Petersen Pet Hospital - July 2020

Monthly Pets First

July 2020

Boating With a Border Collie OUR ADVENTURES OUT ON THE WATER

“Being on a boat is a somewhat surreal experience. It’s so peaceful to be out on the water and you can get close to nature.”

Stacey and I have been introducing our border collie, Sam, to a lot of new experiences. One of the big ones has been boating. Sam has taken pretty easily to being on the boat when Stacey and I go out to the lake. This is a big relief. We were worried she’d want to jump out into the water or try to play with a fish while I was in the middle of reeling it in. But she’s remained pretty darn calm. She was a little nervous when we first started bringing her onto the boat, but she really took to it. Sam likes looking around and smelling the air. Boating was a big part of my childhood summers. My parents have owned a boat since I was in grade school, and we often took family excursions to a local lake on the weekends. The morning was spent water skiing and riding around on the lake. At lunchtime, we’d go back into a cove, put an anchor down, and relax for a while. We’d eat the lunches my mom packed, then swim around and float on tubes. After lunch, we’d go back to boating around the lake and do some more water skiing. These excursions are how I became familiar with boats and learned the basic safety rules of boating. I have a lot of fond memories of boating, and I’m really glad that I still get to enjoy boating today with my family. When Stacey and I go out with Sam, we pack our lunches and treats for Sam and bring out a big umbrella to keep things shady. We also put down a blanket under the console so Sam can get out of the sun when it’s hot or lay down when we start going fast in the boat. It’s been a good experience for us. We like to go out as a family and not leave Sam behind. I’ll spend a few hours fishing while Stacey enjoys the sun and reads a book.

I’m hoping to be able to take Sam out fishing by myself someday when she’s more comfortable in the boat.

Being on a boat is a somewhat surreal experience. It’s so peaceful to be out on the water and you can get close to nature. If

you go back to a quiet cove, then you can hear fish splashing and see the birds in the trees or the waterfowl floating by. You get fresh air and sun. Boating is a neat experience, one that I’ve always enjoyed. It helps me relax and gets my mind off work for a while. Boating is also a pretty good social distancing activity. My fishing buddy and I usually go out on my boat together, but more recently, we’ve been having to go out in our separate boats. We’ll find a place to anchor near each other, and though we’re fishing on separate boats, we’re still close enough to talk and catch up. Being able to go boating like this has been really helpful during these challenging months. It’s good to be able to get out and have a hobby to enjoy.

With the summer weather finally here, I hope to spend a lot more time on the boat with Stacey and Sam. It’s important to take a break once in a while and enjoy a little peace on the water.

www.PetersenPetHospital.com

Border Collie Corner SUMMER SAFETY TIPS: PET EDITION

Hello, everybody!

Summer is here, and there’s plenty of fun in store for people and their pets. I’ve been spending a lot of time on the boat with Dr. Petersen and Stacey. We have a lot of fun! I have to wear a life jacket when we go on the boat, which I didn’t like much at first, but I know it helps keep me safe. This month, I’m looking at other ways people can help keep their pets safe during the summer months. Get your pets microchipped. If your pet spends time outside, then make sure you get them microchipped. A pet microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and gets implanted just under the skin. It contains a set of numbers that are part of a database that all veterinarians, shelters, and animal control organizations have access to. The number on the

Try These Homegrown Ingredients in Your Smoothies!

microchip will correspond with the owner’s name, address, and phone number. If your pet is lost or picked up by animal control, then this microchip can help make sure they get back home to you. It’s smart to get your indoor dogs and cats microchipped too, just in case they sneak outside on an adventure.

When you’re looking for a tasty, healthy snack, homemade smoothies are hard to beat. Naturally sweetened by fresh fruits and vegetables and packed with all sorts of nutrients, smoothies are the perfect summertime breakfast option or post-workout reward. Even better, you can grow several smoothie-worthy ingredients right in your own backyard. For a truly fresh and healthy treat, trying growing these ingredients in your garden. Spinach Just like spinach is easy to blend into smoothies, it’s also easy to grow in gardens. Most varieties take between 37–45 days to mature and can be grown multiple times throughout the year. Spinach is a rich source of iron, calcium, magnesium, and various other vitamins and minerals. Plus, if you’re not a fan of leafy greens, you’re in luck. You can’t taste it at all when you pair it with sweeter fruits and vegetables in a smoothie. Carrots Like spinach, you can easily start growing carrots this summer and have them ready to harvest in the fall, though they take about twice as long to grow. Carrots can give your smoothies a delightful natural sweetness. They’re also a waist-friendly food and full of nutrients like beta carotene, fiber, and antioxidants. If you have them in your garden, they’re a must-have in your smoothie. Mint If you want a garden plant that grows fast in abundance and tastes good, mint is the plant for you. It takes around 90 days for the plant to grow 1–2 feet tall and yield plenty of refreshing, tasty leaves to garnish your smoothies. Just be sure to plant mint in its own container, or else it might take over your garden! Mint leaves can also go a long way in soothing an upset stomach. A good smoothie is enough to satisfy your cravings for something sweet and nutritious, and when you can use ingredients fresh from your garden, it’s all the more satisfactory.

Sweet Pup-tato Pretzels Ready to get more creative with your dog treats? You’ll have as much fun making these pretzel treats as your dog will have eating them!

