All About Pets 2018

ALL ABOUT

PETS

Friday, April 20, 2018 • A Special Supplement to the PRESS-REPUBLICAN

ADOPT

DON’T SHOP Page 10

Going orange in honor of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month

2

PRESS-REPUBLICAN • ALL ABOUT PETS

PETS

ALL ABOUT CONTENTS

April 20, 2018 Elmore SPCA — pg. 10

Reasons to purchase pet insurance ........................ 3 Advantages of choosing doggy daycare ....................4

Champlain Valley Veterinary Services — pg. 5

Champlain Valley Veterinary Services .................... 5 Plattsburgh Animal Hospital................................... 6 Tips on pet grooming ............................................. 7 Reasons to spay or neuter pets now ....................... 8 Pepper’s story: A life with pet diabetes ................... 9 Elmore SPCA: “Adopt, Don’t Shop” ....................... 10

ALL ABOUT PETS is brought to you by the

Plattsburgh Animal Hospital — pg. 6

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Pepper’s story — pg. 9 Teah Dowling, Special Publications Coordinator (P) 518-565-4183 (E) tdowling@pressrepublican.com

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Explore the reasons to purchase pet insurance W hen it comes to their pets, many pet owners will go to great lengths to ensure the comfort, happiness and health of their animal companions. Advances in veterinary care have helped pets live longer and healthier lives than ever before.

Advances in pet health care can prolong pets' lives, but that can sometimes come at a steep price. Pet owners continually face the difficult challenge of whether medical intervention is necessary and financially feasible. A pet insurance policy can make such dilemmas easier to navigate.

An Associated Press survey found that 41 percent of pet owners are extremely or somewhat worried they could not afford the medical bills if their pets became ill. According to the American Pet Products Association, pet owners spend between $220 and $250 per year on average on routine well vet visits for their cats and dogs. But unforeseen surgeries and emergencies can set pet owners back several thousand dollars.

Some emergencies are far more costly than others. Veterinary Pet Insurance says the average cost for a vet to extract a dog's tooth is $829. But repairing torn cartilage can cost nearly $2,700. Individuals with elderly pets or breeds prone to genetic disorders may be wise to look into pet insurance to defray some of their vet costs. Keep in mind that pet insurers are allowed to refuse coverage for preexisting conditions and can set annual limits and lifetime payout limits.

Here are some reasons why pet insurance can be a worthwhile investment: • Pet insurance typically allows policy holders to choose their own veterinarians. Such policies do not typically mandate that pets be taken to particular doctors to have their costs covered.

• Pet insurance allows pet owners to make decisions based on the best interest of the pet and not on their financial situations.

• Insurance offers peace of mind because many plans reimburse up to 80 percent after deductibles are met. Some plans even offer multipet discounts.

Pet insurance is a relatively new, but growing industry. Veterinary Pet Insurance issued their first policy in 1982. Consumers can now shop around and find the best options for their needs. Pet insurance is an option for pet owners who want to provide for their companion animals. Such insurance can be a sound financial decision that gives pet owners peace of mind.

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April 20, 2018

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any working parents arrange for childcare to ensure their youngsters are taken care of while parents are at work. The same level of care has now been extended to other members of the household, namely the four-legged variety. Doggie daycare is growing in popularity and can benefit dogs in various ways.

• Reduced boredom: A dog who is left home to his own devices may quickly become bored and then mischievous. Doggie daycare offers stimulation and the company of other dogs, which is ideal for breeds that thrive on companionship.

• Reduced anxiety: Separation anxiety is very real among some dogs. When anxiety strikes, dogs may become destructive or engage in incessant whining or barking. Daycare can alleviate these feelings of isolation.

• Added exercise: Dogs need ample exercise to maintain healthy weights and stay sharp. Daycares provide plenty of play throughout the day. They may even have obstacle courses and other toys that stimulate dogs.

• Alleviated owners' concerns: Pet owners may experience stress wondering what their dogs are doing all day at home.

When an unexpected late night at the office arises, owners whose dogs are in daycare do not need to worry about feeding their dogs or letting them out for bathroom breaks.

• Flexible plans: Many facilities offer packages or alternative plans that let people decide just how many days or hours their dogs spend at the daycare.

• Healthy socialization: Daycare provides opportunities for dogs to socialize with many dogs and people, reducing their propensity to be territorial or dog-aggressive. Good socialization can help dogs develop well-rounded temperaments.

