How to Help Your Kids Enjoy Science.

One of the most important things any parent can do is help their child learn to love the world around them. Many parents are unsure how they can encourage their kids to become curious thinkers and willing to explore. Fortunately, even if you aren't very good at science yourself, it's possible to help your child learn more about planets, dirt, atoms, chemistry and even fossils. Here's how.

Yue at the Fantasy Forest in Lotte World, Seoul.

Get them the right gear.

Did you know you can buy kids lab coats? Consider investing in a lab coat and some great science gear for your kids. While you can do plenty of science experiments with things you have around the house, you'll be able to study even more with your child if you have a telescope and microscope. At the very least, consider getting items your child can use to collect and examine insects, leaves and flowers in your area.

Read with them.

There are plenty of books available that focus on science. Kids don't have to be bored in order to learn. Head to your local library or bookstore and pick out some fun books about different scientific topics. For example, you could read a book about kids discovering fossils to learn about dinosaurs or a book about a child who gets sick to learn about viruses and illnesses. Make sure you choose several different books to give your kids a well-rounded understanding of different ideas.

Morgan checking out books at the City Library.

Get online.

Did you know there are online classes you can try with your kids? Even if you don't have a science museum nearby, you can take online science courses to learn more about nature, dinosaurs and biology. Consider enrolling in an online course with your kids to learn more. If classes aren't your thing, play some online discovery games together to learn more about specific scientific topics.

Remember that you don't have to know everything about science in order to enjoy learning with your kids. Even scientists don't know everything there is to know about science! The world outside is constantly changing and growing, so the important thing is that you have fun exploring with your kids and learning as a family.

Dr. Nielsen Donato and His True Heart for Animals.

“What makes you wake up early in the morning?” asks veterinarian Dr. Nielsen Donato while strolling through his animal sanctuary. “It’s not work. It’s something that you’re excited about.”

When people think of veterinarians, they usually think of them tending to household pets, like cats and dogs. But Doc Nielsen isn’t a regular vet. He’s the managing partner and chief surgeon at Vets In Practice (VIP), which caters to not-your-usual pets, and he also has a background in Avian and Exotic Medicine.

But what makes him so special is his unbridled care for virtually any kind of animal, be it crawling, flying, galloping, or slithering.

Zuma the Albino Burmese python and Doc Nielsen pose for the camera.

Doc Nielsen’s passion started when he was around three years old. One of his favorite childhood memories was being excited about going to church just so he could see the yellow chicks and ducklings being sold by vendors outside.

Today, Doc Nielsen helps run the Laguna Wildlife Park & Rescue Center, which sits within his family’s property in Pansol. This non-profit organization houses around 100 species of farm animals and wildlife, including domestic and neglected pets, as well as exotic animals that were rescued from illegal sellers and dangerous living conditions. The wildlife park has everything from chickens and goats to monkeys and a serval cat, which he tends to with the help of his staff. It’s also backed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which assists in acquiring and transporting animals to the park.

Best Friends Forever: Doc Nielsen and Kulit.

The veterinarian calls the park his “happy place,” which he visits as early as 5 am to see all of the animals and listen to the different sounds that envelope the whole park. “When I’m walking here in the morning or afternoon, it relaxes me. Nalilimutan ko yung mga stress, that’s why I call it my ‘haven,’” says Doc Nielsen.

Compassion project

“We support the animals with our own resources,” Doc Nielsen says as he shows the many enclosures in the park that the animals call home. He also provides them with nutritious food and medicine to keep them healthy while they’re living in the park.

Feeding time: Violet, a rescued tortoise, snacks on papaya.

He doesn’t do this alone. Apart from the staff he works with, Doc Nielsen’s family also helps. His kids, Cedric and Nina, are studying veterinary medicine, so they’re well on their way to following in their dad’s footsteps.

Giving animals a second chance

While giving a tour of the park, Doc Nielsen stops to feed and pet the animals he passes by. One of them is a bearcat (binturong), a nocturnal mammal with cat-like features that’s endemic to Palawan. Doc Nielsen explains that the bearcats were transported to the park with the help of DENR, and they are raised until they’re ready to be released back into the wild.

“I promised that if I ever breed any endemic wildlife animal in the park, my goal is to help repopulate their species and bring them back to their natural habitat,” he says. He also takes time to assess animals who might need medical attention and treat them right away to prevent infections.

Doc Nielsen demonstrates how to bathe a Bayawak,
with his resident monitor lizard, Bruce.

It’s not always easy for Doc Nielsen to let go of animals, especially those that have been used to being around humans. Many of the monkeys, for example, lived in crowded areas and were treated as pets in their past lives. Releasing them back into the wild would be a safety risk for them because a troop of wild monkeys might hurt them.

This is why he and his staff ensure that animals like these get the care they need so they can live a long and healthy life. The wildlife sanctuary is their safe haven until they are ready to be released in a protected space.

Doc Nielsen at the Laguna Wildlife Park & Rescue Center.

Whether it’s at his clinic in the city or the wildlife park in Laguna, Doc Nielsen is always ready to offer his expertise and care to all types of species, no matter how scary they may seem.

