Meals on Wheels Food Drive for Pets Results!!

 RESULTS FOR MEALS ON WHEELS FOOD DRIVE FOR PETS AT VCA HOLLYWOOD ANIMAL HOSPITAL and FREE PET PHOTOS WITH SANTA FUN!!

This weekend Santa served up some serious holiday spirit to our local pet community, their humans and the staff at VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital! From 9-noon, over 100 people stopped by to get their Free Photo with Santa and ensure their wish lists made it directly to the big man. Every dog, cat, parent and child took home memorable photos and memorable experiences with the big bearded one.

A special appearance was made by our friends at Boxer Friends Rescue who set up shop to provide shade to our attendants as well as homemade seasonal paraphernalia to doll up our photo stars.

As also, the last day of our Meals on Wheels Food Drive for Pets, generous donations poured in to top our results off at 2400 lbs. of food and over $1000 in donations. These donations will support the pets of homebound seniors in So Florida for the next few months and the money will go to the purchase of food thereafter.  

Meals on Wheels South Florida’s Meals on Wheels for Companion Pets Program was started when volunteers began to notice clients sharing their meals with their pets. Seniors on a restricted budget can have a difficult time meeting their own needs and often the needs of their companion animals can be neglected. Through the support of volunteers and donation from events like our Meals on Wheels Food Drive, pet food is delivered once a month to these loyal companion animals. For more information about Meals on Wheels for Companion Pets, please visit https://www.bmow.org/programs/companionpetprogram/.

“Now in our 6^th year of partnership with Meals on Wheels South Florida, we could not be more proud of our community and our combine commitment to support the animals that support us.”

-Dr. James Herrington, DVM VCAHAH Medical Director

"The quantity of food used monthly by Broward Meals on Wheels for Pets is around 800 lbs. alone for the southern portion of Broward County. The food collected during this drive will go a long way to help feed our client’s furry family members.” said Bobbi Arnold, Co- Chair of Broward Meals on Wheels for pets.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Meals on Wheels South Florida delivers pet food once a month to home-bound seniors who need assistance taking care of their in-home pets. We request small contributions per pet for each delivery made. Pet food is provided through the generosity of community donors like Banfield Pet Hospital, VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital, PetSmart and more!  If you would like to get involved with our pet program to help volunteer or make a pet food donation, please contact us at 954.731.8770 or info@mowsoflo.org.

For more information please visit https://www.bmow.org/programs/companionpetprogram/

Boxer Friends Rescue Boxer Friends, Inc. was established in 2000 and is a 501(c)3 nonprofit Florida charitable organization.  They are comprised 100% of volunteers devoted to helping pure breed Boxers in need in the south Florida area. They rely solely on adoption fees, our fundraising events and the generosity of your donations. To learn more about Boxer Friends Rescue please visit, http://www.boxerfriends.org/  or email info@boxerfriends.org.

VCA Hollywood Food Drive for Pets!!!!

6th Annual VCA Hollywood Food Drive for Pets

VCA Hollywood and Meals on Wheels of South Florida for Companion Pets (BMOW) is proud to once again join forces to collect food for pets of homebound seniors throughout Broward County. Once a month, volunteers deliver pet food to homebound seniors who need assistance taking care of their in-home pets. Pet food is provided through the generosity of community donations. When: November 10th- December 16th Monday- Saturday 7:30am- 7:00pm WHERE: VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital (Drop off sites in both the main hospital and annex building) 2864 Hollywood Boulevard, one block east of I-95 Hollywood, Florida 33020 954.920.3556 HOW: Just stop by with a donation of canned, dry, or dehydrated food for cats or dogs. BMOW clients are in particular need of Cat food this year. Each year, we are affirmed that this effort positively impacts our community. Through the generous support of our sponsors, VCA Hollywood will once again match a portion of the donations received. “Each month, Meals on Wheels of South Florida for Pets uses over 800 lbs of pet food alone for the southern portion of Broward County. This food collection goes a long way to help feed the furry family members of the seniors in need here in Broward.”                     -Bobbi Arnold, Co- Chair of Meals on Wheels of South Florida for pets. For additional information about BMOW, click here!  Click here to learn more about our Food Drive for Pets and the success of past years!! ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: VCA Animal Hospitals have earned a solid reputation for offering the very best in veterinary medicine as well as the latest technological advances and therapies. We believe that giving back to the community that support us is paramount. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Meals on Wheels of South Florida for Companion Animals started when volunteers began to notice clients sharing their meals with their pets. Senior on a restricted budget can have a difficult time meeting their own needs and often the needs of their companion animals can be neglected. With only the support of volunteers and donation this organization provides delivery of food for these loyal pets once a month to clients of BMOW. For more information visit www.bmow.org or call VCAHAH. Follow us on Facebook  to track our event. The Health Care Team at VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital Celebrating 70 years of servicing the community!!! est.1947 Very special Thank You! to our sponsor that support our community enrichment efforts!

VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital 2864 Hollywood Blvd Hollywood, FL 33020 P • 954-920-3556 www.VCAhollywood.com

Free Pet Photo with Santa!!!!!!!!!!!!

  FREE PET PHOTOS WITH SANTA AT VCA HOLLYWOOD ANIMAL HOSPITAL

Now in its sixth year, St. Nick's pre-holiday route has VCA HAH as a permanent stop. Maybe it is all of the cuddly faces!!

Please join us today from 9-12 with your darling dog and your cherished cat for a FREE photo with Santa!

A photographer will be on hand to take the photos and print them out while you wait.

WHO/WHAT: Pose your furry baby with the big bearded one!

WHEN: Saturday, December 16, 2017
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

WHERE: VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital
Annex Building
2864 Hollywood Boulevard, one block east of I-95
Hollywood, Florida 33020
954.920.3556

HOW: This is a FREE event. People and pets can just stop by!!

Visit our Facebook page to see the fun we have had with this event over the years and the hilarity that ensues when you get Santa suited up with a LOT of animals.

This is also the final day of our Broward Meals on Wheels Food Drive for Pets! Check out our blog for more details about this month long drive and how you can help!!

A photographer will be on hand to take the photos and print them out while you wait.

MEALS ON WHEELS of SOUTH FLORIDA FOR COMPANION PETS FOOD DRIVE AT VCA HOLLYWOOD ANIMAL HOSPITAL

MEALS ON WHEELS of SOUTH FLORIDA  FOR PETS FOOD DRIVE AT VCA HOLLYWOOD ANIMAL HOSPITAL

What:
 MEALS ON WHEELS OF SOUTH FLORIDA FOR COMPANION PETS FOOD DRIVE AT VCA ANIMAL HOSPITAL

WHEN:
November 10th - December 16th

WHAT:
MEALS ON WHEELS of SOUTH FLORIDA FOR COMPANION PETS FOOD DRIVE AT VCA HOLLYWOOD ANIMAL HOSPITAL

WHERE:
VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital
(Drop off sites in both the main hospital and annex building)
2864 Hollywood Boulevard, one block east of I-95
Hollywood, Florida 33020
954.920.3556
We are proud to continue to partner with our VCA pet food and product supplier to support this drive through the match of a portion of the food donated*

VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital (VCAHAH) is proud to once again join Meals on Wheels of South Florida (BMOW) for Companion Animals to collect food for pets of homebound seniors throughout Broward County. Each year we are affirmed by the success of previous years’ food drives that this effort positively impacts our community. With even more support this year from our local purveyors, neighboring businesses and fellow Veterinarians we are once again able to match donations received and offer more locations for drop offs.

Donations of canned and dry food for cats & dogs made from November 10th- December 16th, 2017 will be deposited into BMOW for Pets’ food bank and portions will be matched by the VCAHAH*.

“Our partnership with Meals on Wheels of South Florida  for Pets allows us to give back in a very tangible way to a community that has supported us for nearly 70 years. This year, our relationships with area Veterinarians and business has affirmed that sense of community and allowed us to have a larger reach to help this caring organization."

-Linda Ream, Communications Coordinator-VCAHAH

BMOW delivers pet food once a month to homebound seniors who need assistance taking care of their in-home pets. Pet food is provided through the generosity of community donations. The need for donations of cat food is in particular demand among BMOW clients.

“Each month, Meals on Wheels of South Florida for Pets uses over 800 lbs of pet food alone for the southern portion of Broward County. This food collection goes a long way to help feed the furry family members of the seniors in need here in Broward.”

-Bobbi Arnold, Co- Chair of Meals on Wheels of South Florida for pets.

For additional information on BMOW, please visit http://www.bmow.org/our-services/.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
 Meals on Wheels for Companion Animals started when volunteers began to notice clients sharing their meals with their pets. Senior on a restricted budget can have a difficult time meeting their own needs and often the needs of their companion animals can be neglected. With only the support of volunteers and donation this organization provides delivery of food for these loyal pets once a month to clients of BMOW. For more information visit www.bmow.org or call VCAHAH.

http://www.bmow.org/our-services/

We are proud to once again join Meals on Wheels (BMOW) for Companion Animals to collect food for pets of homebound seniors throughout Broward County. BMOW delivers pet food once a month to homebound seniors who need assistance taking care of their in-home pets.  Pet food is provided through the generosity of community donations.

