Surface Creek Veterinary Center - December 2021

Surface Creek Veterinary Center - December 2021

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

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A WONDERFUL CHRISTMASTIME Our Family’s Favorite Traditions

own vehicle, so you get picked up by a snow coach and dropped off at the lodge. The geysers are quite majestic because the water instantly turns to steam. Even better, the place is mostly deserted, so you get a front-row view. Our Christmas will be a little different this year because it’s the first time we won’t have the whole family together. My oldest daughter will be coming home from her first year at college to celebrate with us, but my second-oldest is doing an exchange student program in Poland, and she won’t return until January. While this was something she wanted to do, we know she’s homesick, and we miss her a lot. It will probably be a little sad, and definitely quieter than normal, but I know we’ll manage. From all of us here at Surface Creek Vet, we wish you a happy and restful holiday season. Here’s to family, friends, and a fresh start in 2022.

She and the kids honestly do most of the work. We have a pine

tree field in our backyard, so we just go outside and cut one down.

Everyone else likes to decorate and listen to Christmas music, and I’ll sit with them and have a drink while they decorate. I’m not big on the Christmas spirit, but they manage to drag it out of me every year. I do love watching the old “Rudolph the Red- Nosed Reindeer” special that comes on TV every year. It’s so outdated, but the Bumble and Misfit Toys always bring about memories of my time as a kid in the ‘60s. “A Charlie Brown Christmas” is another old favorite. You couldn’t just cue up the movie then — you had to wait until it came on TV during its scheduled slot, or you missed it. Those movies are great to watch as a family because they still appeal to a kid’s sensibility while always leaving something new for the adults to enjoy. In years past, we’ve used Christmas break to visit Yellowstone National Park, when it’s far less crowded than during the summer months. During winter, you can’t enter the park in your

When I was a kid, Christmas didn’t start until the night before. Leading up to the big day, there were no lights, no tree, no presents — but come Christmas morning, it would all be there. As a kid, it seemed like magic. As I got older, I realized my dad must have stayed up all night putting up the tree, getting the lights hung on the house, and making everything look great. I honestly don’t know how he did it. Susie would put up the tree in August if I didn’t object, but once we had kids, I suggested that we recreate the experience I had as a kid by doing everything the night before. “How about you do it the night before?” she replied. So, of course, we do it her way and the tree goes up during the first or second week of December.

–Dr. Jeff

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Rachelle Smith has always enjoyed caring for others — that’s why she spent seven years working as an LPN. “I love health care and being able to help someone feel better,” she says. But recently, she decided to try something new. “I originally started in human medicine,” she says, “but I’m finding now that I enjoy working with animals.” She’s been at Surface Creek Vet for a couple months now, working as a vet technician in training. Since this is her first veterinary job, Rachelle has learned a lot quickly. “It’s pretty busy,” she says, “so I jump in wherever I’m needed and pick up whatever I can.” Her responsibilities include maintaining cleanliness, monitoring the animals, and checking their vitals. Soon, she hopes to be able to give injections and perform other minor procedures. Rachelle has spent most of her life in Colorado and loves living in the area. She has three children — an 11-year-old son and daughters who are 7 and 3 — and she’s been married to her husband, Kory, for six and a half years. They live with Veyla, a pit bull, and a cat named Chunky. “My daughter named her,” Rachelle laughs. When she’s not caring for animals or other humans, Rachelle enjoys hiking but notes, “I don’t get to go as often as I want.” She also enjoys arts and crafts, especially sewing, and she’s made several stuffed animals for her children. Above all else, she loves spending time with her family. “I’ve always had a passion for animals and taking care of them,” Rachelle says. “So it’s a joy to be able to do that.” So far, she’s enjoying learning the ropes and working with the team at Surface Creek Vet. “They strive to do good here and help everybody as much as they can,” she says. That attitude aligns perfectly with her own values, making the office a perfect fit. CARING FOR HUMANS AND ANIMALS Meet Veterinary Technician Rachelle Smith! The Best Companion

MEET YOUR NEW FAVORITE WINTER SPORT Snowshoeing Is a Fun, Easy Option for All Ages When celebrities jet off to Aspen, Colorado, for their winter vacations, they might not all be going to ski. According to Forbes, Aspen is also a top snowshoeing destination — and that’s a sport that celebrities and ordinary people of all ages can enjoy. Snowshoeing is a simple activity that dates back at least 6,000 years. It involves strapping large flipper-like attachments called snowshoes to your boots. The attachments distribute your weight and let you walk over banks of powder without sinking. You can use them to navigate flat plains, rolling hills, or steep mountains depending on the type of shoe you invest in.

On top of its unique history, these three major perks to snowshoeing just might make it your favorite winter sport.

