By Mallory Carra

While deployed in Kosovo in May 2024, U.S. Army Reserve physical therapy assistant Elvia Azuara saw many stray cats running around one of the bases—including a sweet little black and white female kitty, known mostly as Fent.

Azuara noticed her one day during lunch and she fed fries to Fent. Soon, this became a regular bonding activity for them. “I guess she knew my routine,” Azuara said in an interview with Stacker. “Whenever I was there, she would just pop up out of nowhere and she would wait for her fries.”

But four months later, in October, Azuara got word that her deployment was ending—and she was devastated to leave the kitty, especially as winter approached. And that’s where Paws of War’s “War Torn Pups & Cats” program stepped in.

Ollie profiled the work of the U.S. nonprofit, which reunites military personnel with the animals they bonded with while serving overseas. Founded by Robert Misseri in 2014, Paws of War has helped rescue over 5,000 dogs and cats for nearly 1,000 veterans. The organization filled an increasing need for officers in the Air Force, Marines, Army, Coast Guard, and Army Reserves who served overseas, bonded with a dog or a cat, and didn’t want to leave them behind in an uncertain situation.

The organization serves a dual purpose by reuniting service members grappling with the aftermath of war with animals needing care. And for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, their furry companions not only bring joy but also help them heal.

“We have troops all over the world and the sacrifices that those people make is pretty great,” said Paws of War volunteer Gary Baumann, who volunteers with the “War Torn Pups & Cats” program. “We feel like asking them to leave these animals behind is a sacrifice they shouldn’t have to make,” he told Stacker.

High costs but high rewards

Azuara heard about the program from service members who had previously been deployed at the base. After she bonded with Fent, she submitted her application to bring the kitty home to the U.S.

“I was a little skeptical at the beginning, to be honest, because I was like, ‘Oh, I don’t know why would they do it for free,'” she said, “but I don’t lose anything by just checking it out.”

The “War Torn Pups & Cats” program costs nothing for service members—donors primarily fund it. In 2023, Paws of War raised over $4 million from contributions and grants.

After a soldier like Azuara applies, Paws of War volunteers and staff members all around the world team up to work on the logistics, exploring how possible it is to bring the pet to the United States. Dogs and cats need to see a qualified veterinarian for documentation and rabies vaccines before traveling internationally, but sometimes that vet is located hours away. The care can also vary in cost, depending on local currency and pricing.

“Recently we had a dog in Africa and we’ve done a few from bases there,” Baumann said. “It literally takes a donkey cart, a boat, couple cars and then, usually a motorcycle, something that can go through a little bit of brush to get these the dogs or cats to the city where we can get them to a vet and start processing them.”

The most expensive part of the process is transporting animals to the U.S. It often involves flying them in a plane as cargo, which can cost around $4,000 or more. The pet also must enter the country at a government-authorized airport.

For instance, cats from other countries can enter the U.S. through several airports, but the CDC only allows dogs from high-risk rabies countries to enter through six, including John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City and Los Angeles International Airport.

Helping heroes

Paws of War accepts direct donations on its website to help support its programs, which include providing PTSD service dogs and a mobile veterinary clinic in Long Island, New York.

For the “War Torn” program, the expense is worth it for the organization, its soldiers, and the animals. Dogs and cats are believed to be capable of more complex emotions than most people realize and their reunions with the officers they bonded with may mean just as much to them as it does to the human.

For Azuara, the bond was as strong as ever. Three weeks after she put in her application, the program contacted her in November 2024 with good news: Fent was ready to travel to the U.S. and live with her.

The cat flew from Kosovo and entered the U.S. through JFK airport, eventually making it to Azuara’s home in Austin, Texas. Their reunion at the airport meant a lot to Azuara, who worried the kitty might forget her or not get along with her two dogs. But Fent—who Azuara renamed Frenzy—adjusted to her new home right away. Frenzy doesn’t get to eat fries anymore, but enjoys her proper cat food.

Now, Azuara is training to join the Travis County EMS. Having Frenzy, a major part of her overseas experience, in Texas has helped her readjust to the U.S.

