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Remember Toski the Amazing Corgi? Well before Toski's Mom and Dad had Toski, they raised show gerbils. I am not making this up. They are the most amazing creatures you will ever see!
Do you want to see Gerbil Champion Herman on a tiny agility course? Here he is!
Here is Herman staying in shape...
Here is Herman's great-granddaughter Cassie learning to show jump...
Originally written for ENKY...
Ten Tips to Better Take Care of Your Companion Animals
These pet care tips are meant to help new and experienced pet lovers alike!
1 – Know your pet, even before you adopt.
Learn as much as possible about the species and breed you are adopting.
How much attention do they require? How large of a habitat or how much room in the home will they need? What is their expected lifespan? Is there anything else you need to know to make their life and yours as great as possible?
The more you know from the start, the more your pet will thrive.
2 – Commit to the long run.
Will you be able to keep your pet for his or her entire lifetime? If you move, will you be able to move together? If they need more care than expected, can life be rearranged to provide that? Is the entire family on board?
Adopting a pet is a lifelong commitment. Go into the relationship ready to see it through to the last day.
3 – Prepare well.
This is a fun one! Visit a pet boutique or super store – or both! Pick up toys, bedding, dishes and treats. For a dog, pick out a collar and leash.
For a cat, pick out a litter box and litter and maybe some catnip.
4 – Feed them right.
Will you feed canned food or dry food? Homemade or commercial?
This is a step in which your veterinary team can be very helpful. Ask what foods they recommend and why. Ask what resources they recommend to learn more about different diet options.
The focuses of veterinary teams when choosing which diets to recommend are health, longevity and scientific support of a food’s nutritional value. Use their knowledge and expertise to find the food that will benefit your pet the most!
5 - Know your pet’s grooming needs.
Almost all dogs and cats need to be brushed and to have their nails trimmed.
Non-shedding dogs also need regular professional grooming.
Ask your veterinary team and friends and family which groomers they recommend.
6 – Socialize your pets well.
Dogs are most impressionable roughly between the ages of six and sixteen weeks. Even older dogs can successfully be socialized.
Do all you can to teach your new dog that people are kind – mail carriers, groomers, veterinary team members, tall people, short people, people in wheelchairs, loud people, quiet people, people of different races and ethnicities.
Introduce them to cats and other dogs.
Be safe, and let them learn new things and meet others at their own pace.
The more they experience, the more they will be prepared to handle new situations throughout their lives.
Kittens and cats can be trickier, but should still be socialized. Their most impressionable time is a little younger – roughly between the ages of three and five weeks. So by the time you adopt a kitten at eight weeks or older, their most impressionable time has passed.
However, if they have been raised by their mama or in foster care, much of that socialization has been done for you.
From here, make sure they know family members are always gentle and kind. Give the new cat several days before they meet resident pets, then slowly introduce everyone.
Get to know your individual cat. There are such a large variety of cat personalities! They all need different levels of interaction. Usually within a few weeks, you will know how social they would like to be.
Most rabbits, rodents and birds should be gently handled often. Some reptiles and amphibians do not enjoy handling at all while others can be quite social. Again, know your species and breed, and get to know your pet as an individual too.
7 – Train them well.
Training is different than socializing, though they are related.
Make sure your dogs know commands such as “sit” and “stay” and “come” and that they learn good leash manners. Most importantly, this will keep them safe. This will also enhance your relationship, as a well-behaved pet is more enjoyable to be around!
Make sure you and your family and any trainers who help train your pet use only positive reinforcement techniques – only kind, reward-based training – no yelling, no physical punishment (even water sprayers) and no shock, pinch or choke collars.
Frank and Dr. Belfiore
8 – Provide your pet with excellent preventative veterinary care.
If you have pets already or have had pets in the past, you probably already have an excellent veterinary team. If you need to find a vet, ask friends and family whom they trust with their pets.
At your first visit, your veterinarian can tell you what your pet will need in the way of examinations, vaccinations, testing and treatment.
Travis, Tidus and me
9 – Be ready for non-routine veterinary care.
No matter how protective and proactive you are, accidents and sicknesses will occur. Have your veterinarian’s phone number available. Know whom to call after hours. Have a plan, including an emergency fund if possible, ready in case of an emergency.
10 – Enjoy their company.
Whether you have painstakingly researched and chosen the best pet for your family, or rescued a pet with a cute face on a whim, you have learned all you possibly can about their species, their breed, and their individual self.