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April 20, 2018

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Special Advertising Section

VETERINARY PROFILE Champlain Valley Veterinary Services

C

hamplain Valley Veterinary Services strives to do one thing: provide the best care possible for its patients.

The clinic on Route 3 in Plattsburgh specializes in preventative care and provides a variety of services such as laser therapy; soft tissue and orthopedic surgery; and care for sick and injured pets.

The staff sees, on average, 30 to 40 dogs and cats every day.

The clinic strives for same day appointments for sick pets and seeing well pets within a oneto two-day span of calling.

The length of appointments vary: about 20 minutes for a well pet and 40 minutes for a sick pet, according to Champlain Valley Veterinary Services DVM and Chief of Staff Jennifer Fitscher.

The purpose of the longer-thanaverage appointments is to ensure the overall well-being of the patient and make sure the client is fully educated.

"We spend a significant amount of time talking about the patient's desired weight, diet and exercise, and we want to make sure our clients understand what's going on with their pets," said Fitscher, who's been working at the clinic for three and a half years."We make It our mission to get to know our patients and clients."

In order to better meet that, the clinic recently decided to do some renovations.

Opened in 1961 by Dr. Sheldon Hagar, the building had an open layout.

"There was no privacy," said Heather Miller, head veterinary

technician and office manager.

"Sometimes the pets would try to interact with each other and jump off the exam tables.

"It was chaos sometimes."

Now, with the remodeling completed in March, there are now three enclosed exam rooms: one specifically for cats; one for cats and small dogs; and one for bigger dogs.

The biggest exam room has a private entrance and exit to ensure more privacy of the clients and safety from the more aggressive patients.

"It's much more efficient and safe for our patients and clients," said Miller, who's been part of the clinic for 24 years.

"It's a much-needed change."

The two waiting rooms — one of them just for clients with cats — were also remodeled.

The clinic also features a treatment area, X-ray room with a new X-ray machine, kennel room and surgery suite and an office cat named Elsa, who was rescued about two years ago.

Champlain Valley Veterinary Services wants to emphasize that despite the building of Chick-fil-A next door, the clinic will be staying put.

"We have no plans to move in the future," Fitscher said. "We look forward to having Chickfil-A as our neighbor."

Champlain Valley Veterinary Services is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.

Champlain Valley Veterinary Services provides quality veterinary care for dogs and cats in Plattsburgh, New York and the surrounding communities. We are a modern and inviting hospital boasting superb veterinarians, and numerous caring support staff dedicated to our patients, clients, and community.

We are a full-service animal hospital emphasizing preventive care. We tailor our recommendations to each pet’s age, breed, lifestyle and medical history. Our services include:

Laser surgery for pets.

Soft tissue and orthopedic surgery.

Digital Dental x-ray Therapeutic cold laser Care for sick and injured animals.

Pet boarding.

Two full-time veterinarians Experienced Staff Newly renovated facility

Open Monday - Saturday.

Available by phone 24/7.

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408 Route 3, Plattsburgh, NY 12901 www.champlainvalleyveterinary.com Call (518) 563-5551 today to make an appointment for your pet!

PRESS-REPUBLICAN • ALL ABOUT PETS

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PRESS-REPUBLICAN

Special Advertising Section

VETERINARY PROFILE

P

lattsburgh Animal Hospital opened its doors originally in 1936 on Bridge Street.

Owners Dr. Thomas Brown, a fourth-generation veterinarian, and Dr. Joseph Church now operate the hospital, now located on Route 3 in the Town of Plattsburgh, with the same goal as Brown's great grandfather of providing the best treatment imaginable for pets.

Plattsburgh Animal Hospital strives to make all their clients' visits as efficient and informative as possible. They offer same day appointments in most cases, and always make time for those emergencies during regular business hours.

They also available by phone after hours to ensure no pet emergency goes unanswered.

April 20, 2018

Plattsburgh Animal Hospital

The large and spacious hospital contains a check in area with a waiting room and a check out area creating a nice flow for clients coming and going with two entrances to avoid pet-on-pet conflict. It also has five exam rooms, two surgery rooms, x-ray room, a large treatment area and two kennel rooms. The hospital is also equipped with an in-house lab that provides advanced diagnostics for many different types of bloodwork as well as urinalysis. This gives doctors the opportunity to create a treatment plan for patients quickly. A fully-stocked pharmacy is on site, along with a section dedicated to prescription diet pet products for owners to obtain directly after diagnosis.

