Recently, we shared with you the exciting news about earning AAHA accreditation, and explained why AAHA accreditation matters to your pet’s care. In the process we realized our AAHA accreditation history stretched all the way back to 1986. To put 40 years in perspective, let’s take a look back at what was happening in 1986.
Here in the United States
Ronald Reagan was the United States President. The Space Shuttle Challenger tragedy unfolded 73 seconds into its flight, on national television.
On a lighter note, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame held their very first induction ceremony, honoring rock and roll’s legendary forefathers, Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry, plus other foundational artists such as Little Richard and Buddy Holly. The Oprah Winfrey Show went national, revolutionizing the TV talk show format.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day was observed as a federal holiday for the very first time. “Hands Across America” formed a human chain with 6.5 million people from California to New York to raise millions of dollars to fight hunger and homelessness. A million dollars was worth more back then.
Around the World
Reactor #4 of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant exploded, marking the world’s worst nuclear disaster. At the time, Chernobyl was in the USSR.
In the Philippines, four days of simply massive, peaceful protests ended Ferdinand Marcos’ dictatorship, and Imelda Marcos’ shoe collection became part of pop culture history.
In Animal News
Worldwide conservation efforts saw the opening of a reserve to protect 100 million migrating Monarch butterflies. The greater bamboo lemur, thought to be extinct, was rediscovered in Madagascar. The golden lion tamarin (AKA golden lion marmoset) was successfully reintroduced into Brazil’s Atlantic Forest. And, Bhutan opened its first national park.
At the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, Best in Show went to a 5-year-old pointer, named Deputy. At Jersey Zoo, a boy fell into a gorilla enclosure where Jambo, the big silverback, protected him until help arrived.
The revolutionary anesthetic, Propofol, introduced first in the UK and New Zealand, marked a major veterinary breakthrough in 1986. And Mid-Peninsula Animal Hospital earned their first AAHA Accreditation.
A lot of water has traveled under the bridge since 1986. After 40 years it’s fair to say that AAHA accreditation demonstrates our ongoing commitment to provide care that is thoughtful, consistent and held to a high standard.
