Monday, December 29, 2014

Broward Meals on Wheels Food Drive Results- 2014!!!!

The VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital Meals on Wheels Food Drive for Pets was a success!!!!

Every year we are excited to sponsor this drive and are grateful for the consistent community support. Food donations this year nearly matched the total combined donations of last year. A total of 3479 lbs of food were delivered by the community and with our hospital's match of 1500 lbs. the final amount delivered was nearly 5000 pounds of food this BMOW for Companion Animals.

As we have shared on Facebook, many community groups organized their own food drives to help support our efforts. Additionally, over $800 in monetary donations were made which will allow this volunteer based program to continue to provide food for community pets even after our bounty is used. 






Thank  you to all who donated, shared and supported this food drive! Thank you to our sponsors; Henry Schein, Hills and Purina for helping to make the VCA HAH match possible. Thank you to Dr Deane at Weston Animal Hospital, the folks at Community Bank of HollywoodAmatheon Pharmaceuticals, and the students of McFatter P.A.W.S. Club for their organized collection efforts and to

"We are so proud to be a part of the Broward Meals on Wheels for Pets Project and the community the supports it."

Happy Holidays to all!


Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Team Member of the Month- Nicole


This month's team member has made an impact on our practice over the years with her genuine passion for animals and care for people. This season though she has shared her many other talents to help the HAH and our community. Nicole has been with the HAH for several years and during that time she has completed her schooling to begin a career in cosmetology. While her career goals may not be in Veterinary medicine her commitment to our animal community is strong.

This month we would like to Thank! Nicole for many things.
Thank you, for her handy work that created the collection boxes for our Broward Meals on Wheels Food Drive. Thank you, (and our other staff artist- Joyce) for our incredible holiday window decorations and finally, Thank you, Nicole for coming out full Elf garb for our Photo's with Santa Shoot last Saturday and helping to make the day a success.

Nicole is consistently someone you can rely on. She is a positive influence on our practice and a pleasure to have on our team. Thank you, for all you do December Team Member of the Month!


Monday, December 22, 2014

History of the VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital

Front of HAH
Our History 

The Hollywood Animal Hospital was originally built in 1947 by Dr. C.E. Dee and Dr. I.C. Frederickson on what was then the western edge of the City of Hollywood. The announcement of their practice at 2864 Hollywood Boulevard was sent to the community on November 1, 1947. The phone numbers at that time were Hollywood #1253, Ft. Lauderdale #862 and Miami # 7-7727. 
The original announcement to the community about the opening of our practice.

In 1978, we completed the construction of our current medical facility and in 1996, opened the Outpatient Clinic, which is also referred to as the Annex, located next to the hospital.

In 2010, the construction of our final addition commenced adding several thousand square feet to our practice and expanding our services to include a comprehensive Canine Physical Rehabilitation Center and CT scanner facilities.

In 2014, Veterinary Centers of America (VCA) purchased our practice and included us in a family of practitioner over 750 strong.

Since its inception, the VCA HAH (as it is commonly referred to) has grown to include a staff of more than 22 doctors including Boarded General and Specialist Veterinarians. With more than 100 technical and support staff employed compassionate and communicative team appreciate the special role that pets play in our lives.  In addition, we prioritize the lifelong commitment to continuing education as an integral part of the philosophy of our medical staff.

We are an ever growing animal hospital available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to provide the finest veterinary care to our patients and to assure that their owners are well informed and comfortable with the decisions made regarding their pets care.


View of VCA HAH from the west. You can see our outdoor kennels and running areas for our pets.

A client saying "Good-bye" to their pet as they leave them to board.
Dr. Dee Sr. evaluating a puppy.
Here are a few of the original images from the 1940's of Hollywood Animal Hospital.

Dr. Dee Sr. using fluoroscopy (their current form of 'radiographs') to evaluate and injured leg
 
Staff area patio.


Lab, Pharmacy, Treatment area

Thursday, December 18, 2014

December Patient of the Month- Cagney!!!!!!!



This month’s Patient of the Month is really a story of bad luck. Cagney, a 5 month old yorkie has certainly giving his pet parents a reason to celebrate this year. His family, having a history of rescuing and caring for animals did everything right but still have a tough story to share.  
Earlier this year, after rescuing and treated a German Shepherd with Parvovirus his family took the necessary precautions to treat the family areas and linens with bleach.

