Welcome to Animals, Actually – my blog on all creatures great and small.
I write about topical issues, from pet health and animal welfare to the human animal bond and more, plus pet product reviews and animal experiences during my travels around Australia and the world. And sometimes what goes on behind-the-scenes of articles and PR projects!
Benefits of hydrotherapy to veterinary professionals
Canine hydrotherapy is increasingly being used to treat a broad spectrum of conditions, effectively rehabilitating animals after injury or surgery, as well as for fitness and performance enhancement, weight loss…
Surrendered Pets – State of Abandon
There are many reasons why pets end up in shelters and not all of them are the owners’ fault. Fortunately, there is a lot being done to support pet parents…
Day in the life of a veterinary neurosurgeon – Dr Lydia Poad
When you consider her job is treating and solving problems of the nervous system in the pet she sees, it’s no wonder Dr Lydia Poad finds being a neuro vet…
Cruz’s hock injury – more than a pain in the rear!
Cruz had an accident the night before we moved house in December 2022 which resulted in a major hock injury, big surgery and a long recovery that has been challenging…
Holistic versus Traditional Veterinary Medicine
Exploring the role of traditional veterinary medicine and holistic therapies in pet care, we discover that combining the two approaches in the veterinary practice may provide more for the patient…
Doing the Rounds
A Day in the Life of a Vet Nurse Helping to take care of people’s sick and injured pets must be one of the most satisfying jobs in the world,…
The healthcare opportunity
Pet healthcare is a hot topic for many pet parents and here we learn how retailers are boosting sales with wellness products to keep pets healthy and happy. Words by…
A Day In Emergency with Dr Alex Hynes
The life of an emergency veterinarian is all about the unknown and unexpected, packed with action and adrenaline, facing challenges and even danger – for the single purpose of saving…
The growing use of sweet potato in pet food formulation
The root has multiple beneficial properties and is nutritional, flavourful and functional. But is it also good for pets? Words by Caroline Zambrano, Pets International (Sept 2022) https://view.publitas.com/pets-international-1/pets-international-magazine-september-2022/page/1
The future of pets – new technology making pet parenting easier
The combination of a growing and adored pet population and an increasingly tech-obsessed demographic of pet parents is driving an exciting industry inspired by today’s ‘smart manufacturing’ or what many…
Goodbye Cruz
Cruz was our Anatolian Shepherd Dog, which originates from Turkey. They are sometimes called Aslan Kopek (Lion Dogs) and Kurt Kopek (Wolf Dog).
Cruz passed away in August 2023. A livestock guardian breed, Cruz was naturally watchful and very agile for his large size. He had remarkable eye-sight, an acute sense of smell and very good hearing. Open a crackling packet of warm roast chicken and he suddenly appeared beside you out of nowhere! He loved his sleep - in many creative and far-fetched positions! - and played scent work games!
Cruz was cruisy (which is how he got his name) – wasn’t bothered by anything, really. He could be very stubborn, refusing to move if he didn't feel like it. Seriously. He also shed enough to make another dog!
But putting all excess fur aside, he was a playful, friendly and incredibly affectionate family dog whose love and patience was endless! We will miss him immensely.