Archive for the ‘Pet and Vet News’ Category

I hear the jokes about what timewasters Twitter and Facebook are (and yes they can be), but for me, meeting and connecting with so many inspiring, smart, amazing people has moved me to action!

After the Greyhound haul last week, I spent some time thinking about how social media has helped me.

This just in from my Twitter and K9Cusine blog team member, Roxanne Hawn:

For a veterinary trade magazine article:

I’m looking for an real-life example from a veterinarian who had trouble tracking down the right microchip registry after scanning a lost/stray pet. This is less about scanning issues and more about figuring out how to contact the right registry (and, we hope, the right pet owner). The article is due tomorrow (T 3/2). If you can help with an example, please email me pronto at Roxanne@RoxanneHawn.com. Thanks!

Scanning the clinic cat for his microchip © Janet Tobiassen Crosby DVM

After a Greyhound is retired or a track closes, they are moved to a central location to await transport to rescue groups all over the nation and Canada. This haul came in from Halfway Home Greyhound Adoption in Oklahoma. See photos of two recent hauls, one to Florida and one to California.

Here is my day in pictures.

One or two Greyhounds per compartment, muzzled for their safety.

Off the truck!

Walking to the exercise yard.

Zooming Greyhounds

More zooming Greyhounds

Then they would break from zooming for a little love time.

Waiting their turn to be de-flea/tick 'ed, dewormed and new collars and muzzles.

This guy on the right really caught my eye - a blue fawn - but he was off to Canada.

The dogs will all be spayed/neutered, have their teeth cleaned, heartworm tested and vaccinated (if needed), then off to find their forever homes. Fostering is important for the transition from track to home life. They need to learn what it is like to live in a home: stairs, mirrors, windows, other pets, and so on. They have many great things to look forward to in their retirement years.

There are Greyhound rescue groups throughout the US and the world. Even if you can’t foster or adopt, there are ways to help. To find out more, visit Adopt-A-Greyhound. Here is a handy map to find a rescue group near you; in the US and worldwide.

Related:

• Social media and being the change you want to see

Barnie pretty much says everything I have to say about blogpaws.

Oh, and this.

The NYC trip was busy as usual. And somehow, busier. It was a long day traveling back home and, despite my best efforts, I came down with a whopper cold upon arrival. I spent 2 days drinking lots of tea, sleeping and reading. Yay – feeling much better today, although also feeling way behind.

I will be adding the photos, stories and interviews to my About.com Veterinary Medicine site over the course of the coming week. I was happy/amused to catch several dogs yawning this year. Just a little pet photography quirk I have. lol Sophie does this all of the time. I am convinced she thinks it is extra cute (which I probably encourage). Here are two beautiful Salukis before going into the ring.

Sophie, out standing in a wheat field (also an outstanding dog).