Festival honoring dogs!!

There is an entire day during a festival in Nepal dedicated solely to thanking dogs for their loyalty and friendship. The time itself is called “Diwali” celebrated by Hindus, and is a ‘festival of lights’ celebrated by millions every year in the fall, in India, Nepal and elsewhere.

Specific to Nepal, there is a day during this celebration dedicated to all the Dogs, called Kukur Tihar, specifically to thank our 4-legged companions for always being our loyal friends. Tihar is a five day Hindu festival, but the second day is reserved for our loyal companions.

Image sources: Imgur

It is called Kukur Tihar or Kukur Puja (worship of the dogs).

People offer garlands, tika (a mark worn on the forehead), and delicious food to dogs, and acknowledge the cherished relationship between humans and dogs.

Image source: 

The garlands are a sign of respect for the animals. Because dogs are the best people. The images honoring these animals are truly breathtaking.

Image source: Rebloggy

The thought of this beautiful festival is lightening the heavy hearts of dog lovers everywhere.With red powder, the dogs are marked on their foreheads as a sign of sacredness.

Source: http://themindunleashed.org/2015/06/there-is-a-festival-in-nepal-every-year-that-thanks-dogs-for-being-our-friends.html

August Team Member of the Month- Anna!!!!!!

She is awesome!!!

With the latest Team Member of the Month nominations, it appears we are having a lovefest with our Emergency Night staff!!!

  It is no real surprise either because this group works tirelessly while the rest of us literally rest.  Their expertise and passion for patient care manages our our most critical patients all along being ready to handle any kind of emergency. The accolades for this team member in particular could be no more deserved!!!

For 20 years our Team Member of the Month, Anna, has been a part of this crew. She has lent her expertise to the technician team and now plays a more supportive role behind the scenes.

While many of our day staff have never met her. Some do not even know her position exists. However, her productivity in the wee hours of night make each of our days caring for pets more informed, more efficient and simply better!

This unseen star is certainly super and while she may like the low profile, her role is irreplaceable. We are very please to recognize, Anna  as our August Team Member of the Month!

August Patient of the Month- Carli!!!!!!!!!!!

We all have circumstances outside our control that can affect our lives and the lives of our pets. We see very often families that need to travel unexpectedly, have an illness in their family or are experiencing a transition and their pets becomes a regular guest at our hospital. Often, these frequent flyers find a special place in the hearts of our staff. 

While we see many many animals every day, these regulars become a sort of office pet. I companion we get through the day with. One of these regulars in particular, fits this bill perfectly and comes with a very sweet ending. 

Carli, a 14+year old Jack Russel was our HAH guest. She was on eye medications several times a day. She enjoyed her trips to walk and explore the yard. But mostly she spent her days simply relaxing in her kennel. Each time we passed, with a face like her’s, who could resist stopping by for a visit.

One person in particular could not! Maybe it was the way Carli looked so much like her own dog at home or maybe it was simply meant to be but after an extended stay with us, Candice, our Boarding Coordinator was hooked and unofficially ‘adopted’ Carli as her 'work pup'.

Every day, Candice would pick Carli up and visit with her. As the days progressed these visits moved toward Candice’s office until she essentially moved. While this is rather unusual in our practice, between the hours of 8-5 Carli was an office pet. No one seemed to mind, least of all her owner. Due to her own circumstances, Carli’s mom could not have her at home. While her family came to visit; knowing she was so well cared for was a great peace of mind to them.  Soon everyone just expected Carli and Candice to be together. 

Today, Carli does not visit the office too often. As fate would have it, Candice was allowed to bring Carli home. Now her days are filled with her extended family unit which includes two small children, a three legged mutt, a 15 year old Chihuahua, a Police Dog and of course-Dad! 

 This family of 8 makes a wonderful team and we could not be happier to share this happily ever after story. #LG

 

August Team Member of the Month- Stephanie!!!!

This month's Team Member of the Month is a firecracker!!! Stephanie has been a member of our team on-an-off for many years. After a move out-of-state to pursue an opportunity at another practice, Stephanie returned to the HAH in 2006. Since her return she has taken on many responsibilities and excelled with each. 

