Candle Roses Blog

“Did you know that turtles have been around for more than 200 million years? These ancient creatures evolved before mammals, birds, snakes, or lizards! Biologists believe that turtles have managed to outlive many other species due to the unique protection provided by their shells.

Turtles come in all different shapes and sizes, and can be found on every continent except Antartica. The smallest is the Bog Turtle, which usually measures just four inches in length, and the largest is the Leathery Turtle, which can weigh up to 1500 pounds!” Punchbowl

American Tortoise Rescue (http://www.tortoise.com), a nonprofit organization established in 1990 for the protection of all species of tortoise and turtle, is sponsoring its 12^th annual World Turtle Day on May 23rd.  Featured in Chase’s Book of Annual Events, the day was created as an annual observance to help people celebrate and protect turtles and tortoises and their disappearing habitats around the world.  Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson, founders of ATR, advocate humane treatment of all animals, including reptiles.  Since 1990, ATR has placed about 3,000 tortoises and turtles in caring homes.  ATR assists law enforcement when undersize or endangered turtles are confiscated and provides helpful information and referrals to persons with sick, neglected or abandoned turtles.

“World Turtle Day was started 12 years ago to increase respect and knowledge for the world’s oldest creatures.  These gentle animals have been around for about 200 million years, yet they are rapidly disappearing as a result of the exotic food industry, habitat destruction and the cruel pet trade,” says Tellem.

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“International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day is a day for the dogs. And, that’s because there is no one else who can really appreciate the true value of a dog biscuit. They say “Every dog has his day”. And, it will definitely be his day,when you give him some tasty dog biscuits.

You might appreciate their value in pleasing your dog, as a reward for behavior, or enticing them to do a trick. But, the dog is the recipient of the treat.

Celebrate today by giving your dog a few dog biscuits.” – Holiday Insights

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“Will Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow????

Groundhog Day is celebrated in the U.S. each year on February 2nd. On this day in mid-winter, the groundhog awakens from a long winter’s nap, and goes outside of his den to see if he sees his shadow. This tradition is big on an otherwise cold and dreary mid-winter’s day.

According to legend, if the groundhog sees his shadow (a sunny morning), there will be six more weeks of winter. He then returns to his den and goes back to sleep. If however, he does not see his shadow (cloudy days), he plays around outside of his hole for a while. If he does not see his shadow, spring is just around the corner.

The Groundhog’s Day tradition travelled long ways. It comes from German roots. German immigrants brought the tradition with them from Germany. As they settled in hills of Pennsylvania, they began the tradition of using the Groundhog to predict the the arrival of Spring. The tradition is based upon Candlemas, the day that is the midpoint between Winter and Spring. A famous Candlemas poems goes:

If Candlemas be fair and bright,
Winter has another flight.
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,
Winter will not come again.

Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania is the site of the annual Ground Hog event. Our little rodent friend (yes, Groundhogs are classified as rodents) is called Punxsutawney Phil. There are a few other “predictors” around the country, but they all pale in comparison to Phil’s ability to predict the remainder of winter.

For the Record Phil sees his shadow about 9 out of 10 times.”- Holiday Insights

Visit www.groundhog.org for more info!

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“Squirrel Appreciation Day is an opportunity to enjoy and appreciate your tree climbing, nut gathering neighborhood squirrels. It’s held in mid-winter when food sources are scarce for squirrels and other wildlife. Sure, squirrels spent all fall gathering and “squirreling ” away food. But, their supplies may not be enough. And, the variety of food is limited. So, give them an extra special treat today to supplement their winter diets.

Not everyone likes squirrels. While they are fun to watch skirting around the yard and trees, they are aggressive at bird feeders. Squirrels tip almost any bird feeder and spill the seeds in search of the particular seeds they want. In the fall, they attack pumpkins on front porches in search of the seeds inside. For gardeners they dig up and steal flower bulbs, and may eat some of the veggies in your garden.

When you think about it, mid winter is the best time to appreciate squirrels. In the winter they provide a little entertainment. During other times of the year, you may look at them as a pest in the flower and vegetable gardens.

According to Christy Hargrove, the founder, “Celebration of the event itself is up to the individual or group — anything from putting out extra food for the squirrels to learning something new about the species.”

Origin of Squirrel Appreciation Day:

Christy Hargrove from Asheville, North Carolina started Squirrel Appreciation Day on January 21, 2001. Christy is a wildlife rehabilitator in North Carolina, and is is affiliated with the Western North Carolina Nature Center.” – Holiday Insights

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“It’s National Dress Up Your Pet Day! Does your pet have an impeccable sense of style? Today is the perfect opportunity to break out the bejeweled collars, sassy sweaters, and fashion accessories.

