Leap Year (fur) babies celebrated at New York veterinary hospital

This year is extra-special for Leap Year babies. As the calendar rolls around to Feb. 29, some people—and animals—mark a once-every-four-years celebration.

The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center (AMC) recognizes this special day with tales of previous patients celebrating Leap Year birthdays. The animal trauma and veterinary teaching hospital in New York City revisits pets that received care from AMC, from minor to life-saving operations, and are getting ready to celebrate their big day.

• • Orzo Angello, a male pug, will ring in his 12th (or 3rd) birthday. He enjoys snuggling with his humans and, unfortunately, loves to eat socks. After getting one stuck in his intestines, Orzo was rushed to AMC’s emergency unit and was immediately brought in for surgery. The pooch was released a few days later in great condition.As a well-traveled pup, Orzo enjoys trips out West with his owner, Tiziana. He is also the furry ambassador of Tiziana’s pet supply business LoveThyBeast, acting as toy tester and clothing model. Orzo’s family celebrates his birthday each year by dressing him in a special crown as they sing “Happy Birthday” to him. This year, they plan to make Orzo a special apple, yogurt, and salmon cake and load up his silicone lick mat with his favorite spreads.

    

  • Oskar Price, aka “Munchie,” is a male English bulldog turning eight years old. He is rambunctious and keeps his owner, Carol, on her toes with ear infections and eye scratches. Oskar first came to AMC in 2018 for a soft palate surgery, which is still holding strong today. 

    Last July, Oskar also underwent pericardial surgery due to a heart tumor that could not be removed. He made it through and is now on a daily chemo pill and back to romping around. His owners typically have a family birthday for Oskar and treat him to toys and cake as he wears his special birthday hat. If the weather is good, they hope to celebrate his year with a big barbecue bash on the beach with burgers and presents.

    

  • Winter McKirdy, a male standard poodle, turns four this year on his first true birthday. Winter is one of nine puppies from a “Leap Day Litter.” In July 2023, Winter ended up at AMC after swallowing a sock. The surgeons performed a gastrotomy and a gastropexy, and the dog recovered well.Winter is not only a champion show dog but also participates in agility. His birthday has always been celebrated with that of a relative born on February 28, but this year he gets his own day.

    

  • Gunner Snyder is an energetic pup turning eight this year. Gunner was taken to AMC last year after its owner reported bloating after the dog choked from eating too quickly. AMC conducted a test and found Gunner was fine. His favorite activities are playing ball and trips to the beach, which is exactly how Gunner’s owner plans to celebrate his birthday. He will also be treated to a lavish birthday meal–a hamburger with sweet potato kibble and a little whipped cream on top.