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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