“She’s definitely one of my huge grounding tools, when I was over there,” Azuara said. “When the situations were really stressful, she was something that would brighten up my day. And when I came back it’s really hard to transition and acclimate back into civilian life, but having her, it was kind of like having a little piece of where I was and a little reminder that, hey, it’s going to be okay.”

Story editing by Alizah Salario. Additional editing by Elisa Huang. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick.

This story originally appeared on Ollie and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.

The post Paws of War reunites military personnel with rescued animals appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

By Rachel Blaser, University of San Diego

Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to CuriousKidsUS@theconversation.com.

Are there any animals with mental disabilities? – Adria G.

Max was a fun-loving Labrador retriever who enjoyed going for car rides and greeting clients at his owner’s office. But around age 16, Max suddenly started having accidents in the house and stopped sleeping well at night. He became irritable and seemed not to understand the words and commands he had long known.

Max was showing symptoms of a disorder called cognitive dysfunction syndrome, which can affect cats and dogs as they age. In dogs, it looks very similar to Alzheimer’s disease, which causes memory loss and dementia in humans, usually as they grow older.

I study how humans and other animals learn, and my research involves working with many different species, from bees to pigeons and crawfish. Part of my work involves paying attention to conditions that can affect mental health in animals.

Sometimes genetic or developmental changes affect how the brain is built, which can lead to mental disabilities or learning differences. In other cases, animals may be exposed to scary or stressful situations that can cause mental health problems. Here are some examples:

Understanding animal genes

Down syndrome is a common genetic condition that can slow down learning and thinking in humans. People born with Down syndrome may have a harder time learning new things, remembering information and making complicated decisions.

Down syndrome is caused by changes to a chromosome – the strands in our cells that store our genes. Normally, people have 23 pairs of chromosomes; when someone is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21, it produces the effects of Down syndrome.

Most animals can’t have Down syndrome, because their genes are organized into chromosomes differently than human genes. However, our closest relatives, including chimpanzees and orangutans, do have a similar organization of genes. Conditions very much like Down syndrome have been observed in these species.

One example, Kanako, was a female chimpanzee born in a research facility in Japan. She had vision and heart problems caused by an extra chromosome. Scientists don’t know whether Kanako had trouble with learning, because her vision problems made that difficult to test. However, Kanako enjoyed socializing with other chimpanzees and lived a long life in a wildlife sanctuary.

Wild chimpanzees are probably also sometimes born with genetic conditions like Down syndrome, but the effects make it difficult to survive in the wild, just like being born with a heart or a foot that doesn’t develop normally. Kanako was able to live a healthy life thanks to the help of her human caretakers and good veterinary care.

Coping with trauma and stress

Animals that are born healthy can also develop mental health problems in response to conditions around them.

For example, just as soldiers may develop post-traumatic stress disorder after experiencing a life-threatening situation, working military and police dogs can develop a similar condition. Dogs with canine PTSD may cling to their owners, startle at everyday noises, or frequently act panicky or fearful.

Veterinarians can prescribe anti-anxiety medication to help these dogs stay calm during scary events, like fireworks or thunderstorms. Owners also can use behavioral treatments to reward the dogs for staying calm and relaxed around things that seem frightening.

Most traumatic events, like earthquakes or car accidents, can’t be predicted in advance. However, in some cases, such as capturing and restraining a wild animal to relocate it, workers use tranquilizers or sedatives to make the animal sleepy, or cover its eyes and ears to reduce fear and prevent long-lasting problems.

Another common cause of mental health problems in animals is daily stress. Animals held in captivity at zoos, farms or research labs may experience stress from sources such as traffic noises, uncomfortable temperatures or not being able to engage in certain natural behaviors.

Animals have many signature behaviors: Penguins swim, meerkats dig, baboons socialize and chickens take dust baths. When animals can’t do important behaviors, they may experience stress and mental problems.

To keep this from happening, zookeepers and animal caretakers provide environmental enrichment – objects, structures and activities that stimulate the animals’ minds and help keep them from getting bored.

Supporting your pet

Sometimes it’s easy to see when animals are stressed or anxious. They may pace back and forth, spend their days in hiding or be unusually aggressive. Getting sick frequently or losing weight can also be a sign of poor mental health. Certain hormones, called corticosteroids, can be measured from a poop sample to provide clues about whether an animal is under too much stress.

