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June 2023 www.surfacecreekveterinarycenter.com 970-856-4474
SCVC Pawprint
A Radio and a Paper Route THE GOOD OLD DAYS AND TECHNOLOGY
had an antenna you used to pick up broadcasts. There weren’t many options because most radio stations were still AM back then, but I didn’t mind. Around age 7, I picked up a newspaper route and made deliveries on my bike. Duct tape wasn’t very common back then, so I used regular tan masking tape to attach the transistor radio to my handlebars each morning. I’d sometimes lose reception when I turned a corner, but I’d fiddle with the antenna to get it back. I also brought the radio inside at night and fell asleep listening to San Francisco Giants games out of my home in Phoenix. It was the heyday of Bobby Bonds and Willie Mays, and I knew all the players and their stats. The next day, I’d go outside and attach the radio to my bike again. It went everywhere with me for years. And while I frequently want to throw my smartphone across the room, I don’t remember ever feeling that way about the radio. Of course, no one carries a radio around with them anymore. Everyone streams whatever they like whenever they want. Times have
Technology has come a long way since my childhood in the 1960s. June 7 is National VCR Day, but I can remember much further back than that. Forget Blockbuster and taping movies during network broadcasts — my family was the first in the neighborhood to get a color television. We originally had a black-and-white TV like everyone else. It had rabbit ears to pick up reception, and we’d add
tin foil to them and use other tricks to improve reception. But all my friends had to come over and watch when we switched to full color. The remote control that let us change channels without getting up was just as impressive as the new hues were. Those old “clickers” were fickle, though.
changed, but maybe not as much as we think. My 12-year-old son recently asked for a turntable to play vinyl records! Everything old is new again! Whether it’s fashion, entertainment, or electronics,
We lived near a major road where semi-trucks regularly passed, and their rumbling would often match the frequency of our remote control. The channels would change, the volume would go up and down, and the TV might switch on and off. Trucks weren’t the only problem. I eventually discovered I could create the same effect by going outside and rattling my bike chain. I’d sneak out, start swinging it around, and laugh as
I’ve learned the latest new trend is usually a rehash of
something popular 50 years ago. But while the fads come and go, you never really forget the ones you grew up with.
I heard my brothers inside moan about the trucks. I also pulled the same prank on my parents a few times until they caught me. That was the end of that! I liked the TV, but I didn’t have to share my true favorite childhood gadget with anyone else. The transistor radio I received as a birthday present changed my life. The radio was small, not much bigger than a postcard, and
–Dr. Jeff
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The Best Companion
RESCUE DOG’S LEGACY LIVES ON
O p eSnoi no ng WE’RE MAKING PROGRESS ON OUR NEW HOTCHKISS LOCATION
HFeollwfotrhFe rWidaorld
Dressed in protective goggles, blue booties, and a matching vest, this incredible rescue dog became a symbol of hope in Mexico. Frida, a cheerful yellow Labrador retriever, was a devoted member of the Mexican Navy known for her search and rescue
skills. Trained to find people trapped under rubble after earthquakes, Frida always worked hard to save lives. Frida became a national hero when a devastating earthquake hit Mexico City in 2017. The 7.1 magnitude earthquake took more than 300 lives and injured many more. While sifting through dangerous debris and aftershocks, Frida saved 12 people after finding them alive while uncovering more than 40 bodies during her lifesaving career. While the nation was devastated by the disaster, this smiley rescue pup brought worldwide attention to the tragedy. Frida’s dedication (and impeccable style) quickly made her an internet celebrity, and soon, murals of the life- saving canine graced the walls of Mexico City. Even Captain America, aka Chris Evans, gave Frida a shoutout on Twitter, adding, “What did we do to deserve dogs?” The hero dog then traveled the world, helping countries suffering from the aftermath of disastrous earthquakes. Frida saved lives in Haiti and Ecuador before retiring from her position in 2019 at 10 years old to live the rest of her days in comfort and love. Sadly, the Mexican Navy announced Frida’s passing in November 2022 due to old age. She was 13 years old. In her honor, a magnificent bronze statue of Frida, clad in goggles and boots, stands in front of the Mexican Navy office in Mexico City. On the day of her death, the Mexican Navy changed their Twitter banner to an illustration of Frida and spread the hashtag "#HastaSiempreFrida." Frida will always be remembered for her lifesaving work and the hope she embodied for the entire world.
Many of our clients have asked about the status of our new Hotchkiss clinic, and we’re excited to say it’s coming along nicely. “We’re getting close,” Dr. Jeff says. "Though we don’t yet have an exact date, we expect to open our doors to the public before the end of the year." Surface Creek Veterinary Center first conceived of this extension in 2020, intending to open by 2021, but the pandemic upended and delayed many plans. I’m happy to say we are back on track. Despite persistent rumors of the project’s demise, we intend to open soon!
The historic building we’re moving into is over 100 years old and has served as a hair salon and dentist’s office
in the past. Due to its age and extended vacancy, Dr. Jeff said, “It was a bit run down.” But he has worked hard with contractors and volunteers to bring new life to the office and prepare it for our clients. Dr. Jeff has performed much of the work, including tearing out insulation, putting up drywall, and installing new doors. But while he has spent many lunch breaks and weekends fixing up the Hotchkiss clinic, he notes that he couldn’t have done it alone. “A lot of people have helped along the way,” he said. “Just regular clients who wanted to assist; it was amazing how people wanted to help us.” We want to offer a big thank-you to everyone who has played a role in getting the new clinic ready and hope you enjoy these sneak peek photos. We can’t wait to announce our opening date, so stay tuned for more!
