Oliver's Bark About

save the date, make a difference for the new year

2012-02-06T12:56:00.001-05:00

if your looking for a great cause to give to this year, this just might be the one! I know any little bit would be greatly appreciated. It is definitely no fun be hungry. For more info. go to Long Trail Rescue

tata for now!

baby it's cold out there.....

2012-02-02T07:39:00.000-05:00

Hurricane wipes out Watson Dog Park

Photo Courtesy Leslie Carney

What now?

Photo Courtesy Leslie Carney

Come frolic at 63 Evans Drive! Thanks to Small Animal Veterinary Emergency Services and Stonecliff Animal Clinic of New Hampshire the training area will be open on Tuesday's and Thursday's from 9am to noon and Sunday from 3pm to 6pm.

So quit just laying around!

Stop gathering dust!

Get out and so hello to old friends..... today!

tata for now

February-Battle Bad Breath

2012-02-01T07:09:00.000-05:00

I traveled to Syracuse to drop my sister off at school. She had so much junk, I don't think I volunteered for this job. She sat comfortably all snuggled up with her cozy blanket, I was wedged between her junk and more junk. Six hours I sat without room to breathe! Not really, mom made sure we stopped frequently to stretch my legs. She even once claimed I looked like I was ready to barf. My dad knows when it comes to barfing I can pretty much do it on command. When mom mentioned the barf word he obediently obliged her!
What a fiasco! Her apartment had not been cleaned since the last people moved out in the spring. I didn't mind, there was all sorts of crumbs and stuff to graze on! Mom was freaking out as usual about my scrounging around, afraid I might ingest something poisonous or something. Low and behold she was right (she usually really is....), she caught me sucking on an Advil pain tablet! This could have been really serious. Dad says as few as four or five tablets for a dog my size could cause my liver or kidney to shutdown! There was at least that in the shag carpet alone. What were these college students doing, playing fetch or something?

So the big news is February is National Pet Dental Month! Dental disease is a serious health risk for dogs and cats. Eighty percent of dogs and seventy percent of cats have the start of dental disease by the age of three. The bacteria associated with the buildup of tartar in your pet's mouth also gets into the bloodstream and can damage organs throughout their body. Your pet's heart, liver and kidneys are especially prone to damage from the underlying causes of dental disease.

During the month of February, Stonecliff Animal Clinic of New Hampshire is offering free dental exams and $20.00 off on dental procedures. Stop in for your free oral exam!

get the lead out....

2012-01-23T14:27:00.000-05:00

Should you consider having your pet tested for lead exposure? Did you know the Center for Disease Control (CDC) considers lead poisoning in children as the #1 environmental threat to children? Did you also know that we pets typically chew things, lick everything in site, and scratch all over your house?

Does your pet live or visit a house that was built before 1978? Has your pet lived through repairs, painting, or remolding a house built before 1978? (wait this is making me worried, I live in a house built in 1785! That is definitely before 1978!!) Does your pet live with anyone that has a job or hobby that may use lead (for example jewelry or stained-glass making, plumbing, renovations, working with automobile batteries, fishing with lead sinkers).

And Petunia thought the peanut thing was scary enough!

If you answered yes to any of the above you might want to consider having your pet tested. The best news is Stonecliff Animal Clinic of N.H. has teamed up with Magellan Biosciences, to offer a free, that is correct free test to identify elevated lead levels in pets. This fast simple test can be run right at Stonecliff.

So what are you waiting for? Free, simple, pretty painless...... and could save a pet or a child's life. If there is lead poisoning in a pet it is important to consider that children living in the same household could also have elevations. You should discuss this with your child's pediatrician.

Because only high levels of lead exposure show symptoms, long term exposure could be building in your pet's system. Does your pet have a history of seizures? Signs of lead poisoning in dogs can be behavioral changes such snapping, depression, seizures, hiding, and aggression. Frothing at the mouth, loss of appetite and vomiting can also be signs.

Petunia and I are headed for a test! Shouldn't you be?

Tata for now

exciting news

2012-01-17T17:02:00.000-05:00

Exciting news for Stonecliff Animal Clinic of New Hampshire pets (and their owners of course)! Small Animal Veterinary Emergency Services is offering a discounted emergency fee.

I may not look excited but really I am! So what does this mean? It means that if you are a patient of Stonecliff Animal Clinic of New Hampshire and you are sick or have an emergency when their office is closed you will only be charged $55.00 for the emergency exam. That is amazing!

Well you may ask, "What was the old price", and I would reply "$85.00"!!! SAVES is also offering this new price to all networked veterinary hospitals!

So of course the next question must be what is networked? A networked hospital is one that sends all of their emergencies exclusively to SAVES. These hospitals trust SAVES to provide their patients with the very best care in the Upper Valley when they can't be there for them!

So day or night, rain, sleet, snow or.... sun. If your regular vet can't see you for what ever reason..... SAVES can! They will update your veterinarian on your pet's condition, give advice on aftercare, just like they always have! Give us a call to see if your regular veterinarian is networked!
Wow, that sure was a mouthful! I need a nap.
Tata for now

magnetic resonance imaging

2012-01-10T09:56:00.000-05:00

Cool happenings at Small Animal Veterinary Emergency Services these days! We have teamed up with New Hampshire Open MRI to bring the Upper Valley pets another diagnostic option.

