Cats and Dogs, a Magazine Devoted to Companion Animals

andDogs POBox996,Jenison,MI49429-0996 616-777-0645 catsanddogsmagazine@comcast.net www.catsanddogsmagazine.com CatsandDogs,foundedin2006,isafreepublication supportedbyadvertisers.MagazinesaredistributedthroughoutKent,Ottawa,Muskegonandsurroundingcounties.We arenotresponsibleforservicesandproductsadvertised.All rightsreserved.Nopartofthismagazinemaybereproduced withoutpermissionfromthepublisher.

Publisher:JanetVormittag Owner:JLVEnterprisesLLC Deadlines Spring:Feb.10-Summer:May10 Fall:August10-Winter:Nov.10

HomedeliveryofCatsandDogsis$16peryear.Makeyour checkpayabletoCatsandDogsandmailto: CatsandDogs,P.O.Box996,Jenison,MI49429-0996

Advertisinginformation: 616-777-0645-catsanddogsmagazine@comcast.net

RescueTidbits

WestMichiganFerret Connection:Didyouknow ferretsweredepictedin Egyptianartwork,whichmay datefromasearlyasearlyas 1400to1200BC? TheLadywithanErmine isa portraitpaintingwidelyattributedtotheItalianRenaissanceartistLeonardoda Vinci.Datedtoc.1489–1491. QueenVictoria(1891-1901) purportedlygaveferretsas giftstovisitingheadsofstate. TheWestMichiganFerretConnectionisa501c3nonprofitcharityanddonationsareappreciated.Visitour websiteat www.westmichiganferretconnection.com or emailat wmfc201@att.net.VisittheWestMichiganFerret ConnectiononFacebook.

PleasantHeartsPetFoodPantry:FREEMICROCHIPCLINICS!Opentoall—clientsandourcommunity!Microchipswillbeno-costtothepetowner.Donationsofanyamountareappreciatedbutabsolutelynot necessary.Thisclinicisfirstcome,firstservedfortwo hours:1p.m.to3p.m.Noappointmentneeded.

May19 —MicrochipClinicatVistaCharterAcademy,711 32ndStSE,Wyoming July21 —MicrochipClinicatRapidFireProtectionInc.’s oldlocation/FenceConsultantsofWestMichigan’sparkinglot-1000MuskegonAveNW,GrandRapids Sept.15 —MicrochipClinicatRapidFireProtection’s newlocation,8274AlpineAveNW,Sparta WanttoSPONSORACHIP?Yourdonationof$5covers onepettobemicrochipped.TheseclinicsareNOTfor breedersorrescues.Wereservetherighttoturnawayor acceptanypets. www.pleasantheartspetfoodpantry.org

PetTalesRescue:Meet Kitty!Sheisaloving,affectionate5-year-oldcat.Sheis aperfectmixofindependent andfriendly.Sheistheperfectone-on-onecatand thoroughlyenjoysbeingthe centerofattention.AnyvisitorthatcomesoverisimmediatelygreetedbyKittywith purrs,askingtobeheld,and meowingforattention.As youareworkingfromhomeorwatchingTV,Kittywillbe withinafewfeetofyousleepingandenjoyingyourpresence.Afterherfillofattention,shewillbefoundlounging inasunbeamorsleepinginacomfyspot.Contactus at PetTalesRescueBoard@gmail.com or www.PetTalesRescue.com.

BestPalsAnimalRescueCenter:Agreatstartin 2024!WereceivedagenerousgrantfromMDARDfor spay/neuter.Thesefundswillhelpustakeinmorecats anddogs.BestPalsreceivedtheHollandCommunity ChoiceAwardforthebestnon-profitorganizationforthe 8th straightyear.Thankstoourcommunityformaking

thishappen!CrazyHorseSteakhousehonoredBestPals foraFundraiseronApril30.Itwasahugesuccess. ThankstotheCrazyHorsestaffandourfriendswhocame toourevent.ViewourFacebookpageandwebsite.Hops on84EastinHollandwillsupportusinJunefortheir CommunityPizzamonth!

C-SNIP:SummerishereandC-SNIPwantstoremind petfamiliesthatnowisthetimetoscheduleyourpetsfor theirannualvaccinationsandwellnessvisits.Makesure yourfurryfamilymembersareuptodateontheirvaccines,heartwormtests,preventatives,andhavebeen spayed/neutered.Youcangetmoreinformationabout ourservicesandrequestyourpet’sappointmentatour website, www.csnip.org Ifyoudon’tneedourveterinary services,youcanhelpsomeonewhodoesbymakingadonationatourwebsitetosupportournonprofitveterinary care.

Scarlett'sCatSanctuary&FurryFriendsPetRecovery hasembarkedonatransformativemissionwithin ourcommunity.Werecentlyrescuedandrelocatedover 110catsandkittensfromasuddenhoardingsituation, manyofwhomwereinpoorhealth.Weurgentlytreated over10catsformedicalanddentalissues,eachcosting $1,500+.Throughtrap-neuter-return(TNR)initiatives, we'reensuringabetterfuturewhiletacklingoverpopulation.However,ourrescuesarefull,emphasizingthecriticalneedforspayingandneuteringservices.Yoursupport canpreventfurthersuffering.Joinusinshapinga brightertomorrowforthesefurrycompanions.Donate viaVenmo@ScarlettsCatSanctuaryorPayPal scarlettscatsanctuary@gmail.com.

FaithfultoFelines:Lookingtoaddafelinecompanion toyourhome?Looknofurther. Wehavetheminallcolor varietiesandpersonalities.Areyoulookingforacatthat mindsitsownbusinessoronethatisupinyourbusiness? Shy,outgoing,orsomewhereinbetween, yournewbest friendisherewaitingforyou.www.faithful2felines.com —Info@faithful2felines.com—231-773-3030.

DickAndPenny

ByLisaClark

IwashonoredwhenJanetaskedmetowriteasynopsisofDickandPennyMercerbutalsothought,“Where doIstart?”

So,I'llbeginbysayingthatsadlyDickMercer,ananimaladvocate,passedawayinJuneof2006.He'sbeen sorelymissedbymanysincethen.HiswifePennyMercer alsohadapassionforanimalrights/welfareandsheleft thisearthinJanuaryof2023.Theybothwantedtheirestatetohelpanimals.Thisincludessponsoringtwolocal rescuegroupsinsixissuesofthe CatsandDogsMagazine.

