(www.meowbarkblog.com) — It caught me off guard when I looked outside and saw your broken body with perfect feathers rippling so slightly in the wind. I locked the dogs inside before I donned rubber gloves to investigate.

My breath stuck in my throat as I turned you over, bird, and saw the unfortunate angle of your neck. Snapped. Your eyes were still shining like the glass that misled you, but there was no flutter in your chest.

I don’t know how long you had lain there, bird, before I found you, but I’m glad it was me who discovered you on the cold concrete and not the dogs. I whispered an apology to your empty shell as I threw you over the fence, even though I knew you weren’t there.

Contents Copyright © 2009 Kristen King

(www.meowbarkblog.com) — Earlier this afternoon, US Airways flight 1549 was forced to land in the Hudson River allegedly because of a bird strike that debilitated the aircraft. As of this writing, all 150 passengers and 5 crew members had been safely recovered from the aircraft and transported to New York hospitals to be treated for various minor injuries and hypothermia.

A “bird strike” occurs when an aircraft or other vehicle collides with an airborne animal, and is common during takeoffs and landings. According to MSNBC live reports this afternoon, airports typically report regularly on bird activity near runways to cut down on the likelihood of accidents and injuries resulting from bird strikes.

For more on bird strikes, visit Bird Strike Committee USA and read the Wikipedia entry on bird strikes.

Contents Copyright © 2009 Kristen King

(www.meowbarkblog.com) — President Elect Barack Obama’s daughters Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, are probably more excited about the upcoming addition to their family than their new digs after Dad’s January 20 inauguration next week. Obama promised his girls a dog to keep them company in the White House, and the family is reportedly deciding between the designer Labradoodle and the long-famed Portuguese water dog.

My pick? The Labradoodle.

I’m not generally one for designer dogs, but the Labradoodle just warms the cockles of my heart. Maybe because the apricot color of this breed reminds me of Barkley from classic Sesame Street. Labradoodles are a cross between labrador retrievers and poodles. While their physical characteristics may vary with any combination of traits, they are consistently smart, energetic, friendly, and loyal. In short, Labradoodles are great family dogs, and for two girls the ages of Malia and Sasha, the Labradoodle strikes me as a perfect match.

A poodle or poodle mix is also a great choice because 10-year-old Malia has allergies, and poodles are a non-shedding breed.

What dog would you pick for the Obamas?

(image; used under Creative Commons license)

Contents Copyright © 2009 Kristen King