September Newsletter

Thank you for bearing with us while we improve the clinic! The floors are (tentatively) scheduled to be updated in November, but construction should be dying down for the meantime.

Important Dates

• We will be CLOSED Saturday, September 27th, so staff can attend the Southwest Veterinary Symposium.

• Happy birthday to Kyndale, Erika, and Matt!

• April's one year anniversary was September 3rd!

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Monthly Topic

On the Road

Cat paw pads (colloquially known as "toe beans") come in pink, black, or a mix. Typically, cats have five toes on their front feet, and four on the back, but some kitties can have up to seven toes per paw. This condition is known as polydactyly. [x] It doesn’t cause health problems, but it can make nail trimming a little more complicated. On the bright side, the extra toes look like fuzzy little thumbs... perfect if you and kitty ever get stranded and need to hitchhike! Before you step out the door with your cat and your luggage, make sure to seriously consider the following factors:

Personality: Is your pet calm and comfortable with new environments and people?

Health: Does your pet experience motion sickness or require ongoing medical care?

Practicality: Are you traveling via plane or car? How long is the trip?

Destination: Are accommodations pet-friendly? What activities are planned?

Travel Checklist

• Health

  • Consult your veterinarian about anxiety and anti-nausea meds

  • If your pet is on long term meds, request refills in advance

  • Confirm your pet has ID tags and microchip information is current

• Transportation

  • Use a car-rated crate or carrier

  • Bring a portable water bowl and plan for rest stops

    Verify pet policies at hotels and other accommodations in advance!

• Stress Reduction

  • Pack familiar bedding or toys

  • Maintain your pet's feeding routine

Leaving Pets at Home

For some pets, staying home with a sitter or boarding at a facility is safer and less stressful than traveling. This option is less complicated, but you should still take precautions to ensure your pet is safe and comfortable. Before your departure, arrange a trial stay to see how your pet reacts. Besides your pet’s medications, you should provide written instructions on their feeding and medication schedule. You should also provide veterinary contact information, an emergency contact number, and a signed caretaker authorization form in case the worst happens and your pet needs urgent medical care.

TL;DR (Too Long, Didn't Read):

Traveling with pets can be daunting, but fun. Make sure to evaluate the pros and cons of bringing your pet on a trip versus leaving them with a caretaker, and plan carefully.

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Employee Pet Spotlight

Name: Eevee

Nickname(s): Poochie, Reindeer Legs

Employee parent: Meghan

Breed: Catahoula mix

Age: 15 weeks

Likes: Sleeping (on her back), playing Tug-O-War, watching chickens

Dislikes: Loud noises, being approached too fast, being held too tight

Background: Two years after losing their Rottweilers, Meghan and her husband finally felt ready to welcome another dog. They weren’t looking for a particular breed or age, they just wanted to wait until they found the one that felt right.

Their search led them to a rescue called Sasha's Pals, where a Catahoula had been surrendered along with her litter. During the meet and greet, most of the puppies were falling over themselves with excitement, but one sat calmly in the back. Meghan's son pointed to her and said "This one, mommy!"

Since Meghan’s children are currently going through a Pokémon craze, they named the puppy Eevee. (Meghan thought their other suggestion - Mew - would be too confusing as a dog's name!) After meeting Eevee, Meghan's parents were smitten. Although they hadn't been looking for a dog, they ended up taking home Izzy (short for Isadora), one of Eevee's littermates. 

Eevee was a brave girl for her first checkup. She didn't flinch at her vaccines, and she was entirely unbothered when bigger dogs barked at her. Her fecal sample tested positive for coccidia and giardia, but after a course of dewormer she’ll be right as rain!

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Goodbye

Daissy is moving on to a new adventure. Many thanks to her for all the exemplary care she provided our boarding patients. We will miss her sweet demeanor and sunny smile!

Trivia Corner

Fun Fact

Iceland's Westman Islands have an... unusual tradition.

• Once baby puffins are fledged, they’re ready to leave their homes on the bluffs and spend the next few years at sea. Unfortunately, the “Pufflings” easily mistake city lights for the moon, and the locals have to help them find their way… by throwing them off cliffs to the ocean below! [x]

Pop Quiz

• What animal is alleged to be the inspiration behind the Xenomorphs from Aliens (1979)?

Stay tuned for the answer in next month’s newsletter!