OneofmyearlymemoriesofDickiswhenhebought softwareforKentwoodPublicSchoolstosavefrogsfrom dissection.He'dattendschoolboardmeetingstotryand convincethemtoquitwastinghistaxdollarsonbuying frogs.Theyagreedandthenewsoftwarewasputtouse.

IfirstmetDickintheearly-to-mid‘90s.IhadbecomeamemberoftheBoardofDirectorsoftheHumane SocietyofKentCountyandhisnamecameupoften.Iwas theircorrespondingsecretary.ThismeanteachmonthI wrotesevenoreightlettersabouttheplightofanimals.Theyoftenfocusedonvariouspendinglegislation andtryingtogetanimalprotectionlawspassed. Among themanyissuescoveredcouldbeoutlawingpuppymills, furfarms,animaltesting,andlivetrapsthatadomestic animalcouldgetcaughtinandcausegreatpain.

Dickwasatrueforcetobereckonedwith.Heavidly followedthenewsandanyanimalcrueltycasethatwas coveredinthemediahesoonfollowedonhisradarand wouldreporttome.(IncaseImissedit.)

animals,thelackoffoodandwateralongtheway,the chainedconfinementinheatandcold.Toomuchtoeven imagine.Butaslongaspeopleattendedandboughtticketsthisdeplorableformofentertainmentwouldcontinue. DickandPennywerealsopartofthegroupwho foundedC-SNIP,alow-costspay/neuterclinicinWest Michigan.

Bunnies-R-Us:Summeris approachingfast.Everyone wantstoadoptabunnybut thensummerishereandnow it'stimeforavacation.Asa rescuewedoofferboarding. Wewilltakecareofyour preciousbabywhileyouare away.Don'tletthatstopyou fromadoptingarescuewho needsahome.Somany bunniesgotothestreetsbecauselifegetsinthewayand youdon'tknowhowtocareforthemwhileyouareaway. Weoffermorethanadopting.Weprovideboarding,nail andteethtrimming,wehaveitemsforsaleallthetime andwedohelpre-homeyourbunnyifthatisyourlast resort.Contactusfordetails,wecanhelpinmoreways thananormalrescue.bunniesrusrabbitry.com

Forexample,onecasewasregardingacrueltycharge ofahorsebeinglefttostarvebecausetheownerneglected tofeedthepooranimal.Iwouldoftengetphonecalls fromDickandhewouldkeepmeapprisedofthesesituations.Thesecallsoccurredatleastweekly.Iwasalways thankfulhewasouttherefightingthegoodfight.

Henotonlydidthatbutwouldattendthehearing,if held,andpossiblyalsowritealettertothejudgeencouragingastiffsentencetodeterothers.Iagreedwithhis philosophywholeheartedlyandwebecamegreatpals.

I'dwritealetteronbehalfofthehumanesocietyand theywouldbeginwith,“IamwritingonbehalfoftheHumaneSocietyofKentCountyandwehaveapproximately 10,000supporters.”

AnotherareathatDickwasactiveinwaspicketing events.Thisincludedrodeos,circusesandanti-fur events.Dickmorethanoncetoldme,“Ifeelsorryforyou, you’reyoung,andgettingintotheanimalrightsmovementislikesteppingintoquicksand,it’sneverending;it willaffectyourwholelife.”

Hecertainlywasright.

Penny,too,wasinvolvedinthepicketingevents,but shekeptaquietertoneandwouldoftenhavetoreinDick inatthesedemonstrations.He’dtellacircusattendee thatthecircusshouldhavegoneoutwiththeouthouse! Hewasright.Theliteraturethatwedistributedwould highlighttheawfultravelingconditionsenduredbythe

AnothermajorinterestofPenny'swasrecycling.She waspassionateaboutthisrightuptotheend.AtHeather Hillsshewouldcollectsmallcupsandplatesandmake suresomeonetookthemtoberecycled.Sheeducatedothersontheimportanceofrecycling.ShewaslikeDick,not afraidtospeakup.

Somepeoplearejustbornwithapassionforhelping animals.Theycareaboutpeopleandtheirhumanfrailties,too.Tobeanadvocateforanimalsdoesnotpreclude onefromcaringaboutthehumancondition.I'veoften heardthisargumentthroughtheyears,thatifyoucare aboutanimalsyoudon'tcareaboutpeople.Infact,theoppositeistrue.Ifyoucareaboutanimalsyoumostcertainlycareaboutpeopleandtheplanet.DickandPenny caredaboutallofit.

Theirmemorylivesoninthedistributionoftheirestateanditsmanycauses.Theyfoughtthegoodfighttogether.

LisaClark,MA,LLP(formerlyLisaLamancusa) hasbeenananimaladvocateformorethanthree decades.SheisalicensedpsychotherapistintheGrand Rapidsareaandhasbeenworkinginthetherapyfield formorethan20years.Shespecializesinworkingwith adultswhohavesufferedfromchildhoodtrauma.She canbereachedatllamancusa@pivotalgr.com.

DickandPennyMercer

Dedicatedandcompassionatecareforyourfurryfamily memberisourtoppriority.Inaquietandfelinefriendly environmentweprovide:

*Internalmedicine

*UltrasoundandX-ray

*Dentistryandoralsurgery

*Ophthalmologicsurgery

*Felineboarding

*Routinevaccinationsandexaminations

*Behavioralconsultation

*In-houseandreferencebloodworkandmore

AspecialthankstoNoah’sPetCemetery&Crematoryforsponsoringourpage.

TheAlchemyof AnimalCompanionLoss GriefSupportGroups

ByRev.GinnyMikita,AnimalChaplain

LastnightImetagainwithfivewearysouls,allof whomaregrievingthelossofabelovedanimalcompanion,justasIhavedoneeverymonthforalmost13years.

Threeweregrievingthelossoftwodogswithina shortspanoftime.Twoweregrievingthelossofacat— onewhodiedsixmonthsagoandonewhodiedoverone yearago.

Afterhuggingeachpersonuponarrival(withpermission),Iinvitedthemtofindaseatinthecozyroomdesignedbymydearfriend,LaurieBrush,DVM,andher husbandforjustthisreason.Framedbybarnbeams, thereisacomfycouchwithpillows,otherchairs,acoffee table,evenafireplace,theroomensconcedwithcandle groupings.

Severalyearsago,LauriesawaneedtoprovideinhomehospiceandeuthanasiaservicetoanimalcompanionsandbirthedHeavenatHome.Euthanasiaderives fromtheGreekwords“eu”(good)and“thanatos”(death). TheGriefGroupispartofHeavenatHome’sAftercare Program.AndwhilemanywhoattendtheGroupusedthe servicesofHeavenatHome,theGroupisopentoanyone inthecommunitywhoisgrievingthelossofananimal companion.