Even pets in loving homes can experience mental health problems. Some dogs struggle with separation anxiety – extreme fear of being left alone by their owner. Lack of mental or physical activity can also produce anxiety symptoms.

Whether it means taking your dog to the dog park to run and socialize, or building puzzles that hide treats for your parakeet to find, keeping animals busy is good for them. In more serious cases, veterinarians can prescribe medication or behavioral treatments to help your pet feel better.

Humans can use science to understand the many conditions that affect mental health in animals and find treatments to help them. We also can show compassion and care for others – whether human or animal – who experience mental problems.

Hello, curious kids! Do you have a question you’d like an expert to answer? Ask an adult to send your question to CuriousKidsUS@theconversation.com. Please tell us your name, age and the city where you live.

And since curiosity has no age limit – adults, let us know what you’re wondering, too. We won’t be able to answer every question, but we will do our best.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Rachel Blaser, University of San Diego

Read more:

• Zoos and aquariums shift to a new standard of ‘animal welfare’ that depends on deeper understanding of animals’ lives
• Cats and dogs both like to play fetch − it’s rooted in their hunting instincts
• Lending a helping paw: Dogs will aid their crying human

Rachel Blaser does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

The post Can animals have mental disabilities? appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

By Leticia Fanucchi, Oklahoma State Universit

Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to curiouskidsus@theconversation.com.

Are animals smart? – Deron

It’s a fascinating question that intrigues millions of pet owners, animal lovers, veterinarians and scientists all over the world: Just how smart are animals?

Scientists once believed a brain with billions of neurons was a requirement for intelligence. After all, that’s why you’re able to think – neurons are the nerve cells in the brain that connect and transmit messages to each other.

For the record, the human brain has about 86 billion neurons. For comparison, dogs and cats have less than one billion.

Yet the more that scientists like me study animal emotion and cognition – the ability to learn through experiences and thinking – the more we find that humans are not very special at all. Many nonhuman species can do these things too.

Right now, there’s no agreement on how to decide whether a particular animal species is intelligent. But most scientists who study animal cognition have observed that many animals are able to solve problems, use tools, recall important information about their environment and recognize themselves in the mirror.

Toolmaking bears and crows

Memory is a marker of intelligence. Of all animals, humans possess the most accurate and sophisticated memory. But elephants can recognize as many as 30 traveling companions at a time. They also learn to migrate away from drought-prone areas, based on memories of earlier droughts.

That kind of recall – known as episodic memory – is the ability to remember an event, including when and where it occurred. Until recently, scientists thought only humans had it. But now researchers have learned that some birds, cats, rats, monkeys and dolphins have it too.

Animals may not remember every experience – neither do people – but they do recall things critical to their survival. For example, birds know where they stored food. Monkeys know the presence of a predator.

Scientists once thought tool use was an exclusively human ability, but that’s not so. Chimpanzees use sticks to catch termites and stones to crack nuts open. Crows can even manufacture tools. By bending a wire, they can make a hook to retrieve a food reward that’s otherwise out of reach.

Researchers presented eight captive brown bears with this food challenge: Three objects – a large log, a small log and a box – were placed in an outdoor enclosure. A food reward was suspended above them. Six of the eight bears were able to move the logs and box into positions that enabled them to fetch the reward. Essentially, they used the three objects as tools.

Dolphin, chimpanzee communication

Language is another measure of intelligence. People, of course, have enormously sophisticated communication skills. But dolphins have complex dialects in the form of crackles, squeaks and whistles. Many researchers say the noises are a language. Chimpanzees and gorillas have used sign language to express emotions and ask for things from people.

Self-awareness – the ability to recognize yourself as an individual – signals intelligence. Babies don’t recognize themselves in the mirror until they are about a year and a half old. Up until then, they probably think the mirror image they see is another baby.

Many other species, including dolphins, ravens and elephants, recognize themselves in the mirror. Researchers put a red dye mark on chimpanzees under anesthesia; once awake, the chimps saw their reflection in a mirror. Instead of touching the red mark on their reflection in the glass, they touched the red mark on themselves, indicating self-recognition.

