We've heard people say that one of the things they enjoy about our website is the scrolling, rolling gallery of pets that enter our doors and, in particular, the names of those pets.  We take these shots in our reception area (and there's a tremendous archive on the website);  at this writing, the gallery starts with a Bernese Mountain Dog named Walter and a sweet-looking kitten named Monster, and includes a rat named Faust.  We have our share of more conventional names, though.    It has recently been reported that, for the fifth consecutive year, Buddy has been the most popular dog name for adoptable dogs, and Lucy was most popular for adoptable cats.   We have 26 Buddys currently in the practice -- five avians, fifteen canines, two felines, one bearded dragon, one iguana, one tortoise and one guinea pig.  And our Lucys are one ferret, five felines, one guinea pig, and fifteen canines.  

In February, Dr. John Baillie will be appointed president-elect of the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association, taking his place in the leadership of the 1979-member state-wide group, which is the professional association for all veterinarians in the state.   The MVMA names, among its missions, goals of advocating effectively for animal welfare, enhancing the knowledge and skills of veterinary professionals, and identifying and mentoring future leaders of the veterinary profession.  Dr. Baillie will assume its presidency in February 2013.  
 
At the same meeting next month, Dr. Baillie will be inducted as a Life Member, having joined the organization shortly after his graduation from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 1972.