Dog taken by tornado reunited with owners

How big he is already

Well, the name game continues here at home.
Maybe he won't end up with an Irish name. One thing I know for sure is he is going to be a giant. Look how much he has grown in just one week! His head must be twice what it was.
I am growing very partial to The Call of the Wild dog food. It is grain free. Any thoughts?

Help naming a Great Dane puppy

For the past year and a half we have been on the great dane rescue list for a gentle giant after losing wonderful Bogart. At the same time we let our intentions be known that we would consider a puppy if no rescue came forward. We did have some specifics, brindle in color and if an adult – one that would not intimidate poor Chester the Jester, our extremely mild-mannered Airedale.
Well, no rescues have come forward and the only person we would ever consider a puppy from recently had a litter of puppies. Last weekend we had the pleasure of meeting our soon to be new addition. In this photo he is 3 weeks old.
While we have much work to do – getting up to speed on puppy care, food, and training we also need to choose a name for our new male bundle of joy. I would prefer an Irish name. My first thought was Angus, but my spouse, Lesley is a vegetarian and thought Angus reminded her too much of red meat. Shamus was another idea but nixed as well.
We could really use some help with a name. Your help would be appreciated.

Great dane rescued from an iceberg

A VERY happy tail for a giant teddy bear.
Read on
http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/region/st_clair_county/great-dane-was-rescued-by-coast-guard-on-lake-huron-ice

What poison dangers are lurking in YOUR home?

I will NEVER forget my introduction to toxicities and poisonings in practice. It was a dog who had been poisoned, probably intentionally, with an herbicide known as Timic ® in the deep South. The dog died a horrible death and there was nothing we could do. Thankfully, our two most recent toxicity cases had much better outcomes and were unintentional poisonings that occurred right in their homes, a very common scenario. If at the end of reading this column you say “wow I never knew …” then my mission will be accomplished.
Read on here
http://www.ctbulletin.com/articles/2011/03/30/opinion/doc4d934cd6deedf641637541.txt

Pasta for Felines tonight only

BRANFORD — Don’t even think about cooking dinner Saturday. But do think Italian.

The Branford Compassion Club, the all-volunteer nonprofit which rescues, cares for and adopts out homeless felines, is holding its annual pasta fundraiser dinner, Bella Notte Pawsta Dinner — get it?

It happens Saturday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Therese’s Church Hall, 105 Leetes Island Road.

The BCC volunteers have planned a meal of pasta and meatballs, antipasto salad, Italian bread, dessert, coffee and beverage — wine, of course, at a bargain $4 a glass.

Tickets are $12 adults, $6 for children 6-12, available at the door Saturday evening.

Proceeds benefit the BCC’s programs and help fund its recently opened Feline Adoption and Rescue Center on Foxon Road in North Branford.

For more information, visit www.branfordcompassionclub.org

VETERINARIANS RECOGNIZE EXCELLENCE FROM ONE OF THEIR OWN!

In a profession that is generally held in high regard by the public, how do you choose just one member as the best? According to the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), the solution is to look for leadership skills within the profession but also out in society as well. Using these guidelines, CVMA has chosen the “Veterinarian of the Year” and will grant the award to Dr. Donna Cobelli during the 127th Annual CVMA Meeting and Convention on February 2nd, 2011.

Dr. Cobelli is the owner of Quarry Ridge Animal Hospital; an American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) accredited veterinary practice in Ridgefield. By following the motto “We Speak Their Language”, Dr. Cobelli has crafted a state of the art veterinary hospital focused on compassion and individualized attention to each and every patient and client. As an example, it was through her vision that families of hospitalized pets can enjoy extended visits with their four-legged family members.

Beyond her practice, Dr. Cobelli also serves as the team leader for the Connecticut State Animal Response Team (CTSART) in the northwest corner of the state. “People often forget that veterinarians are a vital part of disaster and emergency response,” says Simon Flynn, Executive Director of the CVMA, “Dr. Cobelli’s willingness to take on this role and provide leadership during crisis situations is a big part of why she is being named as Veterinarian of the Year.”

Prior to Dr. Cobelli’s award, the CVMA will also award the Veterinary Health Care Team Member of the Year, Connecticut Pet of the Year and Distinguished Service Awards. Held amidst the beauty of the Mystic Aquarium, the awards and banquet will begin at 7 pm on Wednesday, February 2nd. This event is a special part of the 127th annual CVMA continuing education meeting and veterinarians from across the state will be in attendance.