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JANUARY 2019
903.587.2210
Pet Gazette Take Chances
From Your Hometown Vet
TRADITIONSVETCENTERS.COM/LOCATIONS/LEONARD-ANIMAL-CLINIC
One Mutt’s Thoughts on Trying Something New
Hello, everyone!
We dogs just go with our instincts to make a decision, but humans can get all up in their heads. Even though joining Leonard Animal Clinic was a great opportunity, Brea was
My name’s Ace, and much like my boxer friend, Stella, I came to live with Dr. Brea Smith thanks to her husband, Mike. I was all alone, and Mike found me wandering around near his work. I’m a pit-Lab-heeler mix,
and I know that can make strangers nervous. I was so excited when Mike brought me home and overjoyed when Brea said I could stay. Now instead of sleeping on the street, I get play time, cuddles, and the best care of my life. For example, when the results of my annual heartworm test came back positive, Brea started treating me right away. Learning I had heartworms was a little scary, but I’m glad Brea found it in my check- up. Dogs with heartworms who don’t get diagnosed can suffer from heart failure! This is another reason why I’m glad Mike took a chance on me. Not many people would have.
worried about taking that leap. While her last clinic wasn’t great, it was familiar. The fear of the unknown when faced with something new can be difficult to overcome. Though humans can overthink things, they also have other people they can turn to for advice, which is what Brea did. She talked to Mike, other family members, and even her mentor from when she first became a vet. Additionally, Brea took some time to pray before making her decision. “There’s a reason certain opportunities come to you when they do,” Brea says. “Praying reminded me that God puts unexpected things in your path for a reason. If you don’t take that chance, you could be missing out on something great.” Brea was anxious about making such a big change, but she was willing to take that risk. It’s better to be a little scared than keep yourself in a bad situation. She took a chance when joining Leonard, and it really paid off. Less than 24 hours after Brea applied, Dr. Julius gave her a call, already excited at the idea of having her come into the clinic. I’ve seen how much happier Brea is in the six months since we joined the Leonard family. Sometimes, the best thing we can do for ourselves is take a chance on something new. –Ace
“Humans can have trouble
taking chances, but sometimes it really pays off.”
Humans can have trouble taking chances, but sometimes it really pays off. Just ask Brea! The last clinic Brea worked at wasn’t a fun place to be. It wasn’t a friendly environment, and she was stressed out all the time. I would have bolted, but Brea was willing to stay put and take care of her patients. Then she was reading an article from an online veterinary journal one evening, and an ad popped up with an offer to “find your perfect job.” I understand humans don’t typically like pop-ups interrupting their reading, but Brea made an exception for this one. She gave it a try, just to see if there were any opportunities near our home. To her surprise, a position at Leonard Animal Clinic had just opened up!
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Your Hometown Vet
903.587.2210
TRADITIONSVETCENTERS.COM/LOCATIONS/LEONARD-ANIMAL-CLINIC
You have probably heard of the Chinese zodiac and the 12 animals that represent each year: the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. Maybe you already know which animal claims your birth year, and you’re ahead of the game if you know that we’ll be celebrating the Year of the Pig in 2019. But do you know how these specific animals earned such a high honor? According to legend, when the celestial Jade Emperor created a way to measure time, he invited the animals in his kingdom to earn a spot on the zodiac by winning a race. Cat and Rat, who were best friends back then, were both eager to participate. Wanting to be well-rested, Cat took a nap before the race. But when the time for the race came, Rat, who was determined to win, sneaked away without waking his friend. Rat’s cunning didn’t stop there. When the race reached a raging river, Rat secretly climbed on the back of Ox, who was in the lead. When they reached the other side, Rat jumped off, crossing the finish line before Ox and claiming the first year of the zodiac for his own. The other animals finished the race in the order they appear in the zodiac, each taking a place influenced by their unique traits. Now, you might be wondering how Dragon came in fifth place. Unlike their monstrous brothers in Western mythology, Chinese dragons are wise, helpful creatures. During the race, Dragon saw a village suffering from a terrible drought, so he stopped to help make rain so the farmers’ crops could grow. Even with the delay, he still finished well before most of the other animals. And what about poor Cat? When he woke up to discover he’d missed the race and would be left out of the zodiac, he was enraged. He declared vengeance on Rat, and to this day, cats still hold their grudge against rats. Was there really a celestial race that named each year in the Chinese calendar? Probably not. After all, cats hadn’t been introduced in China when the zodiac calendar was first put into use! But it’s an exciting story and one that’s always fun to tell on the Chinese New Year. New Year’s Menagerie Legend of the Chinese Zodiac
