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April 2025 www.surfacecreekveterinarycenter.com 970-856-4474
SCVC Pawprint
The Tireless Pro Who Keeps Us Running Our Admin Superstar
Years ago, I dropped a hopeful remark to a neighbor in our town who was closing a sporting goods store she ran with her husband. “If you ever think about getting back in the workforce again, stop by and see us,” I told her. “We are always looking for good people.”
procedures up-to-date. She helps oversee our staff and schedule their hours. She tracks our inventory and purchasing, coordinates scheduling, and never fails to greet all our clients warmly and professionally. What else? Well, if Barb were to suddenly disappear tomorrow, Dr. Susie and I would not be able to see nearly as many patients as we do. We appreciate Barb’s many qualities. She has incredible maturity and a well-defined sense of responsibility. She also has operating experience and first-hand knowledge of what it takes to run a business. She knows businesses go through tough times, and she understands, from a manager’s or owner’s point of view, the decisions that have to be made. Dr. Susie and I can talk with Barb about business decisions, weighing the pros and cons, and she helps us brainstorm the best solutions. Barb also sets a great example for our other employees. She models professional behavior by coming to work on time, delivering on what she promises, and treating clients with the respect and politeness we want them to experience. Many employees find it difficult to accept feedback about things they have done wrong. But Barb not only takes responsibility for her mistakes; she takes everything personally. Even if she bears no blame for some problem that happened on her watch, she will take it to heart. Bottles of expensive medications in our inventory sometimes get broken by accident. It is tough for any employee to step up and take responsibility for
Fortunately, she took me up on it!
Barb Burnett’s tireless efforts, sound professional judgment, and administrative skills have kept our clinic running smoothly for nearly five years. On April 23, Administrative Professionals Day, I want to recognize the countless ways Barb helps our clients, pet patients, and all of us who work here. Barb’s ability to oversee an avalanche of day-to-day administrative details has freed Dr. Susie and me to focus on our patients. She keeps all of our operating
a costly accident like that. But if Barb happened to break it, she would be the first to inform us, and then insist we deduct the cost from her paycheck. That is what I mean by bringing a sense of personal responsibility to her work. The bottom line: Barb is all about being great at her job and never letting down anybody around her. I tell everyone, don’t mess with Barb. I trust her judgement. So, on Administrative Professionals Day this year, I hope you are fortunate enough to have support from someone as capable as Barb — and that you’ll take time to honor them. Here at Surface Creek, our administrative superstar keeps our world turning!
– Dr. Jeff
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For James Zechin, the biggest joy in his job as a kennel technician is seeing clients’ happiness when their pets are successfully treated at our clinic. “Just being able to help the patients get better and seeing the appreciation on clients’ faces when you’re done” is the best part of his work, he says. “People’s pets are their family. There is a strong connection there, and I enjoy being able to help people with that.” James, a veteran of three tours of duty with the U.S. Army in Iraq, joined us after our new office opened in Hotchkiss. His wife Angela, a customer service specialist for a payment- processing company in Delta, texted him the news one day saying, “You should apply!” James recalls. He followed her advice and soon landed a position as a kennel technician. A War Veteran Finds Joy in Caring for Animals Passion for Pets His tasks include setting up for surgeries, cleaning up afterward, and performing a variety of other duties as needed. “I do a lot of pet holding. That’s one of the best parts of the job,” he says. “Every day is different. There is a new surprise every day. You never know what or who is going to walk through the door.” James enlisted in the Army at 17 after the 9/11 attacks and served three tours of duty in Iraq before being medically retired a few years later. He and his wife Angela have 40 acres in the Hotchkiss area and have two dogs, a silver Lab named River and a pit bull named Sara. James did this interview with one of our clinic’s two black staff cats, Peek-a- Boo, on his lap. “We have become very good friends, he and I,” James says. “I love animals. I always have. I was raised with animals and have been around them my whole life,” he says. “They seem to understand me, and I understand them.”
Nature photography offers a great way to get outside and capture the beauty of the natural world. Whether you’re new to this hobby or have been snapping photos for years, you can always enhance your skills with these four tips for producing compelling outdoor photos. Plan Ahead Before heading outside with your camera and other gear, research your chosen location and the subject you aim to photograph. Understanding the local wildlife, plant life, and weather conditions can inform your equipment selection. Timing is also key. Early morning and late afternoon, known as the “golden hours,” offer soft, diffused light Quick Tips for Better Outdoor Photos CAPTURE NATURE’S BEAUTY LIKE A PRO
that enhances natural scenes. Master Your Equipment
Be sure to familiarize yourself with your camera’s settings. Some of the most important include aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, which control exposure and depth of field. For instance, a wide aperture (low f-stop) can help create a shallow depth of field and isolate your subject from the background, which is particularly effective for wildlife photography. Conversely, a narrow aperture (high f-stop) is ideal for landscape shots because it increases the depth of field and helps keep
more of the scene in focus. Consider Composition
In photography, composition is key. When taking nature photographs, apply compositional rules such as the rule of thirds (placing subjects off-center), leading lines (guiding the eye with pathways or rivers), and framing (using natural elements to highlight the subject). Experimenting with different perspectives and angles can also add depth to your photos. Be Respectful Whenever you’re out in the field, respect the environment by following local guidelines, maintaining a safe distance from wildlife, and minimizing your impact on natural habitats. Always stay on designated paths and never remove any natural objects. Following a few simple rules protects wildlife and the landscape and maintains the integrity of your photography. With these tips in mind, you’re ready to enjoy the outdoors while capturing images that reflect the beauty of the natural world.