Stephanie is an excellent technician. She has specialized experience in surgery, x-ray and post operative care. What makes her team member this month is her attitude.

Her love for life and adventure has always been a part of her character but this vigor has been renewed in the workplace and her attitude toward teamwork has been example worthy.

"Stephanie has such a positive attitude and never sits still. During any down time she is sweeping and finding other duties to make herself productive."

"She is great with patients as well as their owners!"

We are grateful to have such a technically skilled member on our staff as well as someone that brings such a good attitude to the table.

 Thank you for all you contribute, Steph!!!
 

Stephanie is a member of the Gold Coast Roller Derby Team of South Florida

Stephanie is essential to our success of at the Stonewall Pride Events each June!!!

Cali Riding a Roomba!!

August Patient of the Month- Cali!!!!!

This "cupcake" became her favorite toy.

Responsible breeders often live in the shadows of the dark stories of large-scale commercial dog breeding operations (puppy mills) where profit is given a greater priority then the well-being of the animal.

Cali in O2 chamber.

Our August patient of the month begins her story as a victim of one of these puppy mills. Cali, a white and tan English Bulldog had a very rough start. Her forever family found her at a local pet store known for their Teacup puppies. They fell quickly in love. On her adoption day, 11 week old Cali was energetic and sweet but had noticeable yellow discharge coming from her nose. Cali had been seen by a veterinarian to receive her initial vaccinations and approval for purchase through the puppy store. So, trusting that they were receiving a healthy puppy, they welcomed Cali into their home. However, in a few days, her symptoms had worsened and they knew they had been mislead.

Cali’s owners took her to their regular Veterinarian where bloodwork and radiographs (x-rays) were performed.  The x-rays showed severe pulmonary infiltrate in an alveolar lung pattern in the right middle and left caudal lung lobes. In short, Cali had severe bacterial pneumonia that required aggressive medical management and oxygen therapy.

For the nearly three weeks, Cali was a resident of the HAH. She received powerful antibiotics, oxygen (O2) therapy, nebulization and intensive nursing care. Because of her age, close monitoring of her liver and kidney values was imperative to ensure they could successfully process the strong antibiotics she was prescribed. For two weeks, she set up shop in one of our oxygen chambers where she received 24 hour oxygen therapy and watched the world through a Plexiglas window. Dr. Patterson monitored her constantly, adjusting her medications and treatments. She took x-rays and ran bloodwork to monitor Cali’s progress and waited for Cali to respond.  This battle was hard to win. Cali did not respond quickly to therapy. Alternative solutions had to be considered.

By now, Cali had spent more of her life with our HAH staff than with the family that adopted her. We loved her and along with her family she had a team committed to seeing her through this. It would take time and patience. After almost three weeks of care, Dr. Patterson cleared Cali to go home.

After one month of treatment for bacterial pneumonia, Cali is home and doing well. Her x-rays showed permanent changes in her lungs due to the pneumonia but her quality of life is great! To see her now you may not know she had such a rough start. However, the lack of initial care she received in the 10 weeks prior to finding her forever family was disastrous. It was in that time and due to a lack of consideration for the health of pets that Cali developed this condition that threatened her life. Thankfully, her forever family stood by her. We are pleased to have been a part of Cali’s care and to recognize her as our August Patient of the Month!

Watch this silly video and see how truly well Cali is now!!! Watch now!!!

Hollywood Animal Hospital Helps Return Stolen Pet

By Jessica Meszaros, Sun Sentinel

2:36 p.m. EDT, August 1, 2014

HOLLYWOOD —

A black-clad gunman, stymied by his sidewalk victim's lack of cash, snatched the one available item of dubious value: An ailing Yorkshire terrier.
Within about 72 hours, Hollywood code enforcement officers found little India along the Dixie Highway corridor, police said Friday.
The dog was taken to the Hollywood Animal Hospital, determined to be in stable condition, and was returned home.
Even so, owner Damica Clark said, when found, her dog had suffered broken teeth, eye homorrhaging and an abrasion down its right side.
The person who stole the dog remained at large on Friday, police said.

