Anyone with a pet knows the scene all too well. The beloved, and very scared, pet who must pay a trip to the veterinarian. But veterinarian Jyl Rubin has a way with cats and dogs… and also, llamas and sheep and horses…goats and pigs. She's an animal lover. Said Jill, "I grew up with all sorts of critters. My parents were phenomenal. I think they really helped in the transition for me to move into veterinary medicine."

But Dr. Jyl isn't the only member of the Rubin clan who's wild about animals. Her brother, Leigh, makes a living drawing all creatures great and small. He's a cartoonist. His syndicated creation, called "Rubes" appears in more than 400 newspapers. Among his books is his just published "The Wild Life of Farm Animals" and "The Wild Life of Cows."

Brother and sister with a lot in common.

Reporter Tim Robinson asked Jyl, "Do you think his cartoons are funny?

Jyl: "Yes."

Tim: "All of them?"

Jyl: "Pretty much all of them. Some of them are a little sick."

Leigh: "That's the highest compliment you could pay me (laughter)."

Tim: "Do you go for sick sometimes?"

Leigh: "You have to."

However you describe them, Leigh's cartoons are…different. Like the one titled "The horrible truth behind whipped cream." A cow being…whipped. Or the pig reading "Animal Farm." Or the "Got Milk?" cartoon Leigh did for the famous ad campaign.

Brother and sister spent a recent afternoon visiting among Dr. Jyl's menagerie of rescued farm animals. She's taken in countless critters over the years, including a very mobile…and very hungry…three-legged goat. Asked Tim, "Did you ever use a 3-legged goat in any of your pieces?" "You know, I'm thinking about that! I just need a little inspiration", said Leigh.

His books are even for sale in sister Jyl's veterinary office… Another example of the intersection of a brother and sister's love for animals.

A special thank you goes to La Casa de Maria Santa for accommodating the Heartland crew during our stay in Santa Barbara. La Casa de Maria is a non- profit organization that offers religious, educational, community service & enrichment groups, two separate retreat centers for meetings and conferences. In an area of outstanding natural beauty both places share panoramic views over the Pacific Ocean to the Channel Islands National Park. For more information please visit: www.lacasademaria.org