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
Dog
Doggie Dental hygiene
February is National Dental Month in the veterinary world. Are we pushing for whiteners and brighteners, hoping to put a Hollywood-worthy smile on every doggie face? Nope, the hype is really about health. It’s pretty amazing we don’t see more problems within our pets’ mouths. People brush two minutes at least twice a day, then … Continue reading Doggie Dental hygiene
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
Molly and the Spider Plant
It was Molly who reminded me. Molly is an English Springer Spaniel. Her soft, silky black ears make it irresistible to gently pull them. Her owner was bewailing the fate of her garden, as young Molly had developed a fascination for a particular potted spider plant. She sought my advice. My mind went drifting back … Continue reading Molly and the Spider Plant
Stayner and Queenie (A Boy and His Dog)
On January 23, 2019 the Merced Sun Star newspaper printed a front page photo that showed both of the Stayner boys together in 1980, shortly after Steven Stayner had been reunited with his family. Steven’s story was remarkable. Steven disappeared when he was 7 years old, simply vanished from his neighborhood one day. It was … Continue reading Stayner and Queenie (A Boy and His Dog)
My Husband’s Hospital Vacation
My first indication that text messaging had gone too far in my household was the afternoon I checked my phone and discovered the following message : “Just wanted to let you know. I thought I might be having a heart attack so I checked myself into the hospital.” It had been sent from my husband’s … Continue reading My Husband’s Hospital Vacation
Castor the Police Dog
There are many fine working dogs out there – cattle and sheep dogs, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Special needs assistance dogs, Bomb and Drug dogs, and perhaps one of the finest working groups, the Working Police Dog, or K-9 Cops, complete with their own badge. Hired on by Police and Sheriff departments nationwide, they … Continue reading Castor the Police Dog
Marijuana Toxicosis
Now it is possible that some of you may succumb to the same little habit I am guilty of: reading the popular magazines while standing in line at the grocery store. Never buying them, of course. This is where I follow the stars (we aren’t talking astronomy here) and gather knowledge of my fellow human … Continue reading Marijuana Toxicosis
New Life for an Old Dog
She had been all black in her youth, but now at the age of 14 she is showing some gray around her muzzle. She used to jump and romp and play. Now she walks sedately across the yard, a faint weakness in her hindquarters. But always, Bella has class. Always, the gentle tail wag to … Continue reading New Life for an Old Dog