“I always dreamed of being someone like [British veterinary surgeon] James Harriot. I’ve always wanted to treat dogs and cats, and farm animals as big as horses, goats, and sheep,” he said. “There weren’t exotic animals to treat yet [when I was just starting out.] Now, I’m lucky because I get to treat more exotic animals, as well as farm animals, in my clinic and the park.” 

3 Things to Have in Mind in Choosing the Right Bedding for Animal Husbandry.

When choosing bedding for your stalls or transport for horses, cattle or swine, chose one that accommodates your needs and the needs of the animals.

There are several different types of bedding on the market, ranging from the cheapest bedding, made from fir or pine wood with added resin, to the high quality bedding made from beech. You can buy high quality beech bedding at dansktraemel.com. To choose the right bedding for your animals, there are several criteria to consider:

Horse Doctor, 2012.

1. The economics of animal bedding
When you choose a bedding, efficiency in the form of absorbency is a thing to have in mind. Bedding made from beech has the highest absorbency of all wood types, and is almost twice as absorbent as fir or pine. That means lower quantities are needed, saving money on sheer volume.

2. The safety of the bedding
When dealing with larger animals, safety comes first. The beech bedding from Dansk Træmel is thoroughly analyzed and checked for germs, yeast and moulds, keeping you and your animals safe. Furthermore, the beech bedding has been declared salmonella free. The bedding is heat treated, which makes is almost sterile.

3. The environmental implications of animal bedding
When choosing bedding for your animals, you can make a difference for the environment. Bedding from Dansk Træmel is made from FSC- and PEFC-certified wood, reducing the environmental implications for the forests and woods of the world, when cutting down trees.

Wood for bedding.

Which Pets Make the Best Emotional Support Animals?

The use of emotional support animals has become more and more prevalent in the last decade or so, and often controversially so. Stories of pigs and peacocks that people have designated their emotional support animal make great headlines and sell stories.

But which pets actually make the best support animals? It comes down which type of animal provides therapeutic value to a person, which type of animal is practical for that person to keep, and often the type of animal recognized as the most appropriate.

Song Joong Ki for Marie Claire, 2016.

Consider the therapeutic value
An emotional support animal is one that is of therapeutic value and companionship to some with one of many different mental health conditions. So how can you determine the best ESA for a person to get a therapeutic effect?

The presence of the pet should help with symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and stress. For example, the physical act of caressing and cuddling a pet can help calm a person and lift their mood. The caring involved in looking after a pets food and exercise needs can help a person establish regular routines. The care a particular pet needs can also help people focus on, and understand, the needs of another. For someone with a mental health condition, feelings of isolation and aloneness can accompany the illness. An emotional support animal can provide the unconditional love the person may feel is lacking in their life.

Song Hye Kyo and her Bichon Frise, Pink.

Consider the practicality of keeping a pet
Emotional support animals live with a person. This means there are some very practical considerations in which type of animals make the best ESAs. The accommodation needs to be appropriate for the type of animal. An ESA needs to be kept safe and sheltered and in an environment that gives them a good quality of life.

For example, a large dog is likely to need to share a large house and yard. A small dog or cat may be perfect for an inner city apartment dweller. The costs of looking after different types of animals vary. Someone’s choice of emotional support animal should be one they can afford to care for in terms of food, healthcare, and accessories. A size comparison is relevant here too, big dogs and cats eat a lot more than smaller ones!

Song Joong Ki for Marie Claire, 2016.

Consider the types of animals most recognized as ESAs
Technically, any animal can be an emotional support animal, but there are many that shouldn’t! The most commonly recognized emotional support animals are the type of pets most people are already familiar with – dogs, cats, and sometimes other small animals such as rabbits. There are a few reasons why:

- We know cats and dogs!
People have kept cats and dogs as domestic pets for millennia. Most people already know if they personally prefer one species over another and the benefits and comfort a dog or cat can bring to their lives. If you haven’t had a pet in your life before, chances are you have an idea of the basic needs of a dog or cat and there is a ton of information available and vet professionals to give advice as and when needed.

- We understand dog houses and where cats like to curl!
Dogs and cats are able to live alongside us and beside us in our homes. For anyone in rental housing, there are also protections under the Fair Housing Act for people with emotional support animals. Under the FHA landlords have to make “reasonable accommodations” for someone with an ESA, even if they have a no-pets policy. Property managers are more likely to look favorably on a recognized domestic pet such as a cat or dog.

- Sometimes emotional support animals need to fly!
If you need your emotional support animal with you on a flight or at your destination, your right to fly with an emotional support animal is covered under the Air Carrier Access Act. However, most airlines have policies that limit species. Those that do accept animals are more accept dogs, and sometimes cats. They may also restrict certain breeds of cats and dogs for the health and safety of the pets and other passengers.

Song Joong Ki for Marie Claire, 2016.

Consider the Benefits of a Dog
For someone wanting a pet that involves a lot of interaction, an emotional support dog may be the one for them. Depending on breed, dogs regular training, grooming and exercising, along with taking care of basic needs for food and water. Dogs are pack animals, and people soon become part of their pack. They like to do activities with their people, socialize with their people, and just generally hang out.

