Gear Up Your Pup for a Hiking Adventure TWISTS AND TURNS ON THE PATH TO LEADERSHIP PAW-SOME ADVENTURES Dr. Jeff’s Story
Setting out on a hiking adventure with your furry friend is a rewarding experience, but ensuring their safety and comfort on the trail requires careful consideration of essential gear. Before heading out, consider your dog’s unique needs and preferences so it’s an enjoyable and bonding adventure for you both. Here’s an introduction to some must-have hiking gear for your canine companion. Food and Water One of the most important aspects of hiking is staying well-nourished and hydrated. Packing more water than you think may be necessary is crucial, especially on a trail where natural water sources may be scarce. An ample supply of dog-friendly food is also essential, with the quantity adjusted based on the hike’s duration. A collapsible bowl will be handy for feeding your canine companion during breaks. First-Aid Kit Safety should always come first. A dog first-aid kit is indispensable for addressing unexpected issues on the trail. These compact kits typically include dressings, bandages, and tools for removing ticks or thorns. Being prepared for minor injuries ensures you can safely complete the hike without making any injury worse. Boots While some dogs may resist wearing boots, they can be a lifesaver in challenging terrains. Opt for boots that protect without compromising comfort. Though you likely may avoid trails with terrain that could harm your dog’s paws, having boots in your pack is, at least, a proactive measure for unforeseen circumstances, ensuring your canine companion’s paws are protected if needed. Waste Bags Be responsible out on the trail. That means bringing poop bags. Attach them to the outside of your backpack or tote bag for convenient access once your dog has completed its business. The “leave no trace” practice will help maintain the pristine beauty of the trail for everyone to enjoy. Emergency Harness Preparedness is critical, and an emergency harness adds an extra layer of safety. A proper harness will allow you to carry your dog on your back in an emergency. This versatile harness ensures that you can provide assistance in challenging situations.
Dr. Jeff didn’t come to our profession along a typical path.
From an early age, he was always working toward a degree in veterinary medicine, but he reached his goal in a roundabout way. He started college at a beach school in California but spent too much time surfing and not enough time studying to suit his parents. As a result, he wound up paying his own way through night school at Arizona State University (ASU), working on a construction crew by day and riding his bike to classes at night.
His boss at the time trained him to be a supervisor, and Dr. Jeff made a point of learning all the construction trades so he could manage and communicate
well with employees. The undergraduate business degree he
earned during that period, combined with his 10 years of construction and management experience, shaped how Dr. Jeff manages
our clinic today.
After graduating from ASU, he stuck with his life plan to become a veterinarian, earning a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Colorado State University in 1997. Today, in addition to doing a lot of our small-animal care, Dr. Jeff functions a lot like a CEO. He’s by nature a good communicator and educator. He sees what needs to be done, and he can delegate responsibility. Dr. Jeff also has good business foresight. He was the one who saw an opportunity for us to open our second location in Hotchkiss, understanding that it could be a great thing for our clients and us. He saw the need and now that we have secured a space, he has been using his construction skills to repair it — with valuable help from some of our clients. When our Hotchkiss clinic opens, it will mark a significant expansion for us and provide a service to the community. Some of our clients currently drive an hour to see us, and our new clinic will cut their travel time by half or more. No one could have guessed that Dr. Jeff’s teenage love of surfing would result in his gaining the diverse skills that have made him such an effective leader for Surface Creek Veterinary Center, but we’re glad it did.
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