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Pets First Monthly
November 2026
Pets, People, and Precious Moments A THANKSGIVING THANK YOU FROM DR. PETERSEN
As Thanksgiving approaches, I’ve been thinking about how much we have to be thankful for here at Petersen Pet Hospital (PPH). At the top of that list are all of you who have trusted us with the care of your pets. When you bring your pet through our doors, we understand that you’re trusting us with a very important member of your family. Whether it’s a new puppy or kitten coming in for their first visit, a pet we’ve cared for throughout their entire life, or a difficult visit when you have to make some very hard decisions, that trust means a great deal to our entire team and to me. One of the things I’ve always loved most about veterinary medicine is the relationships we develop, not only with the pets we care for, but also with the people who love them. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of watching puppies and kittens grow up, welcoming new pets into families, and helping many of you through both the happy and difficult moments that come with sharing our lives with animals.
Sam, my own dog, reminds me every day just how important our pets are to us. They make us laugh, give us companionship, get us outside when we might rather stay on the couch, and somehow seem to know when we need them most. PPH wouldn’t be what it is today without the families who choose us and continue to put their trust in our doctors and team. We never want to take that for granted. So, this Thanksgiving, I simply want to say thank you . Thank you for choosing Petersen Pet Hospital. Thank you for recommending us to your friends and family. And most importantly, thank you for allowing us to be a part of your pets’ lives.
From me, Sam, and everyone at Petersen Pet Hospital, we hope you and your family (two-legged, four-legged, feathered, or scaly) have a wonderful Thanksgiving. –Dr. Brad Petersen
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Welcome to November! I hope you and your furry friends are doing well. We’re about to enter that time of year when it gets very, very cold outside. Honestly, I can’t wait! I’ll still make Dr. Petersen take me outside in cold weather, even when there are 2 feet of snow out there! Winter has never bothered me much, but it could be pretty rough for your pets if you’re not careful. SAFETY TIPS FOR FROSTY FURRY FRIENDS SAM’S CORNER
First off, wintertime out here can get freeeeezing cold! When you walk your dogs, make sure they’re wearing whatever sweaters, coats, boots, and shoes they need to keep warm. If temperatures go below zero this season, there are still ways to keep them active and stimulated indoors. Exercise training in the home can help keep them moving, and interactive toys can help keep them mentally engaged. Obviously, it’s tempting for pets (and their humans) to be less active in general during colder and shorter days, but exercise is still important for dogs. It helps us with healthy
Sometimes, our pets surprise us with how resilient they can be. Beanie is a perfect example! Beanie’s Bold and Brave Recovery A TOUGH PUP TRIUMPH Back in April, she experienced a scary accident that resulted in her lower jaw being broken. Because a broken jaw can make it difficult for a dog to eat, drink, and even close their mouth normally, we knew she needed special attention. Beanie was placed under anesthesia so Dr. Petersen and I could get a close look inside her mouth and take detailed X-rays. The X-rays showed just how extensive the injury was and helped us decide how to give her jaw the best chance to heal. During surgery, the portion of the jaw that was too badly damaged to save was carefully removed. The remaining pieces of her lower jaw were then lined up and secured with a small wire. (Think of the wire as a “support system” that helps keep everything in the right place.) After surgery, Beanie had a little extra TLC ahead of her! She received pain medication, an anti-inflammatory, and an antibiotic. She also started on a liquid diet to get the nutrition she needed without putting unnecessary stress on her healing jaw. Beanie’s recovery hasn’t been completely smooth. Because of the trauma, part of her lip initially didn’t receive enough blood flow, and some of the damaged tissue sloughed away. Thankfully, her lip has been healing beautifully, and we’re very happy with the progress we’re seeing! Beanie returned in July, about 12 weeks after her procedure, and she was anesthetized again so we could carefully examine her mouth and take new X-rays to track healing. Her jaw bones didn’t heal back together, but her jaw was doing well, and the wire was intact. We elected to leave it in place to provide additional support. Through it all, Beanie has shown us what a tough, determined pup she is! We’re excited to see her get back to doing what dogs do best: enjoying life! —Dr. Hannah Green
