New Webvet competition is for the birds

As I've noted before in this space, I am not a "pet" person. I don't like sharing my water dish or catnip, and I can think of better uses for a collar and leash than "walkies," though they're prohibited in most states, except maybe Idaho, where pretty much anything goes. That brings us to Webvet.com, which has launched a "Birds on Broadway" competition. The press release squawks about "an online search for the country's most talented parrots, canaries and other winged animals." Broadway? I suppose it's OK if they're reviving Bye Bye Birdie, but I'd think twice before letting any feathered friend of mine join the touring company of Cats. (Actually, the prize is $2,500.) For more silly bird-related humor, here's Monty Python's timeless "Dead Parrot" sketch. And yes, I'll be shouting "pining for the fjords" in a loud, obnoxious Cockney accent for the rest of the day. My co-workers can lump it.

—Posted by David Gianatasio

Published on September 17, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)
Filed under Gianatasio, Pets, Webvet

If you must own a pet, check out WebVet

WebVet.com just went live, with pictures of Fido, Fluffy and other assorted species so devilishly cute I can only assume they were Photoshopped by Satan. The site says candy, caffeine, avocados, beer and nuts (though perhaps not beer nuts) can be harmful to your pet’s health. Look, if you’re feeding Tiddles mochachinos, truffles and guacamole salad, you deserve everything you’ve got coming. And there’s gonna be plenty of it! One headline on the site: “44-Pound Homeless Cat Found in N.J.” Yeah, it probably ate its owners. Pets are a lot of work, they’re expensive, and just when you get used to them, they die and leave you nothing in their wills. If you must own one, and its eyes turn red and it starts baying at the moon—especially if it’s an iguana—don’t go online! Call a real vet! God, those pictures are so damn cute.

—Posted by David Gianatasio

Published on August 5, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0)
Filed under Gianatasio, Pets, Webvet