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Lacey’s Holiday at Jax’s Ark

Once upon a time, in a cozy corner of a bustling little town, lived Lacey, a Bearded Dragon with scales that shimmered like the warm golden sun. Lacey had a very important job: she was the queen of her own tiny kingdom, and her kingdom was wherever she called home. But today, Lacey was on holiday!

Lacey had come to stay at a magical place called Jax’s Ark. It wasn’t just any ordinary pet hotel—no, this was a paradise for creatures of all kinds, from lizards to rabbits, tortoises to ferrets. There was always something happening at Jax’s Ark, and Lacey loved it. Every morning, she would wake up to the sound of friendly chatter from all her animal friends and the delightful smell of fresh food being prepared for breakfast.

My name is lacey. I am a Bearded Dragon, not to be mistaken for a breaded dragon! I am having my holiday at Jaxs Ark, and I have to say life is most interesting as there is always a lot going on in the Ark.

I am a creature of habit, and I must have my food at the right times. “Not demanding at all!” I would say with a smug little wink, I knew I was being spoiled—but in the most delightful way.

I particularly like the locusts I am given; sometimes they are hand-fed to me (which I think is s an extra-special bonus), and waxworms, which were a rare and delightful indulgence. But I am not demanding at all!

I occasionally get given roaches, but they are not jaxs favourite to fed me as they give her the shudders. I like my leafy greens and Jax knows I like them in small pieces with a sprinkling of supplement and minerals.

My favourite time of day is when Jax would gives me a warm bath, followed by a cuddle session. I am so not demanding!

Bearded dragons have become popular pets. They are often compared to reptilian dogs because they can respond to their owners.

When we are little, we are seen in groups in pet shops, but we prefer to be living on our own as we grow older. When we are little, we just want to develop all our muscles and grow big so our diet changes as we get older. Jax makes sure I don’t eat to much as I do like my food, but I am not demanding at all. I like to wait by the door with much eagerness to see what delights are on offer today.

Jax has all the top-notch life support for me, she even helped my mummy set my home vivarium up correctly.

I remember when Jax helped mummy set up my new vivarium. “T5 desert UVs and deep heat projectors are a must,” Jax had explained, making sure everything was perfect for me.. Mummy was so grateful, and I could tell she was happier now that I was in the best hands.

“I do enjoy my holidays here at Jax’s Ark. Mummy is happy, and I get to experience new things every day. What could be better than this?”

For inquiries or reservations, please send a message, contact Jax directly, or visit her Facebook page – Jaxs Ark Small Animal Home Boarding. Follow her page to always have access to her contact information.

Blue Elephant Yoga

Here at Kirton News, we like to share ideas that might just make life a little easier, healthier, or more enjoyable. Sometimes, the most important things are the ones we rarely think about - until they start to change.

This month, all Mark has told me is that we’re exploring something simple yet essential, something that affects us all but often goes unnoticed. So what is it?

Balance is something we often take for granted - until we start to lose it. Whether it’s a stumble on an uneven pavement or feeling unsteady reaching for something on a high shelf, balance plays a crucial role in our daily lives. Yet, as we age, it naturally declines. The good news? With a little attention and practice, we can improve it.

The Hidden Challenge

From around our 40s onwards, balance starts to diminish due to factors like muscle loss, joint stiffness, and changes in our inner ear. This can lead to an increased risk of falls, which are one of the most common causes of injury in older adults. But the decline isn’t inevitable—just like strength and flexibility, balance can be trained and maintained with regular practice.

A Quick Test

Want to check your balance? Try this simple test: Can you stand on one foot for 10 seconds? If it’s harder than expected, don’t worry; you’re not alone. Many people find their balance isn’t as steady as they thought. But just a few minutes of daily practice can make a big difference.

Easy Ways to Improve Balance

You don’t need special equipment or long workouts to work on balance. Try these simple habits:

• Stand on one leg while brushing your teeth.

• Balance on one foot while waiting for the kettle to boil.

• Walk heel-to-toe (as if on a tightrope) across the kitchen.

• Rise onto your tiptoes and slowly lower down while washing up.

How Yoga Can Help

Yoga is one of the most effective ways to improve balance safely. Through gentle poses and mindful movement, it strengthens the muscles that support stability, improves coordination, and increases confidence in movement. The best part? It’s accessible to all levels and can be tailored to your needs.

If you’d like to explore ways to improve your balance in a supportive, friendly environment, why not try a yoga class? It’s never too late to find your steadiness - and with a little practice, you might just surprise yourself.

So don’t be surprised if you spot me balancing on one leg at the supermarket checkout - maybe you’ll even join me!

For class details, visit: buk.ie/bey