Articles written by Julie Gawain

What is Helium

About me - Julie Gawain

I'm 23. I was born on Bastille Day, though I'm not French.

I adore my Papillon dog, Ellie, (who is French).

I graduated from Veterinary Technician school, but never got a job because, sadly, the highlight of the day was expressing anal glands.

I am currently

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Pets & Animals > Vets & Pet Health Knowing when it's time to euthanize: 1 of 26
The decision to euthanize your pet is a difficult and emotional one, but must be thought about logically. People in your life may try to sway your decision, but realize that as your pet's companion and guardian, what you do is up to you.Euthanasia is the ending of life, done mercifully, and for good reason. Having witnessed m... More..
Arts & Humanities > Fantasy & Science Fiction Your favorite Harry Potter character: 4 of 28
Though author JK Rowling has introduced many multifaceted, wonderful characters in her popular series of books, the one who sticks out in my mind would be that of Hermione Granger. She's brainy, courageous, and willing to fight for those who cannot (and will not, as in the case of most house elves). She's loyal to a fault and... More..
Creative Writing > Reflections Reflections: Memories: 30 of 98
My memories aren't fluid, narrative, or story-like at all. They're flashes of scent, color, and sound. It's a strange crack in the sidewalk, the simple smells half-forgotten from childhood, and like a computer searching for sameness, the memories are rapidly called up. I can smell the smoke in the air. A clang of horseshoes a... More..
Pets & Animals > Dog Breeds Dog breed facts: Papillion: 2 of 6
The papillon dog is just as beautiful and sophisticated as its name implies. Originating in France, the papillon, (pronounced pap-pee-yawn) is a member of the Toy group. They typically stand anywhere from eight to eleven inches high and weigh around five to eleven pounds. They are best known for their large butterfly-like ear... More..
Creative Writing > Short Stories Short stories: Insanity: 50 of 92
Disjointed. Alone. I hear voices; I hear talking, (in the kitchen?) but it's all an echo in my head. Laying on the couch, lumpy pillow under my head. Eyes glaze over as I stare at my hand. Maybe the lines on my palm, the calluses on my fingertips will have the answer. A blueprint to normality. (Normalcy's a word invented by a... More..
Creative Writing > Short Stories Short stories: A dog's perspective on life: 20 of 35
I'm taking the opportunity to lay on my back, legs spread somewhat obscenely while I snooze, when I hear the key scrape in the front door's lock. In a moment, I'm on my feet and scratching at the door, whining and barking at whoever dares interrupt my evening nap. I'm somewhat disappointed when my mummy opens the door; I neve... More..
Pets & Animals > Vets & Pet Health Protecting your pets from ticks: 4 of 7
Ticks. Just the thought of them brings forth images of spiders mated with leeches. Disgusting, dirty, and capable of spreading many a scary disease to your treasured pet. Luckily, these days it's easy to prevent these parasites. Two highly effective products on the market are Frontline Plus and Advantix. Properly applied to t... More..
Creative Writing > Reflections Reflections: Depression: 54 of 71
Greasy, powdered cheese product clings to my fingers as I type. Calorie-filled beer by my side, mocking my inability to rein myself in, to have some willpower, some WILL, to be something other than the sloth-like glutton I am. Have always been. Will always be. Hope. What a funny word. The long 'o' sound giving it a godly, cho... More..
Pets & Animals > Vets & Pet Health Animal poison control: 6 of 7
You arrive home to find the house in chaos. Garbage is strewn everywhere, the remnants of last night's spaghetti decorates the walls, and there's a pill bottle covered in teeth marks. Could this be the work of crazed vandals?Nope, it's your dog! And before we get to the mess of the spaghetti, let's take a look at that pill bo... More..
Creative Writing > Short Stories Short stories: Family: 87 of 101
Before Daddy left us with an overdue mortgage and a little sister on the way, I used to force my family to all eat dinner in the dining room together. In the middle of that run-down Victorian, we'd grab our plates of food and hunker down at the card table, fighting over who'd get the seat closest to the fireplace. My little b... More..