AsIdoeachmonth,IintroducedmyselfandhowI cametobefacilitatingthisgatheringinthisplaceatthis time.WhileallfiveattendeeslastnighthadRSVP’d,the doorisopentoanyonewhoarrives—withorwithoutnotice.IaskforRSVPstoprovideanapproximatenumberto thegraciousstaffatHeavenatHomewhopreparethe room.Thosewhoshowuparemeanttobetogether.Last nightthreeindividualshadlosttwodogs,thegapbetween eachlossbeingalmostidentical.Thisispartofthe alchemy.

Webeganwithacenteringmoment—deepbreaths, gentlylandinginthistimeandspace—followedbyareading.Ibookendourtimetogetherwithpoetry,blessings, shortproseandotherreadings.LastnightIreadablessingfromKateBowler’snewbook,“HaveaBeautifulTerribleDay!”entitled“whenyouareinpain.”

Thisisaseculargathering,butfaithandtheafterlife oftencomeupinconversation.Iamaninterfaith,interspeciesministerandmyparticularfaithasanexpansive Christiangroundsme(somethingIsharewitheach Group).IfIamreadingablessingthatnamesGod,IgenerallyrefertoGodasLove.

Next,Iaskifthereisanyonewhowouldbewillingto shareaboutforwhomandwhytheycame.Thesharings oftenincludephotographs(lastnight,someonebroughta calendarshehadmadeusingspecialphotosofher belovedcatof18years),whensomeone’sanimalcompaniongracedtheirlives,theoriginsoftheiranimals’names, afunnyremembranceandwhenandhowtheirbeloved died.

SharingdetailssurroundingthedeathsIhavefound areacriticalcomponenttograpplingwiththerealityof

andsubsequentanguish.Thereareusuallyquestionsand, moreoftenthannot,thosequestionsareframedbyguilt. Whydidn’tInoticesignsorgetasecondopinion?DidI euthanizemyanimaltoosoonorwaittoolong? Wheneachpersonhashadanopportunitytoshare, Iinvitefurtherconversationamongparticipants.Asan aside,Ihavehadpeopletellmetheywillnotbeableto speak(thishasneverhappened)orprovidesupportto anyoneelse.TheGroup’scareandnurturecreatesasafe spaceintowhichwordsofeventhosewhodonotfeelthey can,do.Bearingwitnessorwith-nessasauthorSharon Brouswritesis,inmanyways,themosthealingsupport wecanofferoneanother.

Lastmonth,Ibegananon-lineGroup.Itisopento anyone,anywhere.ThefirsttwogatheringsincludedpeoplefromOregontoNewYork,MichigantoMississippi.If youorsomeoneyouknowwouldprefertheon-linemeeting,thelinkcanbefoundbysearchingGinnyMikitaat findanimalchaplain.com.

Boththein-personandon-lineGroupsarefree;however,donationsaremuchappreciated.

Ibelieveinthealchemy—thesacredpower—ofsupportgroups.Ibearwitnesstoiteachmonth,yearafter year,andameternallygratefultothoseyoutrusttheir soulstooneanother.

Pleasecontactmeformoreinformationabouteithergroupatginnymikita64@gmail.com.

Rev.GinnyMikita,JD (she/her)

www.animalblessings.love ginny@animalblessings.love

2ndTuesdayofeachmonth,6:30p.m.to8p.m. HeavenatHome 1530MonroeNW,GrandRapids,MI PleaseRSVP,textorcall616.460.0737 beforenoononthedayofthegathering.

Mewsings

ALastChapter WithoutYou

ByKristinaVanOss

MyveterinarianandIrecentlyhadadiscussionregardingeuthanasia.Hetoldmehewasatpeacewith providingfreedomfromsuffering,butthatitwasextremelyhardtoeuthanizeananimalwhomightotherwisebehealedorrehomed.Thoserequestsoftencame fromadyingowner.

ThatconversationcameonlydaysbeforeIheadedto NorthCarolinawhereIwouldendupspendingamonth providingcareandcompanionshiptoadearfrienddying ofcancer.Nancylivedaloneexceptforher13-year-old Labrador,Zane.Evenbeforeherdiagnosisthe80-pound hulkhadbeenfiercelyprotectiveofher,buttheillness hadmagnifiedhisbehaviortoalevelthatwasdownright obnoxioustoanyonevisitingthehome,evenme.

Zanebarkedateverythingthatmoved,insideoroutsidewithinhisviewfromthecouchonwhichhespent mostofhisdayssnuggledupnexttomyfriend.Hewas reluctanttogooutsideforpottybreaks.Hestalkedguests andnursingstaff,oftengrowlingandblockingthemfrom approachingher.

Iknewhewasonlydoinghisjobashesawit. Thoughevenduringbettertimes,Iwasneverconfident thathewouldn’tbitemeifhethoughtIdeservedit. Nancysworehewasareallysweetdog,butitwouldtake mealmosttoNancy’sdeathtoseeit.

MyfriendhadaskedmeyearsagoifIwouldbeher animals’guardian.Iagreed,eventhoughatthetimeshe hadthreelargedogsandacat.ItwasapromiseInever imaginedIwouldneedtofollowthroughon.Afterall, Nancywashealthyatthetimeandonlyafewyearsolder thanme.Iexpectedshewouldoutliveeveryoneofher pets.

InthatlastmonthofNancy’slife,wehadmany heartfeltconversations.Zanewasherbiggestdilemma. Heshowedhisage.Overweightandsedentary,heoften movedstifflyand,likemostelderlycreatures,hewasset inhisways.

WhatscaredhermostwasthatshewasZane’sentire universe.Theideaofherbeloveddogbeinglostwithout hermadeNancycontemplateeuthanizingZanewhileshe stillhadthestrengthtositbesidehimandbethelast thinghesawinlife.Iunderstood,butIwasmoreconcernedabouthermentalwell-beingifshehadtoexperienceherownendwithouthim.Italkedheroutofit.

Fortunately,myfriend’sbrother,David,inMichigan offeredtotakeZaneifIcouldbringhimbackwithme. Theoptioncamewithsomeconcerns,namelyayoungSt. Bernardinthehomewhohadsubstantialbulkand boundlessenergy.Zanehadnevermethisprospective newownerandhewasalreadysuspiciousofmen.It wouldbeabigadjustmentforanolddog.Ireachedoutto friendsforaback-upplanifweneededone.