Partner in Crime Pet Health

Check your gates. This time of year, we see a lot more pets coming into the hospital after getting hit by a car. If you’re taking your pet outside, then make sure they’re on a leash. And if they’re hanging out in the yard, then make sure the fence doesn’t have any holes in it and that your gate is shut tight. If you have an invisible fence, then double-check that it’s working properly.

Dr. Emily Saunders is Petersen Pet Hospital’s New Partner

Protect your pet from parasites. I talked about how scary heartworms are a few months ago, but these aren’t the only kind of parasite pets need to worry about. In the summer, fleas and ticks are also big problems. In addition to being uncomfortable, parasites can carry diseases and cause lifelong health problems. Talk to your veterinarian about how you can help protect your pet from parasites this summer and all year long. Summer safety is important for everyone. Keep these tips in mind so you and your pets can have a truly great summer! —Sam

This month, we’re thrilled to announce that Dr. Emily Saunders has become a partner with Petersen Pet Hospital. Dr. Saunders is an excellent veterinarian who has been with the hospital for 11 years. In that time, she’s always looked out for what’s best for her patients as well as what’s best for the people she works with at the hospital. As a partner, Dr. Saunders will continue providing a high level of care to her patients and clients while also taking on more operational responsibilities at Petersen Pet Hospital.

“This is definitely exciting news for myself,” says Dr. Brad Petersen. “Dr. Saunders will be helping me with day-to-day operations, administrative duties, and help continue to grow the hospital and provide exceptional patient care. I’m glad to have someone to share managerial duties with and take some of the weight off my shoulders. It’s only been a month since she took on this new role, but it’s already had a positive impact on me and on Petersen Pet Hospital. Since day one, Dr. Saunders has been someone I can rely on. I’m glad to have her as a partner at the hospital.”

INGREDIENTS

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1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced

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1 3/4 cups whole- wheat flour 1 tbsp flaxseed meal

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1 egg

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We’re very excited to have Dr. Saunders take on her new responsibilities as partner.

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat the oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. 2. In a medium saucepan, cover sweet potatoes with water by 2 inches and bring to a boil over high heat. Boil until tender, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat, drain the water, and allow sweet potatoes to cool. 3. Transfer sweet potatoes to a food processor and purée until smooth. 4. In a small bowl, beat the egg. Set aside 1 tbsp for Step 7. 5. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and flaxseed. Add sweet potato and remaining egg. Stir with a wooden spoon until dough forms. 6. On a lightly floured surface, roll a small piece of dough into a 10-inch rope. Shape rope into a pretzel twist and repeat with remaining dough. 7. Place pretzels on a baking sheet and brush with the remaining beaten egg. Bake for 25 minutes, until golden brown. Let pretzels cool completely before surprising your dog with a crunchy treat.

Next time you stop by the hospital, join us in

congratulating Dr. Emily Saunders! Or feel free to give her a shoutout on our Facebook page. For over a decade, she’s been a valuable member of the Petersen Pet Hospital staff, and she’s sure to provide great leadership and insight well into the future.

www.PetersenPetHospital.com

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

1031 Kacena Road, Hiawatha, IA 52233 www.PetersenPetHospital.com 319-743-0554

Mon–Fri: 8 a.m.–6 p.m. (Closed Fridays from 12:30–2:10 p.m. for teammeetings) Sat: 8 a.m.–12 p.m. Sun: Closed

Inside This Issue

Can Dogs Go Boating?

PRIMARY

3 Garden-Fresh Ingredients for Your Smoothies!

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BLACK

50% BLACK

3 Ways to Protect Your Pets This Summer

Dog-Friendly Pretzel Treats

SECONDARY

Who’s Petersen Pet Hospital’s New Partner?

PMS292 How Meals on Wheels Atlanta Stepped Up for Its Community PMS5635 PMS1215

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A Meal for Every Member of the Family

Meals onWheels doesn’t often get the credit it deserves. The international nonprofit ensures those who are unable to buy or make their ownmeals get the food they need to survive. Of course, for many recipients, the efforts of the organization go far beyond“survival.”For those who receive food daily or weekly, those deliveries may be their only source of social interaction. And during times of social distancing, the programbecame more important than ever. Meals onWheels doesn’t just serve meals to the elderly and people with disabilities — it also serves those people’s pets. In 2019, Meals onWheels Atlanta realized there was a huge need in their community to feed the pets of senior citizens. It stands to reason that if an elderly individual is unable to shop or cook for themselves, their pets may be in a similar predicament. And when someone’s pet is their entire world, making sure the animal is fed and healthy means everything. In response to this need, Meals onWheels Atlanta began stocking up on cat and dog food, creating their own pantry to serve the local pet community. When volunteers made their rounds deliveringmeals to seniors, they made sure to bring cat and dog food along too. Meals onWheels Goes the Extra Mile

11Alive News in Atlanta that Jeffery and Grizzly “have their own special relationship.”

Larry loved Grizzly long before Meals onWheels Atlanta started the pet pantry because he

saw howmuch Grizzly’s companionshipmeant to Jeffery. Now, Larry enjoys his service that much more since he gets to provide for Jeffery’s beloved pet, as well.

On top of delivering food to seniors and their pets, Meals onWheels Atlanta also delivers pet toys and pet beds, and they are happy to take in any pet-related food or items for donation. The organization says this endeavor was done out of love, not only for the people they serve but also for the whole family—wagging tails, fuzzy whiskers, and all.

One volunteer with Meals onWheels Atlanta, Larry Auberbach, had a unique experience deliveringmeals to Jeffery Jones and his dog, Grizzly. The volunteer told

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