Many months later, they rescued another dog that surprised this family with 3 puppies; Bogart, Cagney and Chaplin. Being acutely aware of the realities of treating disease in pets they were diligent in ensuring their home was safe and that the pups received the appropriate medical and vaccine care. However, what our owners were not aware of was just how persistent the Parvovirus can be.

Parvovirus is a hearty viral disease that is life threatening to dogs and puppies.  It is transmitted from one animal to another through contact with infected feces.  While bleach is the only thing that will kill the virus it can live in the ground for several months. Shaded areas are considered contaminated for seven months whereas areas with good sunlight exposure should be considered contaminated for five months.  In order to remove Parvovirus from your yard there needs to be no living material, such as grass or plants left. The ground must be saturated with a solution of one part bleach to 32 parts water or one-half cup of bleach per gallon of water.
 
Before our owners knew it, their puppies had picked up the Parvovirus from their yard. All three pups were hospitalized in our intensive care and one by one fought their fight. Sadly, not all were successful.
After a week of care, Cagney, the largest of the pups was sent home.  Perhaps it was his early vaccine boosters that helped him battle this bug or perhaps simply his size but now, 5 months old Cagney is doing well.  Since the incident, the family's 2 acre yard has been treated to the roots and the Parvovirus and is believed to be clear.

This holiday season will certainly be one to celebrate. Cagney’s is a story to educate on the voraciousness of the Parvovirus and the importance of understanding all we can do to protect our animal community. Thank you to Cagney’s family for letting us share this story and for partnering with us in the care of your pets.

Happy Holidays!!

For more information about Canine Parvovirus: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/parvovirus

Local High School Partners in the Broward Meals on Wheels for Pets food Drive!!!!

McFatter’s New P.A.W.S Club is Working to Make a Difference for the Animals in Our CommunityMcFatter’s New P.A.W.S Club is Working to Make a Difference for the Animals in Our Community

source: Jan 13, 2013 by

Animal lovers and those interested in community service, take note: one of McFatter’s newest clubs, People for Animal Welfare Society (P.A.W.S), is placing animal rights and awareness on the forefront and working to aid the animals in our community.

Meetings generally consist of different topics, all pertaining to one facet of animal welfare:endangered animals. The food industry, vegetarian options, greyhound adoptions, and puppy mills are among those planned to be covered by the end of the school year.  The club would also like to extend invitations to guest speakers.

Mrs. Zulueta, Sponsor of P.A.W.S., has several activities planned for the club in 2013.
“To fundraise, we would like to sell ‘Puppy Love Packages’ or ‘Orange Crush’ grams around Valentine’s Day. We would also like to sponsor food, towel, and toy drives for local animal shelters.”

She hopes to raise money through several fundraisers, the money from which will be sent to Broward County’s Humane Society and other local animal shelters, as well as to be pledged during Walk for the Animals.  Moreover, she hopes to raise awareness about the pressing issues affecting animals on a global scale of which the general population is often not aware

Mrs. Zulueta encourages all members of the student body to join the club.

 “It is important to be a voice for those that can’t speak. Animals are innocent and deserve to be treated with respect and love. Students in all grades are encouraged and welcome to join and do their part to help an animal in need.”
The club’s president, Denise Akerman, is excited to see how the club will evolve over the course of the school year.
“Although most members are fellow sophomores, I hope to see interest in the club develop across all four grades and welcome anyone passionate about the cause to join,” she says.“If I can change at least one person’s perspective and have them become more privy to and sympathetic towards animal rights issues, I believe I will have done my job.”

Dr. Tamata Huhn- Our Past, Present & Future


Friday, December 12, 2014

Improve Your Cat’s 9 Lives With a DIY Cat House

Improve Your Cat’s 9 Lives With a DIY Cat House

If they aren’t curled up in the sun, being grumpy or sitting on your keyboard while you type, say, an article about DIY Cat Houses, our feline friends need a place to call their own.
Don’t sacrifice your (or Snowball’s) personal style with a ho-hum, store-bought bed (or plastic stack-able basket). Instead craft a custom cat house for your beloved furry friend. You don’t have to be a crazy cat lady to care about your kitty’s comfort. 

