Can there be any doubt about the benefits of owning a pet ? I doubt it but the story of a Iris a little girl with autism and her cat Thula really illustrates how the world can open up for those with disability. Having a pet provides companionship and love and helps them to live fuller more active lives realising greater life potential. Thula is a maine coon that has bonded so lovingly with Iris. It's truly a heart warming friendship that has changed the life of this little girl.

Anything that can be done should be done to end the ivory trade. All of us have the opportunity to make a difference just by signing a petition as I just did.

The news of a discovery of a healthy population of lions being found in a remote region of Ethiopia is such a positive story. With sadly declining numbers elsewhere in Africa can we hope that all is not lost for the lion. It seems that the animals that live in some of the most remote parts of the globe have a better chance of surviving the onslaught of man and these lions almost certainly are. 

I'm so thrilled to read about the sustained campaign to re wild Britian. Before widespread farming and cultivation of the landscape large parts of Britain were covered in forests that provided a habitat for lynx, bears and wolves, all top predators that have completely disappeared over hundreds of years. The idea of re wilding Britain is such an exciting idea, one I didn't think would get off the ground, that there would be widespread criticism but apparently not. The idea is taking hold with a lot of people very supportive. I hope that in my lifetime I can know that lynx and perhaps some of the other great predators than once roamed freely across the landscape will do so again, imagine that.