Pets spring 2018

Inside

• Therapy dogs • Adopt a pet • Build a relationship with your vet

A Southern Lakes Newspapers publication

Southern Lakes

Pet Connection

SPRING 2018

Saltwater aquariums can be beautiful additions to homes, but such additions require daily care so they can remain healthy environments for marine life.

For the fish

FILE PHOTO Pet Connection

PET CONNECTION • SPRING 2018

How to maintain a saltwater aquarium

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The intense colors and beauty of saltwater marine life compels many people to consider setting up saltwater aquariums in their homes or places of business.

Many people find maintaining aquariums to be a rewarding hobby that provides a way to relax and show one’s appreciation for marine life. And while modern technology has revolutionized the way personal saltwater aquariums are kept, maintaining them can still be timeconsuming and require consistent care so that delicate marine life can thrive.

Saltwater fish are native to vast ocean environments, which can make it challenging to replicate the same conditions in a tank – more so than with freshwater aquariums. But there are ways to maintain such environments and reap the rewards of such maintenance.

Maintain a consistent schedule According to saltwater aquarium expert Timothy Hovanec, Ph.D., proprietor of Dr. Tim’s Aquatics, putting off the work in a saltwater aquarium will cause fish to suffer

and die sooner than procrastinating with regard to maintaining freshwater tanks.

That’s because saltwater environments in nature do not change much in terms of salt concentration, pH, temperature, or other chemical composition.

Saltwater fish are less capable of adapting than freshwater fish, unless they can swim away to another environment that is more conducive. That isn’t possible in a contained environment. That narrows the range of water chemicals in which saltwater fish can survive, further emphasizing the need for near-daily water checks and tank upkeep.

Larger size Saltwater aquariums are generally larger than freshwater ones in order to have the best chances at maintaining proper temperature and chemistry over time. Also, many saltwater fish tend to be larger than their freshwater cousins.

Naturally, a larger aquarium comes with increased cost and upkeep, which may deter some people.

Expert advice

It’s a good idea to consult with a saltwater fish expert and read as much as possible on the subject prior to purchasing any equipment. The For Dummies resource says that testing for saltwater aquariums is essential and fish-only or reef tanks may require different pH and chemical testing.

An expert can also help prospective owners choose the right fish so that habitats will be successful.

Patience needed It can take weeks to months to properly set up saltwater aquariums. That’s because, even after the hardware and mechanisms are in place, the aquarium needs to stabilize. Allow time for helpful bacteria growth and to ensure correct ammonia levels and salinity.

Plants and natural coral can offer natural filtration in addition to mechanical filters.

Fish should be added gradually so they can acclimate to the environment and contribute to the overall balance in the aquarium.

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FILE PHOTO Pet Connection

A therapy dog can make life easier for children with cancer and their families.

Study says therapy dogs can help families of children with cancer reductions in their levels of stress, specifically as it relates to their emotional functioning.

In 2010 American Humane researchers, with funding from Zoetis, began the study to rigorously measure the effects of AAT for children with cancer, their parents, and the therapy dogs who visit them. The study employed a range of physiological and/or psychological measures to assess stress, anxiety, and health-related quality of life

See THERAPY DOGS, Page 4

Southern Lakes

Pet Connection Spring 2018

Published by Southern Lakes Newspapers LLC 1102 Ann St., Delavan, WI 53115 • (262) 728-3411 Editor: Tracy Ouellette Editorial Assistant: Sharon Soch Creative/Production Manager: Heidi Schulz Advertising Director: Vicki Vanderwerff

PET CONNECTION • SPRING 2018

Dogs have long been called mankind’s best friend, but a major new scientific study now indicates that a dog may also be a family’s best friend in times of their greatest need.

Following seven years of pioneering research, American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization, revealed the results of its long-awaited “Canines and Childhood Cancer Study,” the first and largest randomized, controlled clinical trial to rigorously measure the effects of animal-assisted therapy in the field of pediatric oncology.

The results, published in the Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing, show that regular visits from a therapy dog can provide significant psychosocial benefits to families of children undergoing treatment for cancer.

The data indicates a range of positive effects: Diseaserelated worry and anxiety among patients who had regular visits from therapy dogs remained stable, while children in the control group became significantly more worried over the course of the study.

Parents in the treatment group reported that their children had significant improvements in school functioning, and data shows improved communication within families as well as between parents and medical staff, which can lead to better medical care, and

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• Therapy dogs (Continued from page 3) among patients and their parents.

