Page 22 - Boca Club News - February '24

Page 22, Boca Club News
Film Review: “The Little Traitor”

By Nils A. Shapiro But the three young At the point when the British soldiers who guard their
With all that is happening in Israel these days, a film about boys have taken it a compound have come to recognize Poffy from his visits to
an earlier time of strife in that part of the world attracted my step further and have the Sergeant, the boy’s two friends are shocked one day to
attention as I recently scanned the selections available on pledged to do harm to see that he is now granted access through the gate and decide
Amazon’s Prime Video streaming service. the British soldiers, that Poffy has switched loyalties and is now a traitor!
It was an excellent decision. “The Little Traitor”—which even to the point of The boy and his parents—who had known nothing of
must be placed in the category of a “small art-house film” as planting explosives this—are brought before a large crowd of their fellow Jewish
compared with the many multi-million-dollar action hero and on the roads taken by townspeople and Poffy is interrogated sharply (Theodore
sci-fi blockbuster being made these days—depends instead their trucks. Bikel in that role) about his betrayal, as he denies any and
on the reservoir of emotion and nostalgia it draws from its One day Poffy all such accusations.
audience. I learned only after I had watched the film in mid- is caught by British Emotions run high throughout the entire film as writer-
December that when it was first released in 2007 it broke the Sergeant Dunlop director Lynn Roth explores its central theme: the confusion
box office record at the Movies in Delray Theatre right here (Alfred Molina) that occurs when one finds it difficult to hate the “enemy”
in Palm Beach. I am not surprised. violating the curfew you discover you like when you actually get to know him.
The film was photographed in Jerusalem with an almost and is being arrested, The scene in which the Jewish families all get together in
all-Israeli cast that will be unfamiliar to most Americans, but on the way to informing the boy’s parents the Sergeant 1947 to listen to the United Nations vote, country by country,
except for Alfred Molina and Theodore Bikel. The dialogue is so charmed by the boy that he changes his mind and lets on whether or not to establish a separate State of Israel is an
is in English; at limited times when Hebrew is spoken there him go with a gentle warning to be more careful and a brief, especially emotional one…as is the very final moments of
are English sub-titles. friendly conversation. the film, years later at a book signing by an author.
The story begins in 1947 when the British ruled the area, Over the next few days Poffy sees Sergeant Dunlop at a What an ending. Do not miss this thoughtful, timely film.
then called Palestine, before there was a State of Israel. The café and elsewhere around town and realizes that this man *****
“traitor” of the title is a twelve-year-old boy, called “Poffy” is actually interested in Jewish culture and learning Hebrew. If you don’t subscribe to Amazon Prime Video, or if
by his parents, portrayed endearingly by Ido Port. He is a good man and Poffy finds it difficult to hate him. The it has left that service by the time you read this review,
Poffy and his two closest friends, Chita and Ben Hur, feeling is mutual; Sergeant Dunlop appreciates this bright, you are in luck—provided you are a Boca Raton Public
like all of the Jews then living in Palestine harbor a deep spunky lad and considers him a nice new friend, even to the Library cardholder! “The Little Traitor” is available on
resentment of the British soldiers for their tightly regimented point of giving him advice about how to deal with the boy’s both of the library’s two streaming services, Hoopla and
rule over them throughout Palestine, including the arrest of developing interest in “the birds and bees” that has been Kanopy, that offer hundreds of popular and classic films
anyone caught on the streets after the curfew siren sounds prompted by his binoculars view of the gorgeous neighbor as an extra benefit to cardholders. Some films are also
each evening. in her bedroom across the street. available at the library in DVDs.
Nature & Pets

You and Your Pet: Bufo Toad Toxicity (Cane Toad)

