The PawPrint October 2024 | Page 3

Robin Hood ’ s Corner

NATIONAL VETERINARY TECHNICIAN WEEK
Hi Friends ! It ’ s me , Robin Hood ! October 13-19 celebrates National Veterinary Technician Week . This week gives us the opportunity to recognize the important work they do . So this month I would like to take the opportunity to talk about my very best friend in the entire world , Traci , our shelter veterinary technician ! Traci recently celebrated her five year work anniversary with the City of Arlington this past July . Since Traci was a little girl , she always knew she wanted to work with animals and her favorite part of the job is seeing that animals she helps treat become happy , healthy and loved pets . Traci goes above and beyond for the homeless shelter pets and especially the ones who need the extra TLC . She is a true friend to me and all of my shelter buddies ! I don ’ t know what we would do without her and we are so incredibly thankful to have her on the team at AAS !

Did you know ?

October 26 is recognized as National Pit Bull Awareness Day .
A day of appreciation and education designed to change perceptions and stereotypes about bully breed dogs commonly referred to as “ Pit Bulls ”.
Dogs recognized as pit bulls are actually cross breeds of bulldogs and terriers .
Combinations of breeds that typically get labeled as pit bulls are : American Pit Bull Terrier , American Bulldogs , American Staffordshire Terrier , Bull Terriers , Boxers , and Mastiffs .
The American Pit Bull Terrier and various Pit Bull type dogs make up the vast majority of dogs found in shelters .
Our recommendations for all pets : Educate yourself ! Before adopting your new dog , learn about the their history , temperament , and physical and mental requirements . Socialize your dog appropriately so they can grow into a confident , well- adjusted adult without anxiety and fear . Spay or neuter your pets . Train your dog so they walk nicely on leash and sit while being greeted . ( This will help provide a positive image of pit bull terriers !)

In the Field

MISSISSIPPI KITE
Photo of the actual baby Mississippi Kite from this call courtesy of Officer Davis .
We wanted to share an educational story from a recent call involving Animal Control Officer Davis and a baby Mississippi Kite . A concerned citizen called and reported an injured bird in their yard . Upon arrival , Officer Davis located the juvenile Mississippi Kite in question . He was able to safely capture the young bird , thoroughly examine it , and determine that the bird was not injured . During this time , a mother bird quickly appeared and became increasingly frustrated at Officer Davis for the interactions with her baby . From the mother ’ s behaviors of screaming and swooping down at him , Officer Davis realized the mother bird was more than likely teaching her baby to fly . Mississippi Kites are protected by federal law under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 . After speaking with one of our most trusted wildlife rescue partners , and explaining the situation to her , it was agreed that based on the behaviors being exhibited by both the baby and the mother , they were fine and needed to be left alone . While this case didn ’ t result in our officers taking custody of the baby kite , we want to encourage citizens to remain active and aware of animals in need . Please do not hesitate to call and make the report . If you are interested in learning more about urban wildlife in the City of Arlington , click here . If you are interested in learning more about the Migratory Bird Treaty Act , click here .
WWW . ARLINGTONTX . GOV / ANIMALS