“When designing the study, we intentionally sought to establish a rigorous challenge and demonstrate that multi-centered, prospective, placebo-controlled studies are possible in the area of animal-assisted therapy,” said J. Michael McFarland, DVM, DABVP, executive director, U.S. Companion Animal Marketing at Zoetis. “The Canines and Childhood Cancer Study addressed one of the most difficult challenges in this area –assessing the impact of therapy dogs in helping children suffering from a severe illness. The results give us important insights into the power of the human-animal bond and will inform future research in this area.”

American Humane researchers also worked to gauge the effects of such interventions on the therapy dogs, measuring the level of the stress hormone cortisol in the dogs’ saliva. The data show that participating therapy dogs showed no signs suggesting the activities caused distress or harmed the welfare of the animals.

Funds to study the effects on the therapy dogs were received through a grant from the Human Animal Bond Research Institute.

These findings are published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science.

“This research project is important

because now we have strong evidence that with proper training and handling, the welfare of therapy animals in hospital settings is not adversely impacted,” HABRI Executive Director Steven Feldman said. “In addition to these promising findings, it is important for therapy animal organizations, handlers and the health care facilities where they serve to meet high standards of care and welfare for the animals involved.”

“This study is an important step forward in identifying and understanding perhaps underused weapons in the war on childhood cancer,” American Humane’s President

and CEO Dr. Robin Ganzert said. “After years of anecdotal evidence pointing to its effectiveness, we were finally able to examine in a rigorous manner the scientific underpinning of the benefits of animalassisted therapy on families of children with cancer.

“We hope this examination will spur further rigorous research and eventually the increased use of this accessible adjunctive therapy providing invaluable help and support to the families of more than 10,000 children diagnosed with cancer each year.”

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Looking for a feathered friend?

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Those interested in pet birds can speak with employees at local pet stores or avian specialty shops to get detailed guidelines on caring for these increasingly popular pets.

Birds are friendly, loyal and intelligent pets that can learn to replicate human speech and interact with their owners in very unique ways. Such attributes have helped make birds increasingly popular pets.

Interest in pet birds has risen, as statistics from the American Pet Products Association National Pet Owners Survey 2017-2018 show that 7.9 million American households have pet birds, and roughly 20 million birds reside in homes across the country.

Although there are many different bird species that can make wonderful pets, certain birds may make better companion animals, particularly for first-time bird owners, because of their amenable personalities. Before getting a feathered friend, prospective owners are urged to learn about bird care, including researching the type of caging, exercise, food, and attention required to care for birds. This education can help bird lovers find companions who will get the care

they deserve.

When considering birds, here are some of the more popular species, courtesy of PetMD and PetSmart.

Parakeets The average parakeet has a life span of seven to 10 years, and their docile personalities make parakeets great companion birds. Also known as Budgies, parakeets are good for people new to birdkeeping. Parakeets are quite intelligent and can learn a few basic commands. Some may be able to pick up some human words.

Parakeets thrive on interaction with their owners and should be handled for around a half-hour or more per day. Early socialization and handling is advised to raise a parakeet that’s part of the family.

Cockatiels These personality-heavy birds can also be great pets for first-timers. Wellsocialized cockatiels recognize and respond to their owners. Cockatiels are a bit larger than parakeets and require medium-sized cages. They can benefit from socializing time outside of their cages and require mental stimulation to stay healthy.

Finches For people who like to watch birds more so than handle them, finches might be the ideal fit. These little birds thrive in small flocks and are content to pay more attention to their cage mates than humans. They’ll flit from perch to post, and their delicate tweets can fill a room with vitality.

Conures Conures are social and outgoing and love to hang out with people. They tend to be loud birds, so owners should keep this in mind. Conures can live 20 to 30 years, so they require a lengthy commitment.

Mental stimulation is important to a conure so it doesn’t get bored and begin to pluck feathers. Toys, foraging puzzles and time outside of the cage can help keep conures healthy and happy.

Canaries Canaries are another type of bird that can be watched instead of cuddled. They’re popular thanks to their prolific, operatic songs. Some are even bred to perform specific songs. When properly provided for, canaries can live from five to 10 years.

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PET CONNECTION • SPRING 2018

Birds for firsttime bird owners

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6 reasons to spay or neuter pets now Upon 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

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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.

Contrary to popular belief, spaying and neutering pets will not cause weight gain.