The hospital's team is made

up of five doctors, four licensed veterinary technicians, and 12 other acting as support staff including veterinary assistants, Pet Care Coordinators and kennel attendants. The team provides care for dogs, cats, smaller pets (hamsters, rabbits, etc) and exotic pets (reptiles, fish, etc).

Due to the overall experience of the employees, Veterinary Office Team Lead Daisy Filion said Plattsburgh Animal Hospital can perform all routine surgeries, dental cleanings, many orthopedic surgeries and some non-routine surgeries.

Plattsburgh Animal Hospital is able to perform surgeries that are not as commonly performed in other veterinary practices in the region. One example is an external fixation placement

used to keep fractured bones stabilized and in alignment. Two other orthopedic procedures are an ACL, or a cruciate ligament repair and an Medial Patella Luxation, or MPL. Other procedures the hospital can perform are Femoral Head Ostectomy, Bone and Soft tissue biopsies, C-sections, exploratory surgery, splenectomies and more.

Plattsburgh Animal Hospital also strives to provide yearly exams and preventative care of pet diseases such as Lyme Disease —an infectious disease transmitted by infected ticks.

Plattsburgh Animal Hospital is located at 561 NY-3 and is accepting new clients. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Here when you need us.

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April 20, 2018

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Starting a pet grooming schedule I

n addition to food, shelter and medical care, pets require grooming to keep them healthy. Small animals, such as hamsters and gerbils, may groom themselves to keep clean, but large pets often require more than tongue baths can offer.

How frequently pet owners should have their pets groomed depends on the disposition of the animal as well as its coat type and level of activity. For example, dogs that spend a good deal of time indoors may not become as dirty as those that go on frequent jaunts through muddy yards. Cats handle a lot of their own grooming, but may benefit from periodic brushing and other care. Once pet owners see how fur grows and when paws need tending, they can develop a routine that works.

• Bathing: The Animal Humane Society recommends bathing dogs only every two to four months unless the dog has gotten into something dirty or very smelly. Cats do not need to be bathed very often, and even then only if they get into a sticky mess or smell bad.

•

•

Brushing: Brushing is a grooming technique that can be done much more often. One or two brushings per week with help keep cats' healthy glows, as brushing removes dirt, grease and dead hair. Cats that tolerate grooming well may enjoy more frequent brushings. Regular brushing of dogs' coats helps to slough off dead skin and distribute natural oils.

Brush a dog's coat every few days, regardless of fur length. Look for brushes that are designed for particular coat types. A few different types of brushes may be necessary.

Foot care: A variety of tasks are involved in pet foot care. Nails are one area that need to be addressed. Long nails on dogs can be cumbersome

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and inspecting feet to ensure there are no cuts or other foot injuries.

Ears: Dogs and cats may need some help keeping their ears clean. Keeping the inside of pets' ears clean will make pets feel good and can prevent ear infections. Discharges or unusual smells emanating from an ear or ears should be addressed by a veterinarian.

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and even painful if left unattended. Many groomers and vets recommend trimming nails when they've become so long they click on the ground when the dog walks. Pet owners will soon learn to gauge the length of time between trimming, but a good rule of thumb is every two weeks. The Humane Society of the United States says that trimming cats' claws helps prevent deep scratches when people play with cats. Trimming also protects furniture and other household items.

Trim claws every few weeks. Other foot care involves trimming fur from between the pads of feet

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April 20, 2018

Six reasons to spay or neuter pets now U

pon adopting a companion animal, one of the first decisions pet parents should make, advise veterinarians and animal welfare experts, is to spay or neuter their new friend.

Homeless animals are a global problem.

Overpopulation continues to plague dogs and cats, and there are as many as 300,000 homeless animals euthanized in animal shelters every year, says The Humane Society of the United States. While many would be quick to assume these are puppies and kittens of "street" animals, the society notes that euthanized animals are often the offspring of family pets — even pure breeds.

Spaying females and neutering males is the most effective method of birth control for these popular pets. Preventing unwanted offspring might be the main reason many pet owners spay or neuter their pets. But there are many additional reasons that make spaying and neutering a good decision.

1. The ASPCA says spaying helps prevent uterine infections and breast tumors that are malignant in roughly 50 percent of dogs and 90 percent of cats. Spaying before a cat's first heat is ideal.

2. USA Today reports that neutered male dogs live 18 percent longer than dogs that were not neutered, while spayed female dogs live 23 percent longer than those that are not spayed. Neutering reduces the instinct to roam and get into trouble, which may contribute to the longer life expectancy.

