Several phrases have stuck around long after a time when horses were much more common in daily life. They include don’t look a gift horse in the mouth, which is a warning not to expect a gift too closely, and straight from the horse’s...
What does it mean to vet a political candidate? The word “vet” comes from veterinarian, specifically the ones who would examine a horse before a race to make sure it was healthy and eligible. Similarly, one might vet a candidate to make...
A veterinarian in Pennsylvania Dutch Country runs into some strange terms. What’s wrong with a dog that’s doppick, or a cat that’s nixie? What does it mean to have your animal dressed? This is part of a complete episode.
BARF n.— «Some owners take that to mean bones and raw food, better known as the B.A.R.F. diet. But vets who approve are difficult to find—especially if they’ve saved dogs from intestinal obstruction, perforation and peritonitis caused by...
furkid n.— «Best of all, there’s a nice seven-page subset out of the “People I Detest” chapter devoted to people with “furkids” or, to use her other neologism, “furparents.” These people don’t have pets...
furparent n.— «Best of all, there’s a nice seven-page subset out of the “People I Detest” chapter devoted to people with “furkids” or, to use her other neologism, “furparents.” These people don’t have...