What the heck is magnetic whobadoubala imaging..... and why should I care? Well this is similar to X-rays but it gives more precise anatomy information, without harmful radiation.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging is really complicated science. The machine looks like a huge useless contraption, but inside that big plastic looking box is a very powerful magnetic. In the simplest terms (if that is possible when you start fooling with physics and all sorts of mumbo jumbo) your body is made up of particles called protons. Think of these little particles spinning randomly like little whirling dervishes of energy. So now along comes this huge magnet which interacts with the little particles and kind of civilizes them into spinning like synchronized bathing capped beauties. As the particles spin they create a high energy field in the form of radio waves. This is where it gets way over my head. When the magnet is turned off, the radio waves are recovered by the machine to produce a computer image like an X-ray but more detailed.

Oh my head! So this type of imaging is used for diseases that affect the brain and spine. Neurologic diseases can cause seizures, behavioral changes, depression, paralysis, staggering and spinal pain. Your veterinarian may recommend an MRI after a complete physical evaluation and other diagnostic tests have failed to turn up the cause of your pet's symptoms.

MRI is not a cheap diagnostic tool by any means, but when all avenues have been explored and no reasonable diagnosis has been made then your veterinarian may point you in this direction. Your pet would be hospitalized for the day. The patient would be transported with a veterinarian and technician to New Hampshire Open MRI in West Lebanon, New Hampshire (about 5 minutes from SAVES) where under anesthesia the procedure would be performed. While the machine is generating pictures of your pet's spine or skull area, a veterinarian and technician are monitoring him/her constantly!

For more information about this really cool procedure, or to book a MRI appointment, give Small Animal Veterinary Emergency Services a call at 603-306-0007 and the hospital staff will be happy to answer any of your questions. Stay tuned for more MRI information in the weeks to come.

Tata for now!

Free lead test for you pet!

2011-11-18T19:34:00.000-05:00

I love to eat sticks! I like to chase them, chew them, bury them, throw them.... I love sticks. Dogs have a bad rap! We love to chew on things that our human partners find distasteful. Most of these things are not necessarily dangerous, unless we end up swallowing them and they get stuck. My dad takes things out of dogs stomachs all the time that shouldn't have been consumed!

So what about the things we swallow that don't get lodged, the little things that you never even see us eat. One such concern is lead paint. S.A.V.E.S. is conducting a study with health care agencies to determine if pets living in homes built before 1978 are as prone to lead poisoning as children are. Is your pet exhibiting symptoms of lead poisoning such as seizures, anemia, or other long term health issues.
S.A.V.E.S. will be offering free testing to determine the incidence of high lead levels in pets. Do you have a pet that lives in a house that may have lead poisoning potential? We are really excited to be able to offer this invaluable opportunity to our community. Call S.A.V.E.S. at 603-306-0007 to find out more, or to schedule the test.

Thanksgiving Fun

2011-11-17T06:38:00.000-05:00

Boy, this looks like fun!!!

tata for now, Ollie.

Make Your Dog Part of the Action!

Thanksgiving Classic Cluster Dog Shows
November 26 & 27

Eastern States Exposition Grounds
1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield, MA

Don't just watch the action this year at the Thanksgiving Classic Cluster Dog Shows. Become part of it!

Bring your dog and let them try the fun sport of Agility!

For the first time, the shows will feature the AKC'sMy Dog Can Do That! attraction from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 26-27, at the Eastern States Exposition Grounds.

Professional trainers will show you how to get your dog started in Agility and help them try a few Agility obstacles - plus give you some helpful Obedience tips. They also will have information on where to find professional dog training classes in your community.

It is free to participate in My Dog Can Do That!, and it is open to all dogs of any breed or mix, as long as they are on a 4-to-6-foot leash.

The American Kennel Club will offer all participants a discounted enrollment in its exciting new AKC Canine Partners^SM program. This program is for ALL dogs, including mixed-breeds, and allows them to enroll with AKC and compete in many events, including Agility.

Everyone who enrolls their dog at this show will receive a T-shirt and a 1-year subscription to AKC Family Dog magazine and their dog will receive a bandana, an official AKC certificate and be eligible for a lifetime of fun in AKC events!

For more information on AKC Canine Partners, click here – or email akccaninepartners@akc.org or call 919-816-3749.

Happy Halloween Everyone!

2011-10-31T16:30:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween Everyone!

Hope you all have a great time trick or treating. Petunia and I sure will. Remember, dogs and cats don't understand that your wearing a silly mask.... it can be very frightening and we may even feel like protecting the rest of the family from you. Please be careful that our instincts don't get the best of us

Remember that we LOVE chocolate as much as you.... but chocolate can kill us. See just how little chocolate it can take to make us REALLY sick by dialing into the chocolate toxicity chart at the top of the page!

Who would guess I could so resemble that famous snowboarder??

Be safe out there!

2011-10-10T16:15:00.000-04:00

There are so many dangers for pets in and around automobiles. The sun can turn the inside of a car into an oven very quickly, even on a cool day. A leaking radiator could leave a puddle of sweet tasting antifreeze, a deadly sip indeed. Running in front of a moving vehicle can maim and kill....... ugggg

