Most difficult class in vet school?That's a toss-up. Clinical pathology was a bear, but so was neurology. The first because of the topic, the second because of the teacher. Did the dogs get any of the cat litter chicken breast? Nope. It was immediately tossed, much to Koa's chagrin. She really wanted it (as you could see, I didn't realize until watching the video that she was pacing like Jaws!) What was the biggest animal you have treated & what for? And the smallest & what ... Read more »
This one’s for the kitties
As many of you know, although I like cats, I have an extra special soft spot for the black cats, or jungle ocelots as I prefer to refer to them as. Sally Bahner from Exclusively Cats shares a wonderful post about my favorite feline topic. No other kind of cat, whether purebred or moggie, is more steeped in myth and mystery than the black cat. From the basic good luck-bad luck premise to elaborate symbolism associated with different countries, black cats have been a part of the cultural ... Read more »
On being bit
"Oh, he's just a teddy bear," says the client as the big huge Rottweiler lifts his head and looks at me. What I say and do next will color their impression of me for the rest of our relationship. Am I scared of big dogs? Not unless they give me a reason to be. Do I exercise reasonable caution with them? I sure do, just like I do with all animals. I approach a big dog, the kind who sometimes have a reputation for being aggressive, the same way I do all pets. Respectfully. I am ... Read more »
This is why
I am a vet and not a botanist. Par for the course in my house. ... Read more »
Doctor….Do Dead Pets Watch Over Us?
Grief counselor Dana Durrance asks a good question for a late night discussion: do you believe departed pets come back to visit? And is this a discussion you would even want to have with your vet? I've been reading a terrific book by a famous and well-known medium named Concetta Bertoldi (she consults regularly with members of Britain's royal family as well as with American celebrities and politicians). Her book, "Do Dead People Watch You Shower?" is a fascinating compilation of all the ... Read more »
Here’s a little late night Easter egg for ya
It may or may not remain up. :D In the interest of fairness, this was only an actual conversation up to the last sentence. ... Read more »
Calming Collars Giveaway Number Two!
Due to the overwhelming response to the earlier post about Calming Collars, Deb has agreed make a $5 donation to “the puppy for Bradyn” for each Calming Collar purchase this month that mentions Dr. V or Pawcurious or even Blogathon2010 (there is a “how we heard about you” box in checkout). Thank you Deb! This is your second chance to win the item of your choice from Calming Collars. Let's make this one a happy post. Despite your pet's anxiety issues (else you wouldn't be commenting to ... Read more »
The backbone of rescue: foster homes
In the third story on the theme of rescue, Dani from Helping Pets for Little Paws shares how a foster-based rescue program helps animals who would otherwise be at risk in shelters. There are many options when looking to adopt a pet. One option is to adopt from a foster based rescue group. A foster based rescue group is a typically a group of volunteers that open their home to animals that have been owner relinquished, pulled from a shelter or found as a stray. The goal of foster based ... Read more »
The love of a dog
In the second rescue story, Kathy Powelson shares the love and lessons she has learned from her two Australian shepherds, Jazzy and Blue. I feel like I have spent my entire life searching. Searching for what, I do not know. If I knew, I may have an idea of where to look. If I knew, there might be some goal, some direction for which I knew the path to follow. But when you are lost, the paths are not visible. Not even visible enough to see any road blocks or detours. They simply, are not ... Read more »
Cinder’s Story
Over the next hour I have three stories to share, about the theme of rescue. We rescue each other. They rescue animals. We rescue them. It's funny how often a big concept manifests itself right under our nose. Joanie C. from Colorado shares how she came to realize that for her, Be the Change was taking place right in her own home with the adoption of her dog Cinder. I've read Cinder's story several times now, and it makes me misty eyed each and every time I read it. It's not that ... Read more »
Your Questions Answered: Funniest Exam Room experience (and giveaway!)
It's late and dark, so I'm going all Blair Witch on you. Your turn! It's time for another FETCHING TAGS giveaway! To enter, you can either: 1. Tell me a funny experience from your own work or 2. Ask another question for me to answer. ... Read more »
Taking the big step
As you all know, BZTAT is busily painting as we speak in service to several animal related causes. The tie between art and charity is strong- both come from the heart, so that should be no surprise. Guest poster and animal artist Sue Steiner speaks to the bond she has with her beautiful horse Ricco: Ricco is my yearling. One of the great pleasures of the past year has been to watch this amazing creature grow and develop. I had to laugh the last couple days when something ... Read more »
Biscuits by Lambchop: Where’s Lambchop?
Biscuits by Lambchop were created for "Lambchop" after he become ill because there were no treats out there that met all his special dietary needs, including many food allergies and sensitivities. In honor of this lil' guy, this scavenger hunt is titled "Where's Lambchop?" - you know, like Where's Waldo?! So find Lambchop! We've hidden this cute drawing of Lambchop on 4 webpages! (Note: THIS is not the hidden one!) Go to Biscuits by Lambcchop's Facebook page to see which ones and then post ... Read more »
The Tree of Life: memorializing a lost pet
Memorializing a pet is a regular topic of conversation here on the blog, and in this post, family therapist Laurel Lagoni from Vet Wisdom Cafe shares a great idea for one way to keep our memories of our loved pets alive: Planting a Tree In Memoriam "I'm confused about what to do now with my dog's ashes. He was cremated and I received his remains a couple of weeks ago. I don't really want to keep them, but I also don't want to scatter them around and then have nowhere that I can "visit" him. ... Read more »
Giveaway: Smiling Frog Penguin Plushie
Check out this adorable handcrafted penguin plushie from the Smiling Frog Pets! I'm not sure which is cuter, the penguin or the model. :) In order to win, just take a look at the Smiling Frog store and tell me what your second favorite item is (you still just get the penguin but window shopping is fun, right?) ... Read more »
Animal Assisted Therapy: Helping Kids Succeed
Kathie Meier shares her experience as an animal assistance volunteer in Marin county, bringing animals and kids together in that perfect synergy that you have to experience firsthand to truly understand. Pair together an undying love for dogs and the desire to help and make a difference, and you have the perfect combination for animal assisted therapy. I thought my interest was limited to visiting seniors, that is until I was introduced to the Marin Humane Society Education and SHARE ... Read more »
WE HAVE VIDEO!! Iron Chef Pawcurious is LIVE!
We now interrupt our regularly scheduled blogging to bring you the long awaited infamous CAT LITTER EATING POST. I ate cat litter. I made up recipes. I filmed it on video since Ustream wouldn't work. In hi def (ugh) I had to edit it because YouTube won't load anything over 10 minutes. It still needs more editing, but that will take several days. I even added a jingle. A JINGLE! If that isn't worth a couple bucks donation I don't know what else to do. I am too old to go for ... Read more »
All in a dog’s work
Over the next hour, I have two wonderful guest posts on the topic of Animals Helping People: first, the story of a rescue dog turned therapy dog from Petfinder. The second is the story of a volunteer who, along with her therapy dogs, has reached people with disabilities and helped children learn to read for the past 15 years. All in a Dog's Work: One Poodle mix goes from throwaway dog to therapy dog Guest blog by Joan Banks, Happy Tails editor, Petfinder.com It takes a special pooch ... Read more »
