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OCTOBER 2019
Keeping the Faith How I Survived the Most Frightening Years of My Life
T own & Country Veterinary Clinic has been a staple of River Oaks since the 1950s. I’m the fourth veterinarian to run the clinic. For two years after I bought the practice, I was terrified I would also be the last vet to run the clinic. From the time I started veterinary school, I knew I wanted to run my own practice. I wanted to call the shots and give patients the best possible care. I purchased Town & Country on April 28, 2011. Almost as soon as I took over, the clinic took a nosedive, and I had no idea why. I’m a good veterinarian and a decent businessman, so why couldn’t I figure out the reason everything was going so poorly? To add insult to injury, I had other friends from veterinary school who bought their practices around the same time I did and they were instantly successful. I started to doubt my own abilities. Never one to sit around and mope about my problems, I hired a couple business consultants to help me get to the root of the trouble. After looking at it from all angles, they came back with good news and bad news. The good news was this: They agreed I was a good veterinarian and that my business decisions had all been sound. Here’s the bad news: Even they couldn’t figure out why the clinic was struggling. My eldest daughter, Savannah, was born a year after I bought the clinic, and my fear tripled. We had a goal for Tiffany to be a stay-at- home mom for our kids, but a year later, the practice was still in rough times. Could we survive on my income alone? We had to make a decision. I prayed a lot, and ultimately, I told Tiffany she should stay home with Savannah. I could make it work.
The year after my daughter’s birth was incredibly fearful. There were a lot of sleepless nights, and not just because we had a new baby at home. The clinic was still in a nosedive, and, on a weekly basis, I was worried about
how we would cover payroll and pay the bills. There were many weeks when I didn’t take a paycheck for myself so we could cover everything else. I had a lot of doubts in my mind and negative thoughts telling me I couldn’t do it — saying I was a failure who would lose everything. But I’m a Christian man of faith, and I knew deep down that it was going to be okay. My friends, family, and church helped me get through those years. God told me to hang in there, and I am so glad I did. In year three, things finally started to look up. It was like turning an ocean liner. It took some time, but once we were on the right path again, we’ve had smooth sailing. The clinic has tripled in size since 2012, thanks in no small part to our amazing clients. Those early days felt like a waking nightmare sometimes, but walking into the clinic today is a dream come true. When I look at Town & Country now, I’m relieved that I didn’t give up when times got tough. I’m proud of where we are today and where we’re going.
Thank you to all the clients who have supported us along the way. We wouldn’t be here without you.
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Treating Your Pets Like Family
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Want to treat yourself this holiday season? We can help!
We’re Giving Away a Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM Bag! ™
From now until Friday, Dec. 13, 2019, for every friend or family member you refer* to Town & Country Vet Clinic, you’ll be entered into a drawing to win a Louis Vuitton™ bag. How the Drawing Works: 1. Send a friend or family member to Town & Country Vet Clinic. 2. Make sure they give your name at the front desk, or you could miss out! It’s that easy! Best of all , when the person you refer brings their pet in, you both are entered to win the Louis Vuitton™ bag! The more people you refer, the more entries you get for the grand prize. First referral = 1 entry Second referral = 2 entries Third referral = 3 entries … And so on!
By your third referral, you’ll have 6 chances to win! With unlimited entries, the more people you send our way, the more chances you have to
score that Louis Vuitton™ bag. Referrals must come in by Friday, Dec. 13, 2019. Winner will be drawn on Monday, Dec. 16, 2019. Good luck! *Referral must be a paid service client
Not actual bag, but the picture was too cute NOT to use. Also, dog not included.
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Treating Your Pets Like Family
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Where Should I Get A Dog? 3 Reasons to Adopt From Your Local Shelter
So, you’ve decided to get a dog. Maybe you think your kids could use a new playmate, or maybe you and your spouse want someone to join you on morning walks. Whatever the reason, the next question is where to get them. Instead of paying exorbitant amounts of money to a breeder for a purebred puppy, why not check the local shelter or humane society? October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, and, if you’re looking to get a dog, here are a few reasons to check the shelters first. It’s Cheaper to Adopt Adoption prices include the upfront expenses, such as spaying, neutering, and vaccinations, that you wouldn’t get from a breeder or pet store. Some shelters even include the cost of microchipping in their fee. If you adopt from a shelter, you’re ensured a healthy, happy dog. With some shelter dogs, you may also save on housebreaking and training costs. Lots of Choices Is there a specific breed you’re looking for? Chances are you will find it at the shelter.