1. If you can walk, you can snowshoe! Unlike other energy-intensive sports like skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing is safe and relatively easy for folks of all ages. Some outdoorsmen and women snowshoe into their 70s and beyond, so a snowshoe outing is a great way for grandparents and grandkids to bond while getting some aerobics in. 2. Speaking of aerobics, snowshoeing is also a great workout . When you strap on your snowshoes, you can burn up to 50% more calories than you would while hiking (depending on your pace and the type of terrain). Athletes who want to really amp up the exercise can even invest in jogging snowshoes! 3. Last but not least, snowshoeing is scenic! When you’re whizzing down a mountain on a snowboard or skis, you don’t have time to take in the view. But on snowshoes, you can soak up all of the winter beauty around you. You can even bring your camera along on your trek to capture pictures of any flora and fauna you see. If you want to try snowshoeing this winter, make sure you start with an easy trail and consult your doctor and/or physical therapist before you go. Always bring along a backpack of emergency supplies like a blanket and first aid kit, too, and consider purchasing or renting hiking poles along with your snowshoes to boost your stability. For more insider tips, visit SnowshoeMag.com.

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HOLIDAY HAZARDS FOR YOUR PET

And How to Avoid Them Every year, our practice treats a variety of pet ailments caused by holiday mishaps, some of which are quite

Christmas Trees A toppled Christmas tree is a danger to both you and the unwitting pet beneath it, so your tree needs to be securely anchored. Ideally, dogs should be barred from getting too close (with a playpen or baby gate). No barrier will stop a determined cat from climbing into a live tree, so artificial options are recommended for homes with cats. Still, these can pose their own danger; many cats like to eat the plastic needles, which causes vomiting and potential stomach blockages. Keep a watchful eye on their habits around the tree.

free; cats love to eat the

stuff, which ends in an obstructed digestive tract. Use plastic ornaments on the tree to avoid shattered glass when your feline friend

serious. Many pet owners don’t realize the hidden dangers their annual festivities can cause, so we’re sharing the top three hazards your pet is likely to encounter during your celebration. Here’s what to watch out for. Family Dinner Your pet is a part of your family, so it’s natural that you’d want to include them in your big holiday meal. A little bit of meat never hurt any dog or cat, right? Wrong. Animals can be very sensitive to changes in diet, and fatty foods especially can lead to countless cases of animal pancreatitis every holiday season. Plus, common seasonings like onion, garlic, and chives are toxic to pets. Find another way to include your furry friend in the fun.

mistakes it for a toy, and finally, don’t bring real mistletoe, holly, or poinsettias into the house — they’re toxic to pets. We’re here for you and your pet when you need urgent care; but as much as we love seeing your animals, it’s best to avoid an unexpected post- holiday visit. Know the dangers so that your whole family — including the four-legged members

Decorations Many people chuckle during the scene in “Christmas Vacation” when the cat gets

— can enjoy a safe and happy

electrocuted by the tree lights, but we promise it’s no laughing matter in real life. Cats do love to chew on wires, so make sure they’re inaccessible. Any cat-friendly house should also be tinsel-

holiday season.

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

Your Cat’s Favorite Trout Dinner Inspired by Cats.LoveToKnow.com

Jennifer Matamoros Nancy Taylor Cydney Jones Destiny Willette Toni Hanna Jo Applegate John & Sue Triebwasser

Like their wild, big cat ancestors, domestic felines are carnivores. So, have some fun and give your favorite kitty the purrfect meal this holiday season.

INGREDIENTS

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1 cup cooked trout (remove all bones)

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1 tbsp broccoli, steamed and chopped

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1 egg yolk, cooked

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2 tbsp sunflower oil

DIRECTIONS

1. In a food processor, combine all ingredients and blend. 2. Refrigerate for up to three days.

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 Meet Your New Favorite Winter Sport inside this issue

Dr. Jeff Shares His Family’s Christmas Traditions

Meet Rachelle Smith!

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Keep Your Pet Safe From Holiday Hazards

Thanks for Your Referrals!

Your Cat’s Favorite Trout Dinner

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Helping Hands Monkey Helpers for the Win

No Monkeying Around

HELPING HANDS MONKEY HELPERS FOR THE WIN

Each human applicant and the capuchin monkeys undergo a pairing process to find the best fit for placement! A social worker and placement specialist work together to sift through applications and determine which monkeys will be the right choice for the applicants based on lifestyle preferences and the tasks that will be most helpful to the person with disabilities. Plus, Helping Hands Monkey Helpers ensures that the monkeys are completely free of charge to the recipients! The human-animal bond created along the journey after placement is absolutely beautiful. Helping Hands Monkey Helpers brings love, companionship, and laughter to many who are fortunate enough to work with the organization. These monkeys are the best, hands down. And, monkeys, thank you for going to monkey college, and thank you for your service!

You’ve heard of service dogs, but what about service monkeys? For many years now, capuchin monkeys have been lending helping hands to people with disabilities! Helping Hands Monkey Helpers, located at Monkey College in Boston, Massachusetts, is a nonprofit organization designed to help people with disabilities and mobility issues, such as quadriplegia, by pairing them with a monkey service animal. These simian helpers are specifically trained to help with daily tasks while providing companionship, happiness, and a renewed sense of purpose that many struggle with when navigating an injury or disability. When monkeys graduate, they will have developed the ability to navigate major household appliances and electronics as well as basic items within the home. They can even retrieve a canned beverage from the refrigerator, open it, and put a straw in it! A service monkey can also assist with retrieving things that are dropped or out of reach, turning pages in a book, scratching an itch, pushing buttons on electronic devices, and performing other menial tasks within the home.

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