Check out our latest edition!
December 2023 www.surfacecreekveterinarycenter.com 970-856-4474
SCVC Pawprint
Curiosity Led Me to Big Cats AND SPARKED A LIFELONG LOVE OF ANIMALS
you feel when standing near an animal that embodies the perfect balance of grace and lethal power. Here’s where it might get weird for some of you: the smell. Yes, the distinct scent of the zoo, a mix of straw, animal musk, and the mysterious odors that float in the air near each enclosure, thrilled me. This aroma was like a signature tune, signaling the beginning of another adventure. The smell was also a part of the animals, unique to each species. For instance, cats have a particular scent I can identify in my veterinary practice. In a way, that smell was the essence of life at the zoo, complex and inviting, drawing me closer to the heart of the animal world. Beyond their allure and the almost magnetic pull on animal lovers like me, big cats are the epitome of natural predators. Their skills are unparalleled, whether the sheer power in a lion's paw or the agility of a snow leopard hunting down its prey even in the harshest conditions. The capabilities of these creatures astound me to this day. I often find myself captivated by videos of snow leopards in action, defying gravity and nature, and walking away unscathed in scenarios where any other animal would succumb. It's been a while since my last visit to a zoo, perhaps five or even 10 years, when I was in Colorado Springs. The distance and my professional life have made frequent visits challenging. However, the memories of my time
From a young age, I have had a fascination with zoos. My earliest memories trace back to the sun-soaked days of my childhood in Phoenix, where I attended zoo camp every summer. Those experiences cultivated my love for animals and led me to a rewarding veterinary career. Revisiting those days now, it's clear that it wasn't just the animals that enchanted me; it was the atmosphere, the learning, and, believe it or not, even the smell of the zoo that held me captive. As I grew older, the tasks went from creating cute animal drawings to actual zookeeping duties. Feeding animals, cleaning cages, and getting hands-on experience sparked a flame in me. At that young age, the zoo was more than an entertainment facility — it became my classroom, where my curiosity roamed as free as some of the less dangerous critters. Like the other kids at camp, I picked my favorite animals. While some kids my age were taken by the monkeys swinging from the trees or the exotic colors of tropical birds, big cats captivated me, and I instantly fell in love with them. This affinity even led me to visit a smaller, less formal zoo a few miles from my home, where I would spend hours just observing an ocelot in its enclosure. The owner recognized my genuine interest and often let me feed the animal. My fondness for these magnificent predators went beyond admiring their appearance — it was a respect for their place at the top of the animal kingdom. There is nothing like the rush
1 WWW.SURFACECREEKVETERINARYCENTER.COM –Dr. Jeff there remain fresh, like a sort of nostalgia that you can almost smell. Those zoo visits, starting with my parents taking me there and evolving into a dedicated interest, gave me more than good times and fun stories. They gave me direction and purpose, ultimately leading me to become a veterinarian. In a way, the zoo introduced me to my first patients and taught me to not see animals as creatures in a cage but as beings that needed care, compassion, and understanding.
The Best Companion
Anyone robbing a house must know they’re getting into a dangerous situation. But the teenager who burgled Adam Pearl’s Meridian, Idaho, home had no idea what consequences were in store. Many homeowners have a guard dog, but Pearl got his home security from Joey, his pet squirrel. One day in 2017, Pearl came home and saw that something seemed amiss. Joey was excited, and the doors he’d left closed were now open. After finding scratches on the lock of his gun safe, Pearl knew there’d been a robbery and called the police. THE GUARD SQUIRREL WHO WENT NUTS ON A BURGLAR
If there’s one thing every person on our team at Surface Creek Vet has in common, it’s our genuine love for all animals. In fact, we all probably enjoy animals as much as we enjoy people. GET TO KNOW MIKAYLA, OUR NEW KENNEL TECH APbaosus it oPn aa twe s
We recently were extremely fortunate to welcome a new member to our family. Mikayla, our kennel tech, has been with us for about three months and has quickly become an important part of our staff. Behind the scenes, she helps ensure that all of our four-legged patients are fed, cleaned, walked, and that they receive their daily prescribed pets and cuddles. “My favorite part of my job is definitely the animals,” Mikayla tells us. “Throughout the day, I love interacting with them.” Before joining the team at Surface Creek, Mikayla worked in a few different coffee shops, but found she wanted to persue her passion for animals
Officer Ashley Turner couldn’t help but notice Joey’s presence in the house but didn’t believe he was connected with the case — at first. A few hours later, Turner returned to Pearl’s house with his missing belongings and a story to tell. She’d partially identified the perpetrator by the suspicious scratches on his hands.
During questioning, Turner said the burglar confessed to the home invasion and explained why he’d left sooner than intended: Joey attacked while he was attempting to break into the gun safe. Unsurprisingly, the rodent’s violence was frightening. “He wasn’t expecting to have, you know, a squirrel come flying out of nowhere at him,” Officer Turner said. The thief reported that leaving was the only way to stop Joey’s aggression. After learning of his bravery, Pearl rewarded Joey with his favorite candy, Whoppers. But he then had a difficult choice ahead. When Joey was still a tiny baby, Pearl and his wife had taken in the abandoned squirrel. They had intended to release Joey back into the wild when spring came, but they were no longer sure. Ultimately, they let Joey decide. After he started playing with other squirrels through the home’s sliding glass door, the Pearls installed a cat door so he could come and go as he pleased. Joey spent several weeks outdoors with other squirrels by day and returned to the Pearls by night. Eventually, he requested one final scratch behind the ears before disappearing into an apple tree and leaving the Pearls’ house behind forever. Though Joey returned to the great outdoors to live with his kind, his legend is a warning to humans. When you break into someone’s home, you never know what you might find. 2 970-856-4474
and caring for them. “Even if they are sick or a little aggressive, they are the brightest part of my day,” she says. When she was growing up, Mikayla had her eyes set on becoming a veterinarian, but life took her in a different direction. Now, she feels that she is able to combine work with something she is also passionate about.
