Marley & Remy Help With the Grocery Bags

The following photos and video are about two months old (at least!), but I've been forgetting to share what these two cooky animals got themselves in to! 

Usually I have reusable shopping bags for when I go grocery shopping, but on those days when I forget to grab them from the car as I head in to the store, Marley and Remy get to enjoy those rustling, billowy bags and the endless ways to wrap themselves up in them.

Don't worry, we don't let them suffocate!

You can still see how small Remy was at the time--still hadn't turned fully red and her snout hadn't "popped out" yet! But now she is unmistakably a wiener dog. Sure do love them both!

Camera Trap Study

As an artist and a bit of a tree hugger, I LOVED this study done by Conservation International.

Basically, researchers placed camouflaged cameras in seven areas around the world to document in particular, mammals, and see how things like habitat loss are threatening species population and diversity. The cameras didn't have flashes (rule #1 for awesome photographs) and were heat sensitive, so they snapped a shot when something warm was nearby.

"The first global camera trap mammal study, announced today by a group of international scientists, has documented 105 species in nearly 52,000 images, from seven protected areas across the Americas, Africa and Asia. The photographs reveal an amazing variety of animals in their most candid moments — from a minute mouse to the enormous African elephant, plus gorillas, cougars, giant anteaters and — surprisingly — even tourists and poachers."

42 of the 52,000 photographs collected are posted here, and they are simply stunning. The photos of the elephants are my favorite, but there are so many amazing shots--like a monkey staring right into the camera (curious about the object he spotted, no doubt), endangered Tapirs, and even the poachers (a little ironic I suppose, considering they are contributing to the very concern--dwindling populations--that the scientists are researching).

"Analysis of the photographic data has helped scientists confirm a key conclusion that until now, was understood through uncoordinated local study: habitat loss and smaller reserves have a direct and detrimental impact on the diversity and survival of mammal populations. Impacts are seen in the form of less diversity of species and less variety of body sizes and diets (smaller animals and insectivores are the first to disappear), among others. This information replicated over time and space is crucial to understand the effects of global and regional threats on forest mammals and anticipate extinctions before it is too late."

To read the full article on the study, click here.

Would you believe saturday?

well, obviously i didn't get around to blogging on wednesday. i can't believe i even think about these things. but anyways...

life has been pretty great lately! lots of things to do, and a few bumps along the way, but really life is wonderful. Heavenly Fathers has blessed me so much!

one of these blessings is my new job! i am the graphic designer for the travel study program at SVU. i didn't even see it coming! i was just walking by the office and the director asked me if i wanted the job! its been great. lots of work, but lots of fun, and i can't wait to go on a couple trips!

however, one of the hard parts about being at school is not having my two dogs with me to snuggle and wag their little tails when i walk in the door after a long day. i am convinced that dogs are the perfect companion. they will do anything for you, always love you, and have the best personalities. nothing cheers me up after a rough day like my adorable babies.

Maddie Girl (this is how we find her sleeping most of the time)

Willie Man (he is one smart, energy filled dog!)

ahh, just a couple more months and i can snuggle with my babies once more!