Movie Review Written by Jon Patch with 3 paws out of 4

In the Heights

Warner Bros. Pictures, 5000 Broadway Productions, Likely Story and Scott Sanders Productions present a PG-13, 143-minute, Drama, Musical, directed by Jon M. Chu, screenplay and based on the musical stage play, book by Quiara Alegria Hudes with a theater release date of June 11, 2021.

LIFE-CHANGING ADVANCES IN ANIMAL MEDICINE TO BE PRESENTED

AT THE 38TH ANNUAL VETERINARY MEETING & EXPO (VMX) JUNE 5 - 9

 

Sessions Include the Latest Information Available on Pets and Veterinary Practices – Everything from Oncology and Aging to Tackling Behavior Problems and the Long-Term Implications of COVID-19 on Pets, People and Veterinary Medicine

 

*Live ON SITE from The Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL*

 

DR. DANA VARBLE, Chief Veterinary Officer, The North American Veterinary Community (NAVC)

GENE O’NEILL, Chief Executive Officer, NAVC

BACKGROUND:

With so many exciting advances taking place in animal medicine, how do veterinarians stay current? They are the oncologist, cardiologist, ophthalmologist, dermatologist -- and just about every other “ologist” for our animals. Unlike human doctors, they also handle multiple species.

DID YOU KNOW?

• More people have adopted pets during COVID than at any other time. In fact, 23% of American households adopted a pet last year and about 13 million cats and dogs found new homes!  
• Americans spent $31.4 billion on their pets' healthcare last year.
• Eighty-five percent of pet owners agree that pet interactions reduce loneliness and 76% percent agree that human-pet interactions address social needs, which is timely because of the isolation so many people experienced during the pandemic.

The North American Veterinary Community’s annual Veterinary Meeting & Expo (VMX) 2021 is the world’s largest and most comprehensive global veterinary education conference. VMX 2021 will take place on June 5-9 in Orlando at the Orange County Convention Center and, for the first time, it will also be available virtually anywhere through the new VMX Virtual platform where there will be interactive learning sessions and a unique 3D Expo Hall experience.

VMX provides the forum for veterinarians worldwide to learn and stay abreast of advances in animal medicine that are helping our pets live longer, better quality lives. Veterinary professionals will hear about new options in diagnosis and treatment in topics that range from life-threatening illnesses to sports medicine and rehab, surgical procedures and pharmaceuticals for companion pets, farm animals and exotics. They will also explore the long-term health implications of COVID-19 in animals, feline diabetic remission & the bond between humans and their feline friends.

On June 8, Dr. Dana Varble and Gene O’Neill of the NAVC will be available to discuss veterinary medicine during the age of COVID-19, share the most current advancements in technology and the latest news coming from VMX 2021.

For more information please visit: www.NAVC.com  

 

MORE ABOUT DR. DANA VARBLE:

Dana Varble, DVM, CAE received her veterinary degree from University of Illinois in 2003 and earned her Certified Association Executive designation from ASAE in 2021. She has practiced exotic pet medicine, small animal general practice and emergency medicine and serves as an associate veterinarian for Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital. She has spoken locally, nationally, and internationally on herpetological and exotic animal medicine and the state of the veterinary profession. She served as the president of the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians in 2013 and presently works as the managing editor of the Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery for ARAV. In 2015, she joined NAVC and in January of 2020 she was named Chief Veterinary Officer. As a NAVC spokesperson and a veterinary industry expert, she promotes animal health and the veterinary profession through media interviews and appearances including CNN, Steve Dale’s Pet World, Pet Life Radio, NBC News, local media outlets and others.

She shares her home with a mixed-up brown dog named Hannah, a Leonberger named Kodi, a tank of cichlids, four ball pythons, a New Caledonian Giant Gecko and her human family too.

 

MORE ABOUT EUGENE O’NEILL:

Gene O’Neill joined the NAVC in 2013 as Chief Financial Officer. He was promoted to Deputy CEO and CFO in 2018 and, after serving as interim CEO from late 2019 through early 2020, he was named CEO in April 2020. O’Neill helped transform the NAVC’s portfolio which consisted primarily of its annual veterinary conference to now include: a media division that has become the veterinary industry’s largest trade publisher; an online news station; a certification program; and an online recruiting tool for veterinarians. This strategy enabled the NAVC to more than double its revenue. Under Gene’s leadership and vision, the NAVC is expanding its virtual portfolio, taking the events and continued education opportunities through which NAVC built its global reputation and making them available to veterinary professionals worldwide through exciting and engaging new virtual platforms and programs. Prior to joining the NAVC, Gene held executive and financial leadership roles at the Institute of Internal Auditors, IIA-Australia and SeaWorld of Florida. He has held CPA and CIA designations throughout his career. A New Jersey native, Gene has lived in the Orlando area since 1986. He is an avid golfer and music enthusiast.

 

Talkin' Pets News

June 12, 2021

Host - Jon Patch

Co-Host - Dr. Linda Register - East West Animal Hospital - Lutz, Florida

Producer - Devin Leech

Network Producer - Kevin Lane

Special Guests - Dr. Dana Varble, Chief Veterinary Officer, The North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) & Gene O'Neil, Chief Executive Officer, NAVC - Life Changing Advances In Animal Medicine

Talkin' Pets News

June 5, 2021

Host - Jon Patch

Co-Host - Jasmine the Dog Trainer - Tampa Bay, Florida

Producer - Lexi Adams

Network Producer - Kevin Lane

Social Media - Bob Page

Movie Review written by Jon Patch with 3 out or 4 paws

The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It

Warner Bros. Pictures, HBO Max, New Line Cinema, Atomic Master and The Safran Company present an R rated, 112-minute, Horror, Mystery, Thriller, directed by Michael Chaves, written by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick and story by James Wan with a theater release date of June 4, 2021.

Movie Review written by Jon Patch with 4 out of 4 paws

A Quiet Place Part II

Paramount Pictures, Buffalo FilmWorks, Platinum Dunes and Sunday Night present a PG-13, 97-minute, Drama, Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller directed by John Krasinski, written by Krasinski and Scott Beck with a theater release date of May 28, 2021.

PET MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS:
SIMPLE STEPS TO BOOST YOUR PET’S MENTAL WELL-BEING  

VETERINARIAN ADDRESSES THE IMPORTANCE OF PET MENTAL HEALTH, INCLUDING SEPARATION ANXIETY   

 

Sharon L. Campbell, DVM, MS, DACVIM, Medical Lead & Behavior at Zoetis Petcare 

BACKGROUND: 

Most pet parents are aware that ‘the pet effect’ is real and that pets contribute to our emotional, social, and physical wellbeing. But, do many pet parents think about their pet’s mental health?  May is Mental Health Awareness Month and while our pet’s mental state isn’t as complex as our own, they do experience a wide range of emotions: from love and joy to anxiety and fear. And while they can’t tell us how they’re feeling, they do show us through behaviors and cues we can learn to tune-in to. Over this past year, many pet owners have grown accustomed to spending most of their time with their pet at home. As pandemic restrictions start to ease and we begin returning to life outside the home, it is important to keep our pet’s mental health in mind as well as our own wellness – so taking a proactive approach to your furry friend’s mental health is more important than ever.  

On May 25th, Veterinarian Dr. Sharon L. Campbell of animal health company Zoetis will be available to discuss the bond between pets and pet parents as well as how to recognize signs of your pet's mental health issues early. She can also share vet-approved pet care guidance and at-home tips - all to help you be the best pet parent ever.  

Dr. Campbell’s Tips Include 7 Key Topics to Address Pet Mental Health: 

·         Training: Pets love being good at things! And they also love knowing that they're making you proud. By keeping your pet on their toes with consistent training, you can keep their brain health engaged and in great shape.

·         Routine: Even though they can’t tell time, pets love having a routine. Whether it’s sleeping, eating, potty time, or exercising – establishing a routine around their day helps them feel comfortable and safe.

·         Positive experiences: Shielding your pet from something might seem like the natural response. But did you know you can help them get accustomed to things like noise by combining different activities (and treats!) with these types of triggers? Confidence also plays a big role here and different types of training can help with that.

