The Secret Inside the Lion's Den

After getting a first glimpse at the five African lion cubs at the Abilene Zoo with their Mother...I couldn't help but wonder, where is their Dad?
If you've been to the Zoo before, you typically see the Lion and Lioness inside the exhibit together. Today during the media-preview of the cubs, I had the opportunity to ask, where is he?
Apparently, he is in some caging inside (where zoo patrons cannot see). He has never seen his lion cubs. I imagine he'd be territorial and could pose a danger to the cubs but, I couldn't help but feel a little bit bad for the fella.
The Lion cubs will be making their debut for the public this Saturday. When you go to check out the Lion exhibit, you'll get to see the mother and her five cubs, but you won't be seeing the father with his beautiful mane.
The cubs and Mom will be on display from 9 am until 4pm, which means, the Daddy Lion won't be able to roam free in his den until after Zoo operation hours. I was assured however, he is let out, alone in his exhibit at night.
It's understandable that zoo staff make these decisions based on what they know about these magnificent animals.
I coach PopWarner cheerleading in Nelson Park (which is right in front of the Abilene Zoo) nightly and every night at practice, I can hear the Lion Roaring and Panting. He sounds frustrated. I think I would be too if I had to be alone all the time.
Needless to say, I think the Abilene Zoo is extremely lucky to have five baby lion cubs in captivity.

Fluent in Mumble

This isn't the first time I have noticed or anything, but after getting some cavities filled today I thought I'd bring up one of the many talents dentists have.

First and foremost, only here in Abilene do I actually semi-enjoy going to the dentist. I absolutely love my dentist and dental staff. In the previous states, I have lived in...I avoided the dentist at all costs. Here everyone makes the experience a lot less painful; full of distractions! : )

Anyways, most of us when we get fillings for cavities, we're awake (even if we get laughing gas) which means we have some interaction with the dentist and assistant.

No matter how numb your mouth may be or how many tools and cotton balls are inside it, when the dentist asks a question, you try to answer. Sometimes, the response is not a yes or no and uh-huh's and uh-uh's won't cut it. But no matter, what they could understand everything I was saying. I am talking phrases and full sentences that were coming out of my mouth, that even I barely could understand what I was saying. It's an impressive quality these dentists and assistants have.

The reason for me writing this blog is, we all know that dentist's are smart and have academically had a lot of schooling, but I think understanding "mumble" is another admirable quality.

Rescues and Runways

So this past Saturday, I helped out with a local fashion show with a better purpose than just trying to sell clothes. Maurice's and Rescue the Animals teamed up to help find shelter dogs permanent homes.

We were outfitted in their latest fashion trends and then given a pooch to walk the runway. I was the last one to "model," and the cute little Schnauzer that was supposed to strut his stuff with me, was not in the mood. Of course, he had already walked the catwalk several times during the show (There was only a handful of dogs at the Mall of Abilene). So poor pup, had enough of the spotlight. I tried to pull him in my direction,

but plain and simple...he was not having it. So, I decided not to bug him and another volunteer for Rescue the Animals handed me another pooch. This type, I thought I'd play it safe and carry him in my arms instead of walk him on the leash.

He was comfortable as can be and I had fun walking with him down the runway. Obviously, I didn't quite have the model strut going on, but it was fun. My second dog was adopted moments after the show ended. The Great Dane in the show was also adopted, as well as another Great Dane that was still at the Rescue the Animals shelter.

Knowing about the adoptions made the whole day that much better. Fashion and cute puppies...not a bad way to spend a Saturday in Abilene!

Plastic Surgery Open House in Abilene

Have you ever been to an Open House for Plastic Surgery?

If it sounds like something that interests you, you might consider one going on this evening from 6 pm to 9 pm. It will be held inside the medical Mall Atrium which is located at 1665 Antilley Road.

The pamphlet I found inside an Abilene gym says to RSVP, but it doesn't have a date. For additional information you can call (325) 793-5128.

Image Sculptures, Plastic Surgery and Medical Day Spa is hosting the annual Open House.

Dr. Laura Bennett and Dr. Peter Grothaus will be there to meet with people and to ask questions.

There will be a raffle, give-aways, gift certificates, and to top it off food from Copper Creek Catering.

Make a Muscle Make a Difference

This was my first year directly being involved with the MDA. It has been an eye-opening experience. This year was my first year to participate in the annual Lockup and I really enjoyed my time as a "jailbird". I felt so good raising money for something so important.
After hosting the 2010 MDA telethon with Stephanie Harris and Randy Turner, it made me realize just how much I have taken for granted.
I met the most inspiring people that day at the MCM Elegante. They helped me realize how vital money is to providing medical care for those with MD and other related diseases, the importance of a fun-filled week at camp, and above all putting money towards research to ultimately finding a cure for those that have MD or other neuro-muscular diseases.
The Big Country and the Concho Valley together helped to raise over $165,000 dollars for the MDA. It made me proud to live here to see so many generous people that opened up their hearts and wallets to make a difference in so many peoples lives.
The MDA Telethon was an amazing thing to be a part of. This year's theme was "Make a Muscle/Make a Difference". Thank you Big Country and Concho Valley for making a difference.