Articles written by Matt Bird in Pets & Animals

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About me - Matt Bird

What's there to say, really? I'm a Canadian Journalism student who loves to write. I've done it since I was a child and I hope to continue writing 'til I'm in my grave. Prior to Journalism I went to the University of Toronto, St. George Campus for English

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Pets & Animals > Pet Ownership Why people own pets: 2 of 29
The reasons for owning a pet are surprisingly diverse. Everybody has their own motivations for seeking out furry companionship, and so this list could potentially include as many entries as there are human living on our little planet. For the sake of simplicity, however, I'll try and narrow it down a little bit and avoid car... More..
Pets & Animals > Dog Care & Health What your dog will need while you're away: 1 of 11
So, you want to go on a trip, eh? But you have a dog that can't come along? It's a shame, but not an uncommon occurrence: indeed it's probably pretty rare that Fido will join you on any trip in your lifetime, regardless of where you're going. In these cases you need to leave him or her behind, and as painful a separation thi... More..
Pets & Animals > Dogs (Other) Why dogs are called man's best friend: 4 of 38
As one of two major pets in the lives of humans - the other being cats - dogs are often considered man's best friend. And while this title may be debatable for some ill-tempered canines, on the whole I think it's an accurate assessment of dogs and their relationship with us. Think about it. What pet remains so stubbornly dev... More..
Pets & Animals > Pet Ownership Best pets for the home: 1 of 8
"Which pet is best suited for my home?" That's something of a loaded question, to be honest, as it's rather ill-defined. What constitutes 'your home'? Is it an enormous mansion out in the country or is it a tiny apartment in a dirty high-rise complex? Each has its advantages and disadvantages when it comes to pets (okay, the... More..
Pets & Animals > Pet Ownership Do children need pets?: 7 of 50
Generally speaking, NO human being, whether they're a child or an adult, needs a pet. A need implies that the object or creature in question is vital to living, and since people only really need three things to survive - food, water and a place to get out of the elements - pets aren't necessary. Is a pet a good idea for a ch... More..
Pets & Animals > Animal Facts & Resources Which animal is the most inherently funny?: 1 of 6
Though normally I would argue that humans are the funniest animals around - just think about how goofy we are - I think in this case I'll have to go with our faithful canine companions, dogs. Anybody who owns a dog knows how funny they can be, especially when left to their own machinations. Dogs are inherently curious creatu... More..
Pets & Animals > Pet Ownership What you need to consider before getting a pet: 15 of 89
Getting any pet, whether it's your first or your fiftieth (which probably shouldn't be the case, unless the majority of the other 49 are fish), requires a great deal of consideration. And rightly so: the novelty of having one aside, you're putting yourself in the role of steward for another living being. Unlike most other po... More..
Pets & Animals > Animal Rights & Issues Do animals have rights?: 13 of 64
Of course animals have rights. Whether we humans choose to recognize and honor those rights, of course, is another matter altogether. Animal rights aren't the same as what we enjoy. They don't, for example, enjoy the right to free speech. A goose can't stand up in his community and make his opinion known. Considering the amo... More..
Pets & Animals > Pet Ownership How to choose a pet: 9 of 23
So you want a pet, eh? Not the worst idea I've ever heard, to be sure. Regardless of the critter you select, you'll provide yourself with a level of companionship that may otherwise be lacking in your life. Pets are endlessly entertaining, fascinating in their behaviors, and depending on what kind you get, loyal partners tha... More..
Pets & Animals > Animal Facts & Resources What is the funniest animal?: 7 of 14
I could choose so many animals to fit this niche. Penguins, perhaps, or ostriches. Both are pretty funny in their own way. Dogs, cats, parrots, chameleons... just about every animal out there is funny in its own way. Yet at the end of the day I have to pin the medal on the chest of one species, and they may not appreciate wh... More..