DespiteNancy’swishtodieathome,itbecamemedicallynecessaryforhertobemovedtoafacilitythelast twoweeksofherlife.Thismeantherloyaldogwasleft aloneinthehousemostofthetime.Veryabruptlythey wouldneverseeeachotheragain.

Thechangeinthatolddogwasalmostimmediate. Yes,Icouldseethathewasbewildered,buttomysurprisehedidnotseemdepressed.Hestoppedhisincessantbarkinganddefensivebehavior.Heactuallyacted gladtoseeme.Iknowthedoglovedmyfrienddesperately.Yet,IthinkZanewasrelievedthathisworkwas done.Thedog,likesomanyhumancaregivers,was burnedoutandtired.HehadgivenNancyallhehadleft togiveduringherarduousthree-yearbattle.

Nancylivedjustlongenoughtoreceivethenewsthat Zanewasacclimatingwelltohisnewhome.Itgaveher thepeacesheneededtoletgo.

IcontinuetoreceiveoccasionalupdatesfromDavid intheformofpicturesandvideos.Zanehasanamazing newlifethatexceedseveryone’sexpectations.Withhis newyoungcompanion,heisexperiencingasecondpuppyhoodthatdefieshisrealage.Heisinshapeandexperiencingunbridledjoyforthefirsttimeinalongtime.My guessisthathehasstoppedmissingNancy.IwishIcould saythesame.

Whenitcomestoyourend-of-lifeplans,includea betterplanforyourpet.Euthanasiashouldbethelastoption,notthefirst.Whilenotalltransitionsmaygoas smoothlyasthisonedid,everypetdeservesachancefor alastchapterwithoutyou.Itmightevenbeagreatone.

KristinaVanOssisanartist,writerandlife-longanimal loverandadvocate.Herlatestendeavorsinclude chroniclingheradventuresincatrescueinanupcoming bookduetobereleasedlaterthisyear.

ThispageissponsoredinthememoryofDickandPennyMercer.

DickandPennyMercerwerelifelonganimalwelfareadvocates.Dick wasafoundingmemberofCSNIP,whichstrivestopreventpetoverpopulationand improvethe qualityof lifefor dogs,cats, andtheir caregiverswithaccessible,high--quality,reduced–costveterinarycare.

BothDickandPennyspentmanyvolunteerhoursworkingwithanimals inneed.Itwastheirwishtokeeptheirlegacyalivebysupportinganimals,longaftertheyweregone.

big lake&

BIGLAKECOMMUNITYANIMALCLINICIS HOSTINGANOTHERWALK-INVACCINECLINIC BUTTHISTIME,PETCOLOVEFOUNDATIONIS SUPPORTINGTHEEVENTWITHFREECANINE DHPPANDFELINEHCPVACCINES! WEASKTHATYOUKEEPYOURPETSINYOUR CARWHILEYOUCHECKINANDTHENWEWILL COMEGETTHEMWHENREADY.

CanineWalk-inPrices

RabiesVaccine-$30(over16weekso

BORDETELLAVACCINE-$20

DHPPVACCINE-FREETHANKSTOPETC

LYMEVACCINE-$35

LEPTOVACCINE-$30

HEARTWORMTEST-$30

4DXHEARTWORMTEST-$40

(HEARTWORM,LYME,ANAPLASMAAND FelineWalk-inPrices

RABIES-$30(OVER16WEEKSOLD)

FELINEFIV/FELVTEST-$40

HCPVACCINE-FREETHANKSTOPETCO!

FIMICROCHIPPLACEMENT-$10

FECAL(MUSTBEBROUGHTWITHCLIENT)-$35 SATURDAY,JUNE15TH|10AM-2PM

DistanceHealing

ByWendyCoon,LMT

Forgetpackingyourfurbabyinthecarorbattling veterinarianwaitingrooms.Imaginesoothingyourpet's anxietiesandeasingtheiraches—allfromthecomfortof yourownhome.

Whilepracticinghealingtechniqueswithherown pets,DistanceHealerChristineFord,LMT,foundshe couldsensetheirenergyfieldsevenwhenphysicallyapart. Thissparkedcuriosity,leadinghertoexpandherpractice withsendinghealingenergyacrossdistances.

Pleasenotethattheeffectivenessofdistancehealing canvarydependingontheindividualanimalandtheir specificneeds.Christinemakesnoguaranteesofanyspecificoutcomesandencouragesclientstoworkwiththeir veterinarianforanydiagnosedconditions.

“Alotofthishealingworkcomeswithourintuition,” Christinesays.“Thefirstthingthatmostpeoplewhocome tomesayis,‘Ihavethisfeeling.'That'stheirintuition tellingthemtocallme.”

Christinesaidthatsomepeoplemake‘wellvisits’just toconfirmthateverythingisokay.

Olivia

JustasinOlivia’scase,a15-poundseniorpup.As Christinebeganherusualvirtualwell-visitscan,tuning intoOlivia'senergyfield,shefeltrestrictionsinherleft shoulderandminorbumpsalongOlivia'sspineandhips. Herownerconfirmedoldinjuries.Attheendofthesession,ChristinereportedthatOlivia’sbodysystemswerein harmony.

However,justafterthecallended,itpoppedinto Christine'shead Iforgottheears, soshereturnedto Olivia’senergyfield.Sheexpectedacontinuedcleanbillof health,instead,shefoundadeepinfectionthatwasbrewinginOlivia'srightear.

"Olivia'scasewasaprimeexampleofhowdistance healingcanrevealhiddenissues,"Christineexplains. "Whileconnectingwithherenergyfield,Isensedablockage—ahotspotofdiscomfortemanatingfromherright eararea,eventhoughIhadnopriorknowledgeofher physicalcondition."

Hesitantly,sheredialedandaskedOlivia'sowner, "Canyouliftandsmellherrightear?"

Theconfirmationcameinagasp,"It'sawful!"

Thiswasn'tasimplecaseforholisticremedies.With theinfection'sdepthrevealed,ChristineknewOlivia neededveterinaryintervention.

"Later,Olivia’sownertoldmeshehadenoughantibioticsandOliviastoppedallsignsofherearinfection," Christinebeamed.

EarlGrey

EarlGrey,anorphanedkitten,hadfoundhimselfin anewhome,buthewouldn'tcomeoutfromhidingtoeat orplayifhisnewhumanswerearound.Acoupleofdays afterthisbehaviorChristinewascalledin.

“Thekittendidn'thaveanytraumatohisphysical body,justhisemotions,”Christinerevealed.

DistancehealinghelpedKateʼsownerfigureout second-handsmokewasbotheringher.