Get Your Kids to Eat Healthier Than Ever
Do your kids get enough nutrients in their diet? If they’re like most kids, the answer is probably no. You want your children to eat more vegetables and less processed junk, but they certainly don’t make it easy. Even getting the average kid to chow down on a serving of broccoli can be a huge chore. In fact, food manufacturers have built an entire industry that takes advantage of our kids’ penchant for sugary cereal and fast food. However, a diet of highly processed foods can lead to a host of problems. Not only do these poor dietary habits carry over into adulthood, but a poor diet can hinder brain development and may even cause behavioral issues. A study in the American Journal of Public Health found links between poor diet and the development of depression in kids and teens. But how can you encourage your kids to eat healthier? Often, it comes down to presentation. A mound of plain old veggies is not appetizing — not to a 10-year- old and not to a 40-year-old. Instead of presenting vegetables as a boring side dish, think of them as an ingredient. Take lasagna, for instance. This tasty, familiar dish is easy to modify. Instead of using lasagna noodles, use zucchini. Simply slice the zucchini into thin, noodle- like strips, then layer them as you would typical noodles. The same can be done with other pasta dishes, such as spaghetti. Zucchini noodles — or “zoodles” — are delicious in marinara sauce and decadent in Alfredo. If push comes to shove, you can easily hide vegetables in foods your children already know and love. Did you know you can make brownies with avocado and black beans? Slipping in a few healthier ingredients here and there can deliver those nutrients in a pinch, especially during a chaotic school week. But, if you’re hoping to foster long-lasting healthy habits, the best thing you can do is offer your child a choice. Say something like “You can have the cauliflower, or you can have the broccoli. It’s up to you!” Let your child have that control. Psychologists and social scientists, including the famed Dr. Maria Montessori, argue that when kids feel in charge of a decision, they are more likely to embrace one of the options — even if it’s a vegetable. Ultimately, as a parent, you are in charge of your child’s diet. Help them explore new foods and foster a positive culinary environment. Your kids will develop a taste for healthy eating in no time!
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Your Hometown Vet
903.587.2210
TRADITIONSVETCENTERS.COM/LOCATIONS/LEONARD-ANIMAL-CLINIC
Just a Number
Don’t Let Old Age Define Your Pet
It’s time to retire the saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” The truth is, older dogs can be trained just as easily as puppies! Older dogs often have a longer attention span, so they may learn new tricks even faster. And though notoriously difficult to train at any age, older cats should also not be counted out. Age shouldn’t define your pet, regardless of how old they may be. Here are a few ways you can help your senior dog or cat feel like a new pet again. LEARN A NEW TRICK Not only can older pets still learn and enjoy new things, mental stimulation and challenges are also good for their overall health! New games, toys, food puzzles, or even taking a different route on your morning walk can give your pet a much-needed brain boost. CHANGE UP THE MENU Senior pet foods aren’t just another marketing strategy from pet food companies. Older pets really do have
different dietary needs. But before you grab the first bag of senior cat food at the grocery store, chat with us about what specialized foods can help with your pet’s specific health and activity level. REMEMBER: OLD AGE ISN’T A DISEASE Never discredit a major change in your pet’s mood or behavior as they grow older. While getting old will certainly bring changes in your dog or cat, old age alone doesn’t cause sudden weight loss, decreases appetite, dramatic hair loss, or changes in bathroom behavior. Illnesses like diabetes, arthritis, dental problems, hyperthyroidism, or Addison’s disease may be the real culprit. If you can get your pet properly diagnosed and treated, you will see great improvement. You can’t turn back the clock, but you can help your pet enjoy all their years of life, no matter how old they are. This month, our clinic wants to help senior pets lead happy, healthy lives with 10 percent off senior wellness packages. Start the new year by helping your senior pet feel young again!
