Surface Creek Veterinary Center - August 2021

August 2021 www.surfacecreekveterinarycenter.com 970-856-4474

SCVC Pawprint WHAT’S NEW?

and drugs like morphine that help eliminate pain and suffering in the short term. While these seem unequivocally “good” at face value, I think it’s also important to note that each innovation has also had some unintended and unforeseen consequences. The internet and smartphones are obvious examples of this. While we’re able to communicate instantaneously in more ways today than ever before, we’ve also lost some of the face-to-face connections we used to have. We’re communicating more, but are we doing it better? In some cases, the answer is probably “yes,” but these technological innovations aren’t without their downsides. I think it’s important to bear that in mind. Our jobs here at the clinic would look entirely different without X-ray machines, computers, and the medications we’ve come to rely on, but I always try to remember — and I caution my clients as well — to be careful what we wish for. "Newest" doesn’t always mean "best," and while some technologies are pushing progress forward, there may be some important things that get left behind in the frenzy. Dr. Jeff and Dr. Susie

named National Inventors Month — is devoted to celebrating inventors and their inventions.

This reminds me of an interesting conversation I had with a client the other day. His dog has cancer, and the client was saying he wished they’d invent a cure for cancer. It’s always difficult to see a pet (not to mention a family member or other loved one) go through cancer and the corresponding treatments. And it’s also true that cancer wasn’t a common cause of pet illness and death even just decades ago. Why is that? Well, new medications and technologies have made it so that our pets can live longer. This is also true of humans. We see all kinds of new illnesses and diseases that we didn’t see before simply because we’re all living longer, and so are our pets. The unfortunate downside is that we now must live with different ailments that come with old age. How does that tie in with Inventors Month? There are so many inventions that have changed our society irreversibly. Think of the printing press, the steam engine, the computer, and the internet. You can also think of antibiotics like penicillin that are life-saving

Almost 400,000 patents were filed in the U.S. last year. While you may think that people have had more time on their hands to invent new things and file for a patent because of the pandemic, that number has been relatively stable for quite a while. Worldwide, the U.S. is always one of the countries with the most patents filed each year. Ingenuity is very American, after all. Perhaps that’s why the whole month of August — aptly Considering the Many Effects of Inventions

JPL's first digital computer

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Anysia Hovel has been interested in studying medicine since she was little. She took trips to the library, many times returning with books on human anatomy and medical science. Along with this passion, she also had a love for animals. As Anysia got older and began thinking about what she wanted to study in college and pursue in her career, she figured why not combine her love of animals and medicine? Those passions have made Anysia a perfect fit as a veterinary assistant here at Surface Creek Veterinary Center. She’s only been with us for five or six months, but in that time, she’s demonstrated a love for her job that will carry her throughout her future studies and career, whatever that may be. As of right now, Anysia, a high school senior, plans on studying to become a veterinarian “or just anything having to do with animals and medicine,” Anysia said. She really likes her job and loves getting to assist the doctors with whatever they need. On any given day, you’ll probably find Anysia helping restrain animals, doing blood work, or setting up for surgery. Even though the job comes with a lot of responsibilities, Anysia finds her work incredibly rewarding. Her favorite part of the job is seeing sick animals come into the center, helping figure out what’s wrong, fixing the problem, then seeing the personality change in the animal. COMBINING A PASSION FOR ANIMALS AND MEDICINE Why Anysia Hovel Loves Her Job as a Veterinary Assistant The Best Companion

‘OUCH, MY FEET!’

If you love to run, hike, or take long walks, then you’re probably familiar with "the new shoe dilemma." It happens in your head and goes something like this: “I really need new shoes; my old ones are falling apart!” “Are you sure? They’re expensive.” “I’m sure.” “But what about the break-in period? It hurts! You can wait another month, right?” The break-in period is the uncomfortable 2–3-week period when your shoes feel new or stiff, and don’t fit quite right. You might even end up with sore feet or a blister. Unfortunately, it’s crucial that you suffer through this rough patch to ensure you’re not stuck with falling-apart, unsupportive shoes. Here are three ways to make the process less painful. 1. Start slow. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, you should break in new shoes over the course of a few days. Start with one hour in the morning and one in the afternoon. Then, if your feet still feel good, increase the time frame until you’re comfortable wearing them all day. 2. Rotate your footwear. A 2013 sports medicine study found that runners who rotate between two pairs of shoes can lower their risk of running-related injuries by 39%. After your new shoes have made it through the “slow start” process, consider keeping your old ones in rotation for a few more weeks so you’ll be less likely to hurt yourself. 3. Listen to your body. Having proper footwear is crucial to the health of your feet, knees, hips, and lower back (your weight distribution starts in your feet, after all!), so pay attention to how those areas feel during the break-in process. Are you still walking differently after a day or two in your new shoes? Does a part of your body ache that didn’t before? That’s more than the break-in blues! Your new footwear could do long- term damage to your body, so invest in a new pair or visit a podiatrist or physical therapist for help. Want to learn more about the fickle relationship between humans and shoes? Check out “These Shoes Are Killing Me!” an episode of the “Freakonomics Radio” podcast that aired May 19, 2017. The Right Way to Break in New Shoes

“I really like my job,” Anysia said. “It’s a good place to work and to have your animals come.”