Afteronesessionhewascomingoutandeatingwith hisnewfamilyintheroom.Hestillwouldn’tletanyone touchhim.Aftertwosessions,hebegancominguptohis ownersasifhewantedtobepetted.

“Wewereabsolutelythrilledattheresultsinjusttwo shortsessions,”EarlGrey’sownershappilytoldChristine.

Kate

Christineknewsomethingwaswrongwhenaregular client'stextsimplysaid,"Kateisn'therself."Steppinginto thecat'senergyfield,shefeltadiscordanthum,especially aroundtherighteye.

Aquickcallconfirmedhersuspicion—theyhadrecentguestswhosmokedinthehouse.Environmental stress,bothemotionalandphysical,wasmakingKate’s eyeweepexcessively.Katewasmiserable.So,Christine startedherdistancehealingthatincludedagentleenergy cleansing,harmonizingchakrasandclearingmeridians. Herownerwasrelieved."She'splayingagain,and hereyeisalmostclear.Ihadnoideahowmuchthesmoke affectedher!"

Christinealsohelpswithendoflifetransitions,assistingwiththeemotionsoftheanimalsandtheirhuman companions.

Nexttimeyourfurbabyseemsalittleoff,oryouwant a‘wellcheck’rememberOlivia,EarlGreyandKate’sstories.Trustyourgut,listentoyourintuition,andcontact ChristineFordfordistancehealing.Sheisreadywithher healingtoolsandfinelytunedintuitionforallthingsfurry andfabulous.

DistanceHealerChristineFord,LMT,beganher journeyin1978withShiatsu,evolvingintoamultifaceted practitionerwithexpertiseinmyofascialtechniques,lymphaticsystems,JinShinDo®,cranialsacral,andpendulumwork. energyalignmenthealing.com

WendyCoonisanentrepreneur,author,speakerand guide.HerbusinessesareGoddessHealingRoomand GlobalGoddessNetwork.HerformaleducationisClinicalLicensedMassageTherapist(2000)andaBSfrom GrandValleyStateUniversityinHospitalityTourism Management(1992).Sheistheco-authorofBOD-ENOMICS;YourBodyisYourBusinessandYOUareCEO. goddesshealingroom.com

Trixie

ByAmyVenlos

LisaLanaeEdwardsLohmanisananimaladvocate andabellydancer.Sheteachestheartofbellydancing andhergroup,TheSecretBellydancers,meetthreedaysa weekatherstore,Lanae’sIntimateApparel,2376SGetty St.,Muskegon.PartofLisa’sbusinessisawigshop,and shesellsoneBay(underthename LisaLanaes).TenpercentofhereBayincomeisdonatedtotheHumaneSociety oftheUnitedStates.

Infact,Lisadonatesalot.Forseveralyears,shehas organized,hostedandparticipatedinthreeannual fundraisersforanimalshelters.

Thefirstannualfundraiser,whichwasheldMay11, wasLisa’s12th annualcharityeventaspartofWorldBelly DanceDay,whenbellydancerscometogetherforagood cause.Hergroupofdancersusedtheirdancingskillsto raisefundsforHeavenCanWaitAnimalHavenand FaithfultoFelinescatshelter.ThiswasheldinthebrewingroomofthePigeonHillBrewingCo.

ThesecondannualfundraiserisPinupsforPups, whereparticipantsdressin1940sand1950sfashionsfor ameetandgreetinsupportofPoundBuddies.Anyone canjointhisevent,whichwillbeheldatTheDirtyDog BarandGrilleonAugust4.Acarshowisincluded,which Lisaalsoorganizes.Thisfundraiserhasbeengoingon since2019.Anyonecanentertheircar,andpeoplevote withtheirdollarbillsforthebestcarsintheshow.The DirtyDog’sownerdonatesatrophyforthewinner.There arealsodonateddoorprizesanda50/50rafflethatpeoplecanwin.

ThethirdannualfundraiseristheoldestofLisa’s philanthropicventures.The15th AnnualPoundBuddies’ DanceforDogswillbeheldSept.14atTheDirtyDog.This fundraiserreturnsLisaandherdancingteamtotheir roots,bellydancing.Whileallherfundappealsareclose toherheart,LisacountsPoundBuddiesastheoriginof heranimalcharitableefforts.Sheandherhusband,Jeff, havevolunteeredwithPoundBuddiessince2004,and theycontinuetofosterandadoptfromPoundBuddies.

Withthreedogs,includinganelderlydog,Lisaand Jeff’shomeisfullofcaninecompanionship,sotheycannotcurrentlyfostermoredogs.Whentheycan,theytake inPoundBuddies’hardercases.Theiroldgirl,Solar,had beensurrenderedtoPoundBuddies,thenwasadopted, thenreturned.JeffandLisa’splacewasherfourthhome. Lisa’sseconddogcamefromanotherbadsituation.Ducky isblack,male,apitbull,heartwormpositiveandnervous. HewasatPoundBuddiesforeightmonthsbeforeLisa andJeffbroughthimhome.He’sbeenwiththemsixyears andisnowanobsessivelover,lickingLisathroughoutmy interview.Herthirddog,Quinn,isheartwormpositive. She’sacattledog,soshetriestoherdherpeople.Shehad beenadoptedbutitdidn’tworkoutwiththatadopter.

Asifallthatisn’tenough,Lisaparticipatedinsome neighborhoodTNR,wherestraysaretrapped,neuteredor spayed,thenreturnedtotheirterritory.Workingwith neighbors,andhelpedbyherfriendMelodyCassidy,she hadafriendlymale,ahousekittenandamommaandher twokittensallspayed/neuteredatC-SNIP.Afterward, Jeffbuiltacathouseforthemommaandherkittens.This maybeanothernewventureforLisa.

ThispageissponsoredinthememoryofDickandPennyMercer.

DickandPennyMercerwerelifelonganimalwelfareadvocates.Dickwasa foundingmemberofCSNIP,whichstrivestopreventpetoverpopulationand improvethequalityoflife fordogs,cats,andtheir caregiverswithaccessible, high--quality,reduced–costveterinarycare.

BothDickandPennyspentmanyvolunteerhoursworkingwithanimalsin need.Itwastheirwishtokeeptheirlegacyalivebysupportinganimals,long aftertheyweregone.