 
Improve Your Cat’s 9 Lives With a DIY Cat House
Image via urlesque

1. Home Meow Home
homemade cat fabric tent
Image via Sew Take a Hike

To be truly content, some cats need four walls, a pitched roof, and skylights. If that sounds familiar, then this cute, little, single-occupancy unit may be purr-fect for you. Pick your pattern, break out the sewing machine, and line it with fleece for extra comfort. They will be curled up in front of the fake fireplace in no time.

2. Printed Cat Tipi
white minature cat tipi
Image via Free People

If your furry friend is more of the nomadic kind, try crafting this tipi out of fabric, twine, and five wooden dowels. Its a perfect accessory for any Thanksgiving celebration. 

3. Packing It In
old suitcase fashioned in to a cat bed
Image via Beautiful Life

Before you toss that vintage suitcase, give it a new life as a bed for your four-legged friend. His dreams will take him to far-off places, even if he never actually leaves the house. Make cleaning easier by using a pillow with a washable casing.

4. Cat House For Your House Cat
cute homemade cardboard house for cat
Image via Chez Larsson

As a pet owner, you know that cats, like children, enjoy a good cardboard box more than what’s inside. Take it to the next level with this cardboard cat home within your home. Consider a little front-door landscaping with some catnip topiaries flanking the front door. 

5. Mouse Not Included
cat resting in old desktop monitor
Image via Chip Chick

Upgrades in technology happen every five seconds. The good thing is that there is also always a need to upgrade your kitty’s nest. If you have one of these original gumdrop shaped babies, remove the innards and replace ‘em with a little software of your own. 

6. On the road
cat resting in minature mobile home house

Traveling with your pets isn’t easy. While not exactly do-it-yourself, these pet friendly trailers are a nostalgic way to tote around your family friend.

7. Totally Tubular Cat Shack
cat house made out of a tube
Image via Instructables

If your kitten is the type who likes to catch some waves while he catches some Zs, take a trip to your local 
hardware store to pick up the few materials needed to craft your cat a soft place to lay his head.

8. Not-So-Sour Milk Crate Bed
cat house made out of old dirty crate
Image via Crafted Niche

What cat wouldn’t love to be surrounded by the aroma of sweet milk as they curl up to take a little cat nap? Grab a crate from your local flea market and apply a little elbow grease to make this simple bed. Put it on casters to make a little mobile home for Felix.

9. A Tisket, A Tasket
cat resting in suspended whicker basket
Image via Petoolah

Blend your cat’s habitat into your wall art by hacking a cylindrical Ikea basket into a homey little cat bed. Carefully secure it to the wall and fold up a comfy towel or blanket to rest in the bottom. 

Source: https://www.yahoo.com/diy/improve-your-cats-9-lives-with-a-diy-cat-house-102756445530.html

Friday, December 5, 2014

Humane Society of Broward County- Walk For The Animals!!!


This year, VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital is proud to partner with the Humane Society of Broward County (HSBC) for their Annual Walk For The Animals.The HSBC provides shelter, aid and responsible adoptions to animals entrusted to their care while educating the community about respect and kindness to all animals. This annual fundraising event raises money for to fund the many community services that have been dedicated to our community since 1946.



This year we will be joining the local family of VCA hospitals in sponsorship of this event as well as coming out the day of to enjoy the festivities.  Please join us!!!



WHEN: February 28th


WHERE: Huizenga Plaza
                 Ft. Lauderdale

WHAT: Day of fun, food and fellowship to support our local Humane Society of Broward County and the many community services they provided.

http://youtu.be/CIUhwnAmBoQ

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Free Pet Photos with Santa and Facepainting Too!!!

Free Pet Photo with Santa!!!

This year the VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital is once again offering FREE PET PHOTOS WITH SANTA. Now in it's third year, this tradition allows us to share the holiday spirit with our clients and community with a family friendly event for your pets. This year we are also having the make-up artist Diane Lainez volunteer her services to come out and paint faces for the children.
https://www.facebook.com/makeupbydl We appreciate our clients and community and see this as a fun and lasting way to give back. Come out on Saturday the 20th and join in the fun with us. 

WHEN: December 20th 
9:00a- 1:00pm

WHERE: 2864 Hollywood Blvd- Annex building

WHY: Because we love your pets!!!