Each day at the emergency hospital S.A.V.E.S., my dad and the other doctors see so many injuries from pets and their interactions with the four tired monster. Just a short while ago the lone survivor of a fatal car accident was brought to the hospital by ambulance. This dog had survived a horrific tragedy and it got me thinking about those things you call seat belts.
My family all buckle up each time we go somewhere. Signs on the highway say "click-it or ticket". So what about us, your favorite companion!
I did a little research and found that the American Veterinary Medical Association recommends car restraints in the way of harnesses and carriers. Paws to Click, a national initiative to educate pet owners on the real dangers of car travel claim every 18 minutes an car accident occurs due to a loose pet in a vehicle. Ninety-eight percent of dogs travel unleashed and 30,000 accidents a year are caused by pets being in the front seat!
So if your pet travels with you unrestrained (I do so far), they could be killed by the airbags going off, crashing through a window or windshield, or any of a number of different scenarios that are all really scary. But the most important thing to remember, know your equipment. There are many, many harnesses sold that actually can't withstand even 10% of the crash force that may occur when you stop suddenly or get into an accident. Harnesses bearing the "complies with V9DT" logo on the product packaging are the only harnesses that have minimum durability standards for pet harnesses. Visit the V9DT for more information and Bergan Product Development Team to locate a store near you that carries these types of harnesses. I know my mom has been looking and she has found a store in New London called Unleashed (find them on Facebook ) that carries them locally. I hope she goes there because I may not be as lucky as the poor fellow who survived that terrible crash. :(
tata for now

left in the dark

2011-09-20T07:50:00.000-04:00

we have been left in the dark........
a short synopsis... a dump truck exiting a construction site next door to SAVES took down the telephone lines when the driver forgot to put the dump bed down.
all telephone lines to SAVES and Stonecliff of New Hampshire were cut Monday.
a telephone call to Fairpoint to have lines transferred to another telephone until the lines were repaired.
it is now Tuesday morning, 7:30am the line has been finally call forwarded to another telephone.
why you may ask?
after literally hours of explaining to Fairpoint how important it is for an emergency/critical care facility to have a telephone...... falling on deaf ears..... excuses.... no supervisor to okay transfer, to dark out, our technician may get electrocuted.....it's cloudy, it's raining, it break time....... still can't find the supervisor....
we are so sorry if you needed us last night....... so sorry.... we really hope the problem is corrected soon.
one positive note..... call 603.306.0007 and your call will now be transferred to a real human being.....

lost and found

2011-09-12T20:22:00.000-04:00

so tonight I went on an adventure.......I wandered to the road at my new house.....a nice person stopped and I jumped in.......then I got a ride with a really nice Officer Mike from the Norwich P.D.......

When I got home it was really dark out. Mom was crying and so was my brother and sister. Dad and my other brother were out searching the roads. Doug and his wife Berna were searching also.... boy am I in trouble!

Thank you everyone that got me home..... I love my family.... I love the Norwich Police and especially the person that picked me up in the road and contacted the police (I got a ride in the squad car!)

I'm home. <3
Thanks for caring.....

irene and rules, rules, rules

2011-08-27T09:06:00.001-04:00

Everyone is talking about Irene.... a huge storm with winds that could sweep me away! They say it is traveling up the big waters of the ocean, and will even affect us in Vermont! Now that's a storm.

I don't really mind storms, the big claps of thunder make me want to chase petunia around. She on the other hand is soooo scared when a storm comes. I can't even imagine how she is going to survive Irene if she really makes it all the way over to us. My sister will wrap her up real tight in a blanket and give her some Composure, a natural supplement that calms her down.... I guess I will just have to wait and see but I don't think it is going to be pretty. Dad can always give her something stronger to make her sleep if it gets real bad.....

I have moved and I am not sure how much I like it. Living in a large town has it's ups and downs. Petunia and I have never had to wear a leash all the time.... poop in certain places..... this is all very new and strange. On top of that I am a lab with a sensitive stomach (me and about the whole rest of the lab population). Us labs, we like to eat everything and anything, our lives revolve around eating. Dad says you really know a lab is sick when it refuses to eat. My sister calls me Chumley after this chubby guy on a TV show. I'm not chubby but probably left to my own accord I would eat until I explode!

So back to the upset stomach thing. We moved and it upset my tummy. Between vomiting and diarrhea I am not sure what is worse. Dad says the first step to my recovery is 12 hours off food. 12 HOURS! Give me a break. Then he says a bland diet for a few days like boiled hamburger and rice. Sounds fine to me. He says since I have been de-wormed (what a terrible expression) regularly, up-to-date on all my vaccines, and have a history of upset tummies anyways, I should recover just fine. If I start not being able to hold water down then it becomes more serious. I don't mind going to SAVES, I love the nurses, the doctors are so kind and the beds are pretty comfortable. But Dad says we can avoid an OFFICIAL stay (I am there every day anyways) if I take it easy, let my system rest, and stop being neurotic (what ever that means).

I meet so many labs each day at SAVES that have upset stomachs that either have eaten something they shouldn't have, drank out of a puddle contaminated with bacteria or just plain have a sensitive stomach. Sometimes they need intravenous fluids if they can't hold water down. Dehydration from vomiting can become very serious very quickly. Vomiting and diarrhea can be signs of so many different diseases. It is important that you differentiate between something like an allergy to food, a bacterial upset of the gut, or even more serious the start of a organ failure such as the kidney's or liver. Regular blood work and physical exams with your veterinarian can help catch things early so that diseases can be managed.

For me it appears to be a nervous type of thing. So many changes right now. My oldest sister is going away, way across the BIG ocean, we have moved, the summer is coming to an end, kids going back to school..... so many reasons I can think of that make me nervous sometimes. My mom thinks lots of exercise helps calm the mind, I think she is on to something. She has been taking me swimming and walking a real lot and I do feel so much better when I come back and lay down exhausted! Dad has added Fortiflora to my diet. Purina makes this nutritional supplement that helps keep the "normal" bacteria in my intestines healthy (bugs in my bowels, ewww). It is a powder that they mix in my food (don't even know it is there because it is tasteless) and it provides some strong antioxidants, stimulates my immune system to fight off stuff, and helps me get through stressful situations without developing diarrhea. It is working! (Diarrhea is sooo embarrassing, especially when it comes on suddenly right when you meet a really cute girl dog, uggg)

tata for now!

summertime sweet summertime

2011-08-25T10:36:00.001-04:00

sweet, sweet summertime.... coming to a close.

wow, open house news

2011-08-01T19:42:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone, the open house was a huge success. So many new and old friends stopped by to help us celebrate! Some were a little odd looking but like mom always says, it takes all kinds!

http://www.lucymac.org

Lots of pet people displayed their business stuff. Thank you so much to all of you that participated, we love what you do and support you 100%!

http://longtraildogs.org

Long Trail Rescue was on hand with a pen of puppies in need of a loving home! After a day of play, these guys really slept soundly.

