I have been a reptile veterinarian for more than twenty years and I have noticed that people who keep reptiles as pets are a little different than the typical dog and cat owner.  When dogs and cats come to the vet, you can tell their owners are there for one reason: to see the vet, get the help they need, and get back home.

 When reptile owners go the vet it’s a little like a party.  They are no less committed to their pets but they are a whole lot more interested in the other clients and the other animals than dog and cat people are. My clients will wait an hour for an appointment, and then go back out to reception and hang out for another hour talking to the other reptile owners.

The Pet Gazette travels Down Under to interview an Australian aviculturist (well, into our Facebook friends list, anyway).

I am Mira, an English Cocker Spaniel.  My breed is not widely popular, but once people get to know us, they become completely loyal to the breed.  We are closely related to the English Springer Spaniel, who is slightly larger and the English Toy Spaniel who is smaller.  In fact, we were developed with the Springer with height being the only difference.  Throughout our history, great precautions were taken to keep our bloodlines pure and separate from the American Cocker Spaniel.  The biggest difference between us and the American Cocker Spaniel is our muzzle, which is longer than the American Cocker Spaniel’s.  Our physical characteristics that are part of our standard, all put together makes us the finest of all small hunting dogs.  Our long, wavy coats protect us through dense woods, thick brush and marshes.  Our long, low set ears and wide nostrils help sweep up the scent of the trail we are on.  Our wide-set eyes help us see as our heads are down following the scent.  We are graceful, muscular and compact which adds to our excellent hunting skills.