You have them on a diet that will enhance their life for years to come.
You are actively socializing and training them.
You have found a dream veterinary team and excellent groomer.
Now…enjoy your pet!
Take pictures.
Give lots of treats.
Teach fun tricks like “shake” and “high-five.”
Sit and read together.
Explore your city together on a path you would not have taken alone.
Learn to relax as well as your cat.
Learn to play with abandon like your puppy.
Commit yourself to an exercise program as vigorous as that of your hamster on his wheel.
Above all, enjoy your pet and the unique relationship you share.
Racquet Corner is a tennis shop right next door to Gentle Doctor at 120th and Blondo.
One day, one of the owners of Racquet Corner came over with a bag of tennis balls. "Would any of the dogs like these?" he asked.
Our eyes lit up as if we were the dogs receiving such a gift, and together we said, "Yes! Thank you!"
Now the couple who owns Racquet Corner bring once-used tennis balls for all the dogs. Any dog who wants one (or two) can have them. We have not run out in months.
It has changed so many dogs' experiences from a little bit scary to very fun.
The tiny Italian Greyhound chased his ball around the exam room for a while. If it stopped bouncing against the walls, he would hit it with his paw so it would start again and then tear after it, never himself hitting a wall. We all gathered to watch him. He didn't notice. He was having so much fun!
We gave a ball to a Boxer who did not want a treat. He looked like the proudest dog in the world carrying his ball in his mouth out to the car.
"You were very brave. Would you like a ball?" we said to the nervous Golden who had been such a good sport about all of the medical care. She jumped up, laughed with her eyes as Goldens will do and grabbed the ball. For the first time we had seen over her years as our patient, her tail started wagging furiously.
Nigel and Abe play with tennis balls while they are there with their Moms for the day.
Groomer Amy's Nigel showing off his tennis ball
They keep them safe in different corners of the office and treatment room.
Nigel asks, "Excuse me Kelly, have you seen my tennis ball?"
I used Nigel and Abe's tennis balls to show Kelly and Jen how I can juggle (5 seconds! Woo!)
You may have thought you were just dropping off tennis balls, but you have changed the atmosphere of the office from awesome to super awesome. We love seeing our patients so happy. Thank you Racquet Corner!
This is one strip of a series I created called, "When I Grow Up, I Want to be a Vet" from 2011 - 2012. You've asked if I am going to draw the comic again, and I loved doing it, so maybe. I started the comic to process difficult things in my career, and thankfully, I have not had so much to process once I got this all into comic form!
The entire series can be found at When I Grow Up I Want to be a Vet.
My first job, I worked day time and overnights. No one was there to help, and I often called Russ in to restrain pets who needed fluids or other care. (Team, have I told you lately that I love you? AND YOU RUSS) I loved the cool cases I saw on emergency, but I hated answering the phone!
Ricco is an adorable Yorkie.
He has been through a lot in his tiny/giant life.
His osteoarthritis and neurological issues have affected his mobility to the point he has almost no use of his left front leg. He has learned to swing that leg forward and land his little paw right side up and use that limb like a tiny little cane to help him take the next step.
And he always takes the next step.
As amazing as Ricco is, he accomplishes all he does thanks to his equally amazing Mom who is right by him every step of the way. His helper. His encourager. His medicine giver and vet visit partner.
Also, he accomplishes all he does thanks to his friend Reggie the Cat.
Reggie has her own health challenges. She is diabetic, on insulin and special food and has frequent visits to her vet tech friend Kelly. (That part is not a challenge. Everyone loves Kelly. But Reggie does get stressed.)
With all of her challenges, Reggie still looks out for Ricco. She sticks close and meows if she is concerned so Mom can come help. If Ricco falls, Reggie yowls until someone has come to help Ricco. Without Reggie, Ricco would not live as well as he does - or at all.I love these two and their family. I love their special friendship most of all.
Good girl Reggie.
RIP Reggie - November 2017
RIP Ricco - January 2018
ONE YEAR AGO
TWO YEARS AGO
SOMETIMES MY FRIENDS SPEND TIME WITH ME BECAUSE IT IS REQUIRED BY THEIR JOB DESCRIPTION
Abby and friends made sure all the dogs and cats had a gift to open Christmas morning! Abby said it matched the picture in her head perfectly.
Thank you from Abby to...