Furry Philosophy

By JodiJarvis-TherrianCPDT-KACTDI CertifiedPetFirst-Aid&CPCRInstructor AKCCGCEvaluator

TheSun’llComeOutTomorrow. ~LittleOrphanAnnie

MydogOlaf’ssuncameoutjustlikeAnnie’sdid.He hadheartproblemswhenhewastransferredfromLouisianawhereheresidedinapooroutdoorsheltertoBigLake HumaneinMuskegon.Henowliveshappilyeverafter andfindshimselfinaproductionof Annie.Mysweet, amazingrescuehastaughtmeyetanotherlesson,arescue dogoncediscardedcanachievegreatness.

IwasveryhappywhenOlafwasaskedtoplaythe partofSandyintheCatholicCentralproductionof Annie. Thiswasanamazingexperienceforbothofus.Iactually thinkhewentthroughwithdrawalsaftertheplaywas over,hemissedhisfriendsandallthelovin’somuch.

Whenwewereapproachedaboutdoingtheplay,I wantedtomakesurefirstandforemostthatOlafwas comfortable.IthoughthewouldbebecauseIhavetaken himouttodinner,wherebandshavebeenplaying,andhe rollsonhisbackwithallfourfeetintheairandfalls asleep.

WhenhewasintroducedtoLyla,whoplayedAnnie intheplay,itwasaninstantfriendship.Asmuchashe adoredherandputhisheadonherlapcontently,Istill hadtohelpOlaflearnhowtotakecuesfromsomeoneelse besidesme.Hewasusedtomybodylanguageandittook practice.WasthereatimewhenOlafsawmepeekinginat thebackofthetheaterduringapractice,thathetookoff andranoffstage,downthehalltocomesay“hi”tohis mom?Yes,ofcourse,therewerecomicaltimes.Wecelebratedhimtryingnomatterwhat,everyonewassosupportiveandkindtohim.Helovedallthosekids!Irealized IhadtoshowAnniehowtodowhatIcallbodyblocking. ThiswastohelpOlafrealizehewasworkingwithAnnie rightnowandtofocusonherandhecouldcomeseeme later.Hetaughtallofusthingsandwetaughthimthings, aswell.Iwatchedhimfromthemonitorbackstageto makesuretherewasnochanceofhimfindingmeinthe audienceandcomingtovisit.Iwilladmitwhenhedidhis firstspinsuccessfully,Icried.Iwassoproudofthatboy, whowasverytimidwhenIfirstrescuedhim,fordoinghis spinonstageandbeingsuchagoodboywiththewhole cast.Justbybeinglovedandtaughtwithpatiencehe achievedgreatnesswhilewagginghistail.Thededicated volunteersbackstageweresosupportiveandcelebrated himdoinghisspinswithme.Withlove,patienceandalot oflivertreats,hedidamazing.

Thesupportfromfriendscomingtotheshow warmedourhearts!

Therewassomespecialmagichappeningbackstage thatcanonlybedescribedasasprinkleoflove.Theseniorsinhighschoolweresupportiveandencouragingto theyoungerchildrenintheplay.Thecastandcrewwere patient,lovingandfun,andworkedtogetherlikeawell-

oiledmachine.Icanonlyattributeittothelovethatisput intoit.Ineverimaginedhowmuchwork,choreography anddedicationwentintoaproductionlikethis.Thevolunteers,mothers,andthewonderfulpeopleImetareso dedicatedtomakingthisproductionamazing.Igot goosebumpsevenwatchingtheDVD.

Olafbecameavoicefortherescues,hisnewscastand articlestalkingabouthimfrom“SheltertoStage”madeit acrossthecountry,intoArizona,Virginia,Californiaand more.

Myheartsmiledthathecouldspreadthemessage abouthowamazingshelterdogscanbe.

AnnieandOlaf’sstoryhadmanysimilarities.Annie, anorphan,becamethedaughterofaverywealthyman wholovedherverymuch.Shehadmanyhardshipsinher youthjustlikeOlafdid.Healsolivedhappilyeverafter, endeduprichinloveandupon-stagedoingspinswith Annie,wagginghistailandlivinghisbestlife.Awonderfullessonforeveryone.Ifyoutrulylove,believeandadd determinationyoucanachieveanything.

Keepyourpet healthy—forfree!

ByAmyPietras,DVM

InMarch2023,the ForbesAdvisor puttheaverage costofavetvisitforasinglevettobe$57.65inMichigan. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/pet-insurance/pet-care /how-much-does-vet-visit-cost/

Italsoputsthecostofadog’scorevaccine,DAPP,at $34.87,andthecat’scorevaccine,3in1,at$29.29.

Accordingtothe2020AAHAguidelines,catsand dogsshouldbegettingthesevaccineseverytwotofour weeksstartingasearlyasfiveweeksofageandcontinuing untilatleast16weeksofage,withaminimumoftwo roundsofshotsrequired.

Andthebaseimmunizationlevelforpetsisnot achieveduntilaboostershotoneyearlater.Afterthat time,researchshowsitispossiblefurtherimmunization mayonlybeneededeverythreeyears.Thisscheduleonly appliestotheabove-mentionedvaccines.

WhyistheDAPPsoimportantfordogs?

Itprotectsagainstseveralviruses,includingthevery deadlyparvovirus.Parvocanbetreatedsuccessfullybutit cancostupto$7,000todoit.

Catscancontractasimilarvirus,panleukopenia, whichthe3in1vaccineprotectsagainst.Researchshows thatifkittensdonotreceiveboostershotspasttheageof 12weeks,thediseaseis51percentfatal—andalsocomes withahighhospitalizationcost.

Felineherpesvirus-1isanotherveryimportantupper respiratoryvirustoprotectagainst.Itisexpectedthatalmostallcatswillbeexposedtothisduringtheirlifetimes. Typicalsignsincludesneezing,congestion,conjunctivitis andocularandnasaldischarge.Ocularsymptomsleftuntreatedoftenleadtoulcers,cornealperforation,andare theleadingcauseofenucleationincats.

So,howcanyoupreventagainstthesediseasesfor free?

Forovertwoyears,PetcoLovehadprovidedfree DAPPand3in1vaccinestononprofitstoadministerto thecommunity.

QuickFixVeterinaryClinicisproudtobeoneoftheir vaccinepartners.Weofferthesevaccinesonallofour surgerydays.Signuponourwebsite,quickfixvet.com.

Otherareanonprofitsregularlyholdvaccineclinics onweekendsaswell.

www.quickfixvet.com

Scheduleyourappointmentonline

Weareateamofprofessionalsdedicated toprovidingqualityaffordablevetcarefor thosewhoareunderservedorneeditthe most.

Ourmissioncontinuestoevolveandour services continue to expand as the needs of thecommunitychange.

