Surface Creek Veterinary Center - March 2022

Surface Creek Veterinary Center - March 2022

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

SCVC Pawprint WHEN THE STUDENT BECOMES THE Teacher WHAT MY KIDS HAVE TAUGHT ME as a result. I can be a hothead, and when one of the kids does something mindless, I want to blow up at them and yell, “What were you thinking?!” But I’ve had to learn that I can’t throw a temper tantrum — I need to be the adult in the room. It has served me well at work, in life, and certainly in traffic. I also have a history of being a bit of a control freak — and especially with your first kid, you’re panicked all the time. It seems like your baby is always breathing funny, developing a cough, or making some noise you never knew was in the human vocal range. It felt awful being constantly paranoid and helpless. But as the kids got older, I learned more about what to expect.

student in Poland. Unlike when they were young and at home, I can’t argue with a teacher on their behalf, hug them, or take them out to lunch to make them feel better whenever they're having a bad day. It’s hard when you can't fix everything, and I’m still learning. As a parent, you make mistakes, and you must admit you were wrong and reverse course. The same is true in veterinary medicine, and having kids has helped me be a better doctor to my patients. Years ago, people would ask to space out their pet vaccinations, telling me how bad their dog or cat felt the next day, but I wouldn’t budge on the issue. That is until my daughter got what felt like 100 shots in one day and ended up at the emergency roomwith a high fever. Now, I realize the human side more. Both pets and children need all of those recommended vaccinations — but maybe there is no real benefit to giving them all at once. I've learned to be more empathetic and have changed my thought process. At the end of the day, I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a father to four wonderful children and receive all of the lessons they’ve taught me over the years. I wouldn’t be the man I am today without them in my life, and I definitely think the change has been for the better.

If you have kids of your own, you know that no other experience can compare. You start to appreciate things much more, including everything your parents did for you. It’s hard to truly understand their sacrifices until you’re awake with four sick kids in the middle of the night, wondering how you’ll all make it through. Only then do you realize how much hard work it takes to raise children. March 21 is National Teenager Day, and I have three of them— ages 18, 16, and 15 — plus an 11-year-old tween. Of course, everyone thinks their kids are incredible, and I’m no exception. All four of them are intelligent and well-adjusted, despite my influence. While Susie is grounded, I tend to be the nervous type who always needs a plan. But even after being exposed to my neurosis, they’ve turned out pretty normal.

That’s not to say that it's easy now because raising older kids comes with its own unique set of challenges. There’s still a part of me that wants to tell my kid who they should date and where they should go to college, but I know it’s not really up to me. My oldest daughter is in college, and my second recently spent time as an exchange

–Dr. Jeff

Having children has been a blessing for me in more ways than one, and I’ve become a better person

We get it — things come up. That’s why we don’t charge a cancellation fee for missed appointments. But we ask that you give us 24-hour advance notice when you can't make your scheduled slot. When you cancel with less than 24-hour notice, we now require a pre-paid $50 deposit to reschedule. If you keep your rescheduled appointment, we will apply the deposit to your veterinary bill. If you miss your rescheduled appointment, the fee is nonrefundable. This policy is in place to ensure appointment slots do not go to waste and we can treat as many pets as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

New Appointment Cancellation Policy

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In 2021, Melinda Jean, who goes by Moe, secured both a new job and a new hometown. Her family moved to the area from Phoenix in July, and in December, she started her new role at Surface Creek Vet as one of our veterinary technicians. “I’ve always liked animals,” she says. When choosing her career, she says, “It was either animals or nails, and I went with animals!” She has now been a veterinary tech for 13 years. But her new role is different, she explains, because “for the past 12 years, I worked in emergency veterinary medicine overnight in Phoenix.” So far, she’s enjoying the quieter pace, and she also helps pet owners learn how to prevent health issues before they become a problem. “I love educating clients so their animals can live longer and healthier lives,” Moe says. “I also enjoy the challenges of medicine because there are always new and different ways of doing things.” At Surface Creek, she’s had her first experience working with livestock, and she’s enjoying learning to care for animals that aren’t domestic pets. Moe has four dogs and two cats at home — they were all strays she met in the pet ER in Phoenix. Since she’s currently living with her in-laws, she also has two horses nearby. With her husband, mother, in-laws, two of three sons, and one son’s girlfriend all in the house, they’re now a big happy family of eight on a six-acre plot. Her husband’s parents moved to Colorado years ago, and during their visits, Moe and her husband fell in love with the area, eventually deciding to move. “I’m really looking forward to when the lakes thaw and I can go fishing again,” she says. Another favorite pastime is driving her Jeep on trails. “The mesa is gorgeous,” she adds, “and it’s a lot better than the Phoenix sun!” Moe is excited to be in her new role. “I really like the doctors because it’s easy for me to ask questions without feeling like I’m doing something wrong,” she says. “They’re very supportive and patient. Even though I’m still getting to know them, so far, they’re very easy to work with.” Plus, she adds, “It’s a fun office, and your day goes by a lot faster when you’re having fun!” NEW HOMETOWN, SAME PASSION FOR ANIMALS Meet Melinda Jean! The Best Companion

WEARABLE TECH … FOR YOUR PET? If you don’t have a smartwatch or fitness tracker, you almost certainly know someone who does. Wearable tech is big business. Companies have already introduced options for adults and kids, and the next frontier is tech for your pet. Pet wearables are already on the market, and consumers have shown a willingness to spend money on their furry companions. So, what does pet tech do — and is it worth your money? D g and Cat Gadgets Ar Hitting the Market A missing pet is every owner’s worst nightmare, and sadly, many animals don’t make it home safe. Microchipping has become common, but a standard chip only assists if someone else finds your pet and brings them to a vet or shelter. Wearable GPS technology, however, tells you how to find Fido now. With a small device, owners can constantly monitor their pets’ locations and quickly find their whereabouts if they get lost. Most pet GPS trackers also serve as activity monitors. Owners of outdoor cats can keep tabs on where they’re spending their time and whether they might be encountering dangerous situations. You can also learn whether your pet is getting enough exercise or if you need to increase their playtime. It's fun to see a map of where your cat has been — but seeing the world through their eyes is even better. Pet cameras attach to animals' collars and record everything from their point of view. If you regularly leave your pet in someone else’s care, the camera can function as a safety device to ensure they’re being treated properly — and that you’re getting your money’s worth. Wearables for your pet also provide convenience. For households with multiple pets, there are now food and water bowls that dispense only when a certain microchip is present. And a pet sensor for your doggie door is practical if you want the dog to go in and out of the house without bringing along other animals. If you’re worried about your pet’s safety, investing in one of these devices can give you peace of mind — money well spent. But if you’re just curious about how many steps your cat takes each day or hate getting up to feed the dog, it might be worth waiting. As they become more commonplace, pet wearables, like their human counterparts, will eventually decrease in price.

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HOLEY MOLEY! Stop Your Dog From Digging As much as you love your dog, no one wants a backyard filled with holes. They’re unsightly, messy, and even dangerous. Plus, if your dog favors digging near the fence, it’s not great for neighbor relations. But some dogs really love to dig. So what can you do to protect your lawn — and your sanity?

Next, you’ll want to ensure that your dog has all the exercise, entertainment, and attention they need. Take your dog on two walks a day, play fetch, get them new toys to chew on, and give them plenty of belly rubs. If they don’t have excess energy to burn and have other, more appealing activities to engage in, they’re less likely to dig. Your dog may also be detecting the presence of rodents in your yard and consequently following their scent. It’s instinctual hunting behavior. Call an exterminator and ask them to assess your yard for invasive pests. If any are present, they’ll know how to get rid of them.

Digging is an instinctual behavior in dogs, tracing back to their wolf ancestry. Dogs dig to hunt prey, hide their food, cool down or conceal themselves, or try to escape an enclosed area. In some cases, humans have made this instinct stronger by breeding certain dogs for their digging skills. So, you’re facing an uphill battle, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do. Since you can’t ask your dog why they’re digging, you’ll likely have to try several preventive methods. Start by making sure your dog is comfortable, with adequate shelter and shade, so they won’t have to create their own.

If nothing works, your dog may just really love to dig. To save the rest of your yard, consider creating a designated digging area filled with loose soil and buried toys and treats. Praise your dog when they use this area, and redirect them if they start digging elsewhere. It may not be ideal, but it will be an improvement over what you had before.

Finally, remember that punishment after the fact doesn’t work. Your dog won't connect the discipline to the digging, and they’re only doing what comes naturally. If you need specific tips on how to get your dog to stop tearing up the yard, feel free to ask for additional guidance during your next vet visit.

Sardine and Flaxseed Cat Treats Inspired by HomemadeDogTreatsNow.com

Clients Spreading the Word

Kari Kuta Dina McEwen Frank Dorrington Richard Belden Dottie Whitlock

Rick Witt Cody Purcell Janet King Allen Minerich Sandi Medina

INGREDIENTS

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3 4-oz packages of sardines

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1/2 cup whole-wheat flour

1 egg

2 tbsp flaxseed 1/4 cup parsley

2 tsp coconut oil

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. 3. In a large bowl, mix together flour, flaxseed, and parsley. 4. Place the sardines, egg, and oil in a food processor, and mix until finely puréed. 5. In the bowl, combine the wet ingredients with the dry, stirring to combine. 6. Line a counter or cutting board with flour and roll dough out to 1/4-inch thickness. 7. Using a cookie cutter, cut out small shapes. 8. Bake the treats on the lined baking sheet for 10–12 minutes. 9. Allow to cool. Store in an airtight container.

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Dr. Jeff’s Lessons in Parenting inside this issue Inside the Hot New Pet Tech Market

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Meet Veterinary Tech Melinda Jean!

How to Stop Your Dog From Digging

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Sardine and Flaxseed Cat Treats

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Create a Keepsake for Good Luck Year Round

BUT FIND THE ELUSIVE GOOD-LUCK CHARM FIRST Make a 4-Leaf Clover Keepsake

One of St. Patrick’s Day’s most popular symbols is a four-leaf clover. In Ireland, these clovers represent luck and good fortune. Each leaf on the clover has a different meaning — faith, hope, love, and success. It’s a tradition to find a four-leaf clover on St. Patrick’s Day and do activities involving this lucky leaf. So, how do you find these good-luck charms, and what can you do with them? How to Find a 4-Leaf Clover Although it may seem difficult, it’s easier than you might think. First, find a dense patch of white clover — near it is where four-leaf clovers reside. They are different from the rest and are often smaller, so keep that in mind when you look for the lucky green clovers. Instead of staring at the patch in close detail and counting leaves, search the patch without focusing on the tiny details. This increases the odds of eyeing a four-leaf clover because the different patterns, shapes, and sizes of these clovers will jump out at you. If you find one, keep looking! There’s a chance another one might be nearby.

Clover Craft Once you find your clover, preserve the luck in it all year by placing it in a picture frame. First, gently press the clover leaves between the pages of a large book for several days to flatten them out. After pressing, you can add green food coloring to your clover to enhance its color. Once it’s dry, clean it and let it sit overnight. Then, place your clover onto

acid-free paper, cut to fit the size of a picture frame of your choice. Next, use acid-free glue to keep your clover in place, and finally, seal your frame shut. You now have your personal good luck charm! Searching for a four-leaf clover and creating a keepsake will be a great bonding experience for you and your family. We wish you luck! Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

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