Last week two police officers rescued an injured Snowy Owl they found at 14^th and K Streets after she was thought to have been hit by a Metrobus.  Initially she was brought into the National Zoo and examined by one of the staff veterinarians there before being placed in the care of DC’s only wildlife rehabilitation center City Wildlife.  Once at City Wildlife they collected blood to assess her general health and submitted a DNA to determine the sex - turns out she is a girl!

City Wildlife also wanted to take x-rays to confirm suspicion of a broken toe as well as take full body x-rays to look for any other abnormalities.   Unfortunately they didn’t have access to an x-ray machine – until Saturday when Friendship offered to let them use ours.  She was brought in and whisked back to x-ray where they were able to perform the necessary tests. 

The owl at Friendship waiting for her x-rays

City Wildlife reports that she is doing well and acting much more like an owl.  She has started eating and seems much more bright, alert and responsive.  Thankfully we have an organization like City Wildlife available to help out the wild animals who live among us here in DC.  They opened their doors less than a year ago and have been critical in caring for orphaned or injured birds, mammals and reptiles.  From the majestic Snowy Owl to the tiniest hummingbird we are luck to have City Wildlife caring for these animals!

In other news Friendship kicks off out free lecture series next week at the Tenly-Friendship Library.  Here is a list of upcoming dates and topics:

February 10^th –Veterinary Toxicology

Dr. Kimberly Schultz will discuss common household items, foods and plants that can be toxic to your dog or cat and what effects they may have.  Learn how ingesting these items can alter your pet’s organ functions, and what kind of veterinary care you should seek.

March 17^th – Managing Your Pet’s Lumps and Bumps

Dr. Dana Kuehn will talk about different types of lumps and bumps common in dogs and cats.  She will discuss diagnostic testing that can be performed, as well as the treatment options available.

April 21^st – Canine behavior, Training and Enrichment

I will present a lecture on how to be your dog’s best friend!  From getting started early with proper training techniques, to engaging in activities that will challenge them both physically and mentally – come learn how to give your dog an enriched and happy life!

May 19^th – Veterinary Oncology

Dr. Chand Khanna and Dr. Courtney Mallett will discuss the goal of The Oncology Service – to preserve, lengthen and improve the quality of life for dogs and cats that are afflicted with cancer.  Dr. Khanna travels the world giving lectures on cancer in our pets, this one is not to be missed!

June 16^th – Pet Allergies and Common Skin Conditions

Dr. Nicole Cohen and Dr. Schuyler Matthiesen will present a lecture on common pet allergies and how to care for them.  From Spring and Fall allergies, to the persistent hot spots, join us for an overview on managing allergies and common skin conditions.

September 15^th – Caring for Your Senior Pet

Dr. Lynn Logan and Dr. Becky Bolch will discuss how to care for your pets, as they enter into their senior years.  They will cover topics ranging from managing mobility to altering lifestyle and diet.  Join us for this talk about how to enhance your pet’s quality of life as they get older.

If you have any topics that you would like to see in upcoming lectures please post below in the comments.  We hope you can join us!