Grandma Finch
Grandma Nelson
Jaime Williams and Ross Nelson
Dr. Adrienne Kanne
Penny and Scott Bell
Kathi Ortmeier
Dr. Pete Bashara
Racquet Corner
ONE YEAR AGO
TWO YEARS AGO
I LOVE Hill's Science Diet.
Good girl Frankie!
So it was very fun to receive Hill's Science Diet Crunchy Fruit Snacks from Chewy.com to review.
Hill's Science Diet Crunchy Fruit Snacks
Luna wasn’t feeling great (she is all better now!), and Joy could not have the treats because she is allergic to chicken. Having just publicly declared my love for Hill's, I feel it is fair to ask, Why is there chicken in a fruit snack?
I brought the treats to work, and my friends helped me gather data.
The subjects:
Whitney's Odin the Goldendoodle Puppy
Yes please!
Jenny's Frankie the Frenchie Puppy
I AM excited.
and Erika's Tiny Taffi Dog
I would love a yum.
The snacks were an overwhelming hit! My favorite reaction was Odin's. He hid the snack under his paws, seemed to forget where he had put it, lifted his paws and jumped for joy. He chewed his treat a bit and repeated the game. Eventually he ate it, but I think he got a good ten minutes of play out of it first!
Oh! There you are!
Oh! There you are again!
Frankie, you are too cute!
Oh my gosh! That face! Frankie may have gotten more than one treat.
This strange thing is delicious!
All princesses like their treats pre-smashed if they have Tiny Taffy mouths! She ate the WHOLE thing.
Thank you Chewy.com! Thank you Hill's Science Diet! Thank you friends and pups!
This was a fun one : )
ONE YEAR AGO
TWO YEARS AGO
A new veterinary assistant, J.J. Freeman, had started at Gentle Doctor Animal Hospitals.
On the first day I worked with him, he told us his first book of a vampire trilogy was coming out soon.
We were all so impressed!
I have a soft spot for entrepreneurs, especially new authors. I came home and ordered the book online.
On the second day I worked with J.J., I brought the finished book to pass along and told him he is a very good writer.
He asked to hold the book. He had not seen it in Real Life. I might have teared up a little. Maybe.
On the third day I was supposed to work with J.J., they said he had quit by no-call-no-showing. I was perplexed and a little sad.
I hope he is well. I hope he keeps writing. I hope he really exists. Maybe? Probably.
I wish I had been able to work with him long term. I am glad I got to meet him.
One of the products I received from Chewy.com to review was a bag of Rachael Ray Nutrish Beef Soup Bones.
10/10 - would order again.
I appreciate a chewy treat that is not made of real bone. Luna loved it, and I love Rachael Ray.*
*I don't actually know Rachael Ray.
The only improvement I would suggest is including only beef. The ingredient list included chicken, which Joy, with her chicken allergies, could not eat. Do not fear! I got her other treats while Luna was eating her soup bone!
Luna is intrigued, willing to keep an open mind.
Luna gets a smell and is all in.
These are good sized treats!
Luna chews her treat on her elephant bed.
Luna makes cute faces while chewing her treat.
Both Luna and Joy would like a soup bone. Luna, you have had enough for one night! And Joy, you got ALL the other treats!
Reviews.com recently researched and published a list of recommended cat foods.
Reviews.com - The Best Cat Food: Safe and Healthy Formulas for Your Feline Friend
As you can probably guess, I have a lot of nutrition related opinions!
What I appreciate about this research project is the vast number of companies and cat foods that were considered, the criteria of having high quality ingredients and the focus on cats' well being. A large amount of time and effort was put into this project!
I would love to hear your opinions! What do you consider when feeding your cat (or dog)? Who do you go to for advice? What is most important to you?
The most important things to me in determining a cat food for a specific cat are nutritional needs of cats, nutritional needs of the individual cat, nutrients in the cat food (not necessarily ingredients) and how good it tastes to the cat. I gravitate towards companies that put their resources into longevity, nutritional and palatability (taste) studies and have well grounded scientific studies. I pay attention to food recalls and records of success over time.
My favorite brands of cat food are Hill's Science Diet and Royal Canin, followed by Iams/Eukanuba and Purina. I have occassional use for Fancy Feast and other foods. The list from Reviews.com has given me several other foods to look into that I know have high quality ingredients and have been well researched.
Thank you to Reviews.com for this excellent project!
Shadowing Dr. Ethics, Case #2
ONE YEAR AGO
TWO YEARS AGO
I looked for my favorite red shoes in my closet. They would go well with my outfit. Then I remembered and smiled.
