Dr. Don DeForge Silver Sands Veterinary

Good Night: Mr. Cub A Tribute to Ernie Banks Let's Play Two! Don DeForge , VMD 24Jan2015 Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference." Robert Frost Ernie Banks 1931-2015 “There’s sunshine, fresh air, and the team’s behind us. Let’s play two.” Ernie Banks Ernie Banks reprised his signature line at his Hall of Fame induction speech in 1977. His sunny disposition was perfect for the “Friendly Confines” of Wrigley Field, last outpost of exclusively day baseball. Perhaps no player defines his team as thoroughly as “Mr. Cub,” who played with joy and immense talent for the Cubs from 1953-71, though never making a postseason appearance. A native of Dallas, Texas, 19-year-old Ernie Banks debuted for the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro leagues in 1950. After two years in the Army, Banks returned to the Monarchs, who sold his contract to the Chicago Cubs in 1953. His debut on September ...

The Young and Old Forgotten Treasures of The Family of Man and the Animal Kingdom A Commentary: Don DeForge, VMD with a Special Thank You to Shel Silverstein The Little Boy and the Old Man by Shel Silverstein Said the little boy, "Sometimes I drop my spoon." Said the old man, "I do that too." The little boy whispered, "I wet my pants." "I do that too," laughed the little old man. Said the  little boy , "I often cry." The old man nodded, "So do I." "But worst of all," said the boy, "it seems Grown-ups don't pay attention to me." And he felt the warmth of a wrinkled old hand. "I know what you mean," said the  little old man . A truly unique and multi-faceted artist, Shel Silverstein was a renowned poet, playwright, illustrator, screenwriter, and songwriter. Best known for his immensely popular children’s books including The Giving Tree, Falling Up, and A Light i...

Yes, Virginia , there is a Santa Claus! by Francis Pharcellus Church with Commentary by Don DeForge, VMD Editor's Note: 8 year old Virginia O'Hanlon wrote a letter to the editor of the New York Sun, and the quick response was printed as an unsigned editorial, Sept 21, 1897.  The work of veteran newsman, Francis Pharcellus Church, has since become history's more reprinted newspaper editorial; appearing in part or whole in dozens of languages in books; editorials; and on posters and stamps. Here is the letter and response to the New York Sun 117 year ago.  It could have been written just as well 24December2014. Dear Editor: I am 8 years old.  Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus.  Papa says, "If you see it in the Sun it's so!"  Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?   Virginia O'Hanlon 115 West Ninety-Fifth Street NY, NY Editorial Response from the New York Sun... VIRGINIA, your little frie...

Put a Stop to Pet Problems During the Holidays Don DeForge, VMD Every holiday period brings great joy as families reunite and children experience the wonders of Santa Claus; Christmas trees; special foods; and candy.  We sometimes forget that pets are present and watching all of the excitement.  Many times mischievous pets find lots of  fun which become hazards.  Without a watchful eye, the hazard can lead to danger and even death.  Every year, I post my Christmas and Holiday hazards that you MUST be vigilant about to avoid unnecessary visits to the Animal ER or your local doctor of veterinary medicine. #1 The Christmas Tree The Christmas tree can cause many problems.  Live trees have one set of problems and artificial trees pose other problems.  Don't put fertilizer in the live tree well.  Cover the water well with aluminum foil to stop drinking of stagnant water.  Real pine needles are not toxic but can cause stomac...