Has your dog ever let out a yelp as you lift them into your arms? It can leave you feeling concerned or puzzled about what might be causing this reaction. Dogs may yelp due to various reasons—ranging from simple surprises to more serious health concerns. Each whimper or whine could be signaling something different‚ and... Why Does My Dog Yelp When Picked Up?

The post Does Your Cat Act Like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde? Christopher’s Does! by Christopher Bays appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Hi‚ I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat‚ Olga. In The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde‚ Dr. Jekyll creates a potion that turns him into a murderous fiend. Although he can initially control when his alter ego appears‚ Mr. Hyde eventually becomes the more dominant persona. I never associated my pets with Robert Louis Stevenson’s Victorian thriller until I adopted Olga. Like plum sauce‚ she’s a mixture of sweet and sour‚ and she can instantly switch from one to the other. It doesn’t happen all the time. Sometimes‚ she’s nice even when she’s irritating. Depending on their personality‚ cats will bite you when you pet them too long‚ and others attack when they’re overstimulated during a play session‚ but Olga’s behavior differs. I have one eye on you… Sneak Attacks Out of the blue‚ she’ll attack my hand when it’s on the armrest of my recliner‚ and when I say “No” or yell something profane‚ she retreats for a second but then nudges her head against my leg. After a playful or not-so-playful bite‚ some animals run away and hide when you cry out in pain‚ but Olga seems indifferent. She’s an expert at hiding when she wants to be alone‚ or someone is shooting fireworks‚ but she doesn’t hide when she thinks I’m upset. I don’t want to give you the impression that she hisses or screams when she turns into Hyde‚ but she’s more aggressive and more likely to bite or scratch. I’ve never been severely wounded by her attacks‚ and most of the time‚ I’m more surprised than upset when she pounces. However‚ she’s come a long way since she was a kitten. Look into my eyes; they’re telling you to feed me! Mr. Hyde as a Kitten Unlike Dr. Hyde in the 19th-century tale‚ Olga had more problems letting her “good” side take over when she was a kitten. She didn’t like being picked up or petted on her back and used her sharp teeth and tiny claws to repel my attempts. The only time I could pet her was when she was dozing off‚ and even then‚ I risked a bloody hand if she regained consciousness. Although she wasn’t the most affectionate kitten‚ she liked sitting near me when she wasn’t tearing through the house. At night‚ she slept in a chair in my bedroom and only jumped on the bed occasionally to attack my feet under the covers. Sitting by me may be risky. Tolerant Cat Owners It took nearly a year before her Jekyll side became more pronounced‚ and I remember being happy that I spent much less on hydrogen peroxide and bandages than when she was a kitten. Every cat misbehaves‚ but some owners don’t understand how close housecats are to wild felines. If they stay inside all day and cannot hunt and pounce on their prey‚ they need an alternative‚ which can include attacking humans. Playing with toys and climbing on cat trees can keep some cats occupied‚ but a hand hanging off the couch or wiggling feet under a blanket is too resisting to ignore sometimes. Whether you have a Jekyll‚ Hyde‚ or a combination‚ like Olga‚ try to be tolerant with your cat. Their scratches and bites are painful‚ but when you consider that cats are descended from skilled predators‚ you should be proud you can care for a furry killer who loves you‚ even if they have a strange way of showing it. The post Does Your Cat Act Like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde? Christopher’s Does! by Christopher Bays appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

The post Toxoplasmosis Symptoms in Cats: Our Vet Explains the Causes‚ Signs &; Treatments by Dr. Marti Dudley‚ DVM (Vet) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Toxoplasmosis is a disease impacting cats that can be picked up from the environment. Toxoplasmosis is commonly discussed in households due to the risk it poses to pregnant women. But what exactly is toxoplasmosis‚ and how does it impact cats? Continue reading below to learn more about this pathogen. What Is Toxoplasmosis? Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by a single-cell protozoan parasite‚ Toxoplasma gondii. Cats become infected with toxoplasma when the infected stage is ingested‚ typically through the consumption of an intermediate host or accidental consumption of fecal matter. Toxoplasma gondii has only one definitive host: the cat. A definitive host is a host in which the parasite reproduces and creates eggs. However‚ this protozoan can impact most warm-blooded animals‚ including humans. An intermediate host is an animal in which the parasite can multiply in a cyst form‚ but the parasite is unable to complete its life cycle. A cat becomes infected with Toxoplasma gondii when an intermediate host housing a cyst is ingested or when an oocyst from the environment is consumed. Definitive Host Once the cystic stage or infective oocyst is ingested by a cat‚ the protozoan is released into the gastrointestinal tract where it begins to form eggs‚ called oocysts. The oocysts are then deposited into the