The caricature artist and pet psychic were a huge hit! I even got my picture drawn!

Petunia had her picture drawn also, and my sisters, and even my little brother Bobby Hill!

Oh and can't forget Foxy, my very favorite little diabetic friend who comes and stays at SAVES when his father is away! He is lots of fun.

This lovely lady won the pet costume contest! She was styling beyond belief!!!

Thank you everyone for making this event such a huge success! Mountain View Pet Resort, Visiting Nurses Alliance, West Leb. Feed and Supply, Q106, Long Trail Rescue, Pug Rescue, Angels Among Us, Upper Valley Humane Society, Lake Morey Inn, Slick's Ice Cream, Vermont Small Batch, Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society, and so so so much more! We raised 1256.00 for the Brutus Fund to help people that are having short term financial difficulties pay for their pets emergency care. This can really make a difference for someone. Thank you!

s.a.v.e.s. open hospital, fleas......

2011-07-20T12:23:00.000-04:00

What's to celebrate? S.A.V.E.S. just turned 1! It has been a year of a lot of hard work, a lot of speculation, a lot of holding their breath, but as a wise man once said (I heard this on a movie the other night when everyone else thought I was sleeping) "if you build it they will come".

My dad went from dreaming to doing. I have watched the popularity of the hospital grow and grow, and am proud to say "I am the personal spokespet, patient comfort liaison, and food sampler of S.A.V.E.S.".

So the big news is S.A.V.E.S. is having a celebration on July 30th! We will be giving tours of the hospital, serving up food and ice cream (my favorite), having fun contests, educational displays, a silent auction, police dog demonstrations, and oh so much more. Bring your pet to the costume contest, have a caricature drawing of you and your best friend, or maybe delve into the supernatural and chat with a pet physic.

Bring the kids for face painting, pet photographer, fun dog shows, and games! Latest update on Silent Auction items, THANK YOU LAKE MOREY RESORT for the generous donation worth well over $1000.00.

So on a more serious note..... let's talk about fleas. They jump all over us, bite us, carry diseases and other parasites, you all know what I'm talking about. But did you know that "over the counter" flea medications can be deadly to your pet? I am not talking Frontline, Advantage, Revolution.... those brands are safe. I'm talking the brands you can get at the grocery or hardware store like Hartz, Sargents, and Zodiac to name a few.

Cats are more susceptible then dogs, but dogs can still run into problems. Flea and tick medications contain pyrethrin and pyrethroids, insecticides that do the dirty deed of killing the little blood suckers. Cats especially can have a reaction to these chemicals. Flea sprays, powders and collars can have a very harmful effect on the cat's nervous system. First signs that your cat is heading down a dangerous slope is usually frothing and foaming of the mouth. This typically occurs within a few hours. You will begin to see twitching of the ears, body tremors, uncontrollable jerking of the limbs and staggering. As the tremors increase the body temperature will rise and the cat will develop a high fever, slip into a coma and without veterinary treatment could die.
Over the counter flea medications may be cheaper but they are dangerous and should be avoided by all cost. In the last week alone 5 cats have been admitted to S.A.V.E.S. for flea medication toxicity. It was very scary to watch them twitch! Luckily they all got to go home after 3 days of hospitalization.
So until next time, tata for now and see on Saturday the 30th!

dog days of summer

2011-07-14T07:14:00.000-04:00

oh the dog days of summer..... lazy, sultry and still. Petunia and I like to lay around a lot.... she just keeps getting chubby and I'm bored. My sister always lays down with me. She grabs my feet while I try and sleep and announces to the world that my feet smell like Frito's. What the heck is a Frito and it must be good or she would stop snuffling my feet all the time!

If you stare up at the sky during a summer night (while biting at the mosquitoes) you can see two dog constellations, Canis Major and Canis Minor. The big dog (Canis Major) has a very bright star called Sirius, that rises and sets with the summer sun. Ancient Romans believed that this star helped to contribute to the very hot days in July when due to the rotation of the earth, Sirius appears next to the sun for the period of July 3 through August 11th, the "dog days". How connected the sun looks with Sirius really depends where you are viewing it on earth..... wild, I think I need a nap!

tata for now

summertime, fireworks, phobias and celebrations

2011-07-11T08:07:00.000-04:00

July is really heating up! Some of the wildest storms. On July 4th a storm rolled into the area like I had never witnessed. The lightening was everywhere, thunder came in bangs. Mom said it was a "man-made" storm of sorts.... fireworks.

Petunia was very scared, I don't know what the big deal was. My parents always talk about how they hope I don't learn from Petunia. My mom says it's kind of like once when she was on an airplane flight over Canada. Mom always loved to fly and as a kid her family traveled around the world by plane. Well one particular flight didn't go so well. Thunder and lightening crashed around the plane and a young actress from Montreal sat next to mom digging her fingernails into mom's arm and screaming "were going to die". Mom told dad that it suddenly dawned on her that maybe they WERE about to die and actually mom was the numb one. For a long time after that mom was afraid of flying. She luckily got over that and travels any chance she gets.

