Surface Creek Veterinary Center - January 2022

Surface Creek Veterinary Center - January 2022

January 2022 www.surfacecreekveterinarycenter.com 970-856-4474

SCVC Pawprint

AS EASY AS A WALK IN THE PARK Get Up, Get Out, and Take Your DogWith You

Second, walks are an excellent time to practice and reinforce training. Dogs certainly know how to walk, but we need to teach them how to go for a walk. If your dog tugs at the leash or jumps up at strangers, you've still got training to do. The best ways to teach your dog good behaviors are constant exposure, reinforcement, and discipline. Plus, once you teach your dog how to approach humans and other dogs appropriately, walks are an excellent time for socialization. Seeing new faces might become their favorite part of the activity. We’re all busy, and many people don’t walk their dogs because they feel like they don’t have the time. But it’s worth carving out a place in your schedule, not just for your dog’s sake, but for your own. Exercise helps dogs with their cardiovascular health, weight management, sleep, and stress relief. It can have the same benefits for you, especially when done regularly. Finally, people who walk their dogs have a better bond with them. All of that extra time spent together tends to be bonding, especially once you develop your own little routines. Having a loyal four-legged friend is likely one of the reasons you got a dog in the first place, and quality time will only draw you closer together. If you don’t get your dog out for a walk as often as you know you should, make it your new year’s resolution this year to create a new habit. It will benefit you, your pup, and your home. While being a great dog owner, just don't forget to be a good neighbor — carry bags, and pick up your pooch's poop! –Dr. Jeff

Happy new year, everyone! I hope

you had a festive and restful holiday season, but if you’re anything like me, you’re ready to get back to work. In 2022, we’re excited to open up a new practice in Hotchkiss. We originally aimed for 2021, but contractors

are hard to find these days, and I’m a pretty particular person. I want to thank Anthony, who has been helping with carpentry and leveling floors. His work has been great, and we hope to have news about the opening soon. January is National Walk Your Dog Month, and a new year is as good a time as any to remind everyone why time in the backyard alone is not enough to keep your dog happy and healthy. Believe it or not, most dogs would prefer a walk to a treat. Unfortunately, it’s a lot easier to reach for a Milk-Bone than to go through the process of taking your dog out for a stroll. Aside from being the highlight of your dog’s day, walks have a multitude of benefits. Though their lives look pretty easy to us, dogs can suffer from anxiety and depression, both of which exercise can help ease. To a dog, a trip outside is an adventure full of new sights, sounds, and most importantly, smells. During a walk around the block, they’ll take notice of all kinds of things you or I would walk right by, but they love every one of them. Regularly walked dogs tend to be better behaved as well. In my experience, that’s for two reasons. First, dogs with lots of pent-up energy often get it out in undesirable ways, damaging our ears and homes in the process. Tired dogs don't tend to make messes.

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THE NEW GIRL IN TOWN Meet Receptionist Heather Graham! The Best Companion

Heather Graham, Surface Creek Vet’s newest receptionist, is settling in nicely. Though she only started in November 2021, she has already made friends and become one of the team. Heather has six years of experience in reception work, but Surface Creek is the first veterinary office she’s worked in. As a lifelong animal lover, the job is a perfect fit. “I like working with the animals,” she says, “and I like the structure of the office and the friendliness of all my coworkers.” She spends her days answering phones, entering payment information, completing paperwork, and generally keeping the office clean. She also stocks food and fills prescriptions and medications. The biggest part of her job is checking patients in and out, and she loves getting to know the people and pets who walk through the doors. “It’s a nice change from other environments,” she says, and working for a vet is just what she had hoped for. Heather was born and raised in Napa, California. Last year, she moved to Colorado (to be closer to family) with her husband, Dalton; 9-year-old daughter, Paige; and two Australian shepherds, Mack and Lady. So far, they love the area. “We love the mountains, and we really like living where it snows. There are also a lot more outdoor activities,” she says. That’s good news because the family is outdoorsy. In their downtime, Heather says, they enjoy “swimming at the reservoir, hiking on the Mesa, and fishing.” They’re also still having lots of fun exploring their new surroundings, checking out the scenery, and trying different local restaurants. When asked her favorite thing about working at the office, Heather answers, “Everything!” She does, however, get a little more specific. “Everyone has a role, and everyone does their part to keep everything running smoothly. Everyone gets along with everyone else.” The animals are certainly cute, but in the end, people keep her coming back.

SKILLS THAT ENRICH US The Importance of Having a Hobby January is National Hobby Month, and since it falls at the beginning of the year, it’s the perfect time to try something new! Hobbies add variety to your life and ensure you aren't just living to work, so to speak. The best way to find a hobby you enjoy is to be open to new things. Whether it’s gardening, reading, drawing, running, fishing, crafting, or even beekeeping, finding an activity you enjoy is important. Here’s why!

Hobbies are stress relievers.

Hobbies offer a healthy escape from your busy lifestyle by keeping you engaged in something you find pleasure in. Instead of just relaxing on the couch and turning off your mind for a bit (which is totally acceptable sometimes), hobbies allow you to remain mentally productive while winding down at the same time.

Hobbies also provide eustress .

Believe it or not, one type of stress is deemed beneficial: eustress. If you aren’t overly stressed and are feeling a little under-stimulated, a hobby can provide activity for both your mind and body to keep you feeling excited about life and ready to take on new challenges and adventures.

Hobbies offer a social outlet.

