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August 2022 www.surfacecreekveterinarycenter.com 970-856-4474
SCVC Pawprint Black Beauties CELEBRATING THE MOST OVERLOOKED CATS
Peek-a-Boo was only about a week old when a kind human found him and brought him to the clinic. He had a herpes infection in both eyes, which weren’t even open yet! He was very sick, but we nursed him back to health. Though he lost one eye, he still sees some out of the the other one. Peek-a-Boo loves to socialize with our clients and is spoiled rotten by everybody. His little brother was found in a dumpster, blind and comatose. He earned the name Stevie Wonder, but he eventually regained his sight, despite still having some other special needs. Stevie is a little more selective about who he hangs out with, but he loves to cuddle the people he knows well and go for rides in our veterinary truck. So, if you’re in the market for a cat, I encourage you to consider adopting one of the many black kitties in the shelters. As with tabbies and calicos, they come in all shades of sweet and feisty, cuddly and aloof. You will end up with a family member just as lovable as if you went with a more photogenic counterpart. (And if you’re concerned, there are many tips online for taking better photos of black cats!) In other news, we’ve been enjoying the company of Dr. Jessica Neil since she joined our team a few weeks ago. She’ll be taking appointments and performing surgeries just like Dr. Jeff and me. Even better, she brought equine expertise to our practice, and Surface Creek has now seen our first horse patients! We know she will continue to make an excellent addition to our team. Make sure to say hello during your next visit!
found it harder to read the facial expressions of black cats than other felines, increasing wariness. I also recently read that people may be hesitant to adopt black cats because they’re less photogenic and unlikely to stand out on an adoption website or look cute on an owner’s social media feed. The obvious explanation for anti-black cat bias is superstition. But I don’t think many would-be cat parents actually believe black cats are bad luck. Instead, I think the explanation is much simpler: People tend to find other cats more attractive. Black cats often blend into the background and therefore get overlooked.
Did you know black cats are more likely to be euthanized in shelters than any other color feline? Perhaps surprisingly, the trend even extends to black and white cats. Advocates want to undo this injustice, so they’ve established National Black Cat Appreciation Day on Aug. 17. There is some good news. While anecdotal evidence from countless shelters says that black cats face an uphill battle in getting adopted, the situation might not be as dire as we think. A study by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals found that black cats accounted for 31% of adoptions — the highest among any cat color. The problem is that 33% of surrendered cats are black, as are 30% of those that go unadopted. Black cats are probably more likely to be euthanized at shelters because they’re more likely to enter them.
But that certainly doesn’t make it fair! Over the years, Dr. Jeff and I have had many black cats — they often seem to magically appear on our doorstep. The phenomenon has even followed us to Surface Creek Vet. Our two office cats, Stevie and Peek-a-Boo, both arrived here unexpectedly and in less-than-ideal conditions.
So, what’s going on? There has been some research into the subject. In 2019, a study found that people generally rank black cats as less friendly and more aggressive. The same respondents also
We are switching software! We are switching to a new veterinary software and ask for your patience and understanding. It is a bumpy road but we are doing our best to adjust. Once it's transitioned, we expect it to be a smoother experience to better serve you and your furry friends!
–Dr. Susie
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Here to Help The Best Companion MEET RIANA FULLER! Receptionist Riana Fuller’s love of animals began at an early age. “When I was younger, I had a friend whose mom owned an animal rescue,” she remembers. “She would bring me in to help, and I became a foster parent around the age of 10. It was fun making sure those animals had a place to go before finding their forever home.”
LULU THE PIG IS A HERO! She Saved Her Owner From a Heart Attack
Lulu captured the hearts of the Altsmans when their daughter asked them to pet-sit her overweight pot-bellied pig. The pair quickly fell in love with Lulu, and their bond got stronger each day. This relationship was literally life-saving when the wife suffered a heart attack one August afternoon. Jo Ann Altsman was home alone with Lulu and their dog, Bear, when the incident occurred. Her husband was off on a fishing trip, and the pair didn’t have any neighbors nearby. Bear began to bark to try and get someone’s attention, but Lulu knew she had to do something before it was too late. So, she made her way out of the doggie door, which badly scraped her belly as she exited. Lulu had never left the yard, but today was different. To get some attention, she decided to lie down in the middle of the road and play dead until a car stopped to check on her. After several minutes of lying on the street, several cars passed by but didn’t stop. So, she checked on her owner, then squeezed through the doggie door and lay down on the road again. After 45 minutes, a gentleman on a motorcycle pulled over to check on Lulu. She immediately perked up and began walking toward the house, leaving a trail of blood behind her as she walked. The man followed Lulu and found Altsman unconscious on the ground. He quickly dialed 911 and asked for assistance. When the medics put her owner in the ambulance, Lulu attempted to get in with them. Of course, she couldn’t come, so she began to squeal as she watched the medics take her mom away. Thankfully, Lulu's wounds were attended to, and Altsman received life-saving open-heart surgery at the Beaver Medical Center. Because of her loyalty and creative thinking, this pot-bellied pig became a celebrity overnight! She was a guest on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and the “Late Show With David Letterman.” Everyone fell in love with Lulu and her heroism.