Consider the Benefits a Cat
Cats as emotional support animals can be ideal for some that benefits from the unconditional love and companionship offered by feline company. Although cats are more stay at home kind of pets, their devotion and dedication to the people they live with can bring much joy into a home.

Consider Where to Get Your Pet or ESA
Rescue shelters can be a good first port of call when you are thinking about adopting a pet. Animals end up in shelters for all kinds of reasons, and rehoming an animal is a rewarding experience. Cats and dogs from rescue organizations have usually been assessed in terms of temperament so you will have an idea if you are the right match.

Alternatively, ask people you know if they know of anyone looking to re-home a pet. Or check with a local veterinary clinic if they know of pets, puppies, and kittens needing new homes. For specific breeds of dogs look for reputable breeders registered with organizations such as American Kennel Club and the American Cat Fanciers Association.

If you have an existing mental health condition and a pet that you feel alleviates your symptoms, take a pre-screening to establish whether you may qualify for an emotional support animal. A licensed health professional will then discuss with you whether this pet is appropriate as an emotional support animal for you.

Finding a Pet Sitter.

We love our pets just as much as they love us, but we can’t be with them every minute of our lives. Whether you’re out of town or at the office all day, there comes a time when you need a pet sitter. It might seem daunting to find the appropriate person to watch your animal, but it doesn’t have to be.

Need a pet sitter for your beloved pooch?

Decide what qualities you want your sitter to have.
Nobody knows your pooch better than you do, so be transparent with their needs. Are you going to need somebody who can administer medication? Do you want somebody who has experience taking care of puppies? Not everyone will mesh well with your animal, and that’s totally fine. Animals behave different with each person, so you need somebody who understands your pet’s personality.

Meet with the sitter before agreeing to let them watch your pet.
Just as you would with a babysitter, see how they interact with your dog or cat. If you have an animal who is shy, make sure they aren’t playing too rough, or if your animal is needy, observe how the sitter gives him attention.

Different pets have different needs.

Don’t try to convince the sitter to watch your pet.
Remember that comfort goes both ways. If you find a sitter you like but they aren’t sure if it’s the right fit for them, then it isn’t the right fit for you. The sitter has to remain calm under pressure and comfortable either being in your home or having your pet at theirs. Pushing them to watch your pet will not be the ideal situation for anyone.

Compare prices.
Independent pet sitters can set their own rates, so research what’s standard in your area. Some of the cheaper packages may exclude certain services that pricier ones include, like grooming, and sometimes there’s a difference in the length of time they take your pet on a walk.

Having fun? :)

These handy tips should help you find the sitter that will best suit your and your pet’s needs.

Written by Greer Grenley, Rover.com community member.
Rover is the nation's largest network of 5-star pet sitters and dog walkers.

Seoul Searching | Konkuk University + Seoul Children's Grand Park.

In the days subsequent to our visit to Seoul Forest, Yue kept on asking when will he get to see 'the animals' again. It seemed that his first close encounter with deer, ducks, and birds had been quite memorable for the little man, who has an innate fondness for animals.

I finally gave in to his request on a sunny, relatively warm spring day, but instead of going back to Seoul Forest, I opted for a visit to Children's Grand Park, another popular and family-friendly recreational space in Seoul.

Pride Konkuk pennants displayed all over the campus.

Commuting to the park by subway entails a transfer at Konkuk University station. Instead of heading directly to the park from Ttukseom Station, we decided to explore Kondae first and grab some lunch while we're at it.

Konkuk University!

Konkuk U and Children's Park adventure after the jump! Picture-heavy post! :)

Seoul Searching | COEX Aquarium.

On our second Sunday in Seoul, the boys and I visited COEX Aquarium, which is just a few subway stations away from where we live. 'Twas a perfect day to go to a family-friendly attraction as that Sunday coincided with Mother's Day and Parents' Day here in Korea.

Welcome to COEX Aquarium!

Beware of Jaws!

Shark teeth on display at the entrance.

Shark art! :)

Let's go on a Water Journey! More of COEX Aquarium after the jump!

Wordless Wednesday #92 | An Unexpected Guest.

Two days after the onslaught that was Glenda, an unexpected guest flew into my grandmother's home.

From Hogwarts? :)

Yes, it's an owl!

The poor thing must have lost its way during the typhoon, so we decided to take care of it for the meantime. Everyone was so excited to have this feathered friend around, especially my little man. He even named it 'Hedwig', after Harry Potter's ever famous owl.

Showing off.

I believe this is the Philippine Scops-Owl aka Oriental Screech Owl, though I don't remember hearing it screech while he was here.

That stare.

We were supposed to turn this guy over to the folks at DENR this week, but my grandmother decided to just let Hedwig leave on his own. She was worried that the poor thing might die, since we don't know exactly what to feed it with. I know owls eat mice and lizards and stuff like that, but how on earth am I supposed to give him those? Lol.

Anyway, it was nice meeting you, Hedwig. I hope you're safe and sound and happily eating wherever you are. :)