Just because animals can’t do certain things, it doesn’t mean they’re unintelligent. After all, humans can’t fly like a bird or swim like a fish. Nor is there a need for us to have the incredible sense of smell a dog has. We’d be sniffing hundreds of different smells from miles away – the scents from perfumes and pollution, gardens and garbage. From an evolutionary standpoint, that wouldn’t help us much. Plus, we’d get sick of it very quickly.

But all animals, including humans, have developed a wide range of capabilities so they can succeed in the environment they live in. Put simply, we’re all using our brains. Now that’s intelligent.

Hello, curious kids! Do you have a question you’d like an expert to answer? Ask an adult to send your question to CuriousKidsUS@theconversation.com. Please tell us your name, age and the city where you live.

And since curiosity has no age limit – adults, let us know what you’re wondering, too. We won’t be able to answer every question, but we will do our best.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Leticia Fanucchi, Oklahoma State University

Read more:

• African elephants address one another with name-like calls − similar to humans
• Bees can learn, remember, think and make decisions – here’s a look at how they navigate the world
• Can great apes read your mind?

Leticia Fanucchi does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Feature Image: Dolphins communicate using a sophisticated combination of clicks and whistles. Stephen Frink/The Image Bank via Getty Images

The post Animals’ intelligence: From problem-solving to language appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

By Abby Monteil

The winter holiday season is officially on the horizon. With it, the season promises cozy evenings spent with friends and family. Naturally, pets are a beloved part of their families, so, unsurprisingly, many cats and dogs are closely involved in these holiday celebrations.

But before families go all out with the decor, it’s worth taking a moment to consider safety. Many common holiday staples pose unique risks to the pets in your life. For instance, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reports that in 2021, it helped over 401,000 animals affected by accidental poisoning, electrocution, and other risks especially present this time of year.

Coupled with many pet parents being distracted by holiday entertaining or the chaos of preparing for family gatherings, accidentally exposing their pets to hazardous items can wreak potentially devastating effects.

Luckily, there are preventative measures that you can take to keep the cats and dogs in your life happy and healthy during the holidays, no matter how many hectic schedule changes come your way. To be extra prepared, save phone numbers for your veterinarian’s clinic, the ASPCA Poison Control Center (888-426-4435), and the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661).

To help keep your furry friends safe, Ollie compiled information from the ASPCA, FDA, and other accredited organizations on household hazards common to the holiday season and smart alternatives to keep your pets safe as you celebrate this year.

New Africa // Shutterstock

Tinsel, ribbon, and ornaments

As adorable as watching your pets play with holiday staples like ornaments, ribbons, and tinsel can be, they mustn’t ingest them. Chewing on these stringlike products can cause serious intestinal damage. If one end gets stuck, it can induce contractions that cause ribbons or tinsel to seriously damage pet intestines. Pets can quickly show symptoms, so look out for signs of vomiting, diarrhea, depression, pain in the belly, and fever.

Poggensee // Shutterstock

Plants toxic to dogs or cats

Numerous plants traditionally associated with the winter holidays are unfortunately poisonous to pets, particularly cats and dogs. This includes American holly, poinsettias, and lilies. Luckily, the widespread availability of faux plants in stores and online can help you achieve a seasonal botanical look without risking your pets’ health.

KristinaSh // Shutterstock

Alcohol-infused goodies, chocolate

Alcohol-infused sweets are doubly dangerous for pets. Alcohol toxicity is a common pet poisoning that can occur due to ingestion, skin absorption, or inhalation. Although cats rarely eat enough chocolate to cause clinical symptoms because they do not have sweet taste buds, it contains two toxic components to dogs (caffeine and theobromine) that can lead to vomiting and diarrhea, and in more severe cases, coma and death.

Bogdan Sonjachnyj // Shutterstock

Salt and yeast doughs

Keeping an eye on your cats and dogs during holiday baking is key. When ingested by pets, unbaked yeast dough can induce potentially dangerous bloating and painful gas. Baked goods with enough salt can also be easily mistaken for salty dog treats, causing your pets to ingest high levels of sodium, which can result in seizures or even death.