The pitbull came into the treatment room with his ears down and tail tucked. I asked him to sit for his heartworm test, and he promptly peed on my foot. My shoe, sock and foot were soaked. My shoes were made of some fakey suede material - whatever it was, it could not be washed. I took my shoe and sock off and washed my foot.
Pitbull was sitting obediently, but still so nervous.
I came over to him and pet him under the chin and sighed. I am so sad when dogs are so nervous. The tip of his tail wagged. He really was trying.
I smiled and held up my other shoe. "Would you like this Pitty?" I asked. His eyes lit up and he jumped up to wait for the shoe. I put it in his mouth and his whole demeanor changed. He had never been offered such a gift! We finished his heartworm test and I found a different pair of shoes and we walked him back up front, red shoe in his mouth and tail wagging.
I loved those shoes. I love this memory a thousand times more.
ONE YEAR AGO
(RIP Shelby Girl)
TWO YEARS AGO
I called the family to tell them their puppy’s neuter surgery had gone perfectly.
“He’s waking up, and all went well!” I told Dad.
“So his knee replacement went well?” he asked.
I asked him to hold on. I speed-read through the surgery authorization form. I came back and said, “I...no...he was neutered, oh no! I...” in my typical elegant prose.
He was laughing. He was laughing!
I picked myself up off of the floor. “He has fewer parts, not more!” I said just a titch angrily, relieved as I’ve ever been.
What was I thinking? We don’t do knee replacements! I knew through five different fail safes that this puppy was here for neuter surgery. It was the surprise of the statement. It totally threw me off balance, as he knew it would.
“Be careful what you say to a lawyer!” he said.
“You really got me Sir,” I answered, which made him laugh harder.
I am thankful it was a phone conversation, because when it started dawning on me I’d been had, for a brief second I was in a face punching mood.
I would have hated to have hit my now newest favorite client.
ONE YEAR AGO
TWO YEARS AGO
From the comic, When I Grow Up, I Want to be a Vet
Rover.com is a pet sitting service that allows you to choose from a list of local pet sitters to watch your pets.
Even though Rover.com paid our pet sitting fee in exchange for a review of their services, I thought their prices were very reasonable.
We went on an “Omaha vacation” for three days over Christmastime.
We stayed at the Embassy Suites downtown. It was beautiful!
We spent an entire day at The Zoo. This bird came right up to Abby in the jungle!
Our sitter charged $25 per dog per night (a bit more than she usually would have because it was a holiday) and fed the fishes for freebies!
The sitters set their own prices and seem to raise them as they gather more experience.
Our pet sitter’s name was Kelsey, and she was wonderful. She came over a few days early to meet the dogs (and fish). Joy loved her and Luna warmed up to her over her stay, both huge compliments from trustworthy sources.
Kelsey fed and medicated and walked both dogs and most importantly kept them company. She sent us text updates and left us a Christmas card.
Rover.com and especially Kelsey of Rover.com: 10/10, would hire again. We were very pleased and knew our pets were in capable and loving hands.
New comic every Friday!
My Aunt Penny has a nephew Matt. Though we have not met, I decided that since we have the same aunt, we are cousins.
Matt and his family recently rescued this adorable puppy, Zeus. I've not met Zeus either, but I love him so much!
From Matt...
Name: Zeus Meatball Wallace
Age: 6 months
Weight: 45 lbs.
Breed: Mastiff mixed with American Staffordshire Terrier
Adopted: Nebraska Humane Society. He was fostered because he was underweight. We think there was abuse before Nebraska Humane Society because he was very shy around certain men, but he has gained a lot of confidence since then.
Training: We were definitely worried about his past and shyness catching up to him because of his big breed. We wanted him to be well socialized and confident, so we went with positive reinforcement training with a clicker right away. I learned from YouTube. He is very good at sit, lay, shake, kennel, stay and heel and knows the word "no" very well so he stays out of trouble.
Favorites: Staring out the window...
naps in the sun...
naps in the bed, naps in your lap...
playing outside with his 6 year old bestie...
and cuddles with his Momma.
Sarah and I comment all the time about how we lucked out with this man Zeus. He is obviously a handsome boy, but his relaxed temperament, his sometimes playful but very lazy personality, trainability and love for sleep and the fact that he has to be touching or near you at all times fits our team perfectly.
Thank you for sharing Zeus with us, Wallace family! He is amazing!
ONE YEAR AGO
TWO YEARS AGO