2015 Donations 5000+ lbs

We are affirmed each year by the success of the previous years’ food drive that this effort positively impacts our community.  This year donation can be made to our area VCA’s as well as our local Pet Supplies Plus.

As always, a portion of donation will be matched by VCA Hollywood.


 “Each month, Meals on Wheels for Pets uses over 800 lbs of pet food alone for the southern portion of Broward County. This food collection goes a long way to help feed the furry family members of the seniors in need here in Broward.”

          -Bobbi Arnold, Co- Chair of Meals on Wheels of South Florida for Companiton  pets.

For additional information on BMOW, please visit http://www.bmow.org/our-services/.

Click here to learn more about our Food Drive for Pets and the success of past years!!!

Support our Food Drive with a Photo of Your Pet!!!!

Our Broward Meals on Wheels Food Drive for Pets is 

November 10- December 16th^th!!

Help us spread the word and Enter our Raffle Today!!

How to enter:

Snap a photo of you & your pet:

·         Post it on Facebook  with your name & your pet’s name

·         Hashtag  #VCABMOW 

You will automatically be entered to win!

Raffle winners will be drawn every week of the drive. 

Prizes include GC to our local businesses and prize baskets from local partners.  

*First drawing is Nov 14^th, see our Client Care Coordinators with any questions.

Dr. Sessa, you will be missed!!!!!!

Joining our family 28 years ago, Dr. Tom Sessa has spent a lifetime serving our pet community. Today, we bid him farewell.

As an iconic member of our practice, Dr. Sessa has touched the lives of not only the animals he has cared for but the clients, the colleagues and the staff with which he has shared his time. There will never be another soul quite like Dr. Sessa and his legendary "magic touch" will remain alive in the many lessons he has passed on during his practice.  


A message from Dr. Sessa:

To my dearly loved co-workers, clients, patients, and friends -
As many of you know, over the past couple of years I’ve experienced some medical setbacks.  Due to these issues, as of September 1, 2017, I will no longer be an employee of VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital.
I want to take a moment to thank you for the honor and privilege it has been to serve you these past 28 years. I have such fond memories of my time at Hollywood Animal Hospital, and it is with great sadness that I bid you farewell.

To my clients, you are like no other!  From trusting me to care for your new four legged babies, to crying with you as you had to say goodbye (and everything in between)...I will cherish each and every one of those experiences.   The friendships I’ve forged with some of you are lifelong, and I am eternally grateful for the loyalty and faith you all have had in me over the years.
To the staff, it is difficult to put into words how fond I am of you all.  Over the years I have worked with some of the most compassionate, devoted, and talented people – we will always be one big family.

Now, with great sadness, it is time for me to end this journey with you.  I can’t thank you all enough for allowing me into your lives.  While I will miss not being able to see you and care for your pets, I have complete confidence in the abilities of the doctors and staff at VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital.

My best wishes to you all and God bless –

Dr. Tom Sessa

We all remember Hurricane Andrew! How can we not help!!!

We all remember Hurricane Andrew! We all love pets! Therefore, our hearts go out to the people and pets of SE Texas.

While the tragic destruction caused by Hurricane Harvey cannot be undone, everyone at VCA is coming together during this time of need. 

When a disaster like this strikes, we all want to help right away.  At this current time, VCA is working with local Texas partners and organizations to learn what needs to be done and where we can be most effective.  Through VCA leadership teams in the area, partnerships with organizations like the SPCA of Texas have been forged to ensure shelters were cleared and that pets affected by the storm have a safe place to go.  Organizations have been flying and driving huge amounts of shelter pets to cities like Dallas Ft. Worth to get them away from the hurricane’s path. 

Sixteen of our area VCA hospitals are closed, three in the affected area remain open.  All VCA hospitals in surrounding cities like Dallas, San Antonio and New Orleans are ready to board and help those pets that are in need.

  

At our Hollywood Animal Hospital and other area VCA Hospital, donations of pet care items are being accepted. Monetary donations are being collected as well through our national VCA Charities effort. This national fund supports programs around the world that directly help pets in need as well as support educational programs promoting veterinary medicine for the treatment and prevention of cruelty to animals.

Now, through the September 30th, VCA Charities is dedicating monetary donations collected by all VCA practices to the VCA Pet Disaster/Emergency Relief Program to support the journey of healing in SE Texas. We are proud to work with our VCA family to help those in need and proud to continue to support our local and global community. 