3. Neutering can help prevent testicular cancer in male pets.

4. Spayed females will not go into heat.

During heat, which can occur four to five days at a time every three weeks during mating season, females may yowl and urinate around the house.

5. WebMD says non-neutered male dogs

and cats may mark their territory with urine and can be more aggressive during mating seasons. Neutering can help calm the animals.

6. HSUS states that neutering and spaying is the best way to prevent overpopulation and improves the chances that shelter pets will be adopted.

P.O. Box 2341, Plattsburgh, NY 12901 (518) 569-5157 animalrescue.welfareservices@gmail.com Animal Rescue and Welfare Services is a not for profit 501c3 organization that provides care for abandoned and stray cats in need and in some instances for cats whose human companion is no longer able to care for them.

Our organization operates totally with volunteers.

These needs can be provided in the following ways: • By rescuing cats living on the street that can be adopted into loving homes. Since November 3, 2016, we have placed over 488 cats into new homes.

• By doing TNR Trap, Neuter & Return for animals that are wild or feral and unable to be handled by humans. These cats are typically returned to the area where they have been provided food and care by local individuals. To date we have accomplished TNR on 152 cats.

• By providing spay or neuter veterinary assistance for owned cats living in a loving home that is unable to afford the entire cost of altering the animals. Each month we provide a voucher for four individuals to be able to receive help in this manner.

• Volunteer opportunities: Volunteering at The Cats’ Meow Thrift Shoppe, 90 Bridge Street, Plattsburgh Volunteering at Petsmart Adoption Center cleaning cages and socializing with cats.

Becoming a foster home for cats or kittens in transition to adoption status

The Cat’s Meow Thrift Shoppe

90 Bridge St. Platts urgh, NY 518-324-CATS (2287) Open 10-4 Mon., Tue., Wed., & Fri., Sat. 11am-3pm We are an all volunteer and donations only thrift shop whose proceeds go to help support the Animal Rescue and Welfare Society (ARWS) with medical, nutritional, and social needs of stray and abandoned cats and kittens in Clinton County. Spay and neutering assistance voucher forms are available at the shop.

Look for our 50% off sales each month, and our ongoing 50% off “orange dot” items.

We gratefully accept donations of items during our open hours.

If interested in volunteering at the shop please call or stop in to make arrangements.

Even an hour of your time helps.

The AWRS’ cats and kittens thank the volunteers, customers, and donors who provide them an opportunity for a better life.

Breeders of Hovawarts since 2001, they are a rare breed that dates back to the Middle Ages. They have a rich and fascinating history as defensive guard dogs, protecting estates and keeps for German Nobility. They are very family orientated and are medium to large breed in size females are 23-26 inches in height and males are 25-29 inches. Their weight is between 66-110lbs. Their colors are blond, black or black and tan.

They are excellent working dogs and tend to excel at search and rescue as well as tracking and other working activities. They are very intelligent and like to be trained and will always look for intellectual stimulations.

Our puppies have their first shots, are dewormed, and vet checked. They are FCI registered, and microchipped.

Parents are on premises, and the pups are raised in our home with small children and other animals.

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www.adirondackhovawart.com

April 20, 2018

PRESS-REPUBLICAN • ALL ABOUT PETS

9

Pepper’s story: A life with diabetes

By Suzanne Moore Editor

W

hen the vet told us our black Lab had diabetes, my first reaction was relief.

Pepper had stopped eating and dropped 20 pounds in a month. Why did so much time pass before we got her to the vet? At first, we thought she maybe didn't like her food anymore. So we changed it.

Then we changed it again.

And when you see a pet all the time, weight loss isn't obvious at first. But once we figured out something was very wrong, my mind went to cancer — and death.

Hence, the relief.

'RUFF' GOING

Getting a dog — or cat — with diabetes on an even keel is no easy task. Then keeping it that way requires consistency and vigilance.

But pets with diabetes are living healthy and happy every day, with the help of committed humans.

Pepper was 11 when she was diagnosed. After a few months, she lost both eyes to the common canine diabetes side affects of cataracts, followed by glaucoma.

Blindness didn't complicate our dog's life, as, before long, she figured out how to put her nose and ears to work in lieu of eyes.

In fact, she has had a lot more fun, as mascot of the Plattsburgh Lions Club, visiting schools, libraries and other places to tell folks: "When life gets RUFF, keep wagging your tail."

