Next Call For Submissions AUGUST 16TH!!!!

August 16th is the next call for TVG submissions!!!

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The Ultimate Companion Animal Scandal: Pet Overpopulation

Taylor Campione - Western

V:50 I:4 Op-Ed

Each year, nearly three million cats and dogs are put to death due to pet overpopulation. Millions more are imprisoned in city pounds, awaiting an uncertain fate. As a veterinary epidemiologist from the University of California, Davis put it, “of all the issues affecting the welfare of companion animals in the United States, there can be none larger in scope, greater in magnitude, longer in duration, or more worthy of disgrace than that of pet overpopulation.” Shockingly, the major cause of death in cats is not disease or injury, but euthanasia due to the overabundance of unwanted pets. For every puppy and kitten created by a breeder, there is an animal in a shelter who will lose its chance at getting adopted and will ultimately be killed. The reality is that although the people who breed cats and dogs make a profit at the great expense of animals, it is only perpetuated by consumer demand for the supply.

In the United States, almost 80 million households are homes for pets, and its obvious that cute puppies and kittens are widely beloved companions. Yet there remain millions of rejected whiskered faces behind shelter bars or roaming city streets, awaiting an untimely death. Despite good intentions, some people are often wary of acquiring their new furry friend from a rescue. They worry that pets with a mysterious background could have health or behavior issues, and some people prefer pedigrees that are harder to find in a shelter. Some purebred animals may have a more predictable temperament, but like people, no two pets are alike, and selecting for preferred traits, such as specific behaviors or physical characteristics, is not guaranteed and can put the animal at serious health risks.

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A Battle Axe and a Halberd

Walker Roberts - Florida

V:50 I:4 Creative Corner

These props are carved out of foam and a dowel rod makes up the shaft. 

Astrid's Axe - based off of Astrid's axe from How To Train Your Dragon 2

Halberd - made for a local musical called, "Whosical the Musical"

A Meal With A View

Brittany Lancellotti - Western

V:50 I:4 Creative Corner

While on a recent shelter medicine rotation at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, UT, I made a trip to Zion National Park on my day off.  After hiking up 4 miles and 2200 feet, I stopped for lunch at Observation Point, overlooking the canyon from where I had started my ascent.  It seemed a popular lunch spot, and the chipmunks had figured this out as well.  While my heart was pounding from the impressive views and steep drop offs, they scurried around the ledges gracefully, stopping only to snack on crumbs left from hungry hikers.  

Mike VI

Lindsey Clemones - LSU

V:50 I:4 Experiences

Meet Mike VI, LSU's live tiger mascot. Every two years two very lucky veterinary students are selected to be his caretakers!  I am lucky enough to be one of those students. My job entails all aspects of Mike's care. In the mornings I inspect his yard area to ensure it is safe for him to be let outside, then I clean out his night house area; this generally takes about an hour and half to complete. His caretakers are also responsible for his pool maintenance. In the evenings Mike likes for us to visit him outside for a game of hide and seek. Don't worry  there is always a barrier, i.e. a fence, between Mike and his caretakers. After playtime, Mike comes inside for his dinner of 25 pounds of a special zoo carnivore diet. As caretakers we are also involved in his monthly and yearly preventive care, which is very similar to that of a domestic house cat. He receives flea and heart worm prevention and vaccinations. Caring for the only live tiger mascot on a college campus is one of the most unique and spectacular experiences any vet student could ask for! I feel so blessed to have this opportunity and love sharing Mike and my experiences with others.