Buddy Needs a Home - Can you Help?

Buddy’s owner recently died and he needs a new home. He is a 4-5 yr old Greyhound/hound mix male. Buddy is neutered and current on all shots and vet care. Buddy is social and gets along well with adults, kids, and other animals including other dogs and cats. He has been around kids from infants to teens, lived with a cat and another dog. Buddy is a dog that likes to be outside if his people aren’t home but wants to be inside with people when they are home. He is used to being outside during the day while his owner was at work. Buddy does not tolerate being crated – so do not plan on keeping him in any kind of crate. Buddy does take medication twice a day because he is anxious, though the medication is very inexpensive. If you are interested in providing Buddy a loving home, please contact Barb Lind at 319-504-1489. References will be checked to ensure Buddy goes to a good home. Buddy was much loved and needs a family to continue to give him the home and love he deserves!

Have We Seen Your Cat Lately?

The majority of cats are not receiving the medical attention they deserve. Though cats outnumber dogs as pets in the U.S., fewer cats receive annual veterinary exams. Feline visits fell from 70.8 million in 2001 to 63.3 million in 2006, even as the number of cat-owning households increased.

The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommend a minimum of one wellness exam per year for cats and more frequent exams for those cats with medical or behavioral issues. Cats don’t always display signs of illness to their owners, and wellness exams and routine blood work can help detect concerns before they become life-threatening problems. Progression of medical conditions like kidney disease or heart disease can be slowed with proper medical treatment resulting in a longer, happier life for your cat.
Of cats that visit the vet at least once a year, only 22% receive vaccinations for any disease other than rabies. With vaccines available to help keep our cats safe and healthy, why take the risk of them getting feline leukemia or distemper? Without a current rabies vaccination, your cat is at risk for contracting this fatal disease from a bat that may find its way into your home. After a potential rabies exposure, your cat may need to be quarantined or even euthanized depending on the circumstances.
Even if your cat is a strictly indoor cat, they can still pick up various parasites such as fleas and intestinal worms. Some of these parasites can then be passed onto the human members of your family. An annual exam and stool sample analysis will help to catch the infestations early and minimize illness to you and your cat.
One reason cats are taken to the vet less often than dogs may be that pet owners feel that traveling is more stressful to a cat. This can be remedied in a number of ways. Start by using a top-loading carrier so the cat can be easily placed into and removed from it. Create a comfortable environment inside the carrier with a favorite blanket and toy. Withhold food before the trip to reduce motion sickness and drape a blanket or towel over the carrier to minimize stress.
It can be very tempting to trivialize the importance of an exam, blood work, vaccinations, and stool sample analysis, but would you consider doing these things to allow your cat to live a longer, healthier life? On behalf of your cat, schedule an annual wellness visit today.
Chad Smith, D.V.M.

Pet of the Month - November 2010 - K8 Rastetter

K8 Rastetter was born on March 14, 2007 in the kitchen of Mark and Donna Rastetter. She was one of 9 puppies that were well loved, even rocked and sang to when they were young. The rest of her siblings were adopted by other families, but K8 worked her way into Mark and Donna’s heart. She loves playing with her tennis ball, and needs her daily walks to use up some of her unending energy. She recently graduated from P.E.T.P.A.L.S. and now is able to provide companionship and therapy to many who need companionship from a pet. P.E.T.P.A.L.S. is a non-profit organization that that has been in operation for 27 years which serves Black Hawk county. They provide volunteer opportunities for animal and human interaction by visiting local nursing homes, hospitals, group homes, schools, and other facilities with approved pets. K8 visited Friendship Village this past month for the first time and loved the attention she received from those she visited. K8 is a special dog who will use her love to impact many lives.

To learn more about P.E.T.P.A.L.S. contact Rachelle Yousefi 277-7418.