The name of the woman Mrs. Cavanaugh who runs the orphanage where Gosalyn is at is a pun towards Gosalyn's voice actress Christine Cavanaugh.
"Taras Bulba" is a semi-historical novel written by Nikolay Gogol in 1835. It tells of a Ukrainian Cossack and his two sons who join the war against Poland.
The characters, Dr. Larson and Dr. Gary, are a direct reference to Far Side creator, Gary Larson. The animation style of both doctors is also reminiscent of Larson's animation style, showing doctors with large bodies, lab coats, oversized shoes and tiny heads.