Sam’s Si
Contact us! 319-743-0554
The Most Adorable Detective You’ll Ever Meet Lives Underwater We often think of search-and-rescue heroes as brave dogs sniffing out clues in rubble or skilled divers combing through the water. But one tiny otter is proving that heroes can come in unexpected packages. Meet Splash, a playful 2-year-old Asian small-clawed otter with a very unusual job. Believed to be the nation’s first trained search-and-recovery otter, Splash is helping locate evidence and human remains underwater, providing long-awaited answers and a sense of closure for families. The idea began when veteran search-and-rescue expert Michael Hadsell stumbled across an article about how otters use their remarkable sense of smell underwater. After more than four decades working with search dogs, horses, and drones, he wondered: What if an otter could do the job no one else could? As it turns out, he was onto something. Otters have an extraordinary way of detecting scents underwater. They blow tiny bubbles toward an object and then quickly inhale them, allowing them to pick up odors that would be impossible for humans to detect. Combined with sensitive whiskers and incredible swimming skills, Splash was the perfect candidate for underwater recovery work. Training looked surprisingly familiar. Using positive reinforcement, Hadsell hid scented training objects in a swimming pool, rewarding Splash with his favorite treat whenever he made a successful find. This little otter has excellent taste, too. His reward has to be fresh salmon but only farm-raised. Wild salmon, apparently, just won’t do. An Otter Like No Other
weight management, mental stimulation, and muscle strength. If it’s safe outside, it’s still good to try to get out, do some exercise, and have some real playtime. (And I’m not just referring to pets here!) It’s also very important to protect our paws! Ice melt products can really irritate us, so please be sure to clean off our paws every time we come back indoors. Just as humans may feel stiff or have sore joints in winter, dogs can experience the same problems. If your dog suddenly has trouble jumping up on the couch or going up the stairs, it could be a sign that they’re hurting and should visit Petersen Pet Hospital to make sure everything is okay.
One more thing: Even though it’s winter, it’s still important that dogs keep getting their parasite prevention for fleas, ticks, and
heartworm. Most parasites are less common during the winter months, but they still can be found in homes and other places. By following these tips, you can help keep your dogs healthy, mobile, and active even during the winter. And if you need me over the next couple of months, you can find me outside, enjoying way too much snow!
–Sam Chief Barketing Officer
Thanksgiving Jerky Stuffing for Dogs INGREDIENTS
Splash’s impressive skills quickly moved beyond practice sessions. After only a few months of training, he helped investigators recover a weapon connected to a decades-old murder case. He has since assisted on numerous recovery missions, helping teams locate evidence and human remains that might otherwise have remained hidden forever. Despite his serious work, Splash is still very much an otter at heart. He swims alongside divers wearing a custom harness, eagerly grabs their masks when he’s found something important, and even has
• 1 tbsp olive oil • 6 Sot & Chewy Jerky Strips, chopped into small pieces • 1/2 cup finely chopped celery • 1/2 cup finely chopped carrots • 1/2 cup finely chopped green beans
• 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice • 1/2 cup Homestead Turkey Bone Broth for Dogs • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (don’t include if dog is pregnant or has kidney issues)
DIRECTIONS
teammates, affectionately known as the “Otter Spotters,” whose job is to keep him safe from hazards like alligators while he works. Thanks to one inventive trainer and one determined little otter, families are finding answers, investigators are gaining valuable evidence, and the world has one more reason to smile.
