November 2014
Dear Elephants, Birds and Humans,
This has been a difficult time for us. My dog Lola, who is 17, is having a very hard time. She lost the ability to use her hind legs and we thought the worst. However, Lola's vet, Dr. Lonnie Kasman, helped her and said that the use of her legs should come back. She eats like a proverbial horse and is completely alert. She has intervertebral disc disease, which is something very common in dachshunds and other long bodied short legged dogs. My dear friend, Dr. Jairo Jaramillo helped her through that years ago, but it does not go away. We gave her a bath which seemed to "tweek" something that made it flair up. I love all my animals and it is so difficult to cope when one becomes infirm and losing something you love is such a terrible experience. Pets are family, no matter what they are, and you love them so much.
Aristophanes, Emma (Emmet) and Zeke, my three boys, are doing well. Aristophanes was in a good mood this morning, until he wasn't. I guess that is how it goes.
Jackie and I are going to a Rescued Elephant Sanctuary next month in Thailand. Club member Judy Braun, and another friend, is going with us. The place is called Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary, and we are going to be helping take care of all the elephants that have been rescued there, most from unconscionable cruelty. You can check the place out by going to www.blesele.org. Little Matthew B will coordinate and arrange our meeting, covered dish dinner and penny social in December
Our window bird feeder is a joy. We stand and watch tufted titmice, chickadees, purple finches, white breasted nuthatches, and an occasional cardinal, among others, all day long. I love it. It attaches to the window with suction cups and we have the greatest time watching all these wonderful, free living, birds.
So, our new meeting place was terrific and our future is pretty full. Next month is our annual holiday party, Dr. Joe D'abbraccio will be our speaker in January and Dr. Valerie Freer, local Audubon president, will be presenting for us in February (my birthday month-I celebrate for a month in both directions) I am still waiting to hear from the new curator of Ornithology at the Bronx Zoo for a program and a trip. I will keep you informed. Meanwhile, find me more speakers you would enjoy hearing.
Tonight, Dr. Don Factor, Avian Veterinarian from the West End Veterinary Hospital in Newburg is our speaker. Dr. Factor has been here several times before and his programs are always fascinatingly interesting, educational and very necessary. Tonight he will teach us about new research in Avian bornavirus, which is the updated name of PDD or macaw wasting syndrome. This is a dreaded disease that can affect all psittacine birds. Dr. Factor's knowledge and expertise are amazing and we are so happy to have him back with us.
Have a great month, a great holiday and I will see you in January.
Love,
Richie
This has been a difficult time for us. My dog Lola, who is 17, is having a very hard time. She lost the ability to use her hind legs and we thought the worst. However, Lola's vet, Dr. Lonnie Kasman, helped her and said that the use of her legs should come back. She eats like a proverbial horse and is completely alert. She has intervertebral disc disease, which is something very common in dachshunds and other long bodied short legged dogs. My dear friend, Dr. Jairo Jaramillo helped her through that years ago, but it does not go away. We gave her a bath which seemed to "tweek" something that made it flair up. I love all my animals and it is so difficult to cope when one becomes infirm and losing something you love is such a terrible experience. Pets are family, no matter what they are, and you love them so much.
Aristophanes, Emma (Emmet) and Zeke, my three boys, are doing well. Aristophanes was in a good mood this morning, until he wasn't. I guess that is how it goes.
Jackie and I are going to a Rescued Elephant Sanctuary next month in Thailand. Club member Judy Braun, and another friend, is going with us. The place is called Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary, and we are going to be helping take care of all the elephants that have been rescued there, most from unconscionable cruelty. You can check the place out by going to www.blesele.org. Little Matthew B will coordinate and arrange our meeting, covered dish dinner and penny social in December
Our window bird feeder is a joy. We stand and watch tufted titmice, chickadees, purple finches, white breasted nuthatches, and an occasional cardinal, among others, all day long. I love it. It attaches to the window with suction cups and we have the greatest time watching all these wonderful, free living, birds.
So, our new meeting place was terrific and our future is pretty full. Next month is our annual holiday party, Dr. Joe D'abbraccio will be our speaker in January and Dr. Valerie Freer, local Audubon president, will be presenting for us in February (my birthday month-I celebrate for a month in both directions) I am still waiting to hear from the new curator of Ornithology at the Bronx Zoo for a program and a trip. I will keep you informed. Meanwhile, find me more speakers you would enjoy hearing.
Tonight, Dr. Don Factor, Avian Veterinarian from the West End Veterinary Hospital in Newburg is our speaker. Dr. Factor has been here several times before and his programs are always fascinatingly interesting, educational and very necessary. Tonight he will teach us about new research in Avian bornavirus, which is the updated name of PDD or macaw wasting syndrome. This is a dreaded disease that can affect all psittacine birds. Dr. Factor's knowledge and expertise are amazing and we are so happy to have him back with us.
Have a great month, a great holiday and I will see you in January.
Love,
Richie