Overallwespendthemosttimeonspay/ neuterforcatsandaffordabledentalcare forcatsanddogs.

Dueto escalatingcosts ofurgent veterinary care,wehaveopenedMichiganPetSurgeryandDentistryClinictoaddressthe needsofurgentsurgicalprocedures. www.michiganpetsurgery.com

Cemeteries

ClockTimelessPets 1469PeckSt.,Muskegon,MI49441 231-722-3721-www.clocktimelesspets.com

Noah’sPetCemetery&Crematory 2727OrangeAve.SE,GrandRapids,MI49546 616-949-1390–noahspc@comcast.net www.noahspetcemetery.com

TrustedJourneyPetMemorial 275564thSt.SW,ByronCenter,MI49315 616-538-6050–www.trustedjourney.com

FeralCatSupportServices

AFeralHaven Supportingferal/communitycatsinOttawaandAlleganCountiesby loaninglivetraps,andprovidingspay/neutervouchersandfood. http://www.aferalhavenmi.org–616-377-4783 a.feral.haven.mi@gmail.com

HumaneSocieties/Shelters

AlleganCountyAnimalShelter 229333rdStreet,Allegan,MI49010 269-686-5112-www.petfinder.com/shelters/MI299.html

HarborHumaneSociety 14345BagleyStreet(atUS31),WestOlive,MI49460 616-399-2119-www.harborhumane.org

HumaneSocietyofWestMichigan 3077WilsonDriveNW,GrandRapids,MI49534 616-453-8900-www.hswestmi.org

IoniaCountyAnimalShelter 3853SparrowDrive,Ionia,MI48846 616-527-9040-www.petfinder.com/shelters/MI342.html

KentCountyAnimalShelter 740FullerAve.NE,GrandRapids,MI49503 616-632-7300-www.accesskent.com/kcas

PoundBuddiesAnimalShelter&AdoptionCenter 3279ELaketonAve.,Muskegon,MI49442 231-724-6500-www.poundbuddies.org

PetTraining

ParadigmDogSchool,LLC

Professionaldogtraininganddoggiedaycare 616-796-2275–paradigmds@gmail.com www.paradigmdogschool.com

RescueGroups

BellwetherHarborAnimalShelterandTrainingCenter POBox475-7645W.48thSt.FremontMI,49412 Callforanappointment231-924-9230 www.bellwetherharbor.org

BestPalsAnimalRescueCenter 13888BlairSt.,Holland,MI49424 Callforappointment,616-212-3368 www.bestpalsarc.wix.com–bestpalsarc@gmail.com

BigLakeHumaneSociety-a nokill,non-profitshelter FormerlyMuskegonHumaneSociety 2640MarquetteAve.,Muskegon,MI49442 231-773-8689-www.muskegonhumanesociety.org

BunnyAdoption&RescueServices www.bunniesrusrabbitry.com Bunniesrusrabbitry@hotmail.com Owner/FounderDianeDykema

CannonsvilleCritters

MichelleHocking—HelpingcatsinMontcalmCounty 989-287-2553—www.cannonsvillecritters.org

FaithfultoFelines

AdultCatCompanionship www.faithful2felines.com Info@faithful2felines.com 231-773-3030

FigandFriendsPetRescue

Everypetdeservesachance Facebook.com/figandfriendspetrescue 616-320-2400— figandfriendspetrescue@gmail.com www.figandfriendspetrescue.org

PetTalesRescue

In2023,QuickFixVeterinaryClinic:

Fixed2,257femaleand1,759malecats,ofwhich284 wereferals.Theyfixed379dogs,administered6,568 vaccines,didmorethan20eyesurgeriesandmore than100dentals.

PetIn-HomeHospice

HeavenatHomePetHospice— In-homepethospice,palliativepetcareandeuthanasiaforcompanionanimals 616-498-1316–doc@pethospicevet.com www.pethospicevet.com

PetServices

PleasantHeartsPetFoodPantry 70511thStNW,GrandRapids,MI49504 info@pleasantheartspetfoodpantry.org www.pleasantheartspetfoodpantry.org DistributioniseveryotherSaturday,emailwithanyquestions

Anon-profit,volunteer,foster-based,all-breeddog/catrescue. KathyBrown,P.O.Box88084,Kentwood,MI49518 616-446-1591–pettalesrescueboard@gmail.com www.pettalesrescue.com–www.facebook.com/pettalesrescue

Reuben’sRoomCatRescue

JeanineBuckner

Ano-kill,non-profit501(c)(3)organization www.reubensroom.org catrescuereubensroom@gmail.com

CommunityResourceGuide

Scarlett’sCatSanctuary&FurryFriendsPetRecovery Anon-profit501c3in-homebasedcatandkittenrescue Recoveringlostpets& findinghomesforthehomeless https://www.facebook.com/furryfriendspetrecovery scarlettscatsanctuary@gmail.com

WestMichiganFerretConnection Rescue-Adoption-Boarding-Education Dee Gage,616-447-2978-wmfc2001@att.net www.westmichiganferretconnection.com

LIKEWestMichiganFerretConnectiononFacebook

Spay/Neuter

C-SNIP

Reducedcost,high-quality,non-profitveterinaryservices Spay/neuter,vaccinations,wellnessandbasictreatments Forappointmentandmoreinformationvisitwww.csnip.org orcall616-455-8220

QuickFixVeterinaryClinic

www.quickfixvet.com

Affordableroutinecare,dentalcleanings,spay/neuterand more.

SpecialtyBusinesses

1stMicroGreenery

Freshlivingmicrogreens

433BroadwayNW,GrandRapids,MI49504 huntoon@1stmicrogreenery.com www.1stmicrogreenery.com

WishboneHouseThriftStoreandCatAdoptionCenter

Householditems,petitemsandmore 165BlueStarHwy,Douglas,MI49406 269-455-5247

Veterinarians

LaketownCatHospital

360464thStreet,Saugatuck,MI49453 (269)455-5056mail@laketowncathospital.com www.laketowncathospital.com

MercyVeterinaryCoalition(TheVeterinaryGroup)

StacieKreiser

529NLafayette,Greenville,MI48838 mercyveterinarycoalition@gmail.com

LikeMercyVeterinaryCoalitiononFacebook

MichiganPetSurgery&DentistryClinic Qualitycare—Affordableprices www.michiganpetsurgery.com (616)232-6005 Byappointmentonly

QuickFixVeterinaryClinic

www.quickfixvet.com

Affordableroutinecare,dentalcleanings,spay/neuterand more.