I really don't want to be afraid like Petunia is. Thunderstorm phobia in dogs is a very real thing. Some people give their pet a sedative, a drug that makes them relax and not care about the storms. My sister gives Petunia a natural supplement called Composure made by a Vermont company called Vetri-science. Composure comes as a liquid or a little chew treat and you give it about a half hour before a storm hits. This company also makes some natural supplements for arthritis and all sorts of other conditions. My sister also wraps Petunia up in a blanket snugly. She really calms down when she's all wrapped up! My mom also believes that dogs with thunderstorm phobias may have a bad tooth bothering them. Dad always smiles when she says this because when she first told him she had read an article once about thunderstorm phobias and the correlation with bad teeth he rolled his eyes. Mom has pointed out a number of dogs that have come in for a dental that also have thunderstorm problems and low and behold they have also had a fractured or rotten tooth! Something about the air pressure changes or something.

My sister got back from Paris and all she brought me was this lousy airplane blanket. ( I actually really love the blanket but my brother said he saw a t-shirt once that said something about that on it). She told us all about her trip and showed lots of pictures of her frolicking in France. I think I would like to go there, they have outdoor cafes where people can bring their dogs! Petairways is a pet only airline that fly to many major U.S. cities. Maybe someday they'll fly to Europe, I'm so on there!

Until then I'm gonna just hang out under my hammock, enjoying what ever the summer brings! My friend Bailey gets to go to the ocean in Maine. My mom says I can go someday. There are lots of beaches in Maine that let dogs visit. On Dogfriendly.com they list all the beaches and hotels and campgrounds and lots of other cool stuff that dogs are allowed to do.

The Furry Scurry was so much fun. Petunia needed to be carried that last bit. I keep telling her if she would stop sneaking the cat food she would lose some weight and not feel so tired. She is obsessive! Our next big event is scheduled for July 30th. Mark your calendar, SAVES open house and first birthday celebration is sure to be lots of fun. We will have food, prizes, demonstrations, tours, and did I say food! If you would like to be a part of this day please give us a call at SAVES 603.306.0007, we would love to have you join us. We have room for vendors, artists, educational displays. July 30th, 10am-2pm, 63 Evans Drive, Lebanon, NH. Be there or be square!

Tata for now!

patience, bugs, and backyard dangers

2011-06-23T08:18:00.001-04:00

School is out.... that means more time for swimming, chasing my ball, frisbee lessons (mom thinks I'm going to be the next champion frisbee dog..... I'm scared of it hitting me.....) long walks... bugs.
My skin is sensitive. I hate bugs. Mom is trying a new product that is all natural from Vetri-science a local Vermont company. Vetri-Repel is a all natural repellent for dogs, cats and even horses. It is a blend of natural oils, citronella, lemongrass oil, cinnamon oil, sesame oil, and castor oil, all stuff mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas aren't suppose to like. Mom says it really seems to work.Unfortunately you do need to apply it frequently but it comes in a really easy to use spray and wipes (my sister pretends to spray me all the time, spritz...spritz she says... no wonder mom calls me her neuroses boy). This company also makes the thunderstorm medication that Petunia takes called Composure!

I've been getting into trouble for my over-zealous swimming behavior. Sometimes I just get so excited I don't listen very well. In the water I treat everyone like their my conquest (my world full of sitting ducks). When my mom tries to push me away so I don't scratch her I try to bite her.... I thought she was trying to drown me and I firmly believe in survival of the fittest. I scratched my brother on the back and man did he throw a fit... guess I did draw some blood. Now when their in the water I have to stay away or sit on the edge of the pond and wait until their done..... not fair.
My mom says once I learn some patience I will be a little easier to be around in the water.... gosh I hope I hurry up and learn some.....

When were all hanging out my sister likes to bug me. She says she is teaching me patience. I'm glad she is in Paris right now..... but actually I really miss her doing foolish things with me. I can balance just about anything on my nose thanks to her (not sure why they think this is so important... whatever, if it makes them happy).

Next week is the Furry Scurry fundraiser for the Hospice program in Vermont and New Hampshire. Lots of people have come into SAVES and pledged money for me to walk. If you want to join us on the walk or donate to a great cause come to White River Junction, VT. on Thursday June 30th around 5:30pm for registration and the walk starts at 6:00pm. The Hospice Program helps care for the pets of patients in the program. Much needed food, medications and other stuff that their owner is to sick to be able to deal with. SAVES and Stonecliff Animal Clinic of New Hampshire both provide discounted or free care for these patients.

Just about every day I hear people talk about how they can't imagine eating some of the things that dogs and cats manage to swallow. Personally, I have watched my people eat some things that truly resemble many things we eat that they are so grossed out about (only difference is they put it on a plate). Seriously though, with the summer season comes some real serious threats to our less particular palates. In the last two weeks alone we have had 4 cases of suspected mushroom poisonings. The summer has been sooo wet, and mushrooms thrive in this type of weather. Check your backyard, they seem to be popping up everywhere.

Ninety-eight percent of the mushrooms are non-toxic, but we can't tell the difference. Many of them smell fishy to us....yummmm. If we eat a poisonous one it could cause liver damage and death. If you suspect your pet has eaten a mushroom get them to the vets immediately. Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, twitching, drooling, wobbling, and seizures. Pets can also hallucinate from the toxin. Best safeguard, remove all mushrooms from your yard as they sprout up. Remember, if your pet has survived a mushroom poisoning, they don't learn to avoid them in the future (it's the fish man!). Time is of the essence! A couple other common plant poisonings for this time of year are tomato and rhubarb leaves, all lilies and Black Walnuts. If you have a Black Walnut tree the nuts, as they decompose, grow a mold that can cause serious sickness and seizures. Rake them up!