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THE RIGHT WAY TO RESTRAIN
How Harnesses and Collars Differ Once upon a time, dressing your dog was simple — all you had to do was find the right-size collar. Now, more and more pups
Harnesses also tend to be more secure than collars. If they fit correctly, harnesses are less likely to slip off, especially on breeds like greyhounds with small heads. A harness further gives the person walking the dog additional control over most small and medium breeds; some harnesses are specially designed to stop pulling.
Clien th ts e SWpr o e r a d ding The design is helpful for dogs that tend to tug on a leash. Doing so with a collar can cause neck problems, back pain, restricted airways, or even a collapsed trachea. These issues are widespread in toy breeds like Chihuahuas and brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs, pugs, and boxers. Experts argue that you should always use a harness on these dogs. Traditional collars wrap around your dog’s neck, while harnesses fasten around their chest and back. Both have a clip where an owner can attach a leash. But harnesses distribute pressure more evenly over the dog’s body rather than centering it on the neck. are using a harness, leaving some pet parents confused. What’s the difference between a collar and a harness, and why are harnesses becoming more popular? We’re happy to explain.
But collars do have a place. Collars always allow humans to attach an identification tag for their dog, while not all harnesses do. They’re also more convenient than harnesses and easier to get on and off your dog. While some dogs always wear their harnesses, others will find them very uncomfortable. A dog used to a collar may also struggle at first with a harness. For most dogs, the benefits of a harness outweigh the downsides. But if your harness does not have a place for an ID tag or your dog will not wear the harness all the time, it’s a good idea to keep a collar as a backup. Pets tend to slip away when we least expect it.
If you’re still unsure whether a collar or harness will work best for your dog — or if you know which one your canine needs but are struggling to acclimate them — the doctors at Surface Creek Vet are here to help. We’ll gladly provide tips on what will serve your dog best and how to help them get used to the change.
If your cat needs extra hydration this summer, consider making your own puréed cat treats. They’re just as good as the squeezy tube treats you can get at your local pet store. S C q a u t e T e r z e a a b t l s e Inspired by KittyCatGo.com
Terri Dunn Amber Bell Jenny Sickles Chantelle Penfield Dorothy Pew John Gavan
INGREDIENTS
• •
4 oz chicken (or your cat’s favorite protein)
4 tbsp water
DIRECTIONS
1.
In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add chicken and boil for 5–6 minutes or until the center is no longer pink.
having any chicken chunks.
4.
Pour the liquid cat treat into a plastic squeeze bottle. Cut the tip of the bottle to make the hole bigger as needed, then let your cat snack! (You can put any remaining liquid treat in the freezer for use later.)
2. Once chicken is cooked, cut it into small pieces. Add sliced chicken to food processor, then add 4 tbsp of water. 3. Purée the chicken and water together until it reaches a paste consistency. Avoid
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The Old Tech That Makes Dr. Jeff Nostalgic inside this issue
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A Furry Hero in Mexico
An Update on Our Hotchkiss Clinic
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Should Your Dog Wear a Collar or Harness?
Squeezable Cat Treats
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The Workaround for High Egg Prices
Are Chickens Allowed in Your Neighborhood? 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. BEAT HIGH EGG PRICES BY TURNING FARMER
limit the number you can own, lay out how to raise them, or require a permit within city limits. Rural vs. Urban Raising If you live in a rural area, you can likely raise as many chickens as you please without worrying about lawsuits or grumpy city officials. According to The National Agricultural Law Center, right-to-farm statutes protect rural dwellers in all 50 states from litigious neighbors. However, if you live in a suburb or city, you should check at least two things before buying chickens. 1. City Ordinances : Visit your city’s website and search local laws for “chicken” or “domestic fowl.” You may be
pigeons, and/or other similarly sized domestic fowl may be kept on any lot.” If you’re not sure how to search your city’s laws, call or visit your local library and ask a librarian for help. 2. Homeowner Association (HOA) Rules: Regulations around chickens can also vary at the neighborhood level. If you have an HOA or neighborhood association, check their rulebook for restrictions on backyard birds. You may need to submit an application, or the birds may be counted as pets and strictly limited. Buying chickens can be complicated, but if you
In some parts of the U.S. this past January, a carton of eggs cost over $8 — and the national average was a painfully high $4.82! “Eggflation” has settled down a bit, but you probably won’t forget that bird flu-induced chaos anytime soon. You may even be plotting a way to avoid it — like buying backyard chickens. Backyard birds are a great addition to most households. If you give them the space, food, and attention they need to thrive, they’ll pay you back with eggs, meat, garden compost, pest control, and endless entertainment. However, you can’t just bring chickens home on a whim. Before building a coop, you need to find out your city's chicken-raising policies. City Crackdowns on Chickens You might think backyard birds would be beneath the notice of your city government. But in fact, many cities have ordinances that ban chickens,
surprised by what you find! For example, according to the Portland, Oregon,
use a bit of persistence now, you’ll avoid high egg
website (Portland. gov), “Up to four (4) chickens, ducks,
prices later!
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