This easily one of my favorite videos! I hope there are lots of happy reunions like these going on across the U.S. with troops coming home from Iraq. A heartfelt “Thank You!” to our troops and their families—I can’t imagine the hardships you’ve faced.
DIY: Feather Spinner Cat Toy & Wand
Make your own feather spinner cat toy similar to the Da Bird cat toy. The tutorial shows you what to do. You can make it as simple or elaborate as you like. Be sure to pay special attention to the instructions in Step #5 on the placement of the larger feathers to insure the toy spins.
You’ll need:
- 2 pheasant tail feathers
- small body feathers
- snap swivel for fishing
- tinsel
- hex nut
- hot glue
- vinyl carburetor cap
- felt, two colors
- scissors
- glue gun
- needle nose pliers
The second tutorial shows you how to make the wand to go with the spinner using:
- acrylic or wood dowel 3/8″ and 18″ long
- 2 vinyl carburetor caps sized to fit on dowel
- hex nut
- medium strength fishing line, string, or cording
- scissors
- glue gun
Spontaneous Tool Use By Dingo
Crows and ravens have used tools. So have primates. And now a member of the canine family—a dingo—has been documented spontaneously using a tool. (‘Spontaneous’ meaning the dingo wasn’t taught to use the tool.) In this case, the tool is a table the dingo dragged into position so it could access an envelope of food. Pretty cool!
DIY: Rope Dog Toys Round-Up
Rope toys can make great tug toys for dogs who are heavy chewers. Since they have some heft to them, rope toys make good toss toys too. They’re durable and can be pretty colorful. To make these rope toys, you can buy new rope, use scrap rope, or you can upcycle retired climbing rope—ask at climbing gyms or climbing stores for retired rope. Let the knotting begin!
The first group of toys uses the Basic Crown Knot. (How To Video I, Video II)
The second group uses the Monkey Fist Knot. (How to Video I, Video II)
Friday Fun: Dog Loves Bathtime
Casper the dog loves getting a bath and a chest rub. Pure bliss!