We Aren't the Only Ones Quarantined...

You know who else is bored and stuck inside during quarantine? Your pets! Anita Kalonaros and Carlie Kalebich, fourth years at the University of Illinois, created some awesome DIY enrichment for their pups, Kona and Gryffin!

In the first one, they created a food puzzle out of muffin tins and various balls. They then threw a mixture of treats! The second one is a DIY treat-dispensing toy made out of cardboard. Have you guys come up with any fun activities or enrichment for your pets?

Meditations on Amateur Blood Collection

Madison Gohlke, Auburn University

A growling, griping, flopping mess

The syringe flies through the air

I wipe my brow and softly cuss

Suspiciously, you glare

I gently coax and offer treats

You eye me warily

I slide my arm under your neck

You spaz and try to flee

My longsuffering friend who’s here to help

Politely judges me

I say we do this all the time

(as if we live Fear-Free)

Don’t know if it’s the alcohol wipe

Or the poke that incites your rage

Or even just to be restrained

But you refuse to be assuaged

We take a break, then try again

Your veins roll like a log

You yelp when she pokes the needle in

I’m sorry, you dumb dog

If you’d hold still, then we’d be done

And I wish it didn’t hurt

But my dear, you don’t speak English yet

So control I must exert

I consider: is it worth all this? 

It’s just some free bloodwork

But she pets your head, you wag your tail

And I love you, you big jerk

So we’ll find those veins, we’ll draw this blood

And make sure you’re okay

I hope you don’t remember this

Or how upset you were today

And I promise, in the future, dear,

If you’ll cooperate this time

We won’t do this for another year

And maybe I’ll switch to bovine….

More Information Regarding Student Loans

Confused about how COVID-19 is affecting your student loans? We've got answers for you! Check out the information put together by our Veterinary Economics Officer and feel free to reach out to savma.veo@gmail.com if you still have questions!

Student Loans and COVID-19

If you have been tuning in to the news lately, there has been a lot of discussion regarding student loans, which is something that directly impacts the veterinary community. The VIN Foundation is here to update and inform you. Check out this link to learn more!

COVID19 Tips from Illinois SAVMA

Some members of the Illinois SAVMA Executive Board put together an incredible infographic with different tips and tricks on how to stay on a schedule and keep busy during this crazy time. Below, you will find some highlights from this infographic.

Send us any tips and ticks that you have to savma.editor@gmail.com to be featured on the Vet Gazette!