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February 2026 surfacecreekveterinarycenter.com 970-856-4474
SCVC Pawprint
Be the Pet Owner Your Furry Friend Deserves Beyond Treats and Toys
Americans spend billions on flowers and chocolates for spouses, partners, and friends on Valentine’s Day. But if we’re being honest about it, we’d have to admit that few people are as devoted to us as our pets. Pet parents who love their animals in return express this affection in many ways, from scheduling their annual shots and check-ups to grooming, exercise, and playtime. In recognition of Responsible Pet Owners Month, this is a good time for a holistic look at what makes a truly great pet owner. Smart Healthcare Taking care of your pet’s routine healthcare needs is one of the best ways to give them the happiest life possible. An annual checkup may not seem urgent when your pet is acting normal, but it’s often how we catch problems early, when they’re easiest to treat.
All of us here at Surface Creek promote oral health. Contrary to many pet owners’ beliefs, your pet’s teeth don’t naturally take care of themselves. Pet parents who neglect annual cleanings often end up paying higher bills later for extracting decayed and abscessed teeth. Also, we don’t support the widely held idea that feeding dry food will clean your pet’s teeth. An animal would have to chew kibbles 5–6 times to have any impact, and most of them gobble their meals far faster than that. Good Nutrition The best food for your dog or cat is the one that helps them thrive. Wet food is better than dry food for dogs’ intestines, kidneys, liver, and other organs, but it also costs roughly five times more. We recommend splitting dogs’ diets 50/50 between wet and dry food. Also, as you shop for food, don’t make the common mistake of choosing whatever brand is most heavily promoted on the internet. We recommend foods produced by companies that do their own research, feeding their products to animals to see how they do. We also recommend choosing a brand that can be purchased from most retailers. We get too many calls from desperate out-of-state dog owners who ask if we carry the super-special dog food they forgot to pack for Charlie on their camping trip. If your pet’s food is so special you can’t buy it in a store, you might want to consider a different brand. Taking Time Giving your pet attention is as important as caring for them physically. One of the best ways to pay attention to your dog is to train them thoroughly.
Think about it: A well-trained dog isn’t going to run away. They’re not going to go out and attack the neighbor’s dog, and you can take them to the park for a good run without fear of getting into trouble. Our feline friends need attention and exercise, too. Take time to play with your cat using a laser light, feather toy, or stuffed mouse. Vary the games to keep both of you engaged. And if your kitty yearns to go outside, consider a catio. These protected play areas provide exposure to nature while preventing runaways and predator attacks. Evolving Care Your pet’s healthcare and exercise needs change as they move from puppyhood or kittenhood into adulthood, middle age, and old age. A senior dog isn’t likely to love chasing balls as much as a puppy would, but they still enjoy going on walks. Also, your older adult cat has different needs than a kitten. Monitor your aging pet for signs of arthritis and stay up-to-date on the latest medications for managing pain and stiffness. In my mind, every one of those responsibilities is a piece of the same pie, a commitment to being a great pet parent. The best pet owners we see are doing all of these things, year after year. And they’re reaping big rewards too: the unconditional love and companionship of a healthy, happy pet.
1 SURFACECREEKVETERINARYCENTER.COM –Dr. Susie & Jeff Hirsch
DR. NEIL WELCOMES OUR NEWEST TEAM MEMBER It’s a Boy!
There’s something magical about stepping outside into a hush of freshly fallen snow, pitching your tent beneath stars that feel crystal‑clear, and inhaling air so cold it feels pure. Winter camping allows you to experience nature in slow motion. The frozen landscape creates a peaceful stillness you won’t find on summer outings. Layer smart to stay cozy. Whether you’re trudging into a snowy clearing or setting up camp under a frosty sky, your number one ally is layering. Start with a snug “base” layer that traps warmth against your body. Next, add something insulating, like a fleece or down. Your final layer should protect you from wind and snow. Skip cotton because it soaks up moisture, and getting wet accelerates frostbite. Create the Ultimate Winter Camping Experience FROM FROST TO FIRELIGHT
Our clients have long been accustomed to seeing children at the clinic. The Hirschs’ four children, now in their teens and 20s, practically grew up here. Dr. Neil often brings her daughter Ottilie (aka Tillie) to work with her, as well. Now, we’re delighted to welcome a new tiny team member: Lane Everett Neil, born on Dec. 9. Lane is a healthy newborn and, based on Tillie’s first meeting with her brother, an instant charmer. When Dr. Neil’s husband, Tanner, brought Tillie to the hospital to meet Lane, she eagerly climbed onto the bed while Tanner held the baby so she could get a closer look.