Shelter dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and ages. Some organizations rescue specific breeds, and with a little research, you may find one near you. Even if you don’t find the breed you’re looking for, you may find an indispensable companion in a breed you weren’t looking for — and you never would have found them if you didn’t check the shelters. Great for Your Kids Having a dog can be great for your kids, and getting it from a shelter can be even better for them. Dogs encourage kids to play outside and be more active, and kids gain a friend who loves them unconditionally. Plus, if you adopt, the act of giving an unwanted animal a new home can teach your kids empathy.
If you still haven’t checked your local shelter for the newest member of
your family, what are you waiting for? Find a furry friend you and your kids will love today!
Food Hounds !
PAWSitively Hilarious !
CANINE-FRIENDLY PUMPKIN TRUFFLES
It’s the season of costumes and candy! While there are plenty of canine costumes to choose from, dogs should stay well away from the trick-or-treat bucket. Fortunately, you can still treat your dogs to a Happy Howl-oween with these tasty and dog- friendly truffles.
Ingredients
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3/4 cup canned puréed pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
• • • •
1 teaspoon turmeric 1/2 cup coconut flour 1/4 cup ground flaxseed 1/4 cup Panko bread crumbs
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1/8 cup coconut oil
Directions
1. Warm coconut oil into liquid, then combine with pumpkin purée in a medium mixing bowl. Mix in turmeric, then add coconut flour incrementally. Mix thoroughly to create a sticky dough. 2. Roll dough into bite-size balls. 3. Combine flaxseed with bread crumbs in a small mixing bowl, and then coat truffles in mixture. 4. Refrigerate treats until firm.
Inspired by DalmatianDIY.blogspot.com.
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Treating Your Pets Like Family
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1 Inside 913 Robert’s Cut Off Rd. | River Oaks, TX 76114 What We Do in the Face of Fear
Win a Louis Vuitton for Christmas!
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Reasons to Adopt a Shelter Dog
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A Special Howl-oween Treat
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Amazing Cat Tales
Tails From the Past Mythical Cats of the World
Most owners will tell you their cats act like ancient deities. Majestic, scrupulous, and utterly unpredictable, these fascinating creatures have long captured our imaginations. Even before cat videos took the internet by storm, humans have been idolizing felines, placing them alongside some of their most important mythological figures. Bastet — Egypt Of course, a list of mythical cats has to start with Egypt. While many people know the pharaohs and their followers thought cats were sacred, you may be surprised by how deep the connection goes. The earliest depiction of Bastet, the feline deity of protection, is a lion-headed woman in battle. But, over the course of 2,000 years, Bastet evolved to resemble the domesticated, pointy- eared cats we know and love today. 招き猫 (Maneki-Neko) — Japan Legend has it that in the 17th century, a monk living in a small temple in Edo (now Tokyo) was struggling to survive, but he still split his meals with his cat,
Tama. One day, Lord Nakaota li got caught in a rainstorm while hunting and took shelter under a tree near the temple. Nakaota spotted Tama near the temple,
and the cat raised its leg, beckoning the noble to come toward him. Curious, Nakaota complied, stepping out from beneath the tree just before a bolt of lightning struck it down. The lord’s life was saved, and to this day, the Maneki- Neko (the beckoning cat) is a symbol of wealth and good fortune. Freya’s Skogkatts — Norway In Norse folklore, the goddess Freya had a unique means of travel: a chariot pulled by two cats. These were skogkatts, or Norwegian Forest cats, that were only a little larger than your average house cat. Still, these small felines towed Freya around battlefields as she gathered warriors to send to Valhalla. On top of being the goddess of war, love affairs, and magic, Freya may well have been Midgard’s first cat lady.
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Treating Your Pets Like Family
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817.380.3935
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