As long as pet parents continue to provide exercise and control their pets’ diets, pets will remain fit and in good health.

It’s best to discuss neutering and spaying with a veterinarian to determine the best time for pets to undergo the procedure.

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Neutering reduces the instinct to roam and get into trouble, which may contribute to the longer life expectancy.

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Build a strong relationship with your pet’s vet

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FILE PHOTO Pet Connection

It’s important to establish a good relationship with your vet as they play an essential role in maintaining the health, happiness and comfort of pets.

PET CONNECTION • SPRING 2018

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outine well visits are an important part of maintaining overall health for adults and children. The same can be said for ensuring family pets are thriving as well.

Veterinarians should be consulted for more than just illnesses. Their input is a key component of proper pet care. Having a solid relationship with the vet is in the best interests of the pet and its owner.

Open communication and familiarity with companion animals helps to avoid health issues before they appear, according to veterinarian Krista Magnifico and founder of Pawbly.com.

Wellness exams facilitate discussion when the animal is not under duress and the general health of the pet can be properly assessed.

According to the pet resource iHeartDogs. com, common components of well visits include the vet asking questions about exercise frequency, appetite, behavior, and any breedspecific issues. A vet will examine the pet, check gait and movement, as well as look at the eyes, ears and mouth. Routine vaccinations also are typically discussed and administered.

Veterinary Practice News advises taking a new pet to the vet a few days after he or she comes home, even if the pet’s medical history has been documented extensively. This establishes a clinical file and a relationship between pet and vet and vet and pet owner.

The frequency of vet visits is often determined by the veterinarian, breed and age of the animal, and the preferences of the pet owners. The vets at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine say that kittens or puppies may need to come in once a month for preventative shots until they reach 16 weeks of age.

New pet parents also may need more guidance on training and housebreaking and can benefit from more frequent interactions with a vet early on. After pets receive all of their initial immunizations, vets typically see healthy pets annually for well visits. If the pet has a specific condition, he or she may require more frequent visits.

According to the pets division of WebMD, senior dogs, or those around age 10, should get twice-yearly checkups, as advised by most vets. Changes to hormones and major systems of the body may occur rapidly in aging pets, and more frequent visits can help discover illnesses, such as canine diabetes.

Vets also can be an educated sounding board for facing an elder pet’s end-of-life issues.

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Bad breath in pets COULD BE A SIGN OF POOR HEALTH If you’ve ever experienced dry mouth, you know how uncomfortable it can be.

Unfortunately, your pet can get dry mouth too, and it can lead to more serious issues down the line and can also be a sign of more serious current health issues.

Dry mouth is a condition where saliva loses its protective benefits and leads to an overgrowth of odor-causing bacteria and plaque accumulation, as well as increases the risk of periodontal disease.

While such diseases as diabetes can contribute to dry mouth in pets, the most common cause is medication. What’s more, it is believed that medications increase the risk of developing complications due to dry

mouth by 40 percent. This side effect is farreaching. Medications for allergies, anxiety, urinary incontinence, osteo-arthritis pain, heart conditions, high blood pressure and more can all contribute to dry mouth.

While most pet parents are not aware their furry friends have dry mouth because they may still drool even with the condition, watching out for bad breath can help, as it is often a red flag that something is wrong.

Experts say that you don’t need to wait until this becomes an issue to protect your pet’s health.

“Prevention is always the best medicine,” says Pamela K. Bosco,

president of Pet King Brands.

Bosco recommends Oratene Brushless Oral Care for pets; an easy-to-use oral care product line that doesn’t require brushing.

Whether it’s the water additive, breath freshening spray or brushless toothpaste gel, the enzymes in its formula work to replenish what is missing in order to help restore healthy oral flora, as well as destroy odor-causing bacteria and remove plaque biofilm. The products can help prevent complications due to dry mouth, and will benefit any age dog or cat, especially those on medications, aging pets, or those pet parents averse to brushing.

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Oral health is crucial to a pet’s overall health. Be sure to pay special attention to the state of affairs in your pet’s mouth by taking steps to prevent dry mouth, a condition that can lead to serious health issues when left untreated.

PET CONNECTION • SPRING 2018

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Being proactive is important for keeping your pets healthy and happy for many years.

FILE PHOTO Pet Connection

Pet parents know that there’s nothing like the love of furry family members.

Keeping your pets healthy is a priority because you want them to live as long as possible. However, health care costs for pets are expensive, and if you are dealing with additional expenses such as prescriptions for chronic conditions, it can become a burden to your budget.

