IN THE NUTSHELL

Finding Just the Right Vet   
By Lynn Ramage' 

   On the average, most folks have pets.  When meeting people and when you ask them if they have a pet, most usually beam and pep up and tell you funny stories about their pride and joys.  It is the best ice breaker and I use that question occasionally when interviewing the rock stars!  Some are happy with the average cat or dog and that's all well and good, but there are others that boost about their reptile, rabbit, ferret, birds or even fish!  I was hosting my home to bunnies a few years back and to be honest was surprised that there were not many vets out there in the Bucks County area that could help me if my furry ones got sick.  I fortunately found Indian Walk Veterinary Center in Newtown, PA, and they did a great job in caring for my rabbits.  The Staff there really care and take their time with the animals. Lilli Kusiak runs the facility located on Durham Road close to Route 232. 
   I asked Dr. Kusiak when and what made her decide on becoming such a devoted doctor?  She said “ I wanted the intellectual challenge of having to deal with medicine and surgery in multiple species, and I wanted the opportunity to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.  She started Indian Walk in 1990 in a renovated old house with two employees. In 2000, with a staff of 12, she moved into their beautiful, state-of-the-art facility. They care for a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, ferrets, snakes, lizards and other reptiles, rabbits and rodents, small birds, sheep and goats. I asked Dr. Kusiak what the most unusual pet she has treated so far, as I wondered if it was it the sugarglider or the hedgehog?  Her response was; a dwarf Caiman (a relative of alligators and crocodiles). Not an easy animal to handle!   
  As Easter approaches us and many parents find that giving their children Easter pets are good ideas, Dr. Kusiak advises first; "Think twice, then don't do it! The traditional Easter pets, bunnies and chicks, require special diets, care and housing that most households can't provide. Most children lose interest after a short time, and a large number of these animals end up in shelters, or, worse, released into the wild with no survival skills. Please choose a cute stuffed animal or a chocolate bunny for your Easter gifts."  In closing if you are looking for a great vet, reasonable costs then visit the Center! I assure you wont be disappointed in the care your pet deserves. Open Monday-Saturday, their phone number is: 215-598-9000. WWW. Indianwalkvet.com 
  Excuse me for getting a little sidetracked with that hopefully helpful information!  A really Hot band is coming to Philly on Friday, March 31 to the Grape St. The band is called "The Unheard Of" based of LA.  I met them on myspace.com. and they rushed me a CD!  You can pick up influences such as Sabbath, BVR and even a pinch of Alice and Chains.  The singer is very diversified and has a great range!  His vocals will really grow on you! All the songs on the 8 song disc are differant yet not loosing site of thier direction, powerful, melotic and crunchy!  Check these guys out! This band would go great at the Pirates den! WWW.TheUnheardOf.com
  Milton and the Devils Party also sent a CD and this disc is well done as well! Poppy story telling with a punk edge. Great band for the college circuit!  They sorta remind me of The Cure meets Elvis Costello/Matthew Sweet.  Their tempo is upbeat and they are out of the Havertown area. They played the Pontiac and will be at the Grape Street on April 14.
A closing reminder the Cellblock Reunion is Saturday, May 6 at the Pirates Den; so far with Star II Sun, WhiteFoxx, RoughHouse, Funhouse, T.H.B. and Surrender Dorothy.  On Sunday the reunion finishes late in the afternoon till midnight at the Whiskey Tango with Blind Date, Shock Tank Kitten, Destroyer, Instinct, Chainsaw Jane, Posiedon, Stephanies Religion and Swamp Candles. We could still use a band or two for Saturday!  What ever happened to Four Star Rosie and  Seventh Heavin?   LynnRamage@aol.com