Rescue Dogs Cafe

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Massimo @Rainmaker1973 How Japanese have produced wood for 700 years, without cutting down trees.

Daisugi is an ancient Japanese forestry technique developed in the 14th century originally used by people living in the Kitayama region, because the territory was extremely poor in saplings.

They planted cedars pruned in a special way to produce shoots that eventually would become perfect, straight, knot-free lumbers.

The shoots are gently pruned by hand every two years leaving only the top boughs, allowing them to grow straight. Harvesting takes 20 years and old 'tree stock' can grow up to a hundred shoots at a time.

There was actually another reason why the technique was developed: fashion. In the 14th century, a linear, stylized form of architecture known as sukiya-zukuri (数寄屋造り) became popular, and every prominent samurai or nobleman wanted a house built in this way.

There were simply not enough raw materials available to keep up with demand, so daisugi was developed to produce more wood in a shorter time.

The wood produced with this technique has also impressive qualities: it's 140% more flexible than standard cedar and 200% denser and stronger. And, it's extremely durable.

A dog rescuer takes his pack out for the morning jog.

A channel I watch a lot is Sitting With Dogs. The guy, Rocky Kanaka, sits with dogs in shelters that need help -- dogs that are aggressive or afraid of people or too frightened to even move. Dogs that aren't going to get adopted, unless someone breaks them out of their shells.

This was an especially cute one. The dog was neglected, or maybe was wild its whole life, and has a very bad case of mites. But five minutes in she starts getting very playful. Here's an update on her, or a "Pupdate." She's at a rescue now as she recovers from her bad mite infestation and learns how to be a dog. She's out in California, and if you like her, you might be able to adopt her.

Partially paralyzed dog is able to run thanks to a wheelchair-like rig.

Even dogs enjoy petting a dog.

Giving a horse a groom.

This video is upsetting: It's the GoPro video from a skier falling into a deep glacial ravine. I'm posting it, though, because, given that the video was recovered, I'm pretty confident the skier was recovered as well. Not recommended for claustrophobes or bathophobes.

When you think you're rescuing a baby lizard but you get so much more.

German shepherds play tag.

The seed is strong.

Some well-earned rest after a day of "commanding."

Biking on the brink of a cliff.

posted by Ace at 07:15 PM

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