Senergic Works OU // Shutterstock

Electric lights, candles, and oil lamps

Although cozy lighting can set the perfect holiday mood, be careful that the ones in your home don’t harm your fur babies. Wires from electric lights can deliver potentially lethal electric shocks. At the same time, an unattended candle could be knocked over by a pet’s paw or tail, causing a fire or potential burns. Meanwhile, the essential oils present in many oil lamps are typically dangerous for cats and can cause gastrointestinal upset or central nervous system depression. To be safe, opt for 100% beeswax candles and use an air purifier.

David Mielke // Shutterstock

Medications

If you have loved ones visiting from out of town, remind them to keep medications out of sight and within reach of pets. Over-the-counter medications consistently rank among the top, if not the #1, pet toxin in the last few years, according to the ASPCA, with common medications like vitamins, ibuprofen, and supplements all posing a danger to your furry friends.

JAMES ARTHUR GEKIERE/BELGA MAG/AFP // Getty Images

Vape devices and nicotine pouches

Nicotine patches and other tobacco products have the potential to cause severe vomiting, a decrease in blood pressure—and in extreme cases—death. Meanwhile, the amount of nicotine in the ASPCA reports that e-cigarette liquids used to recharge e-cigarettes and vapes have enough nicotine in them to kill a dog if its contents are ingested. To keep your pets safe, keep all of your tobacco products out of their reach.

Perfect Wave // Shutterstock

Table scraps

As tempting as it can be to give in to your pet when they’re begging to share your food, doing so can be deadly. Human food accounted for 16% of ASPCA’s poison control center calls last year. Foods often mistakenly ingested by pets include protein drinks and bars, xylitol gums, grapes, onions, and garlic. To stay safe, you can check the ASPCA’s complete list of hazardous foods beforehand.

Story editing by Carren Jao. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Paris Close. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick.

This story originally appeared on Ollie and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.

Feature Image: Ross Helen // Shutterstock

The post Pet-proof the holidays: 8 seasonal hazards and pet-safe solutions appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

By Mary Tan

UPDATE: Due to unfavorable weather conditions forecast, Paws in the Park, the annual dog-lovers benefit for United Pet Fund (UPF), has been rescheduled for Saturday, October 13 at Summit Park in Blue Ash. The event lasts from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Admission is free. Best in Show Sponsors are The Summit Hotel and Hartz Mt. Corporation.

For more information on this event, go to: https://www.unitedpetfund.org/paws-in-the-park

Original story

Pet Partners, the world’s largest animal registry that evaluates and certifies almost all therapy animals in Ohio, is holding their annual fundraiser which will be taking place Saturday, Sept. 28 at Summit Park in Blue Ash, 4335 Glendale Milford Road. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the walk begins at noon.

Pet Partners has a local club in the Cincinnati area.

Pet Partners certified animals visit public places all over Ohio, and the money raised from this important fundraiser goes to support your local therapy animal programs. 

The post Pet Partners to hold fundraiser appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

By Selean Holmes

The Harriet Group Consulting Services

The opening of Cincinnati’s newest PetVet365 Veterinarian Hospital in Hyde Park was a festive occasion complete with whimsical dog hats, dog shaped balloons, giveaways and treats for pets and parents.      

Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney led the ribbon cutting ceremony along with the owner and veterinarian Dr. Amber-Rene Hickson, DVM.

The beautifully appointed waiting areas for pets and parents feel like home. The State of the art surgical lab and examination rooms are equally impressive. As one of the few Black-owned businesses located in the Hyde Park Plaza on Paxton Avenue, not to be confused with Hyde Park Square, this new business is sure to enhance the community.

African American veterinarians are hard to find in Cincinnati and according to a 2020 employment study, there are less than 830 Black veterinarians practicing in the United States.