India, a Yorkshire terrier stolen during an armed robbery, was found and returned to owner Damica Clark. (Damica Clark, Sun Sentinel / July 31, 2014)

By Emily Miller, Sun Sentinel

6:26 p.m. EDT, August 1, 2014

She was dashing down the Dixie Highway corridor Friday in Hollywood when code enforcement officers spotted her and the chase began.
India, a 9-year-old Yorkshire terrier, was determined to run all the way home to Miami, owner Damica Clark said. The dog had been missing since Tuesday when she was snatched at gunpoint in Hollywood.
The officers followed little India for a while, Clark said. The dog finally got tired, cut through someone's yard and collapsed.
India was taken to Hollywood Animal Hospital, where she was reunited with Clark.
"I feel horrible," Clark, 31, said. "I know she's in a lot of pain physically and emotionally, and there's not much I can do."

The Yorkshire terrier, when found, had broken teeth, eye hemorrhaging and a bad abrasion on its right side, said owner Damica Clark. (Photo courtesy of Damica Clark / August 1, 2014)

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-hollywood-dog-thief-20140731,0,1018715.story

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/broward/fl-hollywood-dog-thief-folo-20140801,0,7402231.story

Mark your calendars for Two Dogs and Cat walk into a bar... August 9, 2014!!!!

Mark your calendars for Two Dogs and Cat walk into a bar... August 9, 2014!!!! 

 

Benefiting: Canine Assisted Therapy, Inc.

Jokers Wild Comedy Club and Bar
10800 W. Sample Rd.
Coral Springs, FL, US
954-990-5175
2dogsncat@catdogs.org 

 

Overview
 

Angel "Chi Chi" Salazar Comedy Night Show The man most known as Chi Chi from "Scarface" describes his stand-up act as only he could. A hurricane of hilarity, the pop culture icon has been performing stand-up since the early 1980s with a one of a kind show. Combining stand-up, improv, props, and costumes, Angel turns a headlining act into a energetic live action event. Much like the catchphrase he has been using since his beginning in the business, a comedy fan must "sheck it out!" Join them for this fun evening.

 

Saturday August 9, 

8:00 pm 10:00 pm

Jokers Wild Comedy Club and Bar 

Coral Springs Country Club 

10800 W. Sample Rd.

Coral Springs, 33065 

Tickets $25.00 pp (Two items minimum) 

For more information, please call 954-990-5175 or email 2dogsncat@catdogs.org.

 

Microchip your pet

Microchip your pet

 http://www.ivillage.com/10-things-your-veterinarian-wishes-you-knew/7-a-545874

"Microchips can save your pet's life," says Dr. Larry Dee, a Hollywood, Fla., small animal veterinarian and American Veterinary Medical Association executive board member. And he’s not kidding. 

Consider this: If your pet breaks out of the backyard, it could end up in a shelter and possibly euthanized (or adopted by another family). A microchip will speak up when your little buddy can’t, offering your contact information when scanned. In case you need more incentive, it’s a painless procedure -- the tiny chip is just implanted between your pet’s shoulder blades -- and relatively cheap. Veterinarians and animal shelters will implant chips for under $50.

August Team Member of the Month- Candice

“If HAH could display a billboard for 'Most Efficient Task Completer' Candice’s smiling face would be on it!”

Candice epitomizes our goal for Team Member of the Month. She goes above & beyond to complete any task she’s assigned, often putting in her own time to accomplish it with 110% perfection!

Candice originally worked as a HAH Vet Assistant and Technician but took on the role of our Surgical/Boarding Coordinator in 2005. Since starting that job, she has expanded her roll to include… well just about everything under the sun! She is the right hand “man” of our management team- getting things done that go on behind the scenes.

“She's a people pleas-er and can often be found helping out in every department from reception to vet tech and everywhere in between ending each task with "no problem" "happy to help".  Her positive aura and "pay it forward" attitude are quite contagious.  She is extremely efficient, organized and meticulous in her work. If you want every "T" crossed and every "I" dotted (before you can even ask) Candice is the employee to look for!”

Our Team Member of the Month for August goes to a real star. We so appreciate her service to our staff and clients. Thank you, Candice.

Free Grill!!