As she got older, she struggled to decide whether she wanted to start a career in animal control or animal day care services. Ultimately, she left her head cashier job a few months ago to become a receptionist at Surface Creek Veterinary Center. “I feel like it’s the best of both worlds,” she says, “because I get to work directly with the animals and help them stay healthy.” Riana now spends her days answering phone calls, scheduling appointments, updating the doctors, preparing vaccinations, and processing payments. “If there’s a problem, I will strive to fix it,” Riana says. “I’m not just here to be here — I want to help as much as I can.” Some of Riana’s favorite times are when she has the opportunity to work with the animals in the back. She loves getting hands-on with the pets and building relationships with their owners. “I enjoy meeting new people and their pets and getting to know their personalities,” she says. She also spends plenty of time with animals at home. Riana lives with her mom, grandfather, and two younger siblings. Together, they have
two huskies, three Chihuahua/poodles, and three cats. “It’s a very lively household!” she says. Riana primarily looks after the huskies and notes, “I play with my dogs a ton. The other night, we spent two hours playing in the water, and it was the best time I’ve had in a while.” Riana loves her new job at Surface Creek and has great things to say about the work environment. “Everyone is super friendly,” she says. “No one is going to think less of you for asking a question, and they’re here to help you when you need help.” She adds that she strives to follow that same ethos. “I love the fact that I’m here helping the doctors as much as I can.”
Thank you, Lulu, for being a loyal and brave pet!
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TASTY PASTURES
Why Many Dogs Eat Grass If you have a dog, there’s a good chance you’ve noticed them munching on the lawn at least once or twice. Studies show that up to 80% of dogs snack on grass. There are far worse things dogs can (and do) eat, but many pet owners still wonder about the reason behind the habit and whether it’s safe. Experts have many theories on the behavior but little hard evidence. Many people believe their dogs eat grass due to an upset stomach, but most dogs don’t display any other behaviors associated with being unwell while snacking on the lawn. Some experts believe the habit is evolutionary, tracing back to canines’ herbivore ancestors. Meanwhile, others suggest that dogs might eat grass for the same reason they eat your slippers — because they’re bored. But could the tendency to eat grass have anything to do with your dog’s diet? It’s a popular theory. Many experts have proposed that dogs eat grass when they need additional fiber. Your dog could also be craving other
minerals or vitamins and seeking out alternative sources for them. And it’s worth noting that grass has high water content, so dogs might snack on grass when they’re feeling dehydrated. Then again, the correct answer is sometimes the simplest one. Many experts suggest that dogs eat grass just like humans eat ice cream. They think it tastes good!
So, we can't say with certainty why your dog is eating grass. But the bigger question remains — is it unhealthy? In theory, no. But the reality is a bit more complicated. While grass itself is unlikely to harm your dog, the herbicides and pesticides that may be present on any given lawn are toxic. Your dog can also pick up a parasite from residual feces left by another animal. And grass might be fine, but other common plants they could find while grazing can be poisonous. So, keep a close eye on their snacking. Furthermore, it’s worth using your dog’s grass-eating habit as an opportunity to reflect on their lifestyle and environment. Is your dog getting enough attention, exercise, and stimulation? Do they have enough fiber and other nutrients in their diet? And is their regular water intake sufficient? While eating grass may not be a problem in itself, it can be the wake-up call you need to make your dog healthier and happier.
GCraat i nT -r eFar tese Inspired by SaltInMyCoffee.com
Clien th ts e SWpr o e r a d ding
Patty Naft Chad Mitchell Dick Beardi Christine Clymer Anjani Devi Marshal Polzin
Keep your kitty happy with these tasty protein-packed tuna treats!
INGREDIENTS
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3 tbsp sea meal mineral powder
• • •
2 cans tuna, undrained 1/2 cup cooked pumpkin
1/2 cup coconut flour
3 egg yolks
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 350 F. 2. In a bowl or food processor, blend all ingredients until they comprise a fine-grained mash. 3. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, place 1/4 heaping teaspoons of mixture, evenly spaced. Press each treat with a finger to make a small disc. 4. Bake for 12 minutes, until treats are golden brown. 5. With a wide spatula, flip treats, and return to oven for another 3–5 minutes, until the second side browns. 6. Cool thoroughly and store in an air-tight container. Treats should last up to 2 weeks in storage or longer if they are frozen.
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The Beauty of Black Cats inside this issue
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Pigs Are Brave and Loyal Pets, Too!
Meet Receptionist Riana Fuller!
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Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?
Grain-Free Cat Treats
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4 Reasons to Start Golfing This Summer
4 GREAT BENEFITS OF GOLF Tee Off This Summer New Appointment Cancellation Policy When you cancel with less than 24-hour notice, we now require a prepaid $50 deposit to reschedule. If you keep your rescheduled appointment, we will apply the deposit to your veterinary bill. If you miss your rescheduled appointment, the fee is nonrefundable.
end up in the sand trap, but you decide how you react to the situation. You can get mad and potentially play worse or understand that everything is not always going to work out in golf. That lesson can even be applied to your everyday life. It'll draw you outside. Most of us can use some additional time outdoors, and golf provides the perfect opportunity. Between rolling hills, picturesque ponds, and lush trees, the golf course is a beautiful setting. Even if you’re playing poorly, you can still enjoy being outside for a few hours out of your day. It's fun for the entire family. Golf isn’t just for businessmen. Anyone can find enjoyment in the game. It can be a great weekend activity for the entire family or the perfect bonding experience between relatives. There are par 3 courses across the country that offer an easier experience for new golfers, and you can always play nine holes instead of 18 to cut down on time and conserve energy.
Golf is an enjoyable sport anyone can participate in regardless of experience, ability, and age. There’s nothing quite like teeing off on the first hole after a difficult week of work. Though it can certainly be frustrating at times, golf is a fun sport with many amazing perks. Reading the following benefits will make you want to head over to Cedaredge Golf Club, even if you’re not a regular golfer. It's great exercise. Playing a full 18 holes of golf can be exhausting and for good reason. Swinging a golf club works your forearms, core, shoulders, and back muscles. If you choose to walk the course, you’ll be getting in a great workout as the average course length is about 4 miles. You can also carry your golf bag for an even better workout. It builds character. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned golfer or on the course for the first time, you are not going to have a perfect round. You may miss a putt or
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