I miss my Mommy!

I love to go camping and hiking and on all kinds of fun trips. My friend, Raven sometimes comes along with me. She is a German Shepherd who is very adventurous. She ran off after a deer on our last hiking trip. I must have taken a wrong turn. I couldn't find Raven and was lost in the mountains for a few days. Someone found me and took me to the shelter. They scanned me for a microchip, but the scanner never beeped to tell them I had a mommy. I wonder why they haven't given me my allergy medications or my pain pills. I'm so itchy and my hips hurt so bad. I want to go home, this is no fun. I bet my mommy is looking for me.... Will I ever go home? 

 

When will we be able to go home?

This is where we belong, in our mommy’s arms or on a soft, fluffy bed. We get our nails done, regular brushing, and perfume galore!

We are spoiled little girls who get our way even though our mommy won’t admit it. We love her so much and the two of us have never been separated! There was one time mommy had to work all day. She dropped us off at grandma’s house but we did not feel like listening to her. She opened the door to get the mail and we ducked out just in time! She tried to catch us, but we are so fast! We chased squirrels, other dogs, people, the mailman… so much fun!

I guess we weren’t fast enough to outrun the dog catcher. We have been separated and told we may not be adopted out together. They keep saying, “Who will want two Chihuahuas who bark and growl at everyone?” They keep saying what bad girls we are because we keep growling, but we are just scared. This is not what we are used to and it’s a frightening place. We are alone now.

When will we be able to go home?

We are sad to announce that Dr. Britt Cohen will be leaving Great Bridge Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Cohen is moving out of the area and we wish him the best of luck! Dr. Britt Cohen received his undergraduate degree in biology pre-veterinary from James Madison University. In 2003, he received his DVM from Ross University. He is a member of several associations including the Greater Peninsula Veterinary Medical Association and the Virginia Academy of Small Animal Medicine. After graduation, Dr. Cohen practiced in Williamsburg, Virginia for 6 years prior to joining the team at Great Bridge Veterinary Hospital in 2009. He enjoys all aspects of general practice but does have special interests in animal behavior and counseling and surgery, particularly soft tissue and orthopedic surgical procedures. Best of luck to Dr. Cohen in his new ventures!

 

Happy Anniversary, Amber!

Happy Anniversary to Amber! She has been a great addition to our team since August 2005! Amber started as a veterinary receptionist and is now the office Manager. We appreciate all of her many contributions to the practice. Stop in today and tell her Happy Anniversary!

 

National Assistance Dog Week

This week is National Assistance Dog Week and we are proud to honor Zephee! The primary objective of the Therapy Dog and han­dler is to provide comfort and companionship by sharing the dog with the patients in hospi­tals, nursing homes and other institutions and wherever else the Therapy Dog is needed. This is done in a way that increases emotional well-being, promotes healing, and improves the quality of life for the people being visited and the staff that cares for these people. A Therapy Dog is a dog with an outstanding temperament, tolerates other animals and gets along with other dogs, wants to visit with people, and loves children. “Zephee” regularly visits Lake Taylor Transitional Care Hospital in Norfolk, VA to spend time with special needs children and adults in the rehabilitation center. Also, she and her handler go to Cedar Road Elementary to read to the children and regularly attends other local community service events.

DISASTER PLANNING TIPS

Whether it’s a large-scale natural catastrophe or an unforeseen emergency that causes you to leave your home temporarily, everyone’s family can benefit from having a household evacuation plan in place before disaster strikes. Every disaster plan must include your pets!

1. If you evacuate your home, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND! Pets most likely cannot survive in a disaster by themselves. 1. If they do survive, you may not be able to find them when you return.
2. For public health reasons, many emergency shelters cannot accept pets. Find out, well in advance of needing them, which motels and hotels in your area allow pets. Alternatively, arrange in advance for family or friends to house your pets in case of emergency. Include Great Bridge Veterinary Hospital’s phone number (547-1600) and the Animal Control office number (382-8080) on your list of emergency numbers to call for information regarding pets during a disaster.
3. Ask your veterinarian or a veterinary care team member about microchipping your pet. In the event of separation during a disaster, the microchip placement and pet registration may help you and your pet be reunited easier. Make the microchip part of your family's preparation before disaster strikes. Don't forget to update your registration when your information changes.
4. Prepare a Disaster Kit for your pet. Keep an Evacuation-Pack and supplies handy for your pets. Make sure that everyone in the family knows where it is located. This kit should be clearly labeled and easy to carry. (Visit the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals website (www.aspca.org). Look under “Disaster Preparedness” to order a Free Pet Safety Packet and a Free Pet Rescue Sticker.
To purchase a pet first aid kit and guide book, you can visit the ASPCA store to buy one on-line. Items to consider keeping in or near your pack include:
a. Medications and medical records in a water-proof container
b. Information on feeding schedules and medical conditions
c. First Aid Kit
i. Three to seven days' worth of canned (pop-top) or dry food. Be sure to rotate the food every two months.
ii. Disposable litter trays (Aluminum roasting pans are perfect.)
iii. Paper towels
iv. Liquid dish soap and disinfectant
v. Disposable garbage bags for clean-up
vi. Pet feeding dishes
vii. Extra harness and leash (Note: harnesses are recommended for safety and security.)
viii. Photocopies of feeding schedules, notes on medical conditions, and medical records (with the name of your veterinarian/veterinary hospital) in a waterproof container. Include a two-week supply of any medicine your pet requires. (Remember, food and medications need to be rotated out of your emergency kit—otherwise they may go bad or become useless.)
ix. At least 7 days' worth of bottled water for each person and pet. Store the water in a cool, dry place, and
replace it every two months.
x. A traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each
xi. Flashlights
xii. Blankets (for scooping up a fearful pet)
xiii. Especially for cats: Pillowcase or Sack, toys, scoopable litter
xiv. Especially for dogs: Long leash and yard stake, toys and chew toys, a week's worth of cage liner (or
newspaper).
Name and number of your pet’s veterinarian Great Bridge Veterinary Hospital, 1010 Cedar Road., xv.Chesapeake, VA 23322, 757-547-1600, www.greatbridgevet.com
5. You should also have an emergency kit for the human members of the family. Some items to include: Batteries, duct tape, flashlight, radio, multi-tool, tarp, rope, permanent marker, spray paint, baby wipes, protective clothing and footwear, extra cash, rescue whistle, important phone numbers, extra medication and copies of medical and insurance information.
6. Place up-to-date Pet ID tags on your pets and have recent photos of your pets handy in case you are separated and need to make a “Lost” poster.
7. If you have no alternative but to leave your pets at home, there are precautions you MUST take. Remember that leaving your pets at home alone can place them in great danger! Confine your pet to a safe area inside - NEVER leave your pet chained outside! Place notices outside in a visible area stating that pets are inside. List the pets that are inside the house and where the pets are located. Provide a phone number where you or an alternate contact can be reached, as well as the name and number of your veterinarian.
8. For more information:

• Visit Humane Society of the United States at www.hsus.org and click on “Emergency Services.”

• Visit American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at www.aspca.org and click on “Disaster Preparedness”.