environment through defecation. Alternatively‚ some Toxoplasma gondii protozoans leave the gastrointestinal tract and encyst in other tissue‚ often muscle or brain matter. Intermediate Host Other animals can become infected with Toxoplasma gondii when oocysts are ingested‚ or if meat containing a cyst is ingested. Once ingested by the intermediate host‚ the protozoan escapes the oocyst and invades other cells‚ eventually forming a cyst. Here‚ the parasite waits to be consumed by a cat in order to complete its life cycle. Image Credit: Olesya_Alexandrova‚ Shutterstock What Are the Signs of Toxoplasmosis in Cats? Cats infected with Toxoplasma gondii may not exhibit signs‚ as their immune system is effective at limiting the parasite. Unfortunately‚ cats with compromised immune systems are more likely to develop clinical signs associated with toxoplasmosis. Examples include cats that are very young‚ FIV positive‚ or have feline leukemia. Possible signs of toxoplasmosis include: Fever Lethargy Seizures or other neurologic abnormalities‚ including head pressing‚ circling‚ and impaired vision Jaundice (if protozoan has reached the live) Pneumonia (if protozoan has reached the lungs) Diagnosing and Treating Toxoplasmosis in Cats Toxoplasmosis is typically diagnosed through evaluation of history and laboratory tests that evaluate antibody levels to Toxoplasma gondii. In other scenarios‚ infection can be diagnosed through tissue or spinal fluid evaluation. Fortunately‚ toxoplasmosis is treatable with antibiotics. Clindamycin is commonly administered for 2–4 weeks to affected cats. Image Credit: luchschenF‚ Shutterstock How to Care for a Cat With Toxoplasmosis If your cat has been diagnosed with toxoplasmosis‚ it is important to closely follow instructions provided to you by your veterinarian. The litter box should be cleaned as soon as possible after defecation has occurred‚ and the stool should be properly disposed of. Fresh feces contaminated with Toxoplasma gondii are not infectious for at least 24 hours after it is deposited in the environment‚ as the oocyst needs time to mature. Ensure that any immunocompromised cats are kept indoors to limit their exposure to infectious agents in their environment. Zoonotic Potential Zoonotic diseases are diseases that can be passed from animals to humans. Toxoplasmosis is zoonotic and can cause abortions in pregnant women. Women who are infected with Toxoplasma gondii may go on to pass the infection onto their child in utero‚ which may lead to blindness or developmental delays. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should exercise caution when cleaning the litter box‚ or better yet‚ should avoid that responsibility. Often‚ people infected with Toxoplasma gondii do not experience clinical signs. Immunocompromised individuals are more likely to develop clinical signs of illness from toxoplasmosis. Signs of infection can include flu-like symptoms‚ seizures‚ and confusion. Care should be taken to thoroughly wash your hands before preparing or consuming food. Ensure that meat is not consumed raw. Additionally‚ because oocysts can survive in the environment for long periods of time‚ gloves should be used when gardening. Image Credit: megaflopp‚ Shutterstock Frequently Asked Questions Can My Cat Pass Toxoplasmosis to My Dog? Yes‚ your cat may be able to pass Toxoplasma gondii to your dog if your dog consumes infected feces. Most often‚ healthy dogs do not exhibit clinical signs of infection; however‚ immunocompromised individuals may experience fever‚ seizures‚ and potentially death. My Cat Has Been Diagnosed With Toxoplasmosis. What Is Their Prognosis? Overall prognosis varies depending on the organs impacted by the infection. Most infected cats remain symptom-free. If the infection impacts the liver or lungs‚ the prognosis is less favorable. Response to treatment is also telling regarding prognosis. Conclusion Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii. Although infections with this protozoan can cause serious signs‚ like seizures‚ the definitive and intermediate hosts often do not experience clinical signs. Immunocompromised hosts are more likely to develop signs of illness. However‚ with appropriate treatment‚ recovery is possible depending on organ involvement. Zoonotic potential exists‚ so caution must be taken by people cleaning the litter box‚ and all meat should be fully cooked before consumption. If you suspect that your cat has signs related to an infection with Toxoplasma gondii‚ you should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Sources Cornell Vet: Toxoplasmosis in Cats NCBI: Neglected Parasitic Infections in The United States: Toxoplasmosis CDC: Toxoplasmosis: An Important Message for Cat Owners Merck Manual: Toxoplasmosis in Dogs PetMD: Toxoplasmosis in Cats VIN: Toxoplasmosis (Zoonotic) (Feline)   Featured Image Credit: 4 PM production‚ Shutterstock The post Toxoplasmosis Symptoms in Cats: Our Vet Explains the Causes‚ Signs &; Treatments by Dr. Marti Dudley‚ DVM (Vet) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