A Weimaraner named Man Ray is arguably the most famous dressed-up pet in American history. In the 1970s he collaborated with his owner, photographer William Wegman, to produce a collection of internationally acclaimed portraits.

Whether you choose to dress your pet in a little devil costume from Halloween, a miniature tiara, or your Aunt Mildred’s floral dress, snap a photo of your pet in a fabulous outfit to celebrate National Dress Up Your Pet Day!” Punchbowl

It’s National Bird Day! The study of birds has been a fashionable pastime ever since the Victorian Era, and the term “bird watching” first appeared as the title of a book in 1901. According to a 2009 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service survey, today, one in every five Americans is a birdwatcher. This is defined as anyone who has traveled for the primary purpose of observing birds or has closely observed and identified birds around the home.

Since the late 19^th century, bird protection has become an increasingly important issue. Birds are among the most popular animals in the exotic pet trade, and most birds in captive breeding programs are kept there solely for commercial gain.

In an attempt to put an end to bird captivity, every year Born Free USA, the Animal Protection Institute, and the Avian Welfare Coalition team up in support of National Bird Day. Today, bird enthusiasts and activists around the United States are asked to take action on behalf of captive birds. Learn more about this day and what you can do to help!

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“Reptile Awareness Day is October 21st. Every year, reptile fanatics have a day that they can celebrate and share their passion; a chance to educate others who may not know about these amazing creatures called reptiles, and the habitat loss and threat of extinction that faces so many reptile species.”

1 . Donate to one of the many great reptile conservation or legal programs. Last year was the Year of the Frog, and we encouraged you to donate to the Amphibian Ark.(http://www.amphibianark.org) This year we encourage you to donate to one of the great legal organizations that fights for your rights to keep reptiles – the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) and the United States Association of Reptile Keepers (USARK).

2. On top of joining and donating to one of the legal organizations listed above, write letters to your local and national representatives concerning local and national legislation that would affect your reptile rights, and the health and safety of your reptiles.

3. Bring your pet reptile to a school for show and tell. Whether you are a parent, teacher or student, all levels through college can benefit from a quick show and tell, and lesson on your favorite herp. Make sure to check with the school’s administration beforehand!

4. Leave a copy of REPTILES magazine in your doctor’s, dentist’s, or vet’s office. Who knows how many people could be exposed to the wonderful world of reptiles! Give a gift subscription to a friend or family member, or even your local library. Who knows how many children could learn about reptiles from just that one subscription!

5. Go and buy that new reptile you’ve been eyeing. Why wait until the holidays?

6. Surprise the kids with a day off school (and for you work) and spend Reptile Awareness Day at your local zoo. Check out their reptile exhibit and marvel at the wondrous and exotic reptiles they house. Or, spend the day herping. Herping can be a fun and educational experience for the entire family.

7. Make a reptile resolution to go to at least one reptile show before the next Reptile Awareness Day rolls back around.

8. Print out some of ReptileChannel’s Fun & Games to be shared with your class. These are also great for homeschoolers. Bring them in for your teacher, or pass them out to your child’s class.

9. Join a herp club or society. There’s much to learn and share at herp club and society events.

10. Make an appointment to get your reptile a check up at your local reptile vet.

These are just a few things that you can do to make others “aware” of these unique and amazing creatures. Many reptiles are endangered and at risk of going extinct. We need days like this to promote reptiles and make sure that these wonderful animals are around for future generations to enjoy. ” From www.reptilechannel.com

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Elephant Appreciation Day is today. Show us how much you care about elephants. This is a big, elephant sized day. We feel it should be celebrated in a big way.

Little kids and big kids are fascinated by elephants. In a zoo, in the circus, or a wildlife special on television, elephants captivate us by their sheer size. Today is your chance to let them see that you appreciate them.  Showing your appreciation for them starts with a visit to your local zoo. They will be happy to see you. Making a donation towards their support, is a great way to show your appreciation.

Here’s a neat suggestion. …..Show elephants at your local zoo how much you love them, by serving them a special treat. They like pumpkins!

Elephant Appreciation Day was declared beginning in 1996 by WildHeart� Productions [*] to celebrate the Elephant because…  is the largest land mammal of our era, is unique among mammals for its trunk, is the most noble of beasts on earth, is most undeservedly threatened with extinction, has been man’s benefactor in numerous ways throughout history, is entertaining and amusing, is gentle and friendly, contributes to ecosystem development and maintenance,

and generally deserves to be appreciated and upheld as an example of courage, strength, self-reliance, patience, persistence, and general high quality of being.