But her diabetes, in the beginning, is what put the "RUFF" in

our lives (Pepper, of course, just kept wagging). Pepper needed insulin shots after breakfast and supper. She was prescribed a low-carb food and a midday snack (low-carb treats).

Before I go into some of the challenges we've faced, I note here that Pepper just turned 14 and is doing great. Her quality of life is super!

KEEP RECORDS, PAY ATTENTION

Here are some tips: • Keep wagging your tail. It takes some time to regulate a pet's diabetes. Your cat or dog will likely spend some days at the vet's to have samples taken over several hours, creating a glucose curve, to help determine the dose of insulin needed.

• Pay close attention to your vet's instructions.

I understood Pepper's insulin injections should happen 12 hours apart, but I failed to take in, at first, the fact that her meals should be 12 hours apart, each followed by an injection. That contributed to the difficulty in determining the right dose of insulin she needed.

• Keep records. We have built up a fat binder with all Pepper's paperwork from vet appointments, notes on her meals, snacks, her weight, changes in her behavior (appetite, urination, vomiting, excessive barking, etc.), and of course, her blood glucose readings.

Story continued on page 11

Pepper is serenaded by "Happy Birthday" by Cumberland Head Elementary School second- and third-graders, with her "parents," Suzanne and Bryan Moore at hand, along with Sophia Kenyon, who shares same birthday of March 23 with the pup. With diabetes control always paramount, the pup didn't even get a taste of her birthday cake.

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We offer canine training that gets results.

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Puppy Classes & Family Pet Training Classes Therapy & CGC Certification Training Obedience & Rally Competition Classes Agility Training Contact us today by email (info@clintoncanine.org) to discuss your pet’s training.

Clinton County Canine Club P.O. Box 101 Plattsburgh, NY 12901 For further information. visit us at: www.clintoncanine.org

PRESS-REPUBLICAN • ALL ABOUT PETS

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April 20, 2018

Elmore SPCA: ‘ADOPT, DON'T SHOP’ lmore SPCA is a full supporter of the ongoing pet catch phrase "Adopt, Don't Shop."

This growing animal rights campaign was started to encourage consumers to give abused and/or homeless animals a second chance at life instead of buying pets from stores.

According to the PETA, a good majority of puppies sold in pet stores come from puppy mills — large-scale commercial dog breeding operations for profit.

According to a 2016 report by the Humane Society of the United States, there were an estimated 10,000 puppy mills in the United States that year, both unlicensed and licensed.

Over 2.02 million puppies from puppy mills were sold annually.

Numerous studies have shown these establishments to be inhumane, as the dogs are kept in tiny cages, have limited exposure to people and receive poor veterinary care — thus resulting in a series of long-term problems for the pet and the pet owner.

"Some of the animals turn out to be unsocial, scared or aggressive, and some come out with serious medical conditions," said

Elmore SPCA Shelter Manager Rebecca Burdo. "They do the bare minimum in order to the make the most profit. That's why we utilize every resource we can to promote adoption."

Elmore SPCA, on Telegraph Road in Peru, currently has seven dogs and 10 cats up for adoption.

The establishment finds homes for over 500 animals a year.

Each rescued animal that enters Elmore SPCA's doors is vetted and gets an analysis of its behavior toward people and other animals.

"We want to make sure animals we adopt out are matched to the person adopting them," said Burdo. "So, we try to be as truthful as we possibly can to make sure we get them into a good home and they stay there."

According to the Humane Society of the United States, each year around 2.7 million adoptable dogs and cats are euthanized in the United States due to a high number of animals entering shelters and a low number of people considering them when looking for adoption.

"They're all great animals who just want to find a home," Burdo said. "We want to help them find their forever home."

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Elmore SPCA in Peru finds homes for over 500 animals a year. The establishment currently has seven dogs and 10 cats up for adoption.

Pictured above (L-R) is Elmore SPCA employee Jenn Briggs holding Louise, Shelter Manager Rebecca Burdo holding Missy and employee Photo by Teah Dowling Mary Fredenburg holding Thelma.

Elmore SPCA is located at 556 Telegraph Road in Peru and is currently looking for volunteers.

It's open from noon to 4 p.m.

Monday through Friday and 11a.m. To 4 p.m. Saturday. For more information or to find a list of adoptable pets and Elmore SPCA's adoption events, call 518-643-2451, email info@ elmorespca.org or visit www. elmorespca.org.

ALSO: The fifth-annual Elmore SPCA Golf Classic is slated for Sunday, July 15, at the Bar-

racks Golf Club in Plattsburgh.