FOR OUR CLIENTS WHO USE HEARTGARD, CERTIFECT AND FRONTLINE PRODUCTS

AS A THANK YOU, A BRINKMAN GAS GRILL HAS BEEN PROVIDED FOR HOLLYWOOD ANIMAL HOSPITAL’S MERIAL PRODUCT USERS!

HEARTGARD PLUS – FOR PREVENTION OF HEARTWORMS & INTESTINAL PARASITES

CERTIFECT – FOR TICKS

FRONTLINE PLUS – FOR FLEAS AND TICKS

FRONTLINE TRITAK FOR DOGS AND CATS – A THIRD GENERATION NEW PRODUCT FOR FLEAS AND TICKS (AVAILABLE SOON)

 FOR EVERY PACKAGE OF ONE OF THE ABOVE PRODUCTS PURCHASED BY CLIENTS OF HOLLYWOOD ANIMAL HOSPITAL BETWEEN JULY 1, 2012 AND AUGUST 31, 2012 AN ENTRY WILL BE MADE INTO THE RAFFLE.

FOR A 6 DOSE PACKAGE =1 ENTRY

FOR A 12 DOSE PACKAGE = 2 ENTRIES

TRITAK IS 3 DOSES AND 1 ENTRY WILL BE APPLIED

August Patient of the Month: Niki

Niki Zawada is an 11yr old German shepherd that was brought in on emergency one Friday morning.  Niki was intact and presented with signs of a pyometra; infection of the uterus. She was not walking and generally uncomfortable. The infection in her uterus was powerful and in an effort to maintain balance her body worked overtime resulting in sickness throughout many organ systems. Her kidney, liver and multiple other blood values were elevated causing her to go into a diabetic crisis.

Niki was immediately hospitalized and treated for the most urgent ailment, the sugar crisis.  After hours of aggressive treatment, antibiotics and fluid, Niki underwent surgery to remove her infected uterus. The surgery was tough for her and her recovery was slow.

Over the next week, Niki was treated for a variety of ailments that resulted from her body trying to return to normal. Niki received a total of 6 plasma transfusions to nourish and rehydrate her and underwent a series of blood test to monitor her ever changing symptoms.

Within a week she began looking like herself again and was discharged with strict orders of antibiotic, subcutaneous fliuds and TLC at home.  Fifteen days from the day she was brought into the HAH, her blood values were normal and she was finished with her meds. She was back to being Niki!

During her stay, Niki became a treasured part of our hospital. Her loving disposition and her struggle toward wellness touched us all. Today Niki, is home and healthy and both her family and the HAH are so happy with her recovery.

Highlight: Dr. Erica Bello

We are proud to highlight Dr. Erica Bello! Dr. Erica Bello grew up on a small farm in rural New Jersey. She has been a competitive equestrian since the age of 8. Her family has always had a vast array of animals including horses, goats, dog

s and cats. Dr. Bello received her bachelor of science at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ. She then went on to gain a degree in Veterinary Medicine from Ross University located on the beautiful island of St. Kitts in the eastern Caribbean, followed by completion of a year-long clinical program at Colorado State University’s School of Veterinary Medicine. Her interests include oncology, soft tissue surgery, and critical care. During her free time, Dr. Bello enjoys riding her Thoroughbred mare “Lily” and being entertained by her very energetic Jack Russell Terrier, “Hunter”. She and her fiancé Jerren like soaking up as much of the South Florida lifestyle as possible, and the beach is usually on the top of the list.

What our clients are saying about us......

Name: Ofc. Curtiss Richardson, Key West Police Dept.

Message: Dr. Herrington and Staff of HAH,
I just wanted to take the time to express my thanks for the treatment and care you all showed myself and my partner K-9 Cyress. I was a nervous wreck the moment I step through the door. All who came in contact with me and K-9 Cyress made us both feel at home and a little more at ease. 

Dr. Herrington, the K-9 community needs more great supporters like yourself and your staff. I look forward to seeing you all soon.

Respectfully,
K-9 Ofc. C. Richardson
Key West Police Dept. K-9 Unit
Email-crichard@keywestcity.com

With dogs we bust, in paws we trust