Well, hope to see you next week at the Furry Scurry....TaTa for now!

2011-06-15T20:06:00.000-04:00

Friends...... I have met so many. Some big, some small, even some without legs. One cool ride!

Petunia is my best friend.... she thinks Iris's are stupid! She has been very grumpy lately. When I try and get her to play she bites me in my jowl. It really hurts. Mom says she needs a checkup, that maybe her grumpiness is because she isn't feeling well. I think she was born that way.....

She has also gained some weight. Mom says she gets fat on air. I happen to know she sneaks the cat and my food when no one is looking. I'm scared of her so I don't tell. I try to explain to her that she is decreasing her life span by being overweight. Recent studies show that 30 to 40 percent of U.S. pets are overweight and 25 percent are obese. Obesity is one of the most common medical conditions for dogs and cats. Extra weight stresses legs and feet, and can cause other complications such as diabetes, heart disease and arthritis. Trust me, the last thing anyone in this house wants to do is have to treat Petunia on a daily basis.... grumpy.

Diet is so important for so many reasons. Some breeds of dogs are more prone to bladder stones, because genetically they produce higher levels of the mineral substances and waste products that make up the crystals that ultimately form the stone. Stones (uroliths) are more common in small breed dogs then large breed. this stone was discovered and removed from a very small Yorkshire Terrier, it is HUGE!.

Stones can become so large that they completely fill the bladder. Some common signs of stones in the bladder can be frequent urination (there is no room for urine, it's all STONE), sometimes with blood (the stones irritate the bladder wall rubbing against it), straining to urinate, and general weakness. Diagnosing uroliths involves looking microscopically at a urine sample, identifying crystals and bacteria, radiographs, and even an ultrasound. Treatment involves either a dissolving diet that helps breakdown the stone, or surgery. Stones can come back so the vets will send the stone off for analysis, find out what makes up the stone, then recommend a diet to help prevent them from ever forming again.

Remember, diet is everything! You are what you eat (Petunia!) So many conditions can be prevented by eating the right stuff. This is Foxy, my little buddy. He barks a lot but never tries to bite me. Foxy and I hang alot when his owner is away. I like him. Well enjoy these nice warm days and TaTa for now!

homeless, hugs, and hospice help

2011-06-06T10:07:00.000-04:00

Meet my newest friends! Mew1 and Mew2. They were left on the side of road in a box filled with newspaper. Guess whom ever left them there thought if they got bored they could read the paper. Come on moron, they're a little young to read. A little food and water might have been a good thought!

A home and a hug, some food and some love. Do you know anyone that might be looking for a little girl and boy....... please give SAVES a call if you can help!

Talk about being on the road! Those two were some lucky, this guy not so much. My brother rescued this guy after being run over on Route 5 . SAVES has seen alot of different types of animals but this little Painted Turtle was a first. Strangest darn thing, when ever I look at him his head disappears! His shell is healing and his leg is getting stronger. He was very lucky!

I think the Spring makes all of us a little crazy. So many months indoors...... I almost didn't recognize my sister, she sure grew some hair over the winter!

On a more serious note, remember now that it is getting warmer.... heat can kill! Heat stroke is a real threat for us dogs, especially black ones like myself. I'm like many other dogs that don't know when to stop. I love to run and chase sticks or jog with my sister but sometimes it is just so hot and I can't cool myself like you humans can. Swimming can be a great way to keep cool this summer but please remember, not all dogs can swim and we should always be supervised in case we get into trouble. Swift moving water is dangerous to you as well as your dog. Pools are fun also but lead your pet to the stairs so he or she knows how to get out. Drowning risks are just as common for pets as they are for you humans.
Remember also that cars can be 20-40 degrees warmer then the outside temperature. It is better to leave us home (I can't believe I am saying this) when the temperature warms up then risk us overheating in the car.

Signs of heat stroke can be extreme panting, staggering, vomiting, and diarrhea. As the stroke progresses your pet could go into a coma and not survive. If you suspect your pet is coming down with heat stroke time is of the essence. Use cool towels to cover him on the way to your veterinarian. Be careful that you don't lower his temperature so far that you cause hypothermia though. Monitor his temperature with a digital rectal thermometer (pick one up at the drug store, the same as you would use but don't put it in our mouth) and don't let it get below 102 degree fahrenheit. Once he arrives at the veterinarian, intravenous fluids will be adminisitered and medications to help support his recovery. Heat can kill. Remember if you jog with your dog, do it early in the morning before the day heats up and feel the asphalt, many a dogs feet have been burned on hot pavement. All your pets should have easy access to nice cool water all the time.

