Standoff between Cat and Snake

Gosh, don’t think I would ever let the Princess, Miss Mia tangle with a snake this size. Believe me she is quite the huntress. And has snagged her share of garden variety snakes. But nothing similar to this size snake….yikes! I wonder if the snake got away?

Year of the Veterinarian:2011

Center for Veterinary Medicine logo
Image via Wikipedia

Next year, 2011 is being called “World Veterinary Year” by the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine and veterinary groups around the globe.  The first veterinary school in Lyon, France will celebrate it’s 250th anniversary of being founded in 1761.  The intention of World Veterinary Year is to celebrate veterinary education, the veterinary profession and the concept of comparative pathobiology.

Claude Bourgelat founded the first veterinary school in France and

“dared to suggest that studying animal biology and pathology would help to improve our understanding of human biology and pathology.”

Major Events of World Veterinary Year
  • January 24, 2011 – Versailles, France
Official Opening Ceremony of the World Veterinary Year
logo vet 2011
  • May 12th-16th, 2011 – Lyon, France
World Conference on Veterinary Education                                                                logo CMEV 2011
  • October 10th-15th, 2011 – Cape Town, South Africa

International Closing Ceremony of the World Veterinary Year

logo WVC 2011
Many thanks to all those veterinarians past and present who continually work to maintain the health and well being of all animals.

Pets and Beating the Heat

I went for a walk and it is very warm outside.  There were a few folks walking with their dogs. One in particular I was a bit concerned for. He didn’t have his summer cut yet and his tongue was practically hanging to the ground. Not sure how long the dog and its owners had been walking. But it was a stark reminder that one cannot be too careful when it comes to protecting your pet (cat or dog) from extreme temperatures.

The unofficial start to Summer, Memorial day is this coming weekend.  And I have already read news report of a dog dying from heat stroke after being left inside a car.

Hot Weather Tip Reminders:

  • The temperature inside a car can reach 40 degrees higher than the temperature outside.
  • When temperatures reach 70 degrees it is dangerous to leave an animal unattended inside a vehicle.
  • Hydration: having clean fresh water always available.
  • Make sure there is access to shady areas while outside.

So remember, take it easy with your pets during those warm and balmy days. I think Hopey has the right idea hitching a ride from this tortoise…

Resource:

ASPCA

“LOST” Cats

I never became a fan of “LOST” as with some friends.  After watching it once I was lost. Think however one had to tune in at the very beginning. Not sure if the ending was a bust as with M*A*S*H and Seinfeld. But these cats give a nice synopsis I think.  I love Claire! Who is your fave?

Pups and a Girl collecting Pennies

Not sure that I was as mature as Ciara at 12 years old. She is certainly a role model for other kids her age and for us adults too. As with anyone who has a pet, Ciara had the good fortune to grow up with a Golden Retriever, named Dakota. When Dakota passed there was an incredible void in her life. Instead of withdrawing after losing Dakota she volunteered at a local golden retriever rescue, Rescue a Golden, of Arizona.

But Ciara’s passion for animals did not stop there. She started a non-profit charity called Pennies For Pups.

“Pennies For Pups was founded to help raise awareness, money, medication and food for sick, injured and abandoned dogs in local animal shelters and foster care.”

Through Pennies for Pups she has established:

  1. Annual weekly fundraiser at her school, Desert Arroyo Middle School.
  2. Annual Book Sale and Dog show
  3. Annual Four-Legged Food Drive

Yikes…..all at the ripe young age of 12! She most certainly is “a voice for the “bark” less”. Think she has a lot of MOXIE too…..”energy, nerve, courage & spirit!”