At home, Mikayla has two dogs of her own: an Australian shepherd-heeler mix and a mini schnauzer-terrier mix,
and between the two of them, they have tons of energy. Mikayla loves getting outdoors with her pups and exercising them. They often frequent the Adobes and the dog park.
Mikayla, we are thrilled to welcome you to our team! Thanks for caring for these pets just as much as we do!
AN END TO ARTHRITIS PAIN IN DOGS? Librela Is Changing the Game Arthritis has long plagued our four-legged friends, with dogs especially suffering from this terrible condition after a lifetime of running, jumping, and walking. While oral anti-inflammatory drugs have aided many animals in the past, these medications were often challenging to administer and only provided moderate relief. For decades, the options for non-narcotic and non-anti-inflammatory pain management in dogs have been stagnant, making the introduction of Librela a game-changer for vets and pet owners alike. Plus, this new treatment is
innovative and convenient. Unlike oral medications that can be a hassle for pet owners to administer, this new drug is an injectable administered by a veterinarian or a trained technician.
It requires a simple, quick visit to the clinic, making it a hassle-free experience for both the pet and the owner. The injections are typically given every 30 days, ensuring that the dogs maintain their mobility and quality of life. Librela has already shown promising success in Europe, and with recent Food and Drug administration approval for U.S. use, it is set to revolutionize arthritis treatment. The introduction of this new medication is a testament to the advancements in veterinary pharmacology and the ongoing commitment to improving the lives of pets. As the veterinary community welcomes this innovative treatment, pet owners can look forward to a new era where managing their beloved dogs' arthritis pain is more effective and convenient.
But that’s about to change.
Librela, a new injectable monoclonal antibody drug, can dramatically reduce arthritis pain by focusing on nerve growth factor (NGF), a key player in pain sensation. By neutralizing NGF, these drugs can alleviate the discomfort and inflammation associated with arthritis, offering a new lease on life for our canine companions.
Clients Spreading the Word Heidi Weissner Jack Ford Frank White Sandra Dudley Roxie Carpenter We Reward Referrals!
S NCVew C Policy At the time of scheduling a dental or surgery appointment, a $250 deposit will be required. This deposit will be applied to the procedure bill. If you need to cancel the appointment, and you give us at least 24-hour notice, the deposit will be refunded.
3
WWW.SURFACECREEKVETERINARYCENTER.COM
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
WWW.SURFACECREEKVETERINARYCENTER.COM | 970-856-4474
17800 HANSON RD. CEDAREDGE, CO 81413
1 2 How Zoo Camp Shaped My Life inside this issue Guard Squirrel on Duty: The Rodent Who Sent a Burglar Running
Meet Mikayla, Our New Kennel Tech
3
A Game-Changing Arthritis Drug for Dogs
Thanks for the Referrals!
4
Use Thiago’s Story as a Reminder for Elevator Safety
The Heroic Act of a Young Boy 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. HOW THIAGO SAVED HIS DOG FROM AN ELEVATOR TRAGEDY
Accidents can occur when you least expect it, so it’s vital you take preventive measures
As pet owners, you’ll do anything in your power to ensure the safety of your four-legged family members — even if that means acting quickly to get them out of harm’s way. And 11-year-old Thiago Magalhães had to do just that for his dog, Milú, when she nearly suffered a fatal accident. Everything was calm as Thiago entered his apartment’s elevator on the way to take Milú for a walk. However, he didn’t realize that Milú’s leash dragged on the ground and got caught in the elevator doors. Suddenly, his furry friend’s leash rose as the elevator began descending. Milú was quickly propelled into the air, dangling on what was left of her leash. Thiago sprang into action and held onto her collar as he attempted to give her enough room to breathe. Thiago himself was even lifted into the air trying to save Milú’s life. Thinking quickly, Thiago fidgeted with Milú’s collar until it snapped, causing him and his furry
friend to fall. After hitting the button requesting emergency assistance, first responders rushed to the scene to ensure Thiago and Milú were safe.
to ensure the safety of yourself and your pets. If you are traveling with a loyal companion, please remember these
elevator safety tips. • Let people off the elevator before you enter with your dog. • Keep the leash and your dog close to your side. • Allow your dog to enter first and hold the door open until you and the leash
When speaking to Brazilian outlet G1, Thiago said, “I don’t know where I got the courage. I went on impulse.” The boy’s father, Rodrigo, said, “I was very scared of
are safely inside the elevator.
what happened and realized that the situation was very serious and that it could have been fatal for both the dog and my son.” Fortunately, Thiago and his four-legged companion weren’t injured.
We applaud Thiago for his bravery and hope this story can be a reminder for pet owners everywhere!
4
970-856-4474
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4surfacecreekveterinarycenter.com
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator