Surface Creek Veterinary Center - May 2021

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

SCVC Pawprint

OUR OLDEST IS GRADUATING Congratulations, Winnie!

Though Susie and I are proud, this all comes with mixed emotions. I’m a typical nervous dad who’s worried about sending his firstborn off into the world! One day she told me she was thinking of moving to Phoenix to become a real estate agent, and I started realizing how little I can really do to protect her as she comes into her own as an adult. I know Susie and I both hope she’ll stick closer to home, take some baby steps out into the world, and find her footing slowly. We’ll see what happens! Since she’s the oldest, Winnie does most of the “firsts” of her siblings. Sometimes that means she gets more of that anxious dad energy than the other three! This time is a learning curve for all of us. I know she’s excited for this next phase in her life, and despite any nerves or fear, Susie and I are here for her 100%, and we’re proud of all she’s accomplished so far. Congratulations, Winnie! And congratulations to all the other graduates tossing their caps this month. Dr. Susie & Jeff Hirsch

books when she was 12 years old, and that landed her several TV interviews. She’s long been interested in entrepreneurship and runs a successful pet-sitting and dog-walking business here in town. She’s also part of a network of people who mentor other young entrepreneurs. On top of that, she does all the normal kid things, too. She’s been homeschooling for most of her life, and that’s worked out well for her and our family. Because she’s already used to distance learning, her final year of high school wasn’t disrupted or changed much by any of the craziness happening in the world, though it will probably mean her graduation will happen virtually. I do think it’s also influenced what she’s considering doing next. Susie and I don’t have strong ideas about what she should do like some parents do. We think that college makes sense for some kids and not for others. It’s certainly a huge expense to undertake just to have something to do after high school or to try to figure out more about yourself and what you want, which is what a lot of young people are doing at that point in their lives. Winnie is thinking of taking a gap year, and though I just learned what that is, I think it’s a great idea!

This time of year, the kids’ school days are numbered, and everyone starts to get antsy to close the chapter on one grade and dive into summer break. One of my kids — my oldest daughter, Winnie — is ending a bigger chapter. She graduates from high school this month. Winnie recently turned 18, and it hasn’t taken her much time at all to settle into the idea of being an adult. I keep trying to tell her that she’ll always be a kid in my eyes, even if she’s an adult in the eyes of the law! I know that’s not what a newly 18-year-old wants to hear, but it’s true. I talked a few months ago about how Winnie’s birth was life-changing for me and Susie. I was full of love and a fierce sense of protection when she was a baby, and those same two feelings are cropping up again as I watch Winnie decide her next steps.

She’s a great kid who’s already accomplished quite a lot. She started publishing children’s

1

WWW.SURFACECREEKVETERINARYCENTER.COM

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) celebrates National Pet Week May 2–8 this year. Each day of the week focuses on a different topic to help you be an awesome pet owner. We touched on one such topic, how to acclimate new pets into your home, on Page 3. Last edition we talked about pet first aid, which is another important topic the AVMA brings attention to during Pet Week. One of the best ways to ensure your pet continues to have the best possible quality of life and lives a long, healthy life is through preventive care. Or as the AVMA theme for the day says, “Love your pet? See your vet!” How often do you need to bring your pet in for a checkup? As AVMA’s director Dr. Michael Cavanaugh says, the typical timeline is at least annually. But it also depends on your pet’s life stage, lifestyle, and overall health status, so they may need to be seen more frequently.” For example, as dogs and cats get older, they may need more frequent care. The same goes for animals with diabetes, asthma, or other chronic issues that require monitoring. If your pet is otherwise healthy and not exhibiting any concerning behaviors, an annual checkup at Surface Creek Veterinary Center is a great idea. You can often roll these wellness visits in with other scheduled appointments such as those for vaccinations or dental procedures (which are also a crucial part of preventive pet care!). Dr. Jeff and Dr. Susie can let you know what’s right for your pet’s needs. If we haven’t seen your pet in a while, now’s a great time to get on the calendar for an exam. Preventive pet care can help save your pet’s life and it often saves you money. Addressing potential health problems early will cost less than treating them once they’re serious, and it can help your pet avoid unnecessary pain or discomfort. ‘LOVE YOUR PET? SEE YOUR VET!’ Why Prev ntive Care Matters The Best Companion

BECOME A SAVVY RV USER

This past fall, RV manufacturers reported a 31% increase in sales compared to 2019. This was no doubt related to an effort to stave off the spread of COVID-19, which had more families opting to take road trips and camp instead of going on tropical and European vacations. While the great outdoors can be the perfect affordable backdrop for family vacations, it doesn’t come without a cost. You can hit the road without your bank account taking a hit with these three must-do tips! Stay for Free If you’re on a cross-country adventure, you will need a place to park and rest each night before continuing your adventure the next day. Rather than shelling out money every night, consider free options. Search for public land that’s part of the Bureau of Land Management or in a Wildlife Management Area that allows overnight camping. Walmart allows RV parking at no cost, but some locations pose safety concerns. To mitigate this, well-meaning RVers have listed Walmart locations with red flags. You can check them out at AllStays.com. Save on Fuel Fuel could be your biggest expense, but you can cut down on the inevitable by driving slower than 60 mph when it’s safe to do so. Once you hit 60 mph or above in your RV, your gas mileage will drop. Furthermore, you can keep your gas bill in check by sticking to trips within your state, planning your route to avoid unnecessary detours, and leaving early to miss the traffic. Each little action could make a big impact on your fuel bill. Re-Use Items in Your Home You may have a long to-buy list for your RV, but not everything on there may be necessary. Before splurging on the latest gear, consider what you have in your home. Use old kitchen utensils and plates, cleaning supplies, bedding, and entertainment items like books and toys in your RV to save money and clear some clutter from your home. It’s a win-win! And Save Money on Your Summer Road Trip

If you ever have any concerns, don’t hesitate to give us a call.

Looking for more RV tips? Check out GanderOutdoors.com or download apps like AllStay, RVParky, and State Lines. Happy trails!

2 970-856-4474

HOW TO HELP YOUR ADOPTED DOG ACCLIMATE

The 3-3-3 Rule If you’re ready to add a canine friend to your household, you may be considering adopting from a shelter. It can be gratifying to give an animal a new lease on life and a loving forever home, but adopting from a shelter also comes with its own set of challenges! You’ll probably have limited information about your pet’s history with people and other animals, and it may or may not have received any training. Many dogs also come with their own set of bad habits or fears from previous life experiences. While it’s exciting to bring a pup into your home, it’s also important to remember that it’s a major transition for the dog. Having the right expectations, plenty of patience, and a positive attitude will help ease the transition for you and your new four-pawed pal. Following the 3-3-3 rule will help ensure you’re on track in the early days, weeks, and months after adopting.

In the first three days … Your dog may be feeling overwhelmed, nervous, and may exhibit some behaviors to test the boundaries of their new situation. As a result of being stressed, they may not eat or drink much and may not be very social. You should keep things quiet and calm and be patient while your pup settles into their new space. Make sure you have a bed, crate, or area where your dog can retreat and feel safe. Create a daily schedule for walks, mealtime, playtime, and rest. In the first three weeks … Your dog will start to settle in and feel more comfortable in its new environment. The smells of the house, yard, and neighborhood will be familiar, and you’ll both be getting into your new routine together. While you may see some behavior issues or boundary-testing, your pup

will probably start to show more personality and affection as it feels more comfortable.

You should continue your established routine, give positive reinforcement for good behavior, and enforce boundaries when necessary. In the first three months ... Your dog will become completely comfortable in its new home. You’ve put in the time, routine, and treats to build trust and a bond together. Your dog should be eating normally, exhibit ease while at home, and hopefully, be responding well to training! If you give your adopted animal the right time and environment to adjust, you will have a lifetime of love and fun together!

Your Dog’s Favorite Sliders Inspired by RachaelRayMag.com

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

While you enjoy your favorite grilled meals this Memorial Day weekend, don’t forget about the dogs!

Myles Roberts Sara Zuidema Kathy Ladner Mary Day Nick Ladoge Carol Nations Julie Bennett

INGREDIENTS

• • •

1/2 tsp salt

• • • •

1/2 lb ground lamb or chicken

Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling Small dinner rolls (optional)

1/2 cup cooked rice 1/4 cup plain yogurt 1/2 tsp ground cumin

DIRECTIONS

1. In a bowl, combine meat, rice, yogurt, cumin, and salt. 2. Form the mixture into 4 patties. 3. Drizzle each side of patties with extra-virgin olive oil. 4. In a heated nonstick skillet, cook patties for 3–4 minutes per side. 5. Place cooked sliders on a small roll for an extra treat, then chop the sliders into bite-size pieces for easy consumption!

We Reward Referrals!

3

WWW.SURFACECREEKVETERINARYCENTER.COM

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

WWW.SURFACECREEKVETERINARYCENTER.COM | 970-856-4474

17800 HANSON RD. CEDAREDGE, CO 81413

Reflecting on Our Firstborn’s Graduation inside this issue

1 2

3 Tips for RVing on a Budget

Preventive Care for Your Pet

3

The 3-3-3 Rule for Bringing a New Dog Home

Clients Spreading the Word!

Your Dog’s Favorite Sliders

4

Australian Wombats Are Saving the Day!

SAVING LIVES ONE HOLE AT A TIME AustralianWombats in Charge

environmental clues and dug until they found what they were looking for.

News, one group of wombats was discovered on a farm in New South Wales, which was situated over a large underground reservoir. So, the wombats went to work. One farmer, Ted Finnie, reported that wombats dug a hole roughly 4 meters deep by 20 meters wide (or about 65 feet). Their incredible work made this source of water remarkably accessible. At this particular watering hole, Finnie captured all sorts of creatures on camera — birds, emus, possums, echidnas, and monitor lizards — congregating around the wombats’ creation. What isn’t known is how, exactly, the wombats discovered the water, but they surmise the animals likely picked up on

Interestingly enough, wombats have been known to help other animals in the past. During the Australian fires, countless animals were left searching for refuge, and they found it in wombat burrows. While the wombats weren’t exactly welcoming other species into their homes with open arms, they seemed to “tolerate” the visitors, as one ecologist with the University of Adelaide noted. It was a case of accidental heroism, much like their search for water, but it was heroism nonetheless.

Remember the Australian wildfires of 2019– 2020? These fires ravaged large areas of the country, displacing and leaving countless animals to fight for survival. To make matters worse, swaths of the country have been dealing with drought. It’s one challenge after another for humans and animals alike. But one species has taken matters into its own “hands.” Numerous wombats have been discovered digging holes in search of water — and they found it! According to Australia’s ABC

4

970-856-4474