Fortunately, there are several things pet owners can do proactively to keep pets healthy and save money on health care costs.

During wellness checkups, veterinarians can screen for a variety of health conditions. They provide insight on diseases, age-related concerns, dental health, nutritional considerations and so much more. Plus you’re able to provide your pet with important vaccinations.

Regular checkups help vets identify problems sooner rather than later, and this can translate to more affordable health care costs to pet parents in the long run.

Get a prescription card

Costs for managing your pet’s health can be a bear with pet owners spending “An ounce of prevention is worth a more than $8 billion on prescription and pound of cure” is just as applicable to pets over-the-counter medications annually. The as it is to their human caregivers. One of the Inside Rx Pets program offers savings on most important things a pet parent can do commonly prescribed medications such as to ensure the ongoing health of any animal insulin and antibiotics, as well as seizure, is to bring them in for annual checkups glaucoma and anti-inflammatory drugs. whether they are experiencing health issues The Inside Rx Pets savings card is not or not. insurance; it is a savings card you can use

Invest in preventative care

for certain human medications that may be prescribed for your pet. A complete list of the medications with which you can use the Inside Rx Pet card, as well as pricing information and other details, can be found at InsideRx.com/Pets.

Benefiting from these discounts is easy for pet parents: If your pet’s veterinarian writes a prescription for an applicable medication, simply download the free discount card from the Inside Rx Pets website and present it with the prescription at one of the 40,000 participating pharmacies located across the United States that fill prescriptions for animals. These include national chains such as Kroger Family of Pharmacies, CVS and Walgreens (yes, the same pharmacies you go to for your own medications).

Exercise and focus on nutrition Obesity is a growing concern for many

See MEDICAL COSTS, Page 11

PET CONNECTION • SPRING 2018

SIMPLE WAYS TO SAVE ON YOUR PET’S MEDICAL COSTS

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Great reasons to adopt your next pet There is no end to the companionship, love and joy a pet can bring to one’s life.

That is perhaps one reason why the number of pets surrendered to shelters each year so greatly upsets animal lovers. But the same places that house animals that were lost or abandoned can be the very locations where families find new pets to love.

The ASPCA estimates that 6.5 million companion animals enter animal shelters in the United States each year. According to its most recent report, the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies says around 82,000 cats and 35,000 dogs were taken into Canadian shelters in 2015.

Animal shelters, rescue groups, pounds, and humane societies are great places to begin searching for new companion animals. The organization DoSomething. org states that, each year, about 2.7 million dogs and cats are euthanized because shelters are too full and there aren’t enough adoptive homes. Homeless animals outnumber homeless people five to one.

While private breeders and reputable pet stores may have purebred animals that make great pets, to relieve the problems of relinquished or homeless pets residing in crowded shelters, prospective pet parents are urged to first consider adopting shelter pets. The following are reasons why adopting shelter dogs or cats is such a great idea.

Well-behaved animals The Humane Society of America says most shelter pets end up in facilities not because of behavioral issues or something they did wrong, but due to circumstances affecting their owners, such as moving or divorce. That means there are thousands of housebroken, behavior-trained pets just waiting for a new family.

Lower costs When a person adopts a pet,

FILE PHOTO Pet Connection

Animal shelters can be the first and last stop for animal lovers looking to welcome companion animals into their lives.

microchipping, first immunization costs, neutering/spaying, and some vet costs may be covered by the adoption fee. Plus, that adoption fee can be hundreds of dollars less than purchasing a pet from elsewhere.

Room for others

Longer life expectancy

Hurt puppy mills

The Canine Journal says “mutts,” or animals whose genetic makeup are a combination of at least two breeds, tend to have fewer health problems and live longer than their purebreed counterparts. But shelters also house many purebreeds for those who prefer to go that route.

Puppy mills produce pets in factory-style facilities that seldom take the welfare of animals into consideration.

Adoption hurts puppy mills’ bottom lines and helps fight against their inhumane breeding techniques.

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(Continued from page 9) If you’re unsure what is appropriate for your pet, call your veterinarian or bring it up at a wellness visit. They’ll be delighted you reached out for more information to keep your pet healthy.

Start an emergency fund Choosing between a pet and an unexpected health expense is something no one wants to experience. Being prepared can make a big difference when facing difficult decisions, so it’s wise to have savings set aside in case of a rainy day.

