A cat named Oz

One of a kind. Oz was born with a map of Australia on her nose.

How was your weekend? One of the highlights for me was meeting this fellow during the vetting at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Nicknamed “Oz” (formally named Siajavi Pai Wen), this longhaired oriental was born with a perfect map of Australia on her face – complete with a (somewhat disproportionately large and, if one must be nit-picky, a bit central) map of Tasmania on her chin. She belongs to breeder and steward Deborah Nugent. I’ve never seen a face like this (of course its not all about appearances - her temperament is wonderful). 

The story of Little Oz has since made national headlines, which is timely since its her birthday this week. You can read about her here, here and here.

An enthusiastic police dog plays with handler during a display. 

Did you know that the Sydney Royal Easter Show is home to one of the largest veterinary practice in the Southern Hemisphere? It’s a temporary arrangement, but every year the Show brings together a group of dedicated vets, nurses and team members whose job it is to look after the thousands of animals – dogs, cats, cattle, horses, sheep, pigs, goats, birds, reptiles, rabbits and rodents – that come on site. Its a brilliant place for vet students to work alongside vets and get to know every breed of just about every domestic species seen in Australia.

Vet students Lachie and Tim examine rats and mice before the show.

Wagga based veterinarian Jack with Village Vet star and veterinarian James, and veterinary students Eva, Jacqui and Angela.

Drs Chris Tan and Alan Simpson.

A sign I don't see often in my day job.

This rat, from Queensland, has won oodles of ribbons.

Every day of the show the team has grand rounds, and we discuss cases that have been seen over the previous 24 hours, from calvings to colics and anything in between. The standard of care is exceptional. If someone is concerned about an animal, a veterinarian is never more than minutes away, any time of the day or night.