Susan Nicol

Susan Nicol

Sue owns three rescues: Sherman, an Olde English Bulldogge cross Boerboel, Maddison, an Africanis, and Boris, an American Staffordshire Terrier. Having owned horses, dogs, cats, and even an African grey parrot over the years, Sue is a passionate advocate for animal rights and welfare, having experienced firsthand the trauma some of her rescues had been exposed to.
As a freelance journalist and content writer for over 20 years, her goal has been to craft informative articles on responsible pet ownership and care, both in print and online. When not behind her computer, Sue can be found taking long walks on the beach with her dogs or hanging out in the garden
with them.

September 7, 2024 Advocate Animal Abuse Animal Laws 

Animal Cruelty Laws – Protecting Animals from Abuse, Torture, and Killing

Every 60 seconds, an animal is suffering abuse at the hands of humans, with more than 10 million animals dying in the US alone each year. These staggering figures point to a world fast losing its moral compass as intentional cruelty and neglect are inflicted on animals across all species. Yet despite anti-cruelty laws existing […]

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May 3, 2024 Dogs Dog Breeds 

American Bully Dog Breed Characteristics, History, Diet, Care, and More!

With its vast grin, compact, muscular body, and loveable nature, the American bully is hard not to fall in love with. Okay, full disclosure at this point. I have been surrounded by bully breeds all my life, from numerous Staffordshire bull terriers, a Boston terrier, and more recently, my American Staffordshire terrier, an Olde English […]

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April 5, 2023 Advocate Animal Rights 

From Activism to Legislation: Tracing the Evolution of the Animal Rights Movement

German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once said, “Man is the cruelest animal.” As to whether this statement is true is often up for debate. But what cannot be denied is that human cruelty exists and that the abuse of animals under the guise of justifiable exploitation for profit is just one of the more common manifestations […]

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February 24, 2023 A-Z Animals Reptiles 

Are Skinks Poisonous? Separating Fact from Fiction on Their Poisonous Nature!

With often brightly colored, sleek bodies and a similar looking appearance to that of a snake, although technically a lizard, this is the skink. Found in backyards and the wild throughout most parts of the world, skinks are a great addition to any environment with their lightning-fast reflexes to help keep insect populations in check. […]

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February 17, 2023 Birds A-Z Animals 

The Toucan: A Bright and Bold Bird with a Bill to Match

Bold, bright, and with a bill to match, this is the toucan. Well known in the Western world for its large multicolored bill four times the size of its head and curious eyes, this species of bird has lent its image to many TV shows, films, and advertisements. Playful and intelligent, the toucan can give […]

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February 14, 2023 A-Z Animals Birds 

The Macaw: The Big Bird With a Bigger Attitude!

These colorful birds, whose natural habit is the rainforests and open grasslands of Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean, are now found in many parts of the world where they are kept as domestic pets. Curious birds by nature, they are playful with active personalities to match their size. But this is no […]

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February 7, 2023 Dog Breeds Dogs 

Parti Schnauzers: The Fearless Warriors of the Dog World!

Friendly and affectionate with their bristling bushy beards, eyebrows, and great personalities to boot, this is the Parti Schnauzer. Now I was fortunate to grow up with my parent’s Standard Schnauzer, Bruno, who became a loyal playmate for my sister and me. Patient, yes, we used to dress him up, and even-tempered, he surpassed all […]

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February 4, 2023 Dogs Dog Breeds 

Irish Water Spaniel: The Dog with a Hard Head but Soft Heart!

Often mistaken for a poodle, the Irish Water Spaniel is one of the oldest and rarer breeds of spaniel today. With their distinctive top-knot and strikingly liver-colored coat, this breed is undoubtedly no poodle, although thanks in part to their origins shrouded in folklore and mystery, there may be a poodle ancestor lurking in the […]

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January 30, 2023 Dogs Dog Breeds 

American Foxhound – One of the Rarest & Oldest Dog Breeds!

With their large soft eyes, pleading expression, and goofy personalities, the American Foxhound has to be one of the most easy-going dog breeds in the US today. With their rich new world history, these hounds, originally bred for hunting, love to be active and on the move all the time. But that doesn’t mean they […]

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January 27, 2023 Dogs Dog Breeds 

Silky Terrier – Your Energetic, High-spirited Friend

Feisty, fun-loving, affectionate, and intelligent. This is the Australian Silky terrier. With their almond-shaped eyes and teddy bear face, these small but high-energy dogs certainly pack a big personality. Now, to be honest, I’ve always been drawn to larger bull terrier types of dogs, that is, until my daughter bought home Jack, a Yorkshire terrier, the […]

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