On Labor Day, Monday September 5, 2005, we opened our normal hours (8:00 am to 5:00 pm) to benefit the people and pets of New Orleans. Proceeeds from our day's labor were be donated to Noah's wish, a not-for-profit organization devoted to helping animals affected by disasters. We had a pleasingly strong response to our advertisement in the Citizen-times, and in addition to a full day of medical and wellness visits, we hosted a "dog wash for donations" in the parking lot.

SEPT 3, 2005: FACELIFT

During the week of August 28 to September 3 several people noticed lights in the parking lot until late into the evening. Dr. Sinclair's sister, Kelly McDermott, was burning the midnight oil painting a mural on the front of 1007 Tunnel Road. Done almost in the style of a tattoo and taking several days to complete, we are extremely pleased with the results and impressed with Kelly's ability to produce a polished image on a wall that is quite deeply textured. Immediately afterwards, the building received a fresh coat of paint, prompting Kelly to quip "Haw Creek Animal Hospital gets a facelift--and a tattoo!

AUG 9, 2005: NEW ARTWORK EXHIBITION

Today we installed the first of our external art exhibitions. Bob's Jub Jub photographs came down and a series of prints by local photographer Chase Pickering were hung. Chase is a vary talented young photographer who has already travelled extensively with his camera. The current exhibition predominantly features wildlife from Africa and Antarctica (and all works are for sale!). You can read more about Chase and see some examples of his work on his website.

APRIL 23, 2005: OPEN HOUSE

Between 2pm and 5pm we held an open house. Snack foods, wine, soft drinks and a chance to visit and chat and enjoy the clinic's new look!

APRIL 18, 2005: FIRST ART EXHIBITION

We hung some batik-style bright bird tapestries in each of the exam rooms, and themed Exam 2 with Belize wildlife photographs and Exam 3 with close-up pictures of a variety of animal eyes. But the main goup of artwork was Bob's action photography, featuring our very own "Jolly Jumping Jubby." The first exhibition in what we hope will be an ever-changing gallery of animal-related artwork by local artists. JubJub was a great suceess, although several people asked "who threw the dog up in the air?" Rest assured, he throws himself! Jubby will jump and catch (or try to catch) just about anything, from tennis balls to kibble to snowballs--even tiny rocks--the trick there being to make sure he doesn't catch them although when he does get one he immediately drops it and readies himself for the next.

APRIL 16/17, 2005: REDECORATING

A very full weekend. Saturday morning we managed without Exam Room 2 and started preparing to paint. As soon as Saturday hours finished the remianing exam rooms and aiting room were emptied and masked. By 8am Monday everything had two coats of shiny new paint and was just about reassambled to start the new week.