Tales From The Pet Store Part I ;

tales from the pet store part i ;

i've been working part time in a pet store for just over a month now and i already have enough stories that i could write a book about misguided people and animals. this wasn't even the story i was going to start this series with but i'm just so flabbergasted by what happened last night that i just HAD to kick it off with this one.

this is a tale in two parts because the week before we had a lady come into the store, and at first it was the typical pet parent stuff, talking about how much rescue she does already ( in response to us asking her if she'd like to make a donation to local shelters ). But she ends up taking it ONE step further. That she even rescues wild animals on her walks on the beach! Why just the other day she saw a baby turtle struggling towards the ocean..... and decided to help it....

by taking it to the POND behind the sand dunes because CLEARLY she could tell it was a baby snapping turtle that was going the wrong way....

fast forward to last night. i'm still not sure if it was the same lady or if it was a different one ( my boss thinks it was a different person ) but my boss, the OTHER person in line, and myself get into a fight with the other customer. a wildlife karen if you will.

because she 'rescued' a 'snapping turtle' and was wondering what sort of food to get it. she did not like that we were telling her to take it to the VERY local wildlife rehab center outside of town. that we couldn't help her because it is very illegal to own any turtles ( without the proper permits ) in my province. while i'm glad my boss is super supportive, she is a bit of a push over and let her buy a small thing of superworms just to get her out of the store because she was starting to get combative not just with us but with the other customer that was with us in this tiny pet store ( because she was really letting the idiot have it - bless that woman's soul - said all the things i wish i could have ).

but god, -- just leave wildlife alone. wildlife aren't just fancy pets. turtles are not an easy pet to keep. and if the animal really does need help then let the experts handle it! don't be an entitled wildlife karen.

So my sister wants to start sewing more, because

a. She’s 5′ 11″ and can never find pants long enough for her legs or shirts long enough for her arms.

b. She hates synthetic fibers as much as I do and it’s difficult to find natural fiber clothes that aren’t made of cotton

c. She’s a biologist and would physically fistfight microplastics if given half a chance

So her gift from mom and dad for her birthday was a sewing machine. Not a super expensive one but a good solid serviceable one.

And recently she asked “So where do I GET wool or linen and thread that isn’t polyester” and mom was like ‘go ask your sister’

And I, of course, crashed into the group text like “GET A PEN I HAVE WEBSITES FOR U” and honestly I’m thrilled about this

phys.org

Indigenous science can help solve some of the great problems of our time

Australia has committed to elevating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge as one of five national priorities in science and resea

Australia has committed to elevating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge as one of five national priorities in science and research. This comes as part of the National Science Statement released on Monday by the Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic. The statement signals the national priorities that will shape investment and policy across research and development over the next decade. Australian research already punches above its weight. The statement notes we produce 3.4% of the world's research with just 0.33% of the world's population. So how can we accelerate our impact? Indigenous knowledge systems are a national strength. The history of science on this continent is extraordinary, yet we often fail to recognize the sophisticated knowledges held by our First Nations peoples. Indigenous voices must be at the table. The first peoples, the first scientists Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were the first astronomers, physicists, biologists and pharmacists on this continent. From as far back as 65,000 years, Indigenous people have been integrating knowledge systems with and for people and Country. There are many examples of Indigenous knowledge contributing to contemporary problems. Traditional Aboriginal burning takes into account local weather conditions, plants, environments and animals. It shows how plants react to fire, how to reduce the risk of major fire events, and support regeneration and biodiversity. Indigenous-led approaches to urban water are pointing towards more sustainable water management practices that also regenerate ecological and cultural environments.

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What could have been if First Nations hadn't immediately been dismissed is savages.

I told u idiot 🐈😺

What animals do you enjoy drawing the most? Which ones are easiest to draw and which ones are the hardest? Love your art btw!

Good question! I like drawing even-toed ungulates (esp. deer and goats), my brain kind of 'gets' how their faces/bodies work and their features are easy to exaggerate to neat effect.

The easiest animals to draw are housecats (maybe because I've lived with them my whole life and gazed long into their perfect faces).

For me the toughest animals to draw are canines of all kinds. Dogs, foxes, wolves. I put them in my work frequently because I like them and I need to, but it's really hard, every time. Comically difficult for me.

— ok side note but while answering this ask i have just learned that orcas are even-toed ungulates and it has me very fucked up — i didn't know where to cram this info but i can't be alone with it rn

Brennan Destroys Elon Musk