“It was the coolest thing”, Dr. Neil recalls. “We were all talking really softly, and Tillie looked at me and said, “He’s nice!” And I said, “Yes, he is nice!” Tillie has been gentle with her brother and even asks occasionally to hold him.
Keep your feet dry. Wet socks are the quick route to misery in cold weather. Snow melts,
Tillie spent much of her life as an infant and toddler with us at the clinic, attending staff meetings, having her breakfast and lunch in the breakroom, and enjoying regular naps. So far, Lane appears well-suited to succeed her in that role.
boots get damp, and you sweat while hiking. So, aim to stay dry from the get‑go with waterproof boots, gaiters, and maybe even snowshoes if you’re in deep powder. Ground protection matters. You’ve hauled all this gear out into the cold, so don’t let the frozen ground steal your
The biggest adjustment to becoming a family of four, Dr. Neil says, has been helping Tillie stay busy and engaged at home while she cares for Lane. Fortunately, the timing of Lane’s birth meant Tillie had a lot of fun Christmas gifts to keep her busy while she got used to having a sibling around. Now, “we are settling into life and starting to find our rhythm,” Dr. Neil says. Lane is growing accustomed to eating and sleeping on a consistent daily schedule. She plans to ease back into work, bringing Lane along and having
warmth. A solid sleeping pad acts as insulation between you and the ground. Choose one with a decent R‑value (thermal resistance) or layer two simpler pads to block the chill. Then add a sleeping bag appropriate for the low you’re expecting. If your bag is rated for milder temperatures, a liner can extend its comfort zone by several degrees. Choose your spot wisely. A beautiful winter campsite still requires a smart choice. Avoid the bottom of slopes (cold air settles there) and the top of ridges (wind bites). Instead, look for flat terrain, shelter from the wind, and a nice snow‑bed you can compress by walking on it before you pitch your tent. Your tent door should face away from the prevailing wind. Make the evenings cozy. Once the sun dips and temperatures slide, it’s all about comfort! A warm drink by the campfire, flipping through a good book, chatting quietly while the stars shimmer overhead: These are the moments that make winter camping memorable!
Tillie visit occasionally.
Dr. Neil says she always appreciated the warm welcome Tillie received from clients, who typically enjoyed seeing and greeting her. And now, she’s grateful for the flexibility to continue to care for our pet patients while raising her family. “I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to do both.”
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KNOW THE SIGNS Spot Cancer Early in Your Dog or Cat
Annual Check-Ups Bringing your pet in for an
The early signs can be subtle. Perhaps you notice a bump growing on your pet’s skin. Or your dog or cat seems lethargic or begins having trouble breathing or eating. These changes may be signs of minor distress … or they could be an early sign of cancer. The risk of cancer in pets appears to be rising, according to the Animal Cancer Foundation, a nonprofit research organization. Pets and humans suffer from many of the same kinds of cancer, including bone tumors, lymphoma, and melanoma. Nearly half of dogs over 10 develop cancer. One factor is that pets, like humans, are living longer than they did in the past. Environmental factors also may play a role. Unfortunately, there aren’t any tools to prevent cancer in your dog or cat. But awareness by the owner is critical, because the only defense against this deadly disease is to detect it early. Here are three techniques for spotting a potential malignancy. Changes in Behavior Signs of internal cancers include lethargy, swelling, bleeding, difficulty breathing or eating, unpleasant odors, diarrhea, or sudden changes in weight. Pet owners who are concerned can ask their veterinarian to take X-rays of the pet. An abdominal ultrasound can also help detect any abnormalities.
