For many of us, our everyday lives have changed dramatically, suddenly, as the coronavirus pandemic has swept the world, crossing continents, invading communities large and small. Although there are hundreds of existing coronaviruses in humans and animals, this brand-new “novel” coronavirus has never been seen before and has proven to be highly contagious among humans. … Continue reading Coronavirus and your pet — what you need to know
Cats
Rabies didn’t die with Old Yeller — and the disease is endemic to Merced
I’m going to talk about something scary today. Not an alien life form but a very real live virus called rabies. Rabies didn’t die out with Old Yeller — it is still very much with us, and definitely present in the wildlife of Merced County. They map where the rabid animals were discovered, watching for … Continue reading Rabies didn’t die with Old Yeller — and the disease is endemic to Merced
Cheese Whiz
So I was visiting with a friend when she decided it was time to pill her dog. This was something new for her and she had questions. “What should I put the pill in?” She’d used peanut butter once before when she gave her dog some medicine. I shrugged. That’s ok. Told her I use … Continue reading Cheese Whiz
Little Old Ladies
She was a little old lady, short and round as a dumpling. She energetically grabbed her dog from the exam table and tipped him onto his paws. You’d never have guessed her age except for the grey hair. Her dog found his footing and waited expectantly by her feet. “I’ve got to go”, she declared, … Continue reading Little Old Ladies
Ronda and the Very Bad Paw
It was late in the day when the Animal Control Officer from the City of Merced Police Department brought us a stray cat that was in trouble. This service is provided to injured stray animals in the City, and it is up to us to determine if they can be helped or, sometimes, to help … Continue reading Ronda and the Very Bad Paw
Weight Loss Dreams
Myrtle had lost 8 pounds. I was most impressed. A middle-aged Australian Shepherd, she’d never had puppies, so couldn’t excuse her mid-life spread by pointing out her gorgeous offspring. Myrtle had been spayed young, which virtually guaranteed that she would not contract breast cancer in her lifetime (a 1-in-4 risk for older intact female dogs). … Continue reading Weight Loss Dreams