1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. 2. Add jerky, celery, carrots, and green beans. 3. Sauté until softened, around 5–7 minutes. 4. Remove skillet from heat and combine mixture with cooked quinoa or rice in a large bowl. 5. Slowly stir in turkey broth until the mixture is moist but not soggy. 6. Mix in fresh parsley. 7. Allow it to cool and serve a portion appropriate for your dog’s size and dietary needs. ignature Selections
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LOOKING FOR A NEW THANKSGIVING TRADITION? These Global Customs Are Worth Trying
Turn gratitude into a family tradition. South Korea’s Chuseok is a harvest celebration that emphasizes family, remembrance, and gratitude. Loved ones gather, share traditional meals, and honor relatives who came before them. You can borrow this idea by inviting everyone at the table to share a favorite family memory or say one thing they’re thankful for before the meal begins. It’s a simple tradition that creates lasting memories. Share the bounty. Nigeria’s New Yam Festival celebrates the first yam harvest with music, dancing, and communal feasts. One of the main themes is sharing food with others. Bring that same generosity to your Thanksgiving by preparing an extra dish for a neighbor, inviting someone who would otherwise spend the holiday alone, or donating food to a local pantry. Gratitude feels even more meaningful when it’s shared. Make food the star of the celebration. In Malaysia’s Kaamatan festival, rice symbolizes life and gratitude, and communities celebrate with traditional foods, cultural performances, and joyful
Thanksgiving has a way of bringing people together, but who says you have to celebrate it the same way every year? While the classic turkey dinner and pumpkin pie will always have their place, cultures around the world have their own beautiful traditions centered on gratitude, harvest, and community. Borrowing a few of these customs can make your celebration feel even more meaningful. Whether you’re hosting a big family feast or a cozy dinner with friends, these global traditions are easy to add to your own Thanksgiving table. Celebrate the harvest together. In Germany, Erntedankfest, or the Harvest Thanksgiving Festival, focuses on giving thanks for a successful harvest. Communities often gather for church services, parades, and shared meals. However, you don’t need a parade to capture the spirit. Consider decorating your table with seasonal fruits, vegetables, and flowers, then take a moment before dinner to appreciate the abundance in your own life.
gatherings. While your menu doesn’t need to feature rice, you can highlight foods that tell your family’s story. Serve a favorite family recipe, include a dish from your cultural background, or ask guests to bring something that represents their heritage. Create your own global tradition. Thanksgiving is all about celebrating gratitude in a way that feels authentic. Borrowing traditions from around the world reminds us that gratitude is universal. This year, mix old favorites with new ideas, gather the people you love, and create traditions everyone will look forward to for years to come.
CLIENT REFERRAL PROGRAM
Referring a loved one or friend is the greatest compliment you can give us. We appreciate your trust in us, and your referrals mean the world to our team. To say thank you, we’ve created a special referral program just for you! Here’s how it works:
• Refer a new client to our pet hospital by giving them a referral card. • Once they come in for their first appointment and bring in the card, you’ll receive a Petersen Pet Hospital gift certificate. • The more you refer, the more you earn!
REFERRAL REWARDS: •
1st referral: $5 gift certificate 2nd referral: $10 gift certificate
• •
3rd referral: $15 gift certificate
•
And it keeps growing, there’s no limit!
Gift certificates can be used for any service or purchase in the clinic.
PROGRAM DETAILS: • You must be a current client in good standing. • Referred clients must complete their first appointment. • Gift certificates are sent after the first visit is completed.
Your loyalty and support mean everything to us, and we’re so grateful to be part of your pet’s care. Thank you for continuing to share your friends and family with us! ⭐ LOVE YOUR EXPERIENCE? LEAVE US A REVIEW! Your feedback helps us grow and continue providing the best care possible for your pets. If you’ve had a great visit with us, we would truly appreciate you taking a moment to leave us a Google review. Not only does it help our team, it also helps other pet owners in our community find a veterinary clinic they can trust. Here’s how to leave a review: • Search for Petersen Pet Hospital on Google.
• Click “Write a Review.” • Share your experience. Thank you for your support; it truly makes a difference! 💙
Contact us! 319-743-0554
Mon–Fri: 8 a.m.–6 p.m. (Closed Fridays from 12:30–2:10 p.m. for team meetings) | Sat: 8 a.m.–12 p.m. | Sun: Closed
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