Food Hounds ! CHICKEN CHOP SUEY
PAWSitively Hilarious !
Ingredients
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2 large or 4 medium chicken thighs
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2 tablespoons cornstarch, mixed with 4 tablespoons water 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil Salt and pepper, to taste
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3 pounds bok choy, cut into 3–4-inch ribbons 4 tablespoons vegetable oil 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
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• • •
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2 teaspoons sugar
Directions
1. In large pot, boil three cups of water. Add chicken and reduce to simmer, cooking for 30 minutes. Remove chicken and let cool. Once cooled, remove skin and bones, chop, and set aside. Reserve the cooking liquid. 2. In a large skillet over high heat, heat vegetable oil. Once simmering, add bok choy and cook for 1 minute, stirring throughout. Add half of reserved cooking liquid, cover skillet, and cook for 2 minutes. Remove cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Transfer bok choy to a plate. 3. Add remaining cooking liquid and chicken to the pan, maintaining high heat. Heat chicken, then add oyster sauce, sugar, cornstarch-and-water mixture, sesame oil, and bok choy. Season to taste, toss together, and serve over rice.
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Your Hometown Vet
903.587.2210
TRADITIONSVETCENTERS.COM/LOCATIONS/LEONARD-ANIMAL-CLINIC
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
400 HWY 69 South Leonard, TX 75452
903.587.2210
TRADITIONSVETCENTERS.COM/LOCATIONS/LEONARD-ANIMAL-CLINIC
Inside
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A Word From Ace
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Happy Year of the Pig!
Trick Your Kids Into Healthy Eating
Is Your Dog Too Old to Learn New Tricks?
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Chicken Chop Suey
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Sgt. Fieldy Comes Home
Sgt. Fieldy Comes Home
Reuniting Brothers in Arms
There are around 2,500 military working dogs currently in service, and their efforts help save the lives of countless soldiers and civilians every day. One of these brave military dogs is Sgt. Fieldy, an 11-year-old black lab who was trained to locate the No. 1 threat in Afghanistan: IEDs. Sgt. Fieldy was deployed to Afghanistan with his handler, Cpl. Nicolas Caceres, in 2011. Early in their deployment, their vehicle struck a pressure plate while they were on patrol. Fieldy and Caceres were all right, but one of the other Marines in their company was badly injured in the explosion. The injured Marine could not be evacuated by helicopter until the landing zone was secured. Fieldy found another IED in the area and alerted Caceres. The bomb was quickly disarmed, and the injured soldier was taken to safety.
several more tours without him. While Fieldy continued to protect soldiers and civilians by tracking down IEDs, Caceres worked tirelessly to make sure he could bring Fieldy home when his service was over. Military working dogs can be adopted by former handlers, law enforcement, or qualified civilians when they retire. After three years apart and a total of four tours served, Sgt. Fieldy was reunited with Caceres. In 2016, Fieldy received the K9 Medal of Courage Award, and in 2018, he won the American Humane Hero Dog Award for his service. “These dogs are out there with us,” said Caceres when he and Fieldy accepted the Hero Dog Award. “The dangers we face, they face them too. They deserve to be recognized. We ask so much of them, and all they want is to get petted or play with a toy. They’re amazing animals, and Fieldy is just an amazing dog. I can’t begin to express the gratitude I have for him.” If you are interested in supporting our nation’s working dogs or would like to adopt a retired working dog yourself, you can learn more at Missionk9rescue.org.
This wasn’t the only IED Fieldy found. His sharp nose and dedication helped save thousands of lives. After his deployment, Caceres returned home, but Sgt. Fieldy served
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Your Hometown Vet
903.587.2210
TRADITIONSVETCENTERS.COM/LOCATIONS/LEONARD-ANIMAL-CLINIC
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