If you're tired of censorship and dystopian threats against civil liberties‚ subscribe to Reclaim The Net. Meta‚ the parent company of Instagram and Facebook‚ has been reportedly reevaluating its “hate speech” policy‚ with a particular focus on the term “Zionist‚” as confirmed by a January 30 email sent by Meta policy personnel to civil society groups. This switch in policy might significantly curb discussions centering on Israeli nationalism‚ also hindering criticisms and free speech about Gaza conflicts and other related issues. Predominantly used to label those supporting the existence of a Jewish state in the Middle East‚ the term “Zionist” has been used relatively freely on Meta’s platforms. At present‚ Meta’s internal policies mandate the removal of posts incorporating the term “Zionist” if it’s interpreted as a covert reference to “Jew” or “Israeli‚” which are both safeguarded under its speech regulations. However‚ the impending modification in policy could empower moderators to apply this rule more aggressively‚ thereby leading to a notable surge in deletions of posts openly critical of elements of Israeli nationalism. “Given the increase in polarized public discourse due to events in the Middle East‚ we believe it’s important to assess our guidance for reviewing posts that use the term Zionist‚” a Meta spokesperson said in response to the AFP. Founder and executive director of CyberWell‚ Tal-Or Cohen Montemayor said: “CyberWell has identified several major narratives leveraged against ‘Zionists’ that are rooted in classic Jew-hatred including that they ‘purposefully’ target and kill children because of ‘who they are’ (rooted in the blood libel of Simon of Trent)‚ that they are pigs or the sons of monkeys and pigs – often coupled with classically anti-Jewish imagery‚ and that the Zionist are in some worldwide power conspiracy theory or covertly running governments all around the world. The Anti-Defamation League has been lobbying for the consideration of anti-Zionism as a form of antisemitism. They argue that the term has been manipulated by antisemites online to replace “Jew‚” and have called for an escalation of censorship and moderation. “Many of these antisemitic narratives are not comprehensively captured by the existing community standards‚ and certainly not captured by content moderation enforcement in practice at Meta.” “While the term Zionist often refers to a person’s ideology‚ which is not a protected characteristic‚ it can also be used to refer to Jewish or Israeli people.” Jewish Voice for Peace organizer Dani Noble voiced the organization’s apprehensions about the potential changes to The Intercept. “We are horrified to learn that Meta is considering expanding when they treat ‘Zionism’‚ a political ideology‚ as the same as ‘Jew/Jewish’‚ an ethno-religious identity. It may end up safeguarding the Israeli government from accountability for its actions and policies that adversely affect Palestinian human rights.” The post Meta Considers Restricting the Term “Zionist” appeared first on Reclaim The Net.

If you're tired of censorship and dystopian threats against civil liberties‚ subscribe to Reclaim The Net. The European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO)‚ which gets money from the European Union and describes itself as a hub for fact-checkers‚ academics‚ and other stakeholders‚ has come out with recommendations for expanding what it calls a “whole-of-society” way of combating “disinformation.” If EDMO has its way‚ media literacy experts‚ fact-checkers‚ academics‚ journalists‚ policy-makers‚ the finance sector‚ and regulators that are already involved will get some interesting new companions. A post penned by EDMO Secretary-General and Coordinator Paula Gori makes it clear that the idea is not to stop with the current participants in “the hub‚” and instead also try to bring in the financial sector. One recommendation is to use shareholders to put pressure on companies to work against what is considered to be “disinformation.” Gori goes into explaining how the “whole-of-society” concept works now‚ involving fact-checkers (supposedly independent‚ and accurate)‚ civil society groups‚ which can influence policy-making‚ and media literacy‚ which is presented as a tool that helps people to think critically. The “traditional” approach also involves journalists‚ regulators‚ etc. But EDMO wants to expand this hunt for “disinformation” by putting pressure on tech companies behind online platforms not only from the outside but from within as well‚ via their shareholders. According to Gori‚ this is already happening – she gives the example of Microsoft shareholder Cometa‚ a pension fund from Italy‚ recently asking “for more transparency on the risks for disinformation coming from AI.” One of the favorite topics of “hubs” like EDMO‚ other than elections‚ is climate change; and here‚ investors are expected to influence how companies work by preferring to give money to those who are “environmentally and socially sustainable.” And then‚ Gori comes up with a particularly odd idea – to consider “climate disinformation” as a form of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission‚ albeit an “indirect” one. Including their assessment of the way “disinformation” affects climate change in what is called GHG Emissions reporting would give online platforms a chance to achieve better scores. And that‚ Gori is suggesting‚ might be an excellent way to put more pressure on them to go after whatever is designated as “disinformation‚” or as she phrased it‚ it would incentivize these companies “to mitigate the risks arising from the design or functioning of their services.” The post EU-Funded European Digital Media Observatory Calls for a “Whole-of-Society” Approach to Countering “Disinformation” appeared first on Reclaim The Net.