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savings accounts that are similar to the accounts that people hold for themselves to pay for medical expenses. Whether you choose that path or a traditional savings account, when you have an emergency fund you won’t have to worry about any unexpected expenses, so you can simply focus on getting your pet well again.

From scheduling annual wellness visits to taking advantage of the Inside Rx Pets discount card, there are many easy actions pet parents can take today to reduce costs so furry family members stay well.

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pets. Poor nutrition paired with limited exercise causes pets to put on additional weight. This weight can put them at higher risk for health concerns like diabetes, osteoarthritis and ligament injuries. These health concerns not only risk the quality of life for Fluffy or Fido, but also can deeply impact your pocketbook.

Pets, just like humans, require exercise and proper nutrition to stay healthy and feel their best. Whether that’s letting your rabbit out of the cage to run or going on a walk with your dog, be sure to make regular exercise a part of your fur family’s routine.

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After losing a pet,

when is it time to love again?

The passing of a pet can be an experience similar to losing another important member of the family. Even though the loss is inevitable, it can still be shocking when a pet passes away.

Upon the death of a pet, many pet owners need some time to mourn and grow accustomed to living without their pet.

Though some might prefer to adopt a new pet shortly after a pet dies, others may need time to decide if this is the right decision.

The following are some factors for pet owners to consider, courtesy of Vet Street, WebMD, Bark, and RainbowsBridge.com, as they try to decide what to do after losing a pet.

Home doesn’t feel complete Many previous dog owners feel their homes are empty or not complete without the presence of a four-legged friend. People who live alone and relied on a recently deceased pet for companionship or safety may consider adopting sooner than busy families or those who have roommates to keep them occupied.

Why get another pet?

Pet owners must ask themselves why they want another pet. If the main reason is to dull the pain of loss, it may be better to wait until something other than emotion is driving the decision.

PET CONNECTION • SPRING 2018

Other pets/people If there are other pets in the house, think about how they may react to having a new addition in the house. Just because one person is ready for the responsibility of a new pet doesn’t mean everyone is. All opinions and personalities should be considered and all voices heard before bringing a new pet into the home.

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Is it time for a break?

Some pet lovers may need a break from the responsibility of pet ownership — especially if a recently deceased pet was difficult to care for in its final years.

Existing lifestyle New pets may require a decade-plus commitment. While it may have been easy the first time around, those who are facing retirement and the possibility of travel or have children leaving the home may want to think about whether or not pets suit their current or future lifestyles.

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FILE PHOTO Pet Connection

The death of a pet is a difficult experience. Some pet owners may respond by immediately adopting a new animal, but it may be wise for pet owners to make time to grieve and decide if a new pet is a commitment they can make.

What is behind cat scratching?

When frisky kitties shred new sofas, the cats probably did not do it out of spite or even aggression. Cats do not claw at things because they are inherently bad pets. Rather, the urge to scratch is buried within their DNA. According to the pet adoption and animal welfare resource the Animal Care Centers of New York City, scratching is a normal part of cat behavior. Scratching is a good form of exercise for cats, enabling cats to stretch out their limbs and paws.

Scratching also serves the purpose of removing the outer nail sheaths so they can be shed and the nails can be naturally maintained. VetStreet.com says that cats also scratch to leave visual and olfactory markers to other animals. Glands that are located between the pads of the paws leave odors behind wherever the cat has scratched. Other cats know to investigate or avoid the area thanks to the scent and visual hint.

Unfortunately for cat owners, scratching can be problematic when the healthy behavior is not focused on objects that should be scratched. When furniture,

walls, bedding, or more are targeted by cats, the damage can be irreparable.

Presenting alternatives that are fun can focus cats’ attention on scratching elsewhere. Experiment with store-bought or homemade scratching posts. The back of a carpet square, some corrugated cardboard or a rope-covered post may suffice, offers The Humane Society of the United States. Scratching where it is not desired can also be dissuaded by placing an appropriate scratching post next to the (METRO CREATIVE) off-limits item.