·         Health: Because pets can't speak, you're their most important advocate. Whether they are subtle or more meaningful signs, your pet's behavior can give you clues about their physical health. That’s also why it’s important to schedule regular check-ups with your vet – they can help you identify things that are not immediately obvious to you.

·         Data: New survey findings from Zoetis about pet parents and their views on pet wellness to be available in advance of interview 

For more information, visit: www.ZoetisPetcare.com   

MORE ABOUT DR. SHARON L. CAMPBELL:  

Dr. Campbell received her DVM degree from University of Wisconsin and completed a residency in internal medicine and a master’s degree at Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. She was a Clinical Instructor at the University of Tennessee for 2 years, then worked at a private referral hospital for many years before joining Zoetis, where she is a Medical Lead for the pain management, anesthesia, sedation, behavior and anti-infectives portfolio of medications.  Dr. Campbell is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. She is Fear Free Certified and is on the Fear Free Advisory Board. 

 

HEADING BACK TO THE OFFICE? DON’T FORGET TO MAKE A PLAN FOR YOUR DOGS & CATS!

PETA offers tips to help them cope with loneliness and boredom

DIANA MENDOZA, companion animal program manager, PETA Los Angeles

BACKGROUND:

As more people get the COVID-19 vaccine and states re-open, many Americans will be heading back to work outside the home. That may be good news for humans eager to get back to their old routine, but it will be a painful adjustment for the dogs and cats who’ve grown used to having someone to keep them company at home.  The transition can be traumatic for them.

PETA, the largest animal rights organization in the world, has tips to help guardians ensure that life after lockdown isn’t a huge let down for dogs and cats who are, after all, members of our family. Some advice includes:

• Take your dog for an extra-long walk before work. Don’t hurry him along, get him tired so he’ll nap better.
• Never lock him in a crate, which adds to stress. Dogs aren’t things to be stored, and if there’s a fire or break in, they cannot escape.
• Make sure your cat has a view, even if that means pulling a piece of furniture to the window.
• Gradually increase the amount of time you spend away from the house, and don’t become a blur, arriving back, hurriedly walking him, and then disappearing again.
• Slow down. Spend attentive, quality time with him before you leave and when you get home.
• Provide interactive toys for while you’re away, such as a puzzle treat dispenser for dogs and catnip-filled items for cats.
• Always give a kind word, make a fuss, and offer a treat before you walk out the door.
• If you do not use doggie day care, always arrange for a trusted friend, relative, or recommended dog walker to let your dog out during the day; because dogs aren’t machines, they, like you, have to “go.”
• Talk to your workplace about allowing dogs at work, or at least having a “Bring Your Dog to Work Day” once a week or month.

On May 26, Diana Mendoza will be available for interviews. She will tell your listeners the best way to help animals adapt to our absence, and offer helpful tips to ease the transition.

For more information please visit: www.PETA.org

More About Diana Mendoza:

Diana Mendoza is the companion animal program manager for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in Los Angeles. She represents PETA at city government meetings and runs the organization's "Let’s Fix L.A.” program, which connects Angelenos with low-cost spay/neuter services so that they can comply with the city's mandatory spay/neuter law, help end the companion animal overpopulation crisis, and improve the lives of dogs and cats. 

Talkin' Pets News

May 29, 2021

Host - Jon Patch

Co-Host - Dr. Suzanne Topor - Livingston Animal & Avian Hospital, Lutz, FL

Producer - Lexi Lapp Adams

Network Producer - Darian Sims

Special Guests - Hour 1 - 530pm ET - Dr. Sharon L. Campbell - Medical Lead & Behavior at Zoetis Petcare

Hour 2 - 630pm ET - Diana Mendoza - Companion Animal Program Manager, PETA Los Angeles.

Talkin' Pets News May 15, 2021 Host - Jon Patch Co-Host - Gino Sassani - Lost World Reptiles Producer - Devin Leech Network Producer - Darian Sims Social Media - Bob Page Special Guest - Nizar Ibrahim is a vertebrate paleontologist and comparative anatomist with a background in the bio-and geosciences and a Ph.D. in vertebrate paleontology, he will join Jon and Talkin' Pets 5/15/21 at 5pm ET to discuss Nat Geo Dinosaur celebration