When nature designs in style, it often designs with purpose. I came across this video that belongs to 2can.tv, and wanted to share this amazing restoration that he accomplished for a beautiful toucan named Newt - the link is below to check out the video. Before (or after) you check out the video, read these interesting findings about the toucan's beak. Looking at a toucan's beak, you can't help but think nature had favourites. It is functional, and pretty. The beak is an extremely functional/important part of survival. The toucan's beak is fairly large, growing up to 18cm, depending on the species and sex. It's odd, how can they fly with such a large beak? Interestingly, their beak is hollow, consisting of a bony core covered by keratin allowing for easy maneuvering in order for them to collect sufficient feed (fruits, insects) from far-reaching branches, trees, etc,. Furthermore, research shows that their beak contains a network of blood vessels that act as a thermal regulator. It functions to release heat to combat the extensive heat in the tropical climates. In a more straightforward manner, the beak is used in communication, and defense against predators. In my opinion the most fun, cool function of the beak is during mating. Yes, their colourful beak is used in mating signalling, but more notably it is used in courtship rituals. In these courtship rituals, the male toucan will offer fruit to the female toucan by the passing the desired fruit with its beak. It is then up to the female to accept this offering as a sign of love, or not. This way is less expensive than proposing with a ring, but to each their own. It is fascinating that evolution has a way of turning the seemingly ordinary - the beak - into something so multidimensional. It is also interesting to ponder about the difference in courtship rituals between all species, as they all abide to the same underlying principles. Does anyone know of any other animals that have crazy interesting mating rituals?

Luna it’s pretty calm, but sometimes she gets anxious looking around the dog park. A little meditation can go a long way.

Our dog just had their Lyme vaccine. I wasn’t aware this was possible. there’s no need for the pills or cream anymore. It seems like Lyme is very prevalent here in southern Ontario.

A whole new meaning to food trucks. It was so heartwarming to see a community come together to show support and care for animals that have ended up in unfortunate circumstances. This has motivated me to do my part and contribute to initiatives like this. We can't fix everything, and I often feel that stops me from at least fixing something. It is always good to remind myself that even helping one life is a change in the positive direction. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMg0_y7pe7r/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Welcome to the Peak Canine Community! In this community, I will share learnings of mine that I gather from new studies, my undergraduate courses, and the journey to becoming a veterinarian. I will share stories of interesting encounters with animals, funny videos I find, and I encourage others to do the same! I want this community to be open, fun, and offer value to animal owners, and lovers. I wanted to kick this community off with a story from a recent trip of mine. My family and I just came back from Türkiye, a beautiful country with landscapes rich in history; it truly leaves you in awe. Animals are a big part of their culture, especially dogs and cats. Living in Canada, dogs and cats are sometimes happier than humans, where they have amazing homes, get taken on walks, are fed treats, and have diets specific to their needs. While in Türkiye, I observed quite the opposite, the streets were occupied by multitudes of stray dogs and cats; initially disheartening me. During the long and bumpy car rides through town, it was hard not to think about these stray dogs and cats, as you feel the need to help them. So, at the next town, I offered one of the stray dogs water, but it did not seem interested, and it walked away. It was then that I realized the food and water bowls sitting on the stairs at most restaurants and houses - the stray dogs and cats were taken care of. At first when I saw that these animals were stray I assumed the worst, that they were starving, thirsty, in need of shelter, unhappy. I was wrong - these animals were happy with what they had, and the people made sure of it by allowing these animals to take shelter at their houses overnight. In fact, looking at their body shape, these dogs looked healthy, they looked to be the ideal weight (some underweight, but most were ideal). Along with this, they were friendly, not a sniff of aggression, which from what I observe could be the product of the laid back culture in Türkiye. It was interesting to see the dynamic of the Turkish people with their stray dogs and cats. They have a relationship that is very different to the ones we have with our pets here. They are less involved in each others lives, but still care for one another.