So many fun events are coming up this summer. Next Saturday, June 11th, in Hartland is a Green Mountain Disc Dog Event. SAVES will be there watching these amazing dogs and their owners compete! At the end of the month is a fundraising event for the Visiting Nurses Alliance and Hospice of NH and VT called the Furry Scurry. This fun event will take place in White River Junction Vt. on June 30th at the Dothan Brook School. Registration begins at 5pm and the walk starts at 6pm. I'm going to be their along with the staff from SAVES and Stonecliff Animal Clinic of NH! This is going to benefit the Pet Peace of Mind Program that has been developed to help hospice patients care for their pets. Your participation in this walk will help raise funds to pay for food and veterinary care for some very deserving pets. Hope to see you there! I'm really going to try and behave myself so please stop and say hi!
SAVES is planning their 1 year anniversary with a grand open house!. We are hoping for the last weekend in July! Do you know anyone that has a pet related business or talent that would like to participate in this fun day. Please call SAVES and join the fun.
Tata for now!

blackflies laser therapy and will

2011-05-16T17:44:00.002-04:00

Now that we are all spending more time outside there sure are a lot of new rules. No going to the pond by myself, no digging in the vegetable garden (why does she get to), I'm always being told not to poop in the flower garden.... geeez.
The bugs are starting to get to me though. I guess all of us are being bugged! The blackflies are out in full force and Mom says we will start getting telephone calls from concerned dog and cat owners about circular red spots on their pet's belly. She was right about that and boy some of us are REALLY sensitive to their bite

This poor guy really got eaten. Blackflies seem to especially like light colored dogs with bare bellies. Dad gave him an injection to help stop the itch and irritation (steroid) and some antibiotics to help with the infection. There are some great products out there for people but us poor guys are a little harder to help since we LOVE to lick off any ointment or salve put on. West Lebanon Feed and Supply has some great products such as citronella repellents that are natural products and dogs don't like the taste of.

So my face is slowly healing from the tick bite. If your pet comes down with a skin condition that looks like this, the best course is to take him to your veterinarian for treatment.
Guess I have really sensitive skin. Judy Coates, the rehabilitation guru at S.A.V.E.S. has been giving me laser treatments to help it heal. Laser therapy helps tissues heal faster and decreases swelling. This type of therapy is also used for degenerative joint disease, back pain, anal gland inflammation, you name it! Judy does laser therapy on all of my dad's bone surgeries.
There are two types of lasers used for this. Continuous laser therapy acts fast on inflammation, and stimulates circulation in the area which helps healing. Pulsed laser therapy has an immediate effect on pain since it interferes with the transmission of the pain message to the brain. Laser therapy has been around for something like 25 years and has no side effects. If it takes the pain away I'm all for it.

S.A.V.E.S is hopping! I have met so many new friends lately. With Stonecliff Animal Clinic of New Hampshire joining us in the 63 Evans Drive building I will meet even more new friends. This little guy stopped in to meet me just the other day. Wow he was really cute but the barking in my ear and jumping up at me was fun for a while but I was ready for a nap. I do need to clarify that Stonecliff Animal Clinic is the hospital of my parents that was at West Lebanon Feed and Supply not the one in Bradford, Vermont. With the move into the Evans Drive building in Lebanon my dad will be freed up to see more annual visits and is excepting old patients as well as new ones that are in need of wellness care and don't have a vet yet! The building that S.A.V.E.S. is in. across from Lebanon High School and right next door to Nissan-Miller car dealership is becoming a one-stop mecca of all things four-legged. Starting in July Affecionate Pet Salon from the Miracle Mile in Lebanon will open their doors in part of the Evans Road building. Mom says maybe I won't smell so bad if Eve takes care of my hygiene!

And on a more serious note, the Hartford Police brought in a small cat this weekend that we presume is a stray. The poor little friendly guy had a terrible accident that dismembered one of his hind legs. This little cat is such an inspiration and a miracle. He survived for days wandering the streets of Hartford Vermont like this. The staff at S.A.V.E.S. are doing everything in their power to save this little guy, he deserves a chance having come this far on his own. A human plastic surgeon even stopped by to give advise. We are so lucky to be surrounded by such a dedicated medical community. Between the huge hospital up the road called Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, to the doctors of dentistry that have volunteered their expertise to help us four-legged ones, I feel so grateful to be living here. Thanks everyone, we will keep you posted on this little fighter. TaTa for now.

creepy crawlies, hotspots, and lyme

2011-05-05T10:48:00.001-04:00

Rainy, rainy days in May. The river has strayed from the path it usually takes, the fields are now lakes. The rain keeps coming. A common question I hear all day long, "Will it ever stop raining, will it ever get warm?". I say yes but they keep asking the question!

I have heard this guy scream, I can't believe these little birds are taunting him so!

We haven't been walking as much. Mom and dad work constantly! S.A.V.E.S. is so busy and so is Stonecliff. They have decided to move Stonecliff into the S.A.V.E.S. building. The space at West Leb. Feed and Supply has worked out really well but as the hospital grows it is becoming very small. It will be much easier for the staff to have everything in one place and the S.A.V.E.S. building is so new and beautiful that everyone will fit very well.

I love sticks!

So starting on May 16th the Stonecliff hospital will officially be at S.A.V.E.S. Everything for Stonecliff patients will remain the same except the location. We will have a new telephone number but the old one will work also. Stonecliff clients have the added benefit of being able to see their favorite doctors day and night. Any old clients that were not able to follow my dad (Dr. Kelly) to West Lebanon are welcome to see him now in Lebanon. I-89 exit 18 (just like going to DHMC) take your first left on Evans Drive and we are the next drive past the Nissan Miller Car dealership across from the Lebanon High School track and football field.

The Great Frog Hunter!

Check out the S.A.V.E.S. website for location information and more. I unfortunately have been under the weather. The tick season is in full swing and I have an infected tick bite on my face that has turned into a "hotspot" or skin infection. Dad shaved it yesterday (I hate that) and scrubbed it up with some smelly stuff and put me on antibiotics that mom shoves down my throat! Uggggg.

I actually think it is Petunia's fault, she is always biting me in the face whenever I try and get her to play with me! But on a more serious note the hospital has seen a HUGE rise in Lyme positive dogs in the past week. On Sunday alone 3 dogs came in unable to walk with fevers that tested positive for Lyme Disease.

