Gemini Universal LLC

When it comes to pet health and welfare, many animals are lucky enough to be in good homes, loved as a family member, and well cared for by their pet parents. However, some animals are not so lucky. Thousands of cases of animal cruelty are reported each year while it is estimated that thousands of cases go unreported.

Because ticks pose such a health threat to both pets and people, it’s important to stay aware of tick migrations taking place in our area and be diligent with parasite protection. We’ve been following the migration of the East Asian tick (also known as the Longhorned tick) since its discovery in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, back in November 2017. According to recent updates by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, the Longhorned tick has now made its way to our own Somerset County along with Hunterdon, Union, Middlesex, Mercer, Bergen and Monmouth Counties.

I always have the best time attending 4-H Fairs. The variety of animals just fascinates me, especially when I meet those that I simply don’t see every day, such as the livestock. This year I was fortunate enough to meet a few Llamas up close and personal while learning about them from one of the 4-H leaders in the Llama tent.

The Garden State Cat Show/Expo took place July 21-22, 2018, at the New Jersey Convention and Exhibition Center in Edison, New Jersey. The event was hosted by the Garden State Cat Club. One of the features of the annual event was the Feline Agility contest, and what fun that was to watch!

Duke Farms in New Jersey offers excellent educational programs. Most recently I had the opportunity to attend an hour-long presentation about Birds of Prey. The presenter was from the Delaware Valley Raptor Center (DVRC) who brought live rescued birds to showcase while educating the audience about the bird species and its habits and characteristics. Following are some takeaways.

Wishing all the moms out there a Happy Mother's Day! And that includes moms to both human and furry friends, as well as animal moms and their offspring.

Once again, I’m excited to share the news about all the attractions scheduled during the Super Pet Expo this year. The 18^th annual event will take place April 13-15, 2018, at the New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center in Edison.

Pre-Registration date extended

The panelists for By The Book: Animal Writers’ Workshop have been announced. The workshop is scheduled for Saturday, April 28, 2018 at the Oldwick Manor, Oldwick, New Jersey. The workshop will highlight the various avenues for breaking into the animal writing field, including adult and children’s literature, fiction and nonfiction. Both aspiring authors and seasoned writers are invited to attend. Panelists will offer a variety of experience in the animal book publishing field.

It’s an unmistakable sign of spring – the melodious sound of the spring peepers! What is a spring peeper you might ask?  According to the Farmers' Almanac, spring peepers, pseudacris crucifer, are the most famous of all the chirping frogs. However, they’re not the only species native to North America. In fact, spring peepers belong to a group of frogs known as “chorus frogs.”