There are few bonds in nature to rival that between pets and their owners. Most pets are rewarded for their loyalty and devotion with shelter, food, and welcome attention. Though less welcome, they are also rewarded with medical care. Pets commonly make several visits a year to the veterinarian for annual shots and a checkup. Of course, they also go to the vet if they get sick or hurt. The first state sponsored veterinary school in the U.S. opened on this date in 1879 at Iowa State College — now university — in Ames, Iowa. Today, there are over 28,000 veterinary establishments located around the U.S. They take care of the nation’s domesticated 70 million dogs, 74 million cats, 8.3 million birds and more than 4.8 million horses. You can find more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau, online at <www.census.gov>.