Image source: Library of Congress) #horse #Christmas #ASPCA

The Pets' 12 Days of ChristmasChristmas, like life, is only enhanced when you have pets around. They provide us with affection, play, companionship, and the occasional disaster that makes life a story worth sharing. They can be trouble, but they get away with it because they are so cute and loving.

Bear Attacks Reindeer; Reindeer OkayCBS Los Angeles reports a bear attack in Monrovia. The bear cub assaulted a reindeer while a second, larger bear looked on. Curiously, there were no injuries reported from the fight.

Christmas Lights and Deer Do Not Mix WellDespite what we've heard about Santa and his reindeer, regular deer do not need Christmas decorations. This deer was first spotted on November third in Okotoks, Alberta, with a string of Christmas lights tangled in his antlers. Several other reports came in about the same deer. He still carried those light on November 26 when Okotoks resident Bryce Lamont saw the deer and got some video footage. Alberta Fish and Wildlife officials are keeping an eye on the deer, but they don't want to tranquilize him unless it becomes absolutely necessary.

How About an Advent Calendar for Your Dog?Whether or not you subscribe to the customs and rituals surrounding Advent, you already know that it involves a calendar with something for every day. For adults, that's a bit of wisdom to contemplate, and for kids, that means a small daily treat to help count down the days until Christmas. What if you want to bestow treats and don't have kids? Then you'll be glad to know there are plenty of Advent calendars designed for your beloved canine friend. Yes, Advent calendars for dogs.