Aroma Pets

Florida city sells excess swans after Queen Elizabeth's gift leads to overpopulation

A Florida city has sold off three dozen swans to ease an overpopulation crisis.

Lakeland’s signature swans swamped the city, more than 60 years after Queen Elizabeth II gifted it a pair of the birds.

Lakeland, situated just east of Tampa, has a swan as its symbol.

In the 1950s, a Lakeland native living in England wrote to the monarch asking if she could help, after the flock which had been living there was devoured by alligators and dogs.

A sympathetic Queen Elizabeth sent two royal swans from her own flock, and they arrived on 7 February 1957.

However, six decades and much breeding later, 86 of the waterbirds now live in Lakeland, exceeding the city’s ability to look after them.

Officials have decided to reduce the flock to 50, selling the remainder in pairs for $400 (£310).

Miley Cyrus' dog electrocuted on the set of The Voice

Miley Cyrus’ dog was “electrocuted” on the set of ‘The Voice’.

The 27-year-old singer has claimed her pooch, whose name is Little Dog, received a nasty shock when she brought him to the set of the singing competition whilst she was working there as a judge between 2016 and 2017.

Speaking during an appearance on the ‘Geena The Latina and Frankie V Morning Show’, she said: “You know on sets there’s like wires everywhere. We got all the people singing, everyone is huddled around … and my dog goes and bites on the wires of the TV everyone’s watching and all of a sudden we notice she’s convulsing and getting electrocuted.”

However, Miley insists her dog was “totally thriving and fine” despite the scary incident, and says the situation was “handled” quickly.

The ‘Midnight Sky’ hitmaker also said Little Dog is now residing in her hometown in Tennessee, and is still “doing great”.

Miley is a known animal lover, and in August this year she rescued a bulldog after it wandered to the North Central Fire Protection District Station 58 in Fresno, California.

Jacob McAfee, the station's deputy fire chief, said at the time: "The crews said she was covered in fleas and smelled really bad.

You could tell she had been out wandering for quite a while. It was kind of fun ... after a while every time they left on a call, the dog would run around to the front of the station where the fire engine pulls out and watch them leave for the call and follow us all around the station.”

Miley already has a number of pets including no less than seven dogs, two horses, two mini horses, three cats and a pig. 

Endangered 21-year-old lemur snatched from San Francisco Zoo

JUNIPER BERRY - Juniperus Communis

HISTORY and CHARACTER
A shrubby, evergreen tree with bluish green needles, small flowers and green or black berries, juniper is found throughout the northern hemisphere. There are several species of juniper from which an oil is produced, and their actions are different. So pay attention to the Latin name.

Traditionally juniper berry has been used for urinary infections, respiratory problems and gastrointestinal conditions. It also flushes out the liver and breaks down uric acid. Juniper's sharp pungent fragrance dispels negativity and since ancient times has been used for spiritual purification.

It is especially powerful with clearing out and protecting our psychic space. juniper berry benefits those who are overwhelmed by crowds, or lack being at " an occasion" such as social gatherings or show.

PRINCIPAL USES - PHYSICAL
After medical procedures to cleanse the liver, Arthritis, Kidney infections, Muscle cramps, Edema, Overworked soft tissue

BEHAVIORAL
Nervous snappishness, Restlessness, Suspicion, Those who are restless in or overwhelmed by crowds.

I MOST OFTEN USE JUNIPER BERRU FOR
Dogs who have withdrawn into themselves, often being grumpy and actively protective of their space. Especially if there is any stiffness of joints or muscles, weakening of the bladder, or a history of medical procedures requiring anesthetic.

EXTRACTION and CHARACTERISTICS
Steam distilled from the fresh berries. Sometimes fermented berries are used, but this is an inferior product. There is also an inferior oil made from the twigs and wood. The oil is a clear or slightly yellow mobile liquid.

FRAGRANCE
Camphoraceous, fresh, piney, with a warm, woody undertone.

ACTIONS
Analgesic, anti-diabetic, antiseptic, detoxicant, digestive tonic, diuretic, hypo-uremic (breaks down uric acid), litholytic, soporific.

SAFETY
Generally held to be non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing. It should be used with caution in patients with kidney inflammation as high levels of the diuretics 4-terpineol and terpinen-4-ol may cause irritation. Do not use in pregnancy.

MAXIMUM dilution
3 drops in 5 ml/1 tsp

Reference: The Aromatic Dog: Nayana Morag