On March 30‚ 1972‚ the aging revolutionaries in Hanoi’s Politburo abandoned the strategy of protracted struggle and launched an all-out conventional invasion of the Republic of Vietnam (RVN). By mid-April‚ the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) had committed its entire combat capability—14 divisions‚ 26 separate infantry regiments‚ and 1‚200 tanks‚ plus all its artillery regiments and engineer battalions. The NVA also introduced weapons heretofore not seen in Vietnam: large formations of T-54 tanks; AT-3 Sagger anti-tank missiles; and SA-7 shoulder-fired‚ heat-seeking anti-aircraft missiles. Fighting raged in Quang Tri province near the DMZ‚ in An Loc 60 miles from Saigon‚ and in the Central Highlands‚ threatening Kontum City. The U.S. press named it the Easter Offensive since it began on Holy Thursday‚ the first day of Easter celebrations for South Vietnam’s Catholic population.    My Mentor in Vietnam As in the early 1960s‚ the only Americans fighting on the ground were a handful of U.S. advisers with the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN). One of them was Lt. Col. Charles L. “Chuck” Butler‚ an adviser with the 31st ARVN Regiment‚ 21st ARVN Division‚ who I met the first week of May ’72.   I was a major‚ just assigned as the adviser with the 6th Airborne Battalion‚ Vietnamese Airborne Division. The battalion was co-located with the 31st Regiment and was reconstituting after being decimated near An Loc‚ Binh Long’s provincial capital‚ 15 miles north. Although I had served a previous tour in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division‚ I had no advisory training. When I received my orders in January 1972 to return to Vietnam in late April‚ I requested attendance at an abbreviated Vietnamese language course and adviser training school at Fort Bragg. My assignment officer in Washington‚ D.C.‚ denied both requests‚ stating I would be assigned to the MACV staff in Saigon. Little did he know!   Charles Lewis Butler. Butler was deployed to Vietnam in the fall of 1963 as an adviser to the 9th ARVN Division. He witnessed turmoil within the government of South Vietnam’s President Ngo Dinh Diem as well as the aftermath of the assassinations of Diem and U.S. President John F. Kennedy that November. Butler’s experiences gave him great insights into the conflict. Rather than retire‚ he opted to return to Vietnam in 1971. Chuck Butler was a seasoned combat veteran. He had been an adviser in Vietnam from 1963-64 and an infantry platoon leader during the Korean War. He was a true font of knowledge and had a great perspective on the war. His counsel proved to be invaluable to me as I was getting my feet on the ground. Because Chuck was a modest man‚ I didn’t learn of his heroism in Korea until years later.   Chuck in Korea Charles Lewis Butler was a member of the U.S. Military Academy’s class of 1950—670 men who graduated on June 6 that year. He and 197 of his classmates were commissioned in the infantry. Nineteen days later‚ North Korea invaded South Korea‚ drawing the United States into a war for which it was ill-prepared. The American defense establishment was gutted in the aftermath of World War II. Rapid demobilization‚ draconian budget cuts‚ and an inept management produced a hollow force. To stop the North Korean onslaught and fill the ranks‚ many members of the USMA class of 1950 were immediately sent to Korea‚ including Chuck Butler.   Chuck said goodbye to his new bride‚ Joan‚ and on Aug. 20‚ 1950‚ was aboard a troop transport sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge. He was assigned to F Company‚ 7th Infantry Regiment‚ 3rd Infantry Division. The division was needed in Korea but was woefully understrength. Due to the severe shortage of infantry lieutenants‚ recent West Point graduates were sent into battle without any training other than what they received at the Military Academy.   Chinese communist forces swarmed into North Korea in November 1950. Gen. Douglas MacArthur had discounted the possibility of Chinese intervention‚ but their appearance in large numbers prompted him to order the withdrawal of United Nations troops north of the 38th parallel. The 3rd Infantry Division was tasked to cover the evacuation of 1st Marine Division and the 7th Infantry Division as they left the Chosin Reservoir and moved to the port of Hungnam on North Korea’s east coast.   