Wildlife

WestMichiganWildlifeCenter

Call616-361-6109ortext616-606-5805 www.westmichiganwildlife.org westmichiganwildlifecenter@gmail.com

TrainingTips

HowlongshouldI trainmydog?

ByRobertCrough

Onceanappropriatetrainingprogramhasbeencreated,oneofthemostcommonquestionsIgetfromclients is,“HowlongshouldItrainmydogbeforeIstop?”

Theanswertothisquestionmayvarydependingon yourgoalsandhowyouapproachsolvingyourdog’sbehaviorproblem.Forexample,mostdogtraininggroup classeslastanhour,andthedoghasnochoicebuttostay andtrainfortheentirehour.Othersituationsliketeachingthetrick“shake”athomemayconsistofshortinteractionswhenwehavethesparetimeinourday.

Trainingclassesshouldbefunandneverbeperceivedasaburdenforthedogorowners.Hereareafew tipsontrainingtimesandbreakstohelpyoukeepyour trainingathome,inpublic,oringroupsfunandenjoyable forbothyouandyourdog.

Duringgroupclassesortrainingyourdoginpublic places,trainersshouldtrytokeeptheflowgoingforabout 10minutesatatime,thengivethedogabreakandthen continue.Thisprocessmayvaryslightlydependingonthe ageofthedogandthebehaviorbeingaddressed.Never pushthedogtothepointofdisinterestbeforetakinga break.

Athome,yourdogisverygoodatknowingwhattime ofdayritualsaresupposedtohappen.Forexample,ifyou skipyourdog’smeal,mostdogswillpestertheownerasif tosay,“YOUFORGOTTOFEEDMEHUMAN!”

Whenyouapproachtrainingwithyourdog,trytonot letthedogknowwhattimeofdaytrainingtakesplace. Trainingyourdogathomeshouldbeintermittentreal-life interactionsconsistingofsmallfive-minutesessionsthat beginthemomentyouwakeupuntilthemomentyougo tosleep.

Youshouldtrytodoatleastahalfdozenfive-minute traininginteractionseveryday.Alwaysendtraininginteractionsonapositivenote.Whenyouendatraininginteractionyourdogshouldbeeagerformoreandexcited whenyoubeginagain.

Thiswillgiveyourdog30minutesperdayofmental exercise.Alongwiththedailyrecommended30minutes ofphysicalexercise,thiswillgiveyourdogonehourof bothphysicalandmentalexercisethatwillhelpyourfurry friendliveaveryhappyfulfilledlifetheydeserve.

RobertCrough Owner/ProfessionalTrainer/ParadigmDogSchoolLlc. Www.paradigmdogschool.com Paradigmds@gmail.com

TheTruthaboutFIVinCats

WhatisFIV(FelineImmunodeficiencyVirus)?

FIV(FelineImmunodeficiencyVrus)isaslow-progressingvirusthatcan compromiseacat’simmunesystem,makingitmoredifficulttofightoff ilness.Becauseofitsslow-progressngnature,thevirusmayneveraffecta catdiagnosedwithit.Becauseofthis,mostcatswithFIVlivelong,heathy, happylives!

Canacat“catch”FIViflivingwithanFIV+cat?

FIVistransmittedthroughdeep,penetratingbiteswherethevirusgetsdirectyintothe bloodstreamofanon-FIV+cat.Thesebitesareextremelyrare.FIVisNOTtransmitted throughsneezes,openwounds,sharingfoodorwater,grooming,sharingalitterbox, scratches,orcuddling/payng.Becauseofthis,FIV+andnon-FIV+catscanlivetogether withnoissues!ItisalsoNOTtransmittabletohumansorotheranimals.

CanFIVcatslivewithothercats?

Yes,FIV+catscanlivewithbothFIV+andnon-FIV+catswithoutspreadingthevirus,ifall arenonaggressive.ThisisusuallyamatterofintroducingcatsSLOWLYAnytimeanewcat isaddedtoahousehold,thereshouldbeaslowintroductoryperiodwhethercatsareFIV+or Non-FIV+.

HowdoyoudetectandtreatFIV?

ThereisabloodtestthatdetectsFIV.Kittensaretestedtwicesincethefirsttestmaystillcontain themother’santibodies.Adutcatsareonlytestedonce.ThereisnotacureforFIV;thebest treatmentistokeepupwithannualvetvisits,maintainahealthydiet,andkeepcatsindoors,just asyouwouldwithnon-FIV+cats.

DoFIVcatsneedspecialcare?

FIV+catshavethesameneedsasnon-FIV+cats.ALLcatsshouldbeneutered,liveonlywith othernonaggressivecats,andbekeptashealthyaspossible-beinggivenasafeindoor environment,aqualitydiet(thebestyoucanafford),regularvetexams,andtreatinganyhealth problemswhentheyarise.

FIVFactsSheet190920.pdf,FIVCatRescueorg

Withaheavyheart,wesharethepassingofSCCWM’sresidentcat,Hudson. Despiteourbesteffortstoresolvehisheathissues,hisbodywastred,andhe wasreadytomoveon HepassedpeacefullyovertherainbowbridgeonApril30 withfavoritehuman,ourdirectorLauraMoody,byhisside.

HudsonembodiedeverythingthatSCCWMstandsforHewasadoptedoutby anothershelter7yearsago,andreturnedbecausetheadoptersdidn'tkeepup withhismedicalneeds.HewastakeninbyLaura,andeventuallybecamethe residentcatatSCCWM.

Hishealthssuesovertheyearsrangedfromdiabetestorottenteeth,skin allergies,IBD,andFIV+.Butthroughitall,ourvolunteersworkedwithpatience andcaretokeephimhealthy!HeLOVEDfoodandwouldalwaysbegformore! He'dhelpwithpaperworkonourdesks,followusaroundtomonitorourdaily tasks,andgivelittletoothlesslovenibblesonourhandswhenhewantedpetsor treats.Hewillbemissedbyeveryonewhomethim,buthislegacywillcontinue!

We’rehere tohelp yourfamily gainaccess toquality careat anaffordable price.We don’twant financestokeepyourpetfromreceivinghigh-qualitysurgeryanddental care.Weareapart-timeclinic.Wehavetopofthelineequipmentandsuppliesto performsurgeryanddentistryservices.Weareabletoofferlowerpricesthanmany hospitalsbyminimizingoverheadcosts.

Ifyour pethas breathingdifficulty, trauma,blood loss.etc., orcannot waitat least24 hoursbeforeneedingsurgery,youshouldseektreatmentatanER.