annual check-up is one of the best steps you can take. That suspicious bump on your pet’s skin may be just a little
cyst at the moment, but ignoring it could allow it to metastasize throughout the body. A veterinarian can sometimes remove small skin tumors with a local anesthetic or, in the case of larger tumors, while your pet is anesthetized for an annual dental cleaning. An Internal Mass Internal cancers are usually discovered when a pet owner or veterinarian notices a mass in a dog’s abdomen or elsewhere. Veterinarians typically discover these during a routine physical exam or X-ray. A veterinarian can also detect potential cancer signs in blood work. While there is no reliable blood test for cancer in pets, blood tests can reveal clues to an infection or other problem. A high lymphocyte count could signal lymphoma or an infection. Other tests, including a urinalysis or ultrasound, can also provide helpful insight. Some clients come in for exams twice a year because they don’t want us to miss any early signs. For your pet’s sake, if you notice a change in behavior or other potential signs of cancer, don’t hesitate to contact us for a checkup!
UnNtiloFtiucrether Due to a staffing shortage, SCVC will be closed on Saturdays until further notice. SURFACECREEKVETERINARYCENTER.COM 3 We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
N ePwo lSi cCi eVs C
Clients Spreading the Word
• At the time of scheduling a
Sarah DeLuca
dental or surgery appointment, a $250 deposit will be required. This deposit will be applied to the procedure bill. If you need to cancel the appointment, and you give us at least a 24-hour notice, the deposit will be refunded.
• Due to the increasing cost of
credit card processing, there is now a 3% service charge added to all clinic services and products. If paying with cash, check, or PIN debit, there is no charge.
We Reward Referrals!
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inside this issue
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The Everyday Choices That Make a Great Pet Owner
Mastering the Art of Cold-Weather Camping
Dr. Neil Welcomes a New Baby Boy!
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Early Cancer Signs Every Pet Owner Should Know
New SCVC Policies
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Meet the Canine Hero That Warns of Seizures
TRAINED TO PROTECT The Service Dog That Changed a Child’s Life NC aenwc eAl l aptpi ooni nPt mo leinc yt When you cancel with less than 24-hour notice, we now require a prepaid $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.
The family of JJ, a preteen troubled by debilitating seizures, was struggling to manage the condition and reduce its devastating effect on his learning and well-being. They tried numerous treatments and therapies, but nothing worked well enough. Then, JJ’s community stepped up and changed his life forever. Military veterans at Sun Outdoors, a Sarasota, Florida, RV community where JJ and his family live, learned about his family’s dilemma, and took the initiative to help.
LaFlamme and his wife, Sandra, matched JJ with Ezra, a dog trained to detect oncoming seizures and provide emotional support. Ezra is a Czech shepherd, a Central European herding breed known for intelligence, alertness, intuitive ability, and loyalty.
Service dogs’ sense of smell is more powerful than any machine and can detect changes instantaneously. They have been likened to a live-in medical alert system. They can also be trained to notice anxiety or discomfort and offer comfort and companionship. With training by Julie Madison of Top Tier K9, a professional dog-training company, Ezra learned to
Enter Ezra, the service dog.
detect seizures. He was also taught to alert JJ and those around him before any visible signs of a seizure appeared, allowing a few crucial moments for JJ to take medications to curtail the seizures and ensure his safety. Ezra’s presence led to striking improvements. Not only did JJ experience a sharp decline in seizures, but the entire family felt less uncertainty and fearfulness. As the story of JJ and Ezra demonstrates, bonds between animals and humans can yield near-miraculous benefits.
The veterans reached out to Canines for Heroes, a nonprofit founded by Air Force veteran Mark LaFlamme. As a highly decorated veteran of three Middle East combat operations, LaFlamme knew firsthand the challenges
of dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); two of his fellow officers succumbed to the pain and took their own lives. As a way of coping, LaFlamme set out to help others by giving them access to the healing power of trained service dogs.
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