While packing the car for a family vacation early in his college years, Dave Tuminaro spotted a skunk in distress. The animal had gotten its head stuck inside an empty yogurt container while attempting to lick the carton clean. He sprang into action, hoping to free the distressed skunk without triggering its defensive spray. The creature was unwilling to cooperate, though, and raised its tail each time it heard the would-be rescuer approach.

Nearly 40 people gathered Monday at Misty Meadows Farm in West Tisbury to celebrate the birthday of a horse that survived incredible odds to make it through his first year.

Greeted with homemade horse cupcakes while in a stall decorated with birthday banners and posters, the yearling seemed to take his amazing recovery in stride.

Island veterinarian Steven W. Atwood of Animal Health Care Associates in West Tisbury has been elected as a distinguished practitioner-member of the National Academies of Practice. Dr. Atwood was installed at a gala membership banquet on March 20 in Arlington, Va., at which the academies inducted new members from 10 health care professions.