Pulse - November 2021 - 4

PULSE PERSPECTIVE
RMCNV@YAHOO.COM
WELCOME BACK!
L
ast October 3, the SCVMA finally had its first large-scale face to face gathering after almost
two years. It was the Annual Family Day Event and this time it was held at the LA Zoo. Unlike
other continuing education events, this was a way to say thank you to all the members and to
have an occasion for some socialization and fun. It was a very well-attended affair with more than
200 participants consisting of doctors, clinic staff, sponsors and their families. I saw friends and colleagues,
people who I have not seen for over a year! It was great to be able to finally have a chance
for some close and personal interaction after endless video calls last year.
The day started off pretty well. It was a nice sunny
day with a good cooling breeze. The Zoo usually opens
at 10 am but people were already lining up as early as 9.
The SCVMA set up a registration table near the ticket
booths to be visible and greet the members. Registered
members were given wrist tags but if you had other
guests, you could easily buy them their own entrance
tickets. The line to get in was a bit long but it moved
fairly quickly. Due to LA county rules, masks were still
enforced but everyone seemed to be quite used to it by
this time.
Because it was October, the Zoo had a special area
dedicated to the celebration of Halloween called Boo
at the Zoo. There was a maze festooned with haunting
and spooky décor. Areas were set aside for great looking
photo ops. There was even an Extinct Animal Graveyard
to honor the dearly departed species and had tips
on how to save those near extinction. I saw several kids
in some costumes, happily smiling as their parents took
their pictures.
I first made my way down to my favorite place, the
LAIR which features reptiles, amphibians, and arachnids.
I love reptiles. Snakes and tortoises in particular. After
which I took a leisurely stroll along the different pathways
meandering throughout the zoo looking at the different
animals. I also found what I was looking for...a
penny souvenir machine! It was a good thing that I was
prepared with some change and was able to get a couple
of flattened animal pennies for my collection.
Lunch was at the Treetops Pavillon beside the giant
carousel. Tables were set up for the guests with loot bags
for the kids containing candies, coloring books, crayons
and other goodies. At this time Dr Peter Weinstein
took the opportunity to greet and thank all those who
attended, and introduced the new SCVMA Executive
Director, Dr. Jennifer Hawkins to the audience.
She spoke about her vision for the future and promised
to do her best for the Association. She thanked all
the sponsors (Hill's, AVSG Urgent Care, Midwest, VCA
Advanced Veterinary Care Center, Petlink, VISC, VSS, BI,
Gatto McFerson, A Dignostics, TLD Law, Merck, Roo)
and of course, the dedicated SCVMA staff (Lucy, Allyne,
Savanna) who made the event possible. A resounding
applause followed.
Unfortunately, I could not stay longer after lunch
because I had other commitments in the afternoon. I
left the Zoo feeling happy, fulfilled, and full of hope. I
am secure in the knowledge that despite all the trials and
hardships everyone went through with this pandemic,
there is always the SCVMA to provide care and support
to the Southern California veterinary family. And under
the leadership of Dr. Hawkins, we will reach new heights
of success and service to the community.
Raymond De Villa, DVM
SCVMA President
4
NOVEMBER 2021
PULSE

Pulse - November 2021

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