Lyme Disease is here.... there is no denying it. Protect yourself and your favorite four-legged friends by vaccinating against the disease and applying a once a month medication that helps control ticks and fleas. It is important to understand this disease and how it is transmitted.

The primary carrier of Lyme disease is the deer tick (not pictured). Borreliosis, the actual bacteria that causes the disease. As a tick develops from a baby (larva) to a full grown tick it will go through many stages and hosts (a mammal that it will feed on and ultimately become infected from if the mammal is carrying the disease). Ticks are most active in spring and fall, they thrive and multiply with cold rainy days (like our whole spring has been). One very important bit of information is that the tick must be attached and feeding on it's host (you, your dog or cat) for at least 48 hours before it will transmit the Lyme Disease to you. Tick medication such as Frontline or Vectra kill the ticks sooner then 48 hours thus eliminating the threat of contracting the disease. We get calls all the time from people upset that their pets still have ticks crawling on them after being treated with these products. The ticks still will bite the pet but will die before they can transmit so your pet is safe. You on the other hand are not. Since there are not products like this for humans we need to take precautions also. Wear long pants that are tucked in on the bottom, citronella (a natural product) will supposedly repel ticks, spray some on your clothing.

Symptoms and timing of this disease are different for pets then humans. Dogs symptoms occur much later after the tick bite, usually 2-5 months after the initial bite. Cats are rarely infected, probably because they are much more efficient and persnickety groomers. Dogs typically have a fever (103-105'F) and shifting limb lameness, sore on one leg then switching to another leg. Swelling in the joints, lethargy and decrease in appetite are also common. We typically do not see the rash like in humans. Dogs infected with Lyme Disease and actively showing signs are treated with antibiotics and supportive therapy such as intravenous fluids and pain medications. Dogs can be infected with Lyme Disease and not show any signs. Long term health issues from the disease occur sometimes with kidney failure and heart and nervous system problems. If you suspect that your pet has contracted this disease, contact your veterinarian immediately. Make sure to use the preventative medications and vaccinate against the disease.
It is scary but I sure don't want to stop running through the woods every chance I get! Tata for now

spring: porcupines, puppies and the easter bunny

2011-04-21T10:08:00.000-04:00

Spring is finely here! The first true signs of the new season for SAVES is the arrival of patients covered in porcupine quills. Did you know a porcupine can have 30,000 quills. I think the dog that came in the other night had 29,000 quills in his mouth. The only place the porky lacks protection is on his belly. Wow I plan on keeping my distances. I heard once that they can throw their quills at enemies but I looked it up and that is an old "wives tale". You actually have to touch them to get those quills stuck in you.

Spring brings babies.... lots and lots of babies. Baby birds, baby kittens, and baby puppies. Sadie stopped by SAVES the other day to meet her veterinarian! I gave her this little pink puppy, she loved it and wouldn't let it go for anything!

Soon we will be swimming and taking long walks.... I love warm weather. One thing I hate about when the weather turns nice out is all the bugs, especially fleas.

To all my cat friends out there, please tell your parents to watch out for some real common poisons that could kill you. The Pet Poison Helpline reported that in 2010 the most common emergency calls about cat poisoning were over the counter drugs such as Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, and chewable tablets like Rimadyl given to treat dog arthritis. One Tylenol tablet can kill a cat. Cats also seem to be attracted to antidepressants such as Effexor which has a coating that smells good to them.
Signs of poisoning can be vomiting, and increased thirst and urination. A swollen face is common with Tylenol ingestion as well as yellow gums, breathing difficulties and weakness. If you suspect poisoning call your veterinarian immediately. If you catch the poisoning before the signs begin to show your cat has an excellent chance of survival.

Happy Easter everyone! I can't wait to meet the Easter Bunny. I figured if I dressed up like him he wouldn't be afraid and would maybe stick around and chat with my awhile. Have a wonderful holiday and be safe!

Tata for now!

seniors and food, superstitions, and dumb tricks

2011-04-11T18:16:00.000-04:00

Spring has come to the Upper Valley, the weather was warmer this weekend and my swimming pond is only covered by half with ice. My family is very backwards, they rake the leaves in the spring while other families rake them up in the fall!
The food drive at SAVES for Long Trail Canine Rescue and Meals for Paws, a Worthy Cause was unbelievable! Over 800lbs. of dry food and 360 cans were dropped off at the hospital on Saturday. The mound just kept growing. Mom says that everyone, but especially older people benefit so much from the companionship of dogs and cats. She also said that just petting one of us can lower your blood pressure! Seniors on fixed incomes have trouble finding money to feed their pets, so instead they sacrifice and feed them their own meals. Some interesting facts and links can be found at the Pet Project for Pets. Another cool site is the The Delta Society, improving human health through service and therapy animals.

I think I was put on this Earth to be my families source of amusement! First I get in trouble for digging a hole in the backyard, then they all laugh at me cause I'm covered in dirt! Humiliating!

Not sure what the big deal is, there is plenty of dirt for everyone! I read somewhere that some people eat dirt, maybe my mom should give it a try and she will get off my back!

The horses never get in trouble and they're always digging up the pasture. Geeez. My sister came home the other day and said she had heard a superstition that black dogs were bad luck! Well I may be bad luck but at least I'm not a grocery hog!

Not mentioning any names or anything.

Guess I don't mind being their source of humor. Each time they have me do this trick, I'm suppose to toss the bone in the air and catch it in my mouth, that's right, I miss and gobble it down and they get another bone and do it all over again. So whose the smart one?
Tata for now