In Korea‚ Butler helped cover the evacuation of the 1st Marine Division and 7th Infantry Division from the Chosin Reservoir. Despite being shot twice‚ he provided covering fire for his task force from a tank’s mounted machine gun and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. On Dec. 15‚ Chuck’s platoon was given five tanks and the mission to assist a beleaguered U.S. unit. Then-Lt. Butler described what happened as he led his small force. “We suddenly came around an S-curve in the road and on both sides of us the hills crawled with Chinese. I was hit in the arm…then I was hit in the groin.”   Unable to walk‚ he ordered his wounded men placed on the tanks‚ while he was lifted onto the lead tank. Although gravely injured‚ Chuck manned a turret-mounted machine gun and provided covering fire‚ allowing his task force to disengage from hundreds of Chinese and return to friendly lines. Butler was evacuated to Japan and hospitalized for three months. Upon returning to duty in Korea‚ he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross—the Army’s second highest decoration for valor.   To Vietnam Twelve years later‚ in the fall of 1963‚ Maj. Chuck Butler was in Vietnam‚ assigned as an advisor with the 9th ARVN Division‚ operating in the Mekong Delta. The delta region was the agricultural heartland of the RVN; its provinces contained two-thirds of the nation’s population and produced the bulk of its rice crop.   1963 was a period of great turmoil. President Ngo Dinh Diem failed to stem the growing communist insurgency or increase popular support for his government. Restrictions on religious freedoms ignited a crisis‚ resulting in Buddhist riots and self-immolations by monks. Diem’s refusal to initiate any liberal reforms in the face of mounting opposition caused President John F. Kennedy to lose all faith in him. It was the last straw for the Kennedy Administration and word was quietly relayed to Saigon that JFK was amenable to a regime change.   The ARVN generals spent more time plotting coups and jockeying for positions than opposing the communists. The ARVN stayed in their cantonment areas while VC cadres took advantage of their apparent paralysis. Frustration mounted among advisers like Maj. Chuck Butler‚ who wanted to challenge the enemy. However‚ no amount of prodding could energize the ARVN. Meanwhile Diem’s government continued to accept U.S. economic and military aid at the rate of $1.5 million dollars per day ($14 million per day in today’s dollars).   In the aftermath of the assassination of US President John F. Kennedy‚ American politician and Vice­President Lyndon Baines Johnson takes the oath of office to become the 36th President of the United States as he is sworn in by US Federal Judge Sarah T. Hughes (left) on the presidential aircraft‚ Air Force One‚ Dallas‚ Texas‚ November 22‚ 1963. Kennedy’s widow‚ Jacqueline Lee Bouvier Kennedy stands beside him at right. On Nov. 1‚ 1963‚ ARVN troops commanded by Gen. Duong Van Minh attacked the presidential residence in Saigon. Diem and his brother‚ Nhu‚ escaped and hid in the Chinese quarter of the city. The brothers surrendered the following day‚ assuming they would be sent into a comfortable exile. Gen. Minh had other ideas and ordered their execution.   Diem’s death was followed three weeks later by President Kennedy’s assassination on Nov. 22. It created uncertainty in Vietnam over what the new U.S. policy might be. Immediately‚ Kennedy’s successor‚ Lyndon B. Johnson‚ issued a directive emphatically stating that he would stay the course in Southeast Asia. LBJ saw the political fallout in 1949 when Mao gained power in China and was determined not to be the president who “lost Vietnam.” ARVN military leaders breathed a sigh of relief.   Aftermath of Assassinations In the coup’s aftermath‚ Minh and his Military Revolutionary Council enjoyed widespread acclaim. The euphoria dissipated when the new rulers showed little aptitude for governing‚ squabbling over every issue. No progress was made against recent VC inroads or instituting needed reforms. Political instability was perpetuated when a bloodless coup on Jan. 30‚ 1964‚ ousted the Military Revolutionary Council.   Butler‚ shown here as a major in 1963 during his time as an adviser to the 9th ARVN Division in the Mekong Delta‚ was always willing to lend his experience to junior officers and gained a reputation for being a good mentor. Chuck Butler noticed the turbulence created by the revolving door in Saigon. Political loyalties and family ties trumped military professionalism‚ so generals who were closely allied with the new leadership received choice assignments. They‚ in turn‚ brought their loyal subordinates with them to fill jobs throughout the ranks. Butler observed two rounds of leader changes‚ both of which degraded military effectiveness. When his tour concluded in September 1964‚ the downward spiral continued‚ resulting in the commitment of U.S. combat troops in the spring and summer of 1965.   