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The Soul of All Living Creatures

What animals can teach us about being human

Environment
A Vestige of Nature Retreating from Humans

Vint Virga DVM, DACVB on December 8, 2020

Most likely they're perched on the uppermost ledge, and I’m standing alone—just a mere leap away—held as if prey by my own fascination.

Most likely they're perched on the uppermost ledge, and I’m standing alone—just a mere leap away—held as if prey by my own fascination.

Ethics and Morality
The Moments That Define Us

Vint Virga DVM, DACVB on December 7, 2020

One turning-point hour in my work as a vet reached deep to my very essence, brought me to question my ethics and values, and has since imbued every part of my life.

One turning-point hour in my work as a vet reached deep to my very essence, brought me to question my ethics and values, and has since imbued every part of my life.

Environment
To Take a Risk

Vint Virga DVM, DACVB on February 16, 2020

We have all faced that moment at one time or another. Do we dare to say what we truly think and feel, or do we keep our thoughts and feelings to ourselves?

We have all faced that moment at one time or another. Do we dare to say what we truly think and feel, or do we keep our thoughts and feelings to ourselves?

Environment
Mind vs. Matter: Animal or Human?

Vint Virga DVM, DACVB on December 21, 2017

How can a cluster of neurons instinctively sense we are in danger, in spite of everything our eyes and ears may tell us?

How can a cluster of neurons instinctively sense we are in danger, in spite of everything our eyes and ears may tell us?

Dreaming
If for Just One Day We Could Smell as a Dog Does

Vint Virga DVM, DACVB on June 28, 2017

Imagine, for a moment, walking into a large gathering and instantly, with just a sniff or two, knowing intimately more about the people around you.

Imagine, for a moment, walking into a large gathering and instantly, with just a sniff or two, knowing intimately more about the people around you.

Stress
In Our Yearning to Be Loved ...

Vint Virga DVM, DACVB on December 23, 2013

We reach out to others out of a longing we hold deep within to share what we feel and be loved by another.

We reach out to others out of a longing we hold deep within to share what we feel and be loved by another.

Animal Behavior
Who Listens to You Best?

Vint Virga DVM, DACVB on September 9, 2013

Based on the findings from a recent survey, should fate somehow leave us for the rest of our days on an island living with one single companion, most of us would choose a dog or cat above a human (stranger, family, or even best friend).

Based on the findings from a recent survey, should fate somehow leave us for the rest of our days on an island living with one single companion, most of us would choose a dog or cat above a human (stranger, family, or even best friend).

Deception
The Animal Within Us?

Vint Virga DVM, DACVB on July 4, 2013

The animal we briefly glimpse at times is not some malevolent predator, lurking inside us and ready to pounce, bent on some instinct to bring others harm.

The animal we briefly glimpse at times is not some malevolent predator, lurking inside us and ready to pounce, bent on some instinct to bring others harm.