Some hobbies involve group activities, such as bowling, sports teams, book clubs, and even wine tasting. Connecting with others offers the social support humans depend on to lead a healthy and fruitful life. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find some great friends who share the same passions as you!

Hobbies develop patience.

When you take on a new hobby, you are tasked with learning something new. Whether you’re practicing a new instrument, learning a different language, or figuring out how to make jewelry, a learning curve is involved. Building new skills takes patience, a very important attribute for success. Finding a hobby that suits you may take some exploration and trial and error, but it is all in good fun! Make it your goal to try something new or learn a new skill each month until you find something that sticks. Once you do, you’re sure to find that hobbies are both enjoyable and enriching!

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FINE FEATHERED FRIENDS

What You Need to Know Before Adopting a Bird While we see a variety of pets and farm animals, including chickens and ducks, pet birds are one animal we don't

your hands thoroughly after handling them or any of their things. Their cages need to be cleaned regularly in a designated area that's not used for food preparation. Birds can also bite or scratch, so you’ll want to stay up to date on your tetanus shots.

see in the clinic. Birds are considered exotic pets, but an estimated 5 million households have at least one. Jan. 5 is National Bird Day, so we thought it would be a great time to feature our winged companions. Birds can make for affectionate and rewarding pets, but for first-time bird owners, there’s a lot to consider. First, make sure to choose your species carefully. Different species have different temperaments, needs, and life spans — some birds live 100 years or more — so make sure you know what you’re getting into before you adopt. Building a proper bond with your bird requires training them, and you’ll probably need some training, too. Birds carry germs that can cause illnesses in people, so it’s vital to always wash

Humans aren’t the only ones at risk. You’ve heard that curiosity killed the cat, but it’s killed quite a few unfortunate birds, too. Nonstick cookware, scented candles, air fresheners, and some plants can be fatal, so you’ll have some bird-proofing to do for when they roam outside of their cages. Birds are intelligent and social creatures, so they need stimulation and enrichment. If they don’t receive it, they can become loud, depressed, or destructive. Most birds love training and playing games with their humans, so give them plenty of attention. You can also get a variety of solo toys for your bird to occupy their time and burn off some of their energy.

Finally, birds need just as much medical attention as dogs and cats do. Watch out for signs of ill health, including ruffled or dirty feathers, sluggishness, runny eyes or beak, and abnormal breathing.

If you have a pet bird, we recommend you schedule regular checkups and sick visits with an exotic animal veterinarian. If you’re willing to take good care of your bird, it will also take good care of you with companionship, affection, and loyalty.

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

Peanut Butter Dog Doughnut

Tom Gore Cora Johnston

Inspired by SunnyDayFamily.com

Charla Meeks Kenzie Bosher Jessica McLaren Mike & Julie Knight Lisa Wilson

INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS

(The dough will not rise, so be sure each space is packed tightly.) 5. Bake for 14 minutes or until cooked thoroughly. 6. Let cool, then carefully remove doughnuts from pan. 7. Dip each doughnut in yogurt 8. Freeze for about 5 minutes, then serve to your pup!

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.

• • • •

1 cup flour 1 cup oats

Spray a doughnut pan with cooking spray and set aside.

1/3 cup coconut oil

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except the yogurt and mix until a dough forms. 3. Using your hands, press dough into doughnut pan. 4. Fill each doughnut cavity and press down firmly.

1/2 cup peanut butter

• •

2 eggs

Greek yogurt

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

Celebrating National Walk Your Dog Month inside this issue

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Why Hobbies Are Important

Meet Heather Graham!

Considering a Pet Bird? Read This FIrst.

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Peanut Butter Dog Doughnut

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The Street Vet

SAVING THE LIVES OF HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS' PETS The Street Vet

office. “Keep in mind that they are with their pet every minute of every day,” he says. “That’s not the case with most of us.” He notes that seeing these special pet patients makes him feel as if he has a superpower. Dr. Stewart recalls that growing up, he wanted to be either a vet or Batman, and now, he gets the best of both worlds! Dr. Stewart often spends his spare time wandering the streets in search of pets that need his help, offering free vaccinations and medical care. He notes that the homeless population is just like us, but they have fallen on hard times, and their pets are their companions and lifelines. In helping

Veterinarian and animal advocate Dr. Kwane Stewart, known in his docuseries as “The Street Vet,” has his own veterinary practice in Modesto, California, but still makes a point to help the pets of the homeless population in town for free. He began this selfless act of heroism in 2011 after the Great Recession hit and has since helped well over 400 animals, even tending to a Burmese python at one point! About 25% of Modesto’s homeless population own a pet, and back in 2011, Dr. Stewart noticed that many needed medical attention. This tugged at his heart strings. Knowing that many would come for free pet medical

the pets, Dr. Stewart builds a special bond with their owners. To be able to make a difference in the lives of sweet, innocent animals and their owners is the most rewarding type of work — the dream job Dr. Stewart could have never even conjured up before he selflessly started

attention if he set up a table near a soup kitchen, Dr. Stewart jumped at the opportunity. What he thought would be a one-time event eventually turned into a regular act of heroism.

Now, Dr. Stewart has the ability to step in and save the day for both the pet and owner at no cost. Dr. Stewart has found that the bond between homeless individuals and their pets is unlike any that he sees in his

living it. Interestingly, Dr. Stewart graduated in the same veterinary class as Dr. Jeff and Dr. Susie.

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