Opting for a second Vietnam tour rather than retirement‚ Lt. Col. Butler returned in September 1971. Again he was assigned as an adviser in the Mekong Delta‚ but this time with the 21st ARVN Division. The unit was responsible for the southernmost portion of the Delta‚ which contained the famous VC sanctuary‚ the U Minh Forest. The ARVN had been relatively successful subduing the insurgency throughout the region and pacifying the countryside. Butler was pleased to see the improvement.   Helping Junior Officers in Vietnam The senior adviser to the 21st ARVN Division was Col. J. Ross Franklin‚ a legendary warrior-scholar with multiple Vietnam tours and a doctorate in international relations from American University. He also spoke fluent French. Franklin and Butler were West Point classmates and held each other in high esteem. Both had been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross during the Korean War and served together at Fort Benning’s Infantry School after the conflict. Franklin assigned Chuck as his deputy with a primary focus advising the division’s two principal staff officers‚ the G2 (Intelligence) and the G3 (Operations).   Within the 21st ARVN Division combat assistance team‚ Butler gained a reputation for mentoring junior officers. Capt. Ed DeVos‚ on his first assignment in Vietnam as an assistant adviser with the 33rd ARVN Regiment‚ was a beneficiary of Butler’s insights. Arriving in December 1971‚ the captain sought out Chuck Butler and asked him many questions about the role of a junior officer “advising” men who had been fighting their entire adult lives. A recipient of two Silver Stars during the Easter Offensive‚ DeVos cited his admiration for Butler in his 2020 book‚ The Last 100 Yards.   One of the junior officers he shared his wisdom with in Vietnam was the author of this article‚ John Howard‚ pictured here as a major assigned as an adviser to the 6th Airborne Battalion‚ Vietnamese Airborne Division in Quang Tri City in July 1972. The 21st ARVN Division’s mission abruptly changed on April 7‚ 1972. President Nguyen Van Thieu convened a meeting of key officials to assess the military situation. The border town of Loc Ninh had just fallen to the communist juggernaut and Binh Long’s provincial seat‚ An Loc‚ was the NVA’s next objective. If An Loc fell‚ there were no forces to stop an enemy advance on Saigon‚ 60 miles away. Thieu made the unprecedented decision to move the 21st ARVN Division from the Delta to reinforce the defenders of Binh Long Province.   Even in the face of the largest North Vietnamese offensive of the war‚ U.S. withdrawals mandated by the Vietnamization program continued. Personnel shortages in division and regimental assistance teams were the norm. Regimental teams were authorized a lieutenant colonel‚ three captains‚ and two sergeants but it was not unusual for only one or two Americans to be with an ARVN regiment; the U.S. Army replacement system simply could not keep pace with battle casualties‚ medical evacuations for sickness‚ and end-of-tour rotations.   Rather than allow a key vacancy to remain unfilled‚ Butler volunteered to be the senior adviser with the 31st ARVN Regiment. Chuck Butler always went to “the sound of the guns.” Still‚ he remained Franklin’s “go-to” guy for most problems and was in charge of the division assistance team in the senior adviser’s absence.   By April 12‚ the division was assembled in Lai Khe‚ the former base of the U.S. 1st Infantry Division‚ and told to open QL (National Route) 13 to An Loc. The 7th NVA Division had cut the road‚ further isolating An Loc‚ now surrounded by two NVA divisions‚ the 5th and 9th. The 21st ARVN had never operated in the field as a combat division. In its former area‚ commanders only supervised regimental and battalion operations. Battle-tested SOPs were nonexistent and staff work was shoddy‚ often lacking clarity. Attacks often failed due to a lack of proper coordination. Commanders at all levels became overly reliant on U.S. airpower‚ especially B-52 strikes‚ and were hesitant to move without them.   Facing Hardcore NVA Forces Nor had the 21st ARVN previously encountered large formations of hardcore NVA forces that stood their ground and employed heavy artillery in quantities not previously seen. Indirect fire from 130mm and 152mm guns became the major killer of friendly troops. Consequently‚ ARVN soldiers developed a bunker mentality and literally “went to ground.” Such behavior was particularly prevalent among the leaders. In a letter to his family‚ Butler said his ARVN counterpart‚ Lt. Col. Xuan‚ only left the regimental command bunker to answer the call of nature. By contrast‚ Butler regularly checked the troops‚ usually under fire. Butler’s bravery resulted in the award of the Silver Star‚ but his example had little effect. No amount of cajoling altered Xuan’s behavior. The commander’s abrogation of leadership responsibilities lowered morale and contributed to inaction.     