With 16 years of experience, Dr. Hickson earned her credentials from Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Her diverse team rises to the daily challenge of providing services to create healthier pets and happier clients. The team is creating a future where pets and our clients have a “Fear Free” experience while receiving the highest quality of care. That is why they wear scrubs uniforms instead of the white coat. Driven by the belief that “clients and their pets are waiting” and there is no time to waste, they blend the heart, science and ingenuity to discover and develop medical solutions that deliver the best care available for the pet. The PetVet365 network of locally owned hospitals works together as a team to provide the highest level of care to every pet 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Dr. Kate Smith, Founder of PetVet365, serves as a Pod Leader to locations in Florence, Newport, and Anderson, and now Hyde Park. There are hospitals in other states as well. The customized services offer innovative medical treatment including preventative, urgent, advanced, dental, surgical and behavioral services. They also offer adoption services.

Dr. Hickson is a resident of North Avondale, mother of two and wife to Ellery Lewis, P&G Service Operations Manager. Their family dog is Simone, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. For more information contact Dr. Hickson’s right hand and Hospital Lead, Samantha Carroll at 513 394-6224 or visit online at PetVet365.com.

The post Grand opening of veterinarian hospital appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

Contributed by Cincinnati Animal CARE  

With 514 lost animals entering the shelter in the last 22 days, Cincinnati Animal CARE is currently housing more than double the amount of animals the shelter was built for and is dangerously overcrowded. Without immediate help from the community, the shelter will be forced to house multiple dogs per kennel, something that hasn’t been done in the Hamilton County Shelter since Cincinnati Animal CARE took over operations in August of 2020.

“This is the worst it’s ever been,” said Ray Anderson, Community Engagement Manager. “Every kennel is full, every backup kennel is full, the emergency backup kennels are full, and we’ve resorted to putting dogs in crates… but there’s no more room for crates either.”

Housing multiple animals per kennel was common practice in the days of the “dog pound,” but is not a safe solution for the animals or the humans who handle them. This problem can be solved with families retrieving their lost pets, adoptions, and new foster homes. “Our foster families are our lifeblood,” said Anderson. “We have a lot of college students who foster with us and are out of town now that classes are out. We desperately need new fosters to fill that void. You will literally save a life today. Fostering is free, temporary, we provide supplies and medical care, you provide a safe, loving home.”

Persons interested in fostering can sign up at: https://cincinnatianimalcare.org/get-involved/foster/

Families interested in adopting can browse adoptable dogs at: https://cincinnatianimalcare.org/adopt/available-dogs/

Call 513-541-7387 to contact Cincinnati Animal CARE.

The post Cincinnati Animal CARE dangerously over capacity appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

By Cora S. Ellis

Herald Contributor

According to a 2020 employment study, there are less than 830 African American veterinarians practicing in the United States. While the popular television show, “Critter Fixers” on National Geographic Wild showcases two Black male vets, it is hard to find these doctors in most cities. Cincinnati is no exception. Veterinarians train just like other physicians; they must pass the rigors of medical school with an emphasis on animal health to earn the Doctor of Veterinarian Medicine (DVM) degree.

Not all vets are taking care of family pets or farm animals. Dr. Ralph Brown, DVM, who turns 90 in April, is the most senior of them in our city. In his 40-year career, this now retired government vet protected our meat & poultry supply as a Supervisory Veterinary Medical Officer for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), while his colleague, Dr. Ellis Jones (retired) was an Ohio Area Supervisor. Millennials like Dr. Nikki Harville, originally from Washington, DC follows in the footsteps of Dr. Brown as a graduate of the prestigious Tuskegee University College of Veterinarian Medicine. She practices in the greater Cincinnati area and has special interest in dermatology and oncology.

And then there’s Dr. Kamaria Catalan (Dr. Cat), the owner of Rover The Rhine, a full-service veterinary hospital in the heart of downtown, who is past president (2016) of the Cincinnati Veterinarian Medical Association and is also the CEO of House Vets for House Pets in Anderson. As options become more available others are practicing online. Dr. Hannah Rice offers her services through veterinary telemedicine with companies like Vetster. Dr. Brown mentored Dr. Amber-Renee Hickson. After 15 years of practice, she is starting a new business venture with Pet Vet 365 Hospital. These animal specialists are delivering great services to our city, and they encourage young people to consider this field as the possibilities are endless and most rewarding. Happy birthday Dr. Brown.

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