Fun Fact Friday: The Highland Cows

Highland cows, also known as "Hairy Coos," are a Scottish breed renowned for their long, shaggy coats and impressive horns.

● They are one of the oldest registered cattle breeds, known for their hardiness and gentle temperament. 

● They can live up to 20 years.

● Highland cows are one of the oldest registered cattle breeds, with a long history in the Scottish Highlands. 

● They have a long, oily outer hair layer and a soft, downy undercoat for insulation against the cold. 

● Despite their impressive appearance, Highland cows are generally gentle and calm. 

● They can live up to 20 years, longer than many other cattle breeds. 

● Both male and female Highland cows have horns, which they use for various purposes. 

● A group of Highland cows is called a "fold" rather than a "herd." 

● They play a role in maintaining natural landscapes through their grazing habits. 

● Highland cows can thrive in harsh environments, even those too cold or rough for other cattle. 

● Their long, shaggy hair and impressive horns make them easily recognizable. 

The Highland Cows shown in the graphic belong to a friend of mine.

My name is Teri Ann, and I am a Certified Human * Equine * Pet CPR & First Aid Instructor. I am a former EMT; WEMT, and trained through the Arizona Humane Society Emergency Animal Medical Technician Academy. I have been teaching for over 13 years.

Learn lifesaving skills by becoming the First Responder for humans and animals...you just may save a life!

We are looking for individuals or businesses to host our classes throughout AZ, or you can attend at one of our locations.

602-753-6734

Human:

http://www.heartsandwounds.com

Equine & Pet:

http://www.comfypetsofaz.com

Training Tips Tuesday: Training Tips

I am starting a new series, "Training Tips Tuesday," to help you and your pet be successful. 

● 4 Tips for effective dog training:

1. Use positive reinforcements 

2. Train in short, focused sessions to keep your dog engaged

3. Be consistent with commands and expectations 

4. Start with basic commands like sit, stay, and come

● 3 Common Training Mistakes:

1. Using punishment instead of rewards 

2. Skipping daily practice sessions 

3. Expecting instant results -- Training is a journey!

My name is Teri Ann, and I am a Certified Human * Equine * Pet CPR & First Aid Instructor. I am a former EMT; WEMT, and trained through the Arizona Humane Society Emergency Animal Medical Technician Academy. I have been teaching for over 13 years.

Learn lifesaving skills by becoming the First Responder for humans and animals...you just may save a life!

We are looking for individuals or businesses to host our classes throughout AZ, or you can attend at one of our locations.

602-753-6734

Human:

http://www.heartsandwounds.com

Equine & Pet:

http://www.comfypetsofaz.com

Fun Fact Friday: The Saguaro Cactus

Fun Fact Friday: The Saguaro Cactus

The saguaro cactus, a quintessential symbol of the American Southwest, is a remarkable plant with several fascinating features. It's the largest cactus in the U.S., can live for over 150 years, and boasts an impressive ability to store water. 

In Arizona, it is illegal to cut down, damage, or move a Saguaro cactus in Arizona without a permit. This is due to the Arizona Native Plant Law, which protects these plants and emphasizes that they should not be harvested or harmed in their natural habitat. 

Here are some more fun facts:

● Giant Size: Saguaro cacti can grow to be 40 feet tall and weigh up to 6 tons when full of water. 

● Slow Growth: They grow very slowly, with studies in Saguaro National Park showing that a saguaro only grows a few inches in its first ten years. 

● Water Storage: They have accordion-like ribs that expand to store water during rainfall, allowing them to survive long periods of drought. 

● Pollination: Saguaro flowers are pollinated by bats at night and by bees and birds during the day. 

● Arms: Some saguaros develop arms, which are extensions that can grow to be about 25 feet long, according to the Desert Museum. 

● Roots: Their root systems can spread out horizontally, sometimes reaching 100 feet, as wide as three school buses. 

● Fruit: The fruit, which ripens in the summer, is bright red and contains many seeds, providing a food source for desert animals. 

● Scientific Name: They are known as Carnegiea gigantea, named in honor of industrialist Andrew Carnegie. 

● Symbolism: Saguaros are a symbol of the Southwest and are found in the Sonoran Desert, particularly around Tucson, Arizona. 

● Keystone Species: They are considered a keystone species, meaning they play a crucial role in the desert ecosystem by providing food and shelter for many animals

I hope you enjoyed our Fun Fact Friday series.

My name is Teri Ann, and I offer Human * Equine * Pet CPR & First Aid Training throughout AZ.  For more information or to register for a class, please go to our website:

http://www.comfypetsofaz.com