While the 21st Division struggled along highway QL 13‚ I was experiencing a problem establishing a modicum of rapport with the 6th Airborne Battalion commander‚ Lt. Col. Dinh. He viewed me as useful when we were in a fight because I was the link to U.S. airpower‚ yet at other times‚ I was just excess baggage. He was vocal about not needing any tactical input from Americans. Butler attributed this attitude to the impact of Vietnamization. Many Vietnamese‚ including Dinh‚ believed they would ultimately be left high and dry by the United States. They were more perceptive than most Americans then serving in Vietnam.   The Division Fights On Butler said the specter of our imminent departure and the reduction of our robust logistical system fostered anti-American attitudes. However‚ he was not overly critical of men who harbored those beliefs. If the intellectual elite in our country and students at Ivy League universities were unable to differentiate between U.S. policymakers and those responsible for implementation of those policies‚ we shouldn’t be surprised such viewpoints existed here. His observation gave me a new empathy for my Vietnamese counterpart.   During a moment of levity‚ Chuck shared his opinion on advisers’ “can-do” attitude. He said it was part of our makeup—but was a blessing and a curse. We tried hard to make improvements‚ and then felt guilty when our efforts fell short. He left me with the following thought: “Regardless of how hard you try‚ sometimes you simply can’t make chicken salad out of chicken shit!”   Turning to an increasingly conventional approach in the war’s final stages‚ North Vietnam deployed armor en masse on the battlefield. This photo shows North Vietnamese T-54 tanks advancing during the 1972 Easter Offensive. In addition to increasing communist firepower‚ Butler and other U.S. advisers faced fraying relations with ARVN counterparts. The 6th Airborne Battalion completed rebuilding and retraining at the end of May and was committed back into the Binh Long battle. It fought through the 7th NVA Division’s defenses and linked up with defenders manning the southern portion of An Loc’s perimeter on June 8‚ 1972. The 6th was the first unit to break the siege and was cited in the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff history of the Vietnam conflict. My relationship with Dinh had vastly improved‚ thanks to Butler’s sage counsel and my ability to put U.S. bombs on target.   On June 18‚ government officials declared the siege of An Loc broken and released the 1st Airborne Brigade (three ARVN airborne battalions‚ including the 6th) so the unit could join the fighting near the DMZ. Although the siege was officially lifted‚ the battle was not over. It took from June 18 to June 21 for the paratroopers to fight their way to Tan Khai‚ six miles south of An Loc. Tan Khai firebase was defended by the 31st ARVN Regiment and provided artillery support for An Loc. It was the furthest advance of the 21st Division and a thorn in the side of the NVA.   U.S. helicopters were ordered to lift the 1st Airborne Brigade from Tan Khai to Lai Khe so preparations could begin for its air movement north. QL 13 was the designated pickup zone‚ although airmobile landings near the firebase would attract more NVA incoming artillery fire.   The Last Time I Saw Chuck During the lull preceding the arrival of helicopters‚ I made my way to the regimental command post to see Chuck Butler. Our short reunion was dampened by the news that Lt. Col. Burr Willey‚ adviser with the 32nd Regiment‚ had been killed by NVA fire on June 19. Chuck believed helicopters would energize NVA gunners who had forward observers seeded throughout the area.   Ever concerned about others‚ Chuck told me to be careful and jokingly said: “The good Lord will look out for you but you have to help Him by not wandering around in artillery fire!” Our meeting was cut short when a radio call informed me the choppers were inbound. We shook hands. I wished him luck and said I hoped to see him again.   It was a 15-minute flight from Tan Khai to Lai Khe‚ the 21st ARVN Division command post. When I arrived‚ Col. Ross Franklin met our flight. He was visibly shaken‚ with tears in his eyes. He told me that Chuck Butler had been killed when the bunker he was occupying took a direct hit‚ probably from a 130mm artillery round. I was in a state of disbelief. I told him I had just been with Lt. Col. Butler less than 30 minutes earlier. Ross Franklin said that I was the last American to see him.   