Separated at Birth #2 : Shrew Dog Shrew Dog Shrew etc

Exhibit 1: The Noble Hound at its favourite pastime, here seen in a rare moment of dreamless sleep

Exhibit 2: The Common Shrew at its favourite pastime, here seen eating ants' eggs

Common shrew feeding on ants` eggsAndy Rouse / www.nhpa.co.uk

Remark the delicate profile and dedication to the task which these endearing creatures share ...

Separated at Birth #1 : The Common Shrew in its natural habitat

Common shrew - overviewGranada Wild

Grumpy Grannie grinds her teeth

Dental Neglect a scandal in Australian Nursing Homes
Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard says the Government will make sure that reports of dental health neglect in nursing homes are investigated. (From ABC News online - see link below)

When facilities like nursing homes ( and childcare centres too but don't get me started on that !) became investments for big business like insurance companies, retailers etc instead of being run by people who had some interest and expertise in the actual field - and wash my mouth out for mentioning compassion - then the almighty dollar dictated stingy staff hours, minimal qualifications poor care, less interest and cruel games: "what no fresh fruit to eat? - I'm sure it was on the table when the visitors were here" etc etc

Anyone who has ever been inside a nursing home in any capacity can tell a swag of similar stories.

Let's start telling all of these stories out loud instead of sharing shocked whispers.

Good on you Dr Rogers.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/12/05/2438477.htm

The origins of the species

Even the most voracious and bloodthirsty shrew must begin as a small pink bean, cared for, licked over and, all being well, uneaten by its mother.

In this illustration we see a small healthy specimen at that young stage described by snake wranglers as 'a fuzzy'. Closer examination will reveal a facial expression which shows endearing shrewly promise.

No record remains of the volume of worms eaten at this stage.

This individual was observed to steal dog biscuits. It is a matter of speculation how this affected its later development.

Common Shrew

There are some of us
for whom the choice is simple:
bite or be beaten.

Feeling small,
we rush open-jawed
to eat the enemy.

Please try to understand,
it is only fear that makes us want
to feel the heat of your blood inside us.

Do not begrudge us this comfort.
It’s not easy to be so finely wrought,
and armed with such a flimsy philosophy.

© Ynes Sanz 2005