For information on how to donate directly to Hurricane Harvey Relief through VCA Charities click here! 

Below are a list of some local drop off site for donations of toys, bedding and other pet related items.(list furnished by Paw Patrol Animal Rescue & Sanctuary)

1) MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
Regis HR Group - CONTACT Paula Foulk (Mostafa)
10625 N. Kendall Drive
Miami, FL 33176
open 8am to 6pm

2) BROWARD
Association Solutions Group - CONTACT Courtney Walter
1600 S. Federal Highway
Suite 651
Pompano Beach, FL 33062
open 9am to 4:15pm

3) BROWARD
Three Hearts ADT - CONTACT Diane Knowles Fernandez
2055 Lee Street
Hollywood, FL 33020
10am to 3pm
*there is a security gate, so please drive up, push button and say you are dropping off donations for Paw Patrol

4) BROWARD
Bow Wow Resorts - CONTACT Donna Blake-Fedor
4270 NW 19th Avenue Ste. G
Pompano Beach, FL 33064
7am to 5pm - 7 days a week

5) BROWARD
Iten Insurance Agency - CONTACT Debbie Czipulis Iten
5905 S. University Drive
Davie, FL 33330
9am to 5pm

Kill fleas without leaving your house!!!!!!!!!

VCA Home Delivery makes getting your pets medication and food simple by delivering them directly to your door often at no cost. With our unique NeverForget program, single doses of monthly preventative medications come to your door the day you need them! No more looking at the calendar or setting your app to remind you. For the same price that you pay if you came in, the cost and safe storage of these medication is spread out over a full year making managing your pets wellness care simple.

Now through September, you can receive Home Delivery of Bravecto and an awesome FREE Kong Jumbler. Click here to learn more about VCA Home Delivery. Call us to get your Kong!!

https://vcahospitals.com/hollywood

Caring for the officers that care for us!! #familymembers

VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital is proud to share our inaugural partnership with the Sheriff’s Foundation of Broward County Retired K9 Officers Healthcare Fund (RK9OHF) to raise money for the coverage of veterinary care costs to canine police officers that have worked to protect our S. Florida community.

In retirement, canine officers often live out their years in comfort with their handlers, or partners. Yet, after a career of service these officers are prone to advance orthopedic and service related conditions in addition to issues associated with simply being a senior pet. Typically, there is no financial support for these officers after retirement.

It is the belief of the RK9OHF that the cost of healthcare should be supplemented. The Sheriff’s Foundation of Broward County could not agree more.  As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that collects and manages donations to memorial/ healthcare funds, training programs, education programs and other local nonprofit organizations the Retried K9 Officer Healthcare Fund seemed a perfect extension of their mission. 

 

Under the supervision of the Sheriff’s Foundation of Broward County, the RK9OHF and VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital provide the best in wellness care to these officers and cover a portion of those costs.

With this partnership, retired K9 officers receive preventative care from VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital at a negotiated rate and the RK9OHF cover a portion of those fees. Total cost to the handler/partner is 35% of the initial bill. 

Please consider donating to the RK9OHF to support our South Florida K9 Police Officers in their retirement.  

Donations can be made directly at VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital

Or by mail at

VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital

c/o Sheriff Foundation of Broward County

Retired K9 Officers Healthcare Fund

2864 Hollywood Blvd

Hollywood, Fl 33020

100% of all donations made to the Retired K9 Officer Healthcare Fund go to the cost of care for these K9 Officers.

For additional information about this fund please phone VCA Hollywood at 954-920-3556, email us at RK9OHF@gmail.com or reach out to the Sheriff Foundation of Broward County at http://sheriffsfoundationofbroward.org/

Retired K9 Officers Healthcare Fund is a 501(c)(3) serving under the supervision of the Sheriff's Foundation of Broward County- 85-8013389700C-0, tax ID# 65-0898338

What people are saying......

Message from our client:

I would like to take the time and thought to express my sincere gratitude for the wonderful work you did with my 18 year old dog, Bonnie. While most veterinarians dismissed the idea of removing tumors surgically at her age, you welcomed the challenge and proved to be tops in your field with the results you achieved. 

Although the results prove your surgical skills to be superior, I commend you on your thought processes and surgical plan as well, as you prepared her pre -surgically with IV fluids to assist in holding the blood pressure up, while flushing the kidneys of general anesthesia post surgically to achieve a rapid and full recovery of her physical and mental faculties. Indeed, you are most impressive.