The author was the last American to see Butler alive.Less than 30 minutes after having a conversation with the author‚ Butler was killed by NVA artillery fire at the age of 44‚ leaving behind a wife and three children. The author has never forgotten Butler. Here he is pictured standing beside Butler’s final resting place at West Point in late 2023. Charles Lewis Butler was 44 years old when he died. He had recently completed 22 years of Army service. He left behind his wife‚ Joan‚ and three children‚ a son and two daughters. He was laid to rest at West Point on July 5‚ 1972‚ where his commitment to the profession of arms began years before. Chuck Butler joined the legion of USMA graduates who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. He was one of 333 West Pointers who lost their lives in the Vietnam War. Their service personified the academy’s motto: “Duty‚ Honor‚ Country.”   Although five decades have passed since Lt. Col. Butler was killed on June 21‚ 1972‚ it seems like yesterday to me. Memories of him and those times are never far from my thoughts. He was very helpful during my initial days as an adviser and I meant to tell him so when we were together‚ but I missed the chance. It is a lifelong regret. I continue to mourn the passing of an outstanding soldier‚ a genuine war hero‚ and a friend.   During the 1972 Easter Offensive‚ John Howard was an adviser with the Vietnamese Airborne Division‚ serving with the 6th Airborne Battalion and the 11th Airborne Battalion. He serves on the advisory board of Vietnam magazine. This story appeared in the 2024 Winter issue of Vietnam magazine. this article first appeared in vietnam magazine See more stories SubscriBE NOW!  

Selma Blair's Comment Calling for the Deportation of 'Terrorist Goons' Is Quickly Deleted

IDF Rescues Two Hostages in City Biden Wants Israel to Leave Alone

Hillary: Joe Biden's Age is a 'Legitimate Issue'

If you thought humans were going to be the first species invaded by mushrooms (thanks to The Last of Us for that recurring nightmare)‚ we’re sorry to tell you that our amphibious friends appear to have pipped us to the post. In what’s thought to be the first documented case‚ researchers have discovered a live frog with a mushroom growing out of its side.The discovery was made in a small pond in the foothills of the Kudremukha Ranges‚ India‚ by hobbyist naturalist Chinmay Maliye and Lohit Y.T‚ a wetlands specialist from WWF India. There‚ perched on a twig‚ the team found a Rao’s Intermediate Golden-backed frog (Indosylvirana intermedia) with a small‚ grey mushroom sprouting from its left flank.“To the best of our knowledge‚ never has a mushroom sprouting from the flank of a live frog been documented‚” the team writes in a report documenting the finding.Consultation with mycologists suggested that the mini mushroom was a Mycena species‚ also known as a bonnet mushroom. Often considered saprotrophic organisms‚ Mycena are commonly found living off decayed organic matter.The mushroom was found sprouting from the frog's left side.Image courtesy of Lohit Y.T./WWF-IndiaConsidering that‚ quite how the mushroom managed to get into the frog remains unclear. Frogs and fungi are often found near each other‚ well-adapted to living in moist environments‚ but the proximity seen here somewhat takes the biscuit. Frog skin is normally pretty good at keeping invaders out‚ so experts think something like an injury or an infection may have inadvertently let it in. “I would guess that this is a purely superficial skin infection with Mycena‚” said mycologist Cristoffer Bugge Harder‚ speaking to Forbes. “Those can be sustained over a long time‚ as most fungal skin infections in humans.”Harder had previously discovered that Mycena were not just restricted to living off dead plant hosts as previously thought‚ but could also invade the roots of living plants. With the discovery of it sprouting on a frog‚ and no previous documentation of a mushroom on a living animal host‚ it points to the mushroom’s adaptability. “If there ever was a mushroom genus that could opportunistically do this‚ Mycena would be a very good guess‚” said Harder‚ although it’s unlikely to do the same in humans.As for the fate of the frog‚ we’ll probably never know. “The frog was not collected‚ so no prognosis is possible‚” write the authors. It was alive and moving at the time though‚ so it seems fairly unlikely it’s gone zombie mode on its fellow frogs. Wherever mushroom frog may be‚ it’s definitely an un-spore-gettable case.The report is published in Reptiles &; Amphibians.