Van life Diaries: Day 1007 – Settling In

Van Life Diaries: Day 1007 - Settling In

Monday 20th May 2024

Good evening.

Today began with me waking up at 6:30am for no apparent reason other than my body decided it had enough of being horizontal.

My day started with much anxiety as I realised that I didn’t have any milk for my 3 cups of life juice that is needed for me to be a functioning human.

Fortunately my new boss was in the shop this morning and offered to make me a coffee.

So I undertook a 10 minute journey to the nearest Aldi to resolve this lack of milk issue. I knew I was taking a massive risk operating a vehicle having consumed only one dose of caffeine, but life is full of risks. Only to find that they were sold out of oat milk. So I apparently filled my trolley with £70 of other stuff. Stuff that I then had to Tetris to make fit into my motorcycles top box and panniers.

I then had a walk around the new campsite with my boss. It really is a ‘unique’ site. Its a work in progress which I feel has the potential to be busy year round. It has around 40 pitches. Some of which are rather impressive in size. There’s a 12 hole crazy golf course. Archery. Gym. Air Rifle range. Table tennis. Bar. Shop. Cafe with food. Escape Rooms.

I officially start tomorrow with my first 5 hour shift.

I spent the afternoon working on a website for Mike Carrol, an addiction and mental health counsellor based in Australia.

Sorting out my outside room (gazebo)

Editing some images taken along my travels (check out my other socials for more regular image posts from my travels, link at end of post)

Taking Shaka for walks who still isn’t 100% but has at least eaten his dinner today.

And admiring a typical Suffolk sunset.

So that is pretty much it.

A new feature I’ve decided to include in these daily/regular posts is ‘What I Googled/Asked ChatGPT today’

What I Googled/Asked ChatGPT today

Me: what percentage of wolf dna do domestic dogs have


ChatGPT:

Domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) are indeed descended from wolves (Canis lupus) and share a significant amount of genetic material with them. In terms of DNA similarity, domestic dogs and modern wolves share about 98% to 99% of their DNA. This high level of similarity is due to their relatively recent divergence from a common ancestor, which occurred between 20,000 and 40,000 years ago.

The percentage can vary slightly depending on the breed of the dog and the specific wolf populations being compared. Despite this high genetic similarity, the differences in that 1% to 2% of DNA are what contribute to the wide variety of breeds and the vast differences in behavior, morphology, and physiology between domestic dogs and wolves.

Me: What is a boerboel crossed with?

ChatGPT:

The Boerboel is a large working breed from South Africa, originally developed for guarding farms. It’s primarily bred from indigenous South African dogs and a mix of other breeds brought to South Africa by European settlers, including the Bullmastiff, Bulldog, and possibly the Great Dane among others. The exact mix can vary, as the breed was developed through selective breeding to enhance specific traits such as strength, loyalty, and protectiveness.

When you ask what a Boerboel is crossed with, it can refer to many possibilities since breeders might cross a Boerboel with other breeds to enhance certain traits or create dogs that meet specific needs. Common crosses include other large breeds like Mastiffs, Rottweilers, or even American Bulldogs to emphasize size, strength, and guard dog abilities.

Each crossbreed would inherit a mix of characteristics from both parent breeds, affecting everything from temperament to physical attributes. If you’re considering a Boerboel crossbreed, it’s important to look into the specific traits of both parent breeds to get an idea of what to expect.

Me; How heavy are boerboels

ChatGPT:

Boerboels are quite the hefty companions, tipping the scales with a significant amount of muscle and bulk. Males usually weigh in between about 65 to 90 kilograms (140 to 200 pounds), while females are slightly lighter, generally weighing between 50 to 65 kilograms (110 to 140 pounds). Their weight is well-matched by their size; these dogs are robust, with a strong bone structure and a muscular build, standing about 60 to 70 centimeters (24 to 28 inches) at the shoulder.

Due to their size and strength, Boerboels require appropriate training and socialization to ensure they are well-behaved and manageable. Regular exercise and a suitable diet are also crucial to keep them in top form and prevent obesity, which can be a concern with larger breeds.

Me: how many people do boerboels kill

ChatGPT:

The question of how many people Boerboels, or any breed for that matter, have killed isn’t straightforward and depends on several factors including upbringing, training, and circumstances. There isn’t specific or reliable data on fatalities caused by Boerboels.

Boerboels are powerful and protective dogs, bred for guarding properties and their families. Like any large and powerful breed, they have the potential to be dangerous if not properly trained and socialized from an early age. Responsible ownership, which includes proper training, socialization, and care, is crucial in preventing aggressive behavior in these dogs.

Incidents involving Boerboels or any breed resulting in severe harm or fatalities are often due to a lack of proper training and control, misunderstanding of the dog’s needs, or provocation. It’s important to understand the responsibilities that come with owning a large breed and to provide a structured environment that includes training, socialization, and regular exercise to mitigate any risks.

Me: how much does a typical pit bull weigh

ChatGPT:

The weight of a typical pit bull, more formally known as the American Pit Bull Terrier, can vary depending on factors like genetics, diet, and overall health. Generally, these dogs are medium-sized and muscular, with males usually weighing between 15.8 to 27.2 kilograms (35 to 60 pounds) and females slightly lighter, typically ranging from 13.6 to 22.6 kilograms (30 to 50 pounds).

Pit bulls are known for their strength and athleticism, so their bodies are often quite compact and muscular. Proper exercise and diet are crucial for maintaining a healthy weight and preventing obesity, which can lead to health issues in these active dogs.

Me: what percentage of fatal attacks in the USA are by pit bulls

ChatGPT:

Pit bulls are often reported to be involved in a significant number of fatal dog attacks in the USA, although these statistics can be controversial and are subject to interpretation. According to some reports and studies, such as those compiled by sources like DogsBite.org, pit bulls are responsible for a disproportionately high number of fatal attacks compared to other breeds. For example, they have been reported to account for approximately 60% to 70% of fatal dog attacks in various years, despite making up a smaller percentage of the total dog population.

It’s important to note that these statistics can be influenced by factors such as reporting biases, the identification accuracy of dog breeds (pit bulls are often a label applied to various similar-looking breeds), and the circumstances of specific incidents. Moreover, the breed alone does not inherently make a dog dangerous; factors such as upbringing, training, socialization, and the circumstances that the dog is kept in play significant roles in a dog’s behavior.

Responsible ownership, appropriate socialization, and training are crucial in preventing aggressive behaviors in any breed. It’s essential to approach such statistics with an understanding of the broader context, including how dogs are treated and managed by their owners.

Be Happy. Be Safe. Be Kind

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