This hearty Himalayan is named Mr. Mao. Dr. Margaret Shively, Kennebunk, Maine, snapped this photo of her daughter Sandra with the fluffy feline. Oddly enough, he's not named for the Chinese chairman, but rather for the sound he makes, which is more mao than meow. Now 14, Mr. Mao was a hospital mascot, prize-winning show cat, and a stud before he retired. It takes a heap of fur to do all that, apparently.
Veterinarians often develop a bond with their patients different from that of human doctors.
An animal control officer brought Heather, a Siberian Husky, to Dr. Karen Hill, Huntsville, Ala, to be euthanatized. The frightened animal had extensive ulcerated dermal lesions on the head, nose, and feet secondary to Demodex infestation, in addition to behavior problems. Dr. Hill took the dog under her care, and, with the help of Dr. Elizabeth Schull at the University of Tennessee's Veterinary Teaching Hospital, restored the dog to good health. Heather now travels daily with Dr. Hill and is reported to have an overtly loving nature. Dr. Hill said her experiences with Heather helped her empathize with her clients.