A talk with producers led Dr. Aziza Glass, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine graduate from Cornell University, to star in a new Disney show Roman to the Rescue, with 10-year-old rescuer Roman McConn. “It’s a fresh perspective. You see this kid rescue different animals instead of the shows where we only see adults,” says Dr. Glass. Something she says sold her on wanting to be a part of the series. Not to mention she and her young co-star both have an affection for Star Wars.
The Houston-born vet says she didn’t grow up with any pets and ‘never fathomed she would become a veterinarian as a child.’ “My mom didn’t like animals (laughs). My mother was very organized and neat with a business mind.” She adds, “My dad was a science teacher. He fostered my interest in science and animals with books, and we watched nature documentaries together.”
The show finds homes for adorable shelter dogs for their forever families, with Roman teaming up with social media influencers and stars from Disney Channel with the added concept of making next-level videos for pet placement. Something Dr. Glass mentioned was even more necessary after the pandemic. “There was a huge increase in pet adoptions from the shelters.” And because people were forced to stay home, Dr. Glass says, “Pet companionship gave people disconnected from family and friends unconditional love.”
However, the downside facing pet adoption or rescue now is that more people are back at work, and pets are being returned because some owners no longer have the time to care for them.
People, when adopting pets, should do their “research” to learn about the different breeds that can help with knowing things like skin and weight issues in animals, says Dr. Glass and pointing out that “pets are not accessories. they need love and care” And if she were not a veterinarian, what would she do? “I would be involved in the sciences (scientific research or synthetic biology) regarding animal behavior and dynamics of it.”
“The show, which talks about the responsibilities and consideration of pets,” is why Dr. Glass says people should tune in to watch.
We imagine the viewers enjoy feel-good moments seeing pets connected with loving owners from a child—a fresh concept with television.
Catch episodes of Roman to the Rescue on Disney XD.
Dr. Glass is the owner of Personal Touch Veterinary Clinic, where she focuses on integrative medicine with an emphasis on acupuncture and other alternative modalities. She obtained her Certification in Veterinary Acupuncture (CVA) from the world renown Chi Institute.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lemon Lime Light Media
