Dear me...

Dear me I have been lax haven't I? Been a bit crazy here what with organising various bits and bobs and as always, pesky work getting in the way!

Today, I'm slightly perturbed to read of an angler catching a bluefin tuna. Now correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the bluefin tuna critically endangered and haven't we been working to protect it? It's one thing for him to catch it and have a snap taken before putting it back, but to let it die is, frankly, brutal.

I have a lot of time for Australians and New Zealanders, they care deeply about conservation and their natural resources. So it makes me very sad to see one stupid bloke pulling a beautiful creature (who's probably at least 15 years old) from the sea, just so he can boast about it to his friends. To make matters worse, it's not even going to get eaten - it's illegal for him to sell the meat as his boat wasn't registered, so he's going to mount it on his wall. Another death in vain.

If the world record group have any common sense, they won't recognise the award as it'll only encourage further slaughter of an endangered animal.

Are there different laws if it's a sports fishing tournament? As it's a 'sport' is it exempt from any rules or regulations governing the capture and killing of endangered animals? In which case, while we're at it, let's legalise bear baiting and go and shoot a few tigers for a nice rug, shall we?

This is what you should do with a tuna - put it back!

New Jordans ad...

Now I'm not one to watch television. Far too much reality tv rubbish and brain dead idiots for my liking. But after turning it on briefly today to watch a Vicar of Dibley episode, I can confidently say that this advert from Jordans is possibly the best for a few years... We'll even excuse them for their lack of an apostrophe in their brand name.

How cool is it? I'm particularly fond of it because I've worked with harvest mice in the past (amazing little critters, the babies are about the size of Maltesers) as well as hedgehogs and barn owls! We also currently have the WORLD'S biggest garden spider hibernating on our "balcony". Well, I say balcony, but it is actually a ledge that's big enough to put your toes on. But live the dream!

If more companies made a bit of an effort to grow and produce their products in harmony with nature, I'm sure the world would be a better place. If all meat and egg products were free range and all fish was caught sustainably with respect to the animal (yes, fish do feel pain, regardless of what anyone says) I'd certainly feel far happier and I'm sure most other people would too.

So come on, let's hear it for Jordans and start shopping sustainably!

Saying goodbye...

Today we said goodbye to little Daisy rat. It never gets any easier does it? In this case, the poor girl had a mammary tumour and was not enjoying life any more. It was time to let her go.

Every time this happens I tell myself that: "No. No more animals. This is too hard." But soon the sadness fades and you start to remember how many times they made you laugh and made you smile. Without animals in my life, getting in the way, tickling me with their whiskers and creating god-awful smells, I would soon become so depressed. I can only hope that they enjoy my company as much as I love theirs.

Loving an animal is different to loving a child. If you choose to have children, there is an automatic bond. You're programmed to love them and they love you. But with an animal, you must spend time earning their trust and respect. With time, I believe they show you genuine affection. Our rats spring to the front of the cage when we get home from work and are always pleased to see us (which is more than you can say for some people!). Many people claim that animals can't possibly feel love, but this is rubbish. How many stories do we hear of dogs waiting by their dead master's grave, or pets refusing to eat once their owner has gone? Even our bearded dragon, Sid, throws a massive strop if he doesn't get enough attention and lodges himself in his tunnel with his back to us. If he could stick his bottom lip out, he would.

So today, we've had a drink to Daisy. The rat which will always be remembered for the best impression of a Moray eel. As soon as something tasty came within two inches of her nose she'd launch herself at it and hang on with all the grim tenacity of a bull terrier. Her sister, Luna, lives on and we all know that Daisy is in ratty heaven, having a fabulous time with all our past creatures (and probably launching herself at passing fingers that happen to smell of something tasty).

So, remember all your past pets. And as long as you can look back and smile, it's ALWAYS got to be worth it.