 I have recommended you to many people who feel frustrated at not having any acceptable alternatives to helping their beloved animals to maintain a good quality of life. Many of these people I have met for the first time and have assured them that you are the most creative and successful veterinarian in your diagnostics and treatment procedures that I have ever known, and I have known many.

Bonnie and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts for extending her longevity and providing a better quality of life. We further extend that gratitude to your team at Hollywood.

Sincerely,

Thomas Patrick

Meet Bonnie! She is an 18 yrs old pup that recently underwent surgery with our surgeon, Dr. Briana Danielson for removal of multiple masses. Dr. Danielson, is a board certified surgeon which means she had dedicated herself to advanced training in order to become board certified. 

Board Certified training consists of at least a 1-year internship and a 3-year residency program that meets the exacting standards set by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). The ACVS has set criteria for specific training and caseload requirements in a variety of surgical procedures. Additionally, residents must participate in research that is published in a scientific journal and must pass a rigorous examination testing their surgical knowledge and clinical competency.

Small animal veterinary surgeons who have become board certified by the ACVS have been exposed to and trained in a wide variety of surgical procedures, as well as specialty training in anesthesia, diagnostic imaging, internal medicine/critical care, and clinical and anatomic pathology. Board-certified veterinary surgeons have been trained to perform advanced surgical procedures of the abdominal organs and gastrointestinal tract, head and neck procedures, minimally invasive surgery (arthroscopy, laparoscopy, and thoracoscopy), spinal surgery, orthopedics, thoracic surgery, urogenital surgery, and reconstructive procedures of the skin. Their training has prepared them for all phases of the surgical management of our small animal patients. Most small animal veterinary surgeons treat primarily dogs and cats, though many have experience with other companion animals, such as birds, rodents, ferrets, rabbits, and reptiles.

Primary care veterinarians have received surgical training in veterinary school sufficient for routine procedures. Board-certified veterinary surgeons have dedicated their careers to training for advanced surgical procedures and work closely with primary care veterinarians, as well as with other specialists in internal medicine, anesthesia, radiology, critical care, cardiology, and oncology, to give their patients the best care. They often have access to specialized equipment and monitoring tools not available in most primary veterinary clinics, have 24-hour monitoring of your pet after surgery, and they work with technicians who understand the needs of animals undergoing surgery. Referral to a board-certified surgeon is recommended for advanced procedures or complicated conditions requiring specialized equipment and care.


To read about Dr. Danielson's specific training visit our website at www.vcahollywood.com

Patient Highlight!! Meet Lupo, a pint size powerhouse!!

Lupo, a 2 ½ yr old, male Pomeranian, entered our hospital for the first time 6 months ago for bruising on his abdomen and gums.  Lupo had been experiencing vomiting and diarrhea at home and his primary Veterinarian referred him to us with concerns of possible toxin exposure.  Upon exam and initial diagnostics by Dr. Freifeld and Dr. Rittenberg, it was suspected that Lupo suffered from Immune Mediated Thrombocytopenia (IMTP).

IMTP is a serious disorder in which the body attacks its own platelets; the cells associated with the formation of bloodclots.  Lupo’s body was in revolt and he was losing blood platelets quickly causing the appearance of bruising. If left untreated, his thrombocytopenia (which means low platelet count) would lead to increased bleeding, anemia (low red blood cell count) and possible death.

Comprehensive diagnostics were ordered to confirm this disease process with included a complete blood count (CBC), chemistry profile, coagulation testing, titers for infectious diseases, urinalysis and advanced imaging of the chest and abdominal.

Upon confirmation, little Lupo was admitted to our ICU and prescribed medications to suppress his immune system in an attempt to stop the attack on his blood platelets. Through the use of special chemotherapy drugs, his body’s own process of creating more bone marrow was enhanced and he eventually began to win the battle and build up his platelet supply.

However, a side effect of his treatment was the development of a stomach ulcer which further worsening his disease process and simply made him feel dumpy. Further treatment were needed and a after a total of 11 days in our ICU, Lupo rebounded.

Now, months after his initial diagnosis, with a calendar of regular rechecks under his belt, Lupo is on his way to being a happy, healthy, fluff ball again! His platelet count is now over 400,000 (a health range being between 175,000-500,000) He is now simply a happy puppy coming to visit his Vet, Dr. Freifeld.

Our team could not be happier to see him either!  Much of Lupos puppyhood was spent fighting. His spirit endeared him to our staff and Doctors and that is no more evident than in his bond with Dr. Freifeld who has a photo of little Lupo permanently on his desk!

Long-term, it is expected that Lupo will do very well and live a normal pup’s life. We are so pleased to be able to share this happy ending and proud to be partnered with Lupo’s family in his health care.