Team Member Highlight- Esteban!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For over 70 years, VCA Hollywood has provided the finest veterinary care to our community of pets. This care is provided by a team of over 21 doctors supported by a staff of nearly 100. Each team member chosen as a representative of the VCA HAH for their unique skills and passion for animal care. So often though, the support staff that enables the HAH to shine do not stand in the limelight. They support our goals from behind closed doors with smiles that some never see. Today we would like to move the spotlight and showcase one of our team members we would like to clone.

Some may say that as a rule adjusting to a new job is a challenge. Our unique crew may not be an exception to this however, Joining our Technician Team less than a year ago, Esteban seemed to assimilate with ease.

Whether his name preceded him or his personality made it seem that way, he fit in right away and simply did the work. His previous work experience was highlighted through his care and attention to our patients and his knowledge base made him valuable in multiple departments. Today, he is a valuable contributor in our in house pharmacy, a leader among our day technician team and a critical member of our weekend emergency team.

All in all, he is a strong contributor to our success. He is reliable. He is capable. He is kind. He is a pleasure to be around and can be counted on to leave a situation better for having been there. For these reasons our staff has a message from him.

Message to Esteban from our staff:

In case you have not been adequately informed,

please consider this official notification that you are 

AWESOME!!

Happy Valentine's Day!

It’s important to be aware of the potential dangers of candy, but it isn’t the only danger that exists for your pets this time of year. Check out these tips to keep your furry Valentine safe.   Keep candy and gum out of reach: Animals have a very acute sense of smell, and have an easy time hunting out and indulging in your treats.   Xylitol is dangerous for pets:  Sugar-free candies and gum contain the sugar substitute xylitol. When ingested by animals, xylitol can cause a range of problems depending on how much was ingested. These include vomiting, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), liver failure, seizures, or death. If your pet ingests this type of product, it is important to know how much was eaten, and have the product information available because some types have higher concentrations of xylitol than others.   Chocolate is toxic to pets: Chocolate is well-known for being problematic in animals. Chocolate contains toxic compounds called methylxanthines that can cause everything from mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea) to cardiotoxicity (rapid heart rate, arrhythmias), seizures, and death. Baking chocolate and dark chocolate are especially toxic. Treatment can vary from decontamination by inducing vomiting to hospitalization with intravenous fluids.   Smell the roses, but don't let your pet eat them:  Floral arrangements may be enticing for your dog or cat too, and it may only take a nibble to cause a severe reaction. Even small amounts can lead to cases of upset stomachs or vomiting, particularly if the plant or flower is toxic. All lilies are dangerous—and potentially fatal—to cats. Certain varieties of lilies are toxic to dogs, too. Roses can cause punctures to the mouth and paws, and possible bowel obstruction if swallowed.

Meet Dr. Hawkins!!!!

Dr. Christina Hawkins is a native of Miami, Florida and her passion for animals developed as a young child growing up with numerous household pets. She attended the University of Florida for her undergraduate degree in Biology as well as a minor in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. During her undergraduate years, she volunteered at various animal shelters and rescue organizations. She also founded the Minority Pre- Veterinary Student Club, to provide a support group and resource for other students interested in pursuing veterinary medicine. She received her veterinary degree from the University of Florida where she graduated in the top 25% of her class and was inducted into Phi Zeta Honor Society. While at UF, she received specialized training in shelter medicine and business management. Her interests in veterinary medicine include anesthesia, surgery and shelter medicine. 

Dr. Hawkins joins the VCA Hollywood to further her interests in surgery and emergency medicine. 

She lives in Boca Raton with her husband and their 2 dogs, Cookie and Cinnamon. In her spare time, Dr. Hawkins enjoys traveling, reading science fiction novels, and has recently developed a passion for West African dance.

Years in practice  2
Education: University of Florida College of Veterinary School, DVM 2016

Dr. James, you will be missed!!!

After 45 years of practice, Dr. James Dee has decided to retire.

Please know that the doctors at VCA HAH are extraordinary and our team here is second to none. I have no doubt that they will continue to provide stellar and compassionate care for you and your pets for many years to come. It is with deep sadness that we wish Dr. James farewell, but we take solace in the fact that his retirement is well deserved and his standard of hard work and caring will forever be a part of the DNA of this practice. Whether to staff, client, family or friend, Dr. James’ impact on each of us was profound and we are grateful for his part in building the VCA HAH. We wish Dr. James wonderful new adventures, full of all of the joys in the world and we welcome him back anytime for a visit and a laugh! A message from Dr. James. To the clients and staff of VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital - It is with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement from VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital; the place I have called home since I was a kid.   When I walked across the stage at Auburn University in 1972 and received my diploma, I can honestly say I did not realize the profound impact my career and the 45 years I spent at HAH would have on my life.  Along with my brothers Dr. Larry and Dr. Jon, and our partners Dr. Sessa and Dr. Herrington, it was an honor and a privilege to serve as an owner of Hollywood Animal Hospital.  What’s more, having the opportunity to practice quality family medicine with my father, Dr. Clarence Dee (who cofounded Hollywood Animal Hospital in 1947) and mother Lucille Dee, was an experience of a lifetime.   I would not trade those years for anything in the world and they have shaped me into the man, and veterinarian, I am today.  Additionally, I have worked alongside some exceptional folks – people I truly consider family. Together we have laughed, cried, supported each other, as well as our clients, as we navigated through some rough waters, hunkered down through many a  hurricane, watched generations (2 and 4 legged!) mature and grow.  The list is endless and I have nothing but fond memories of my years in practice. Now, this goes without saying, but in my eyes the clients of Hollywood Animal Hospital are the cream of the crop! I have met so many magnificent, kind hearted people who have entrusted me to do the very best by their pets.  I will miss you all more than I can ever express to you.  Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.  I will keep each and every one of you close to my heart. Warmest regards, Dr. James Dee

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.