Out of all the animals that come through the doors at Surface Creek, Anysia loves seeing golden retrievers and Labs the best. “They’re just so happy to be around people,” she said. Outside of being a veterinary assistant, Anysia is also a part of her school’s swim team and an officer in her school’s FFA chapter. You might also find her hiking, paddleboarding, or hanging out with friends and family.

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AUG. 26 IS NATIONAL DOG DAY!

Ideas to Celebrate With Your Canine Aug. 26 is National Dog Day! It’s a great time to shower your canine pals with

Don’t forget the

of the day. While we have our routine walking loops, consider letting your dog take the lead to walk you on National Dog Day. One word: treats! While you may be tempted to feed your dog from your favorite meal, resist the urge and instead give them their favorite dog-friendly treat. Choose a food or treat puzzle toy to keep them busy and happy for a while, or make a gourmet frozen treat using a pet-friendly recipe from DogTipper.com. Make a date. Dogs may be man’s best friend, but sometimes, it’s nice for them to romp with their own kind. If your pup has a favorite dog pal, schedule an outdoor play date at a mutually loved location. If you have a younger dog, head to the dog park and let them make some new friends.

shelter dogs. If you’re a pet lover but not a dog owner, let Aug. 26 be your reason to start volunteering at

extra love and spend some time volunteering at your local animal shelter or give a donation to make sure dogs everywhere have the best life possible. Here are a few ideas for how to maximize the day. Teach a new trick. Mental stimulation is great for your dog’s brain, and it’s a good way for the two of you to bond. Plus, contrary to the popular phrase, even old dogs can learn new tricks! There are plenty of great online tutorials. Get started by looking up the Kikopup or Dunbar Academy channel on YouTube. Let your dog take you for a walk. Getting your dog outside to stretch their legs, plus sniffing new things is always a highlight

your local animal shelter. Take a shelter dog for a walk or bring some toys for a fun play session so they can get their energy out. Short on time? You can also donate to the shelter. Submitting the donation in your favorite pet's name is a great way to honor them.

We hope that you and your furry family members will have a great National Dog Day!

Clients Spreading the Word Thanks so much to these clients who referred new patients to us last month:

Chewy Chicken Catnip Treats Inspired by JoyTheBaker.com

INGREDIENTS

• • • •

2 tbsp water

• •

1 large egg

1 cup brown rice flour

1 4-oz can of your cat’s favorite wet food

1/2 cup cooked rice (white or brown)

Sharon Pierce Kelly Hayungs Winnie Hirsch

Trina Baker Carrie Williams Leslie Parker

• •

1/4 cup parsley, chopped

1 tbsp catnip

2 tsp olive oil

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 325 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together egg, wet food, parsley, oil, and water until well combined. 3. Add rice flour and cooked rice, stirring to incorporate. 4. Spread mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. It should be about 1/3-inch thick. 5. Bake for 10–12 minutes, then remove from oven and let cool just enough to handle. Slice

into bite-size pieces then return to the oven to bake for another 8 minutes. 6. Remove from oven and let cool completely before serving to your feline.

We Reward Referrals!

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

WWW.SURFACECREEKVETERINARYCENTER.COM | 970-856-4474

17800 HANSON RD. CEDAREDGE, CO 81413

1 2 The Consequences of Inventions inside this issue The Right Way to Break in New Shoes

Employee Spotlight On: Anysia Hovel

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How to Celebrate National Dog Day

Thanks For Your Referrals!

Chewy Chicken Catnip Treats

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Meet Odin, the Fireproof Dog

THIS GREAT PYRENEES GUIDED HIS GOATS THROUGH A WILDFIRE Meet Odin, the Fireproof Dog

Not only did Odin survive the fire and run right up to the Hendels for belly rubs, but he also kept every single one of his goats safe! A few wild deer even joined the goats, and he shepherded them through unscathed. The incredible story made the news, and Odin became a local legend. Unfortunately, even legends don’t live forever. This April, Odin passed away after a long life of tail-wagging, treat-eating, and goat-saving. In his honor, Great Pyrenees Rescue of Missouri gifted the Hendels two new Great Pyrenees pups: Buddy and Snowflake. They’re following in Odin’s pawsteps, protecting the goats he loved so much.

goat-herding dog, Odin, refused to abandon them. Great Pyrenees are prized livestock guardian dogs that will do anything to protect their charges, and Odin lived up to his breed. "I said, ‘Okay, Odin, take care of the goats. You'll be fine,’" Roland Hendel told ABC News. Both Hendels were sure they were seeing their dog for the last time. Their hearts sank even further when they heard their home had burned down completely. But on a trip back to examine the ashes, something amazing happened. “In the distance, I saw Odin's tail," Roland told ABC. "Sure enough, there was Odin coming at the head of all his goats."

In October 2017, California was in flames. One of those

blazes was the Tubbs Fire, which charred its way through 36,800 miles of forests and vineyards in both Napa and Sonoma County. More than 5,600 buildings were destroyed, and 22 people were killed. But when the flames finally died, a four- legged hero emerged from the ashes: Odin, the Great Pyrenees dog. Odin belonged to Ariel and Roland Hendel, two farmers in Sonoma County. When the Tubbs Fire threatened to char their home, they packed up as many of their animals and precious items as they could. Unfortunately, their flock of goats wouldn’t fit in the getaway vehicle — and their

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