Proceeds will go to the animal shelter in Peru.

Corporate sponsor slots are open for $500 and hole sponsor for $100. Checks, made out to Elmore SPCA, can be mailed to: Elmore SPCA, Golf Tournament, Attn: Carol Solari-Ruscoe, P.O. Box 686, Peru, New York, 12972.

For more information, contact Laurie Parsons at 518-572-6485 or laurie@elmorespca.org or Carol Solari-Ruscoe at 518-5343484 or carol@elmorespca.org.

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April 20, 2018 Story continued from page 9

• Stick to your dog (or cat's) diet. More food or different food (including table scraps) can wreak havoc with blood glucose levels. Ask your vet about any supplements you give your pet to make sure they won't affect blood sugar. And ask about other snacks you'd like to add — Pepper's favorite is carrots, and she loves fresh or canned pumpkin in small amounts and fresh green beans.

• Be prepared for emergencies. Keep the vet's phone number handy in case your pet has issues with very low or exceedingly high blood sugar (even if you test your dog or cat's blood sugar yourself, watch for symptoms — disorientation, confusion, weakness, anxiety, tremors and even seizures might be due to low sugar; excessive thirst and urination, lethargy and dehydration could indicate high levels. Follow your vet's instructions — keep Karo Syrup on hand in case the vet recommends a bit for very low glucose; extra insulin may be indicated for the opposite situation.

• Watch that others don't feed your pet. At Pepper's recent birthday party at Cumberland Head Elementary School, we had to remind 150 kids that she can't eat cupcakes.

Pepper, of course, wished we'd just kept quiet.

• Keep to a regular exercise program. Exercise is great for a dog with diabetes, and following a consistent routine

PRESS-REPUBLICAN • ALL ABOUT PETS is beneficial, too.

• Listen to your dog. After awhile, we figured out Pepper barks more when she's not feeling great.

That happened recently after I'd accidentally bought the wrong kibble for her and her glucose was sky high.

• Think long range. Even if you strictly follow your dog or cat's diet, exercise and other pieces of the diabetes control plan, it can go out of whack. And a blood glucose test doesn't tell the whole story. Your vet can do a fructosamine test that shows, over time, how your dog or cat has fared and can indicate whether the insulin dose needs adjustment.

TESTING AT HOME

And strongly consider buying and using a blood glucose monitoring device (Pepper's is an AlphaTRAK).

The gadget, though calibrated for cats and dogs, works the same way as testers used for humans.

Right at the beginning, I asked Pepper's vet, Dr. Kate Heatherton at Palmer Veterinary Clinic, whether we should get one — it made sense to me, since humans test themselves to stay on track.

She said dogs with diabetes do better when they are monitored by their people. For "do better," read "live more healthy and longer lives."

The trick for me was finding a spot to apply the lancet to get the drop of blood needed for testing.

I couldn't make it work on Pepper's ear, which is recommended. She wouldn't tolerate getting pricked on a pad of her paw.

So I tried underneath her upper lip. Yes, in case you're wondering, Pepper does have teeth, and I guess there was the risk she would have used them on me as the lancet pierced her lip that first time.

But she's Pepper, and she not only allowed me to do it, she quickly understood her role.

When she hears the cap snap open on the test strip container, she flops down on her side and holds her muzzle up to me.

Sometimes, she even chooses which side she wants tested.

I don't test her every day.

When all is well, I check her mid-day every Sunday. But if she's struggling, I can test her more frequently and it really helps Dr. Kate or Pepper's other friends at Palmer Vet to decide how best to treat her.

It's a real partnership between a pet's people and the

11 veterinarian to keep a diabetic animal healthy. And I won't lie — it is often a 'RUFF' road.

But just ask Pepper. She'll tell you it's worth it.

— Suzanne Moore is editor at the Press-Republican. Pepper is the newspaper's ambassador for unwanted pets. Check out her blog, Blind Pup Insights at pressrepublican.com. For information about buying her book, "Pepper Finds Her Way" or requesting a visit, email blindpupproject@yahoo.com.

Founded in 2003, Crane Mountain Valley Horse Rescue is an award-winning humanitarian & educational non-profit for equine rescue and rehabilitation.

“By saving the life of one horse, we may not be changing the world. But, we are changing the world for that one horse.”

Crane Mountain Valley Horse Rescue, Inc. 518-962-8512 horses@cmvhr.org www.cmvhr.org LIKE us on Facebook

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