FROM BROKEN PUP TO COMMUNITY HEALER A RESCUE DOG’S SECOND CHANCE FOR SERVICE A dog who survived a fighting ring spent her life helping people calm down. That is the short version of Vivian Peyton’s story, who was named one of the ASPCA’s 2025 Dogs of the Year alongside a younger dog named Ralphie. Vivian’s start was brutal. She was used as a bait dog before being surrendered and brought to the SPCA in Philadelphia. At around a year old, she entered New Leash on Life USA, a prison-based program where incarcerated people preparing to reenter society trained her through daily structure and care. That structure mattered. It helped Vivian go from surviving to learning. In January 2012, Michele Pich adopted Vivian, and her world kept getting bigger. Vivian went on to pass the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen program and began therapy work through the University of Pennsylvania’s VetPets Program. She spent time with terminally ill children and their families at the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House and provided support to people grieving beloved pets. Vivian also became a Therapy Dog Ambassador for the National Dog Show. Later, she was part of the launch of the Shreiber Family Pet Therapy Program at Rowan University, where Pich built the program, and Vivian served as the founding “DOGrector.” Alongside her other work, Vivian supported COVID-19 and flu vaccine clinics, which earned her a Neighborhood Hero Award from the Philadelphia Federal Credit Union. Around the same time, Michele adopted another dog. Ralphie, a cattle dog and pit bull mix from Lucky Dawg rescue, came into Michele and Vivian’s life in late 2021. Like Vivian, he passed his Canine Good Citizen test and served as a Therapy Dog Ambassador for the National Dog Show. Vivian was still doing her work then, and Ralphie became the next chapter in the same mission. Vivian passed away in the summer of 2025, but Ralphie is continuing her work. Today, he serves as the Associate “DOGrector” at Rowan, where he helps students, first responders, and grieving families. Ralphie also stepped in to accept the Dogs of the Year honor on Vivian’s behalf during the 2025 ASPCA Humane Awards. Both Vivian and Ralphie show how a second chance can turn into years of service that benefit an entire community.
for their dogs. We have now decided to offer it to our clients’ pets for added convenience.
Dogs must be at least 6 months old to receive Bravecto Quantum. If you have a fast-growing, large-breed dog, we recommend waiting until they’re 1 year old before administering it. As with any new medication introduced to your pet, side effects are possible. Although minor vomiting has been noted in very rare cases, we haven’t seen that effect with any of the dogs who’ve received it. Please let us know if you’d like to learn more about Bravecto Quantum and its benefits. Hopefully, we can help you meet your dog’s care needs without stressing so much about your calendar! –Dr. Emily Saunders
CHICKEN LIVER PÂTÉ FOR CATS Best served in moderation to avoid excessive vitamin A, this rich dish can be a delicious treat for your feline friend.
INGREDIENTS
• 1/2 cup cooked chicken liver • 1/4 cup cooked chicken breast • 1 tbsp water or unsalted chicken broth
DIRECTIONS
1. Cook the chicken liver and chicken breast until fully done. 2. Blend the liver, chicken, and water/broth in a food processor until smooth. 3. Serve in small amounts as a treat or to supplement a meal.
PetersenPetHospital.com
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