Like the true Coloradan he is, James loves fly fishing, backpacking, and camping in the summer and snowboarding and snow-shoeing in the winter. He and Angela also have a greenhouse, where they successfully grew vegetables last year. On tap this year: Planting some young fruit trees. “My newest hobby, ” James says, “is gardening!”
To Our Valued Clients Heads Up! Book April Appointments Early We want to provide the best possible care for your pets this spring, and we know that requires advance planning on your part. Please be aware that Dr. Jeff will be away this month following elective surgery. We will be operating with one less vet than usual! Please help us out by scheduling essential appointments well in advance. We appreciate your help!
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WHY DO CATS PLAY WITH THEIR FOOD? Satisfy Your Pet’s Yen to Hunt
It may be difficult to imagine your friendly household kitty as a wild predator that stalks, throws, and swats at prey before eating it. But your cat’s wild roots are the reason they play with their food. This instinctive predatory behavior is motivated by a variety of factors. Your cat may be mimicking the stalking behavior of their wild forebears by batting at their food, or they may be looking to have a little fun. Just like human children, some cats allay their boredom by playing with their lunch. In an amusing example late last year, a nurse living in England caught her cat on video bringing a live mouse into her house and setting it down beside the cat’s food bowl, where the mouse proceeded to gobble down its kibbles. This behavior may be a sign that your pet could benefit from more mental stimulation and exercise. Give them opportunities to pounce, chase, and stalk things that move using lasers or fishing pole toys. Puzzle feeders or timed treat dispensers also can add a little spice to your cat’s meals. Engage in interactive play around dawn and dusk, when cats tend to be most active. Two play sessions of 10–15 minutes should be enough for most mature cats. Consider getting a secure harness and leash for your cat and training them to walk with you outside. Or, if you have the
resources to create a catio, time spent outdoors can provide the natural stimulation your pet is seeking. In a related behavior, your cat may bring home a dead
mouse, spider, or squirrel to eat or store it on its home turf, where it feels safe. This behavior is so natural that it is difficult to prevent. You can hamper their hunting behavior, however, by having them wear a collar with a bell or keeping them inside at prime hunting times. A cautionary note: If your pet is playing with food instead of eating it and loses a significant amount of weight, set an appointment with your vet to check for health problems. Assuming your cat’s health and appetite are good, playtimes can help you get to know your pet better and form a deeper, more loving bond. So, the next time your little predator starts throwing kibbles, consider it an invitation for some fun!
N ePwo lSi cCi eVs C
UnNtiloFtiucrether Due to a staffing shortage, SCVC will be closed on Saturdays until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Clients Spreading the Word
Jamie Condron Taya Jae Ruth White Jake Dahlman
• At the time of scheduling a
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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WWW.SURFACECREEKVETERINARYCENTER.COM | 970-856-4474
17800 HANSON RD. CEDAREDGE, CO 81413
1 inside this issue
Celebrating Administrative Professionals Day
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Mastering the Art of Nature Photography
Our New Kennel Tech Loves Helping Pets Thrive
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The Feline Hunting Instinct Explained
New SCVC Policies
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Heroic Goldendoodle Saves Baby Deer in Heartwarming Rescue
RESCUE, COMFORT, AND REUNION How Harley Became a Real-Life Hero 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.
Everyone likes to believe their canine companions would jump into action if they noticed someone or something in danger. However, most dogs will never be in a position to save a life or avert a catastrophe. That’s probably a good thing, as watching one of your best friends risk their life for others would be incredibly stressful. In 2021, a
Virginia family experienced precisely that as they witnessed their goldendoodle attempt a heroic rescue with a heartwarming aftermath. During an early summer evening, Ralph Dorn’s dog, Harley, was gone. He started surveying the lake behind his Culpepper, Virginia, home when he spotted the goldendoodle about 200 feet from shore. At first, he wondered what his dog was doing in the water, but he soon realized his trusty pup was not alone. Harley was swimming alongside a tiny baby deer. “Not sure how the fawn got out there, but Harley obviously didn’t ask why. He just jumped into action,” Dorn, 62, wrote in a Facebook post. Harley helped the fawn to shore, where Dorn greeted the animals and helped them climb back onto dry land. Once the deer was out of the water, Harley immediately started licking the fawn to comfort and calm it down. Harley didn’t want to
leave the fawn, but after spotting the deer’s mother, Dorn escorted his heroic canine indoors. The fawn and mother walked away, seemingly never to be seen again. That was, until the next morning. Harley appeared restless that morning, running from window to window. Dorn opened the front door to see what was happening when he heard the fawn bleating. The deer had returned, eager to thank its rescuer! The two ran toward each other, touching noses and sniffing one another before Harley returned indoors. The brief reunion was enough to calm the fawn and Harley down, and Dorn has not seen either deer since that day. But that’s not Harley’s only heroic feat. The proud pup has also spent time as a certified therapy dog, providing comfort and companionship to seniors in care facilities and children reading at the local library. We can all hope our dogs would take the same actions as Harley if presented with a similar opportunity!
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