Former president of AVMA, WVA dies

The veterinary industry has lost a mentor, educator, and trailblazer with the recent passing of Leon Russell, DVM, PhD. A diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Russell served as president for the World Veterinary Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the Texas Veterinary Medical Association. “Personally, I am proud to have known Dr. Russell,” said AVMA President John de Jong, DVM. “He was a mentor to so many of our leaders in showing us exemplary leadership, wisdom, humility, and grace.” . . . more

“Scamp the Tramp” named as World’s Ugliest Dog in Petaluma

Scamp the Tramp will never win a beauty contest. But he’s won an ugly one. The bug-eyed, dreadlocked pooch took top honors last Friday at the 31st annual World’s Ugliest Dog Contest. Owner Yvonne Morones of Santa Rosa, California, won an appearance with Scamp on the Today show, $1,500 in cash, another $1,500 to donate to an animal shelter, and a trophy the size of a rottweiler. “He’s Scamp the Champ; no longer Scamp the Tramp,” said Morones after the victory. “I think the audience saw his beautiful spirit and everything he’s given back to the community.” Scamp makes volunteer visits to schoolchildren and a local senior citizens’ center. The street dog from Compton was rescued by Morones in 2014 after she spotted him on Pet Finder. . . . more

Minnesota cat recovering after sneaking into washing machine, surviving wash cycle

A Minnesota cat miraculously survived after sneaking into a washing machine—where she stayed for about an hour during a wash cycle. Stefani Carroll-Kirchoff from Maplewood, a suburb of St. Paul, said she was doing her laundry on Wednesday when her one-year-old cat, Felix, jumped inside the washing machine when the door was open and Carroll-Kirchoff wasn’t looking. “It’s horrific. It’s absolutely horrific,” she added. Carroll-Kirchoff said she hasn’t been able to sleep since the incident. “This will haunt me for the rest of my life,” she said. “It’s the most traumatic experience.” . . . more

Groom has his pet dog as his best man

At this wedding, the best man was also a very good boy. A groom from Scotland decided that, for his best man, all he needed was man’s best friend. So, on his wedding day, he had a six-year-old rottweiler with a mini tuxedo strapped to his collar standing next to him. And he couldn’t have been happier. Christopher McCarron and Margaret Allison consider Jack, a rescue dog, part of their family. The couple actually met at an animal rescue center while McCarron was out walking Jack. McCarron had initially come to the shelter after the death of his son. There, he met Jack, a former guard dog, and the two reportedly hit it off immediately. “I wouldn’t have considered getting a rescue dog because of his age—he’s around six,” McCarron said. “But when he went up to me, we just clicked. Little did I know that I’d meet my future wife at the rescue center, too.” . . . more

Frida, rescue dog who saved a dozen lives in Mexico earthquake, retires after 10 years

Frida, a rescue dog who has participated in dozens of missions during some of world’s most destructive natural disasters, has officially retired, Mexico’s Navy announced. The 10-year-old yellow Labrador retriever retired last Sunday in a ceremony that marked International Rescuer Day in Mexico. During the ceremony, she was presented with a toy that the Mexican government said symbolized the start of her new life. Frida became a symbol of hope for the country during the devastating earthquakes that killed more than 300 people in Mexico City in 2017. In the earthquakes’ aftermath, she was credited with finding more than 40 bodies and saving 12 people’s lives. She gained international fame for her hard work and was even recognized by Avengers: Endgame actor Chris Evans on Twitter. . . . more