By Dr. Bridget Dermott, DVM, CCRT, Calusa Veterinary Do not use running water sources to rinse the mouth out toxin was received by the dog, how sensitive the dog is
Center, 6900 Congress Avenue, Boca Raton, FL 33487 (561) as there have been too many cases of drownings and near- to the toxin, and how long it has been until treatment was
999-3000. www.CVCBocacom drownings because of this. Once you have wiped the gums initiated. Overall, bufo toad toxicity is a very common
Toad poisoning occurs when a dog is exposed to toxins get your dog to a veterinarian right away. emergency problem that is seen and is normally treated
secreted by certain species of toads. In the United States, Most cases of toad poisoning in dogs are diagnosed with great success. That being said, it can be very serious
exposure to most toads causes only mild signs with licking when a pet has the expected signs and a known or suspected and life-threatening and should be treated accordingly.
or ingesting most toads resulting in drooling, vomiting and exposure to poisonous toads. No specific test is available to Your best bet is to keep close watch of your dog when
oral irritation. confirm toad poisoning. Blood work, radiographs (x-rays) of outside. Bufo toads are most common at dawn and dusk
Two species of toads in the United States can cause the chest or abdomen and ECG may be helpful to determine and after heavy rains. Areas with lights during the night,
severe poisoning, one of which being the Cane Toad, aka the severity of poisoning and necessary supportive care. such as near front doors, are very common places because
Bufo Toad. Licking or ingesting one of these toads can cause Further treatment will vary depending upon the signs they attract bugs. Bodies of water such as lakes and ponds
life-threatening signs. The cane toad is typically found in that develop. Intravenous fluids, anti-nausea medications, are also very common places to find heavy toad populations
Florida, Texas, Hawaii, Louisiana and other tropical areas. medications to control the heart rate, muscle relaxants, since this is where they breed and lay their eggs.
These toads are very large, between 6 to 9 inches long. medications to control seizures and medications to treat Pet Poison Helpline is available in North America by
Toads secrete toxic substances through glands on their abnormal heart rhythms may be necessary. Most patients calling (800) 213-6680. Additional information can be
skin. These substances are secreted in higher amounts when will spend at least 12 hours in the hospital until being sent found online at www.petpoisonhelpline.com.
the toad feels threatened. When a larger animal, such as home and this, of course, depends on how well they recover.
a dog, bites down on a bufo toad the toxin that is on the Prognosis is highly variable and depends on how much
surface of the toad gets into the mouth of the predator animal
(in this case a dog). This toxin is rapidly absorbed into the
bloodstream via the mucous membranes (gums and tongue)
and causes illness or toxicosis.
Bufo toad toxins attack two main body systems, the
central nervous system, and the cardiovascular system.
It commonly causes seizures, ataxia, fast heart rate
and/or slow heart rate. Along with harming these two
body systems we also see local irritation of the mucous
membranes, and we see gastrointestinal problems as well Stylish Modern Atmosphere Make Reservations happy hour
as vomiting and diarrhea. The most common presentation
for a dog that just got hold of a bufo toad is either Mon. - Thurs.
seizures or ataxia. Ataxia is dis-coordination, imbalance at Bar Only all Day
and drunkenness. Patients will often stagger or fall over Mon. - Fri. 3 - 6 pm
when trying to walk. Most dogs with seizures from toads
often look stiff. The eyes will often move back and forth Lunch SpeciaLS
horizontally in a rapid pattern. There will often be
excessive drooling from the mouth and a dead giveaway every Day
that a dog got into a toad is that their gums will be very
$
red instead of the usual pink. starting at 11
The first step is obvious: separate dog and toad right
away. Get your dog inside and get a damp towel, or
damp clean rag, and use this to wipe the gums. This will
physically remove the toxin from the mucous membranes.

Vicky Marie, cNa/HHa

Certified Nurses Assistant / Home Health Aid
• Caring
• Compassionate
• Loyal
• Trustworthy
• At Your Service 24 Hours
More than a job, it’s a commitment
Tel 954-860-6145 Email Vickyzsecrets15@gmail.com