Kristal Lee

photo credits: kristal lee romances

Monster puppy is a 90 lb Heinz-57 kind of dog. He's almost 3 and still as playful as when he was truly a pup. Loving, sweet, MP has the best temperament a canine can have. He's a dog parent's dream. But, he has one itsy-bitsy bad habit. A habit so uncouthly human, it's eerie.
Monster puppy likes to burp.

I thought this kinda weird, but I've discovered it's not as uncommon as I would've guessed.  Dogs burp for the same reasons humans do...to expel unwanted air lodged in the stomach. Out of instinct, dogs tend to scarf down their food which can create air bubbles as they swallow. (This can also explain flatulence at the other end, but we won't gasp that topic today.)

So, Monster Puppy's burping isn't strange after all. But the manner in which he does it makes me wonder. You see, MP doesn't just burp after eating. No. He waits until later, giving you this cute, little, please give me some love look that has you bending over to do just that. And still, he waits. Waits until you're eye to eye, nose to nose, and then he lets loose. What escapes from his esophagus could rival a fog horn and the force is strong enough to blow your hair straight back from your head. You're so startled that you forget to breathe. That's a good thing. Monster Puppy breath could lay you out on the floor.

Burping is one thing. His stage production is quite another. I'm still trying to figure out where he learned to do that. Probably the television. It wouldn't be the first time he's picked up a bad habit from watching TV.

What weird or annoying behaviors have you observed in your pets?

NOTE:  If your dog is prone to burping make sure to check for bloating. Although it's natural for dogs to burp, it can be an indication of gastrointestinal problems that require medical attention. Talk to your vet if you have any concerns.

While internet surfing for Halloween trivia I came across a phenomenon called werewolf syndrome, also known as hypertrichosis. It is a rare congenital condition that causes an abnormal amount of hair to grow on the body and only about 50 cases have been reported worldwide.


The first documented case of werewolf syndrome was around 1566 with the birth of Petrus Gonzalez in the Canary Islands. He was taken from his family and presented to King Henri II who ordered the "furry boy" to be given a formal education. He married and fathered two children who inherited his hairy appearance.

In the early 19th and 20th centuries, individuals with this disorder found acceptance and viable work as circus and freak-show performers because of their strange, animal-like appearances.




Julia Pastrana (1834-1860), the original bearded lady of a freak show, had thick, dark hair distributed symmetrical over her body, including the palms of her hands. She was thought to be a “Digger” Indian from Western Mexico and stood only about 4 feet tall.




Meet the Kung Fu Werewolf~ Tai Djinn, (1849-1928) He was born in China and raised by Shaolin monks after his parents abandoned him because they believed he was afflicted with evil spirits. He became quite adept in the martial arts and mastered the skills of the seven Shaolin temples.

And in more current times, the wolf boys--Danny and Larry Ramos-Gonzalez, are talented circus performers from Mexico and were featured in an ABC News Primetime story in 2007.

There is no cure for hypertrichosis and it is mostly considered to be a "cosmetic" problem. The treatments are the same as for any hair removal, i.e., shaving, waxing, electrolysis, and laser hair removal.

For more information visit:
www.hypertrichosis.com
ABC NEWS
The Human Marvels

Did you know that butterflies have taste buds in the soles of their tiny feet and stand on things to taste them?

Slight pause for the ewwww factor.

I'm a Florida gal and walk around barefoot the majority of the time. I can't imagine my sense of taste being embedded in my feet. Geez, the places those things take me. Kinda sheds a whole new light of the term butterfly kisses.


Note to self: Avoid the use of butterfly and kisses in the same sentence to avoid flinching and involuntary stomach roll reaction.