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JAMES R. TAYLOR & SONS 262-642-7970

311391

HUGO

American Bulldog 5 years old - neutered male

DSH 6 months - neutered male

Lakeland Animal Shelter 262-723-1000

Lakeland Animal Shelter 262-723-1000

Sponsored by:

311386

INGERSOLL LIGHTING

262-723-1212 • www.ingersolllighting.com

PEARL

Sponsored by:

HORN BROS., INC. 262-679-1717

311392

DRAKO

DSH 3 years - spayed female

Husky 4-1/2 year old - neutered male

Lakeland Animal Shelter 262-723-1000

Lakeland Animal Shelter 262-723-1000

Sponsored by:

THE PET PARLOR OF ELKHORN 311387

ASHER

Sponsored by:

WON-A-GO BIKING 262-363-4770

311393

DIBO

DSH neutered male 5 years 8 months - FIV+

Pitbull 1 year 8 months - neutered male

Lakeland Animal Shelter 262-723-1000

Lakeland Animal Shelter 262-723-1000

Sponsored by:

SIMONS FEED & SEED, LLC 262-763-7945

311388

ARIELLA

Sponsored by:

EAST TROY SEPTIC SERVICE 262-642-5364

311394

CHARGER

DSH Tiger 8 months - spayed female

Pitbull 2 years 10 months - neutered male

Lakeland Animal Shelter 262-723-1000

Lakeland Animal Shelter 262-723-1000

Sponsored by:

Sponsored by:

URBAN HERRIGES 262-363-4200

K & D HEATING & COOLING 311389

262-949-1892

311395

PET CONNECTION • SPRING 2018

815-540-7570

311390

13

Pet owners who treat their pets like family want to provide the best veterinary care for them to extend their lives.

FILE PHOTO Pet Connection

PET CONNECTION • SPRING 2018

Hope unleashed FOR PETS WITH CANCER

14

If any of the country’s 70 million dogs are part of your family, you know how you feel about your furry friend, how the love and loyalty, playfulness and protection he offers can affect your life. You also know you want to keep him safe and disease-free.

That’s how Sandy felt about her dog, Patch, when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

“We were referred by our oncologist to come to VCA Animal Diagnostic Clinic in Dallas to receive treatment,” she says. “The particular machine and expertise we needed for Patch were available here. We had other options, but after reading about the services this facility can offer, all signs pointed us to come here. I wanted to put Patch in the best hands I could. He’s not just a dog, he’s a family member and there is nothing we would not do for him.

“Our experience with VCA has been beyond my expectations. The front office staff is warm and inviting and exceptionally friendly. I’ve emailed our radiation oncologist, Dr. Custis, on the weekend and

he e-mails me right back. You don’t expect him to do that, but he cares so much and takes time out of his weekend to make sure he answers my questions.”

At VCA’s Animal Diagnostic Clinic in Dallas, Texas, pets have access to lifeextending cancer treatments delivered by caring and compassionate veterinary oncologists. The center is also working toward future medical advances, by participating in robust clinical trials, which have the capacity to impact both future veterinary patients as well as human patients.

Not only does the compassionate care there create a healing environment for pets and their owners, the board-certified teams of veterinary specialists can turn to the latest tools and technology to effectively treat animals with cancer. One such advancement is the state-of-the-art TrueBeam radiation technology that can deliver better, safer and faster radiation treatment with unmatched precision to tumors.

“With the precision and accuracy of the TrueBeam, tumors are targeted while

preferentially sparing surrounding normal tissues. Protocols involving fewer visits and shorter treatment times, while also improving local tumor response and minimizing side effects, are now a reality for veterinary cancer patients. This technology benefits our patients, clients and partnering veterinarians,” said James T. Custis III, VCA’s veterinary radiation oncologist at ADC. “Each patient and its human family deserve the best possible experience when they come to ADC. We are totally committed to offering and providing the absolute best patient care we know how and that technology and medicine allow us to do. We are also committed to ongoing honest and transparent communication about the process their pet is going through in treatment and letting them know we care about them as we care about their pet,” said VCA’s Director of Oncology Zachary M. Wright.

For more information on pet health, visit www.vcahospitals.com/animal-diagnosticclinic-dallas or on Twitter @vcapethealth.

(NAPS)

Pet Connection

FALL 2018

Pet Connection CONTACT

Vicki Vanderwerff at (262) 728-3411 ext. 134

PET CONNECTION • SPRING 2018

TO ADVERTISE IN THE FALL EDITION OF

15

adopt-a-pet CASEY

DSH 7 months - spayed female

Lakeland Animal Shelter 262-723-1000

Lakeland Animal Shelter 262-723-1000

Sponsored by:

262-363-4789

311396

PEARSON

Sponsored by:

PLYMOUTH CHILDREN’S CENTER 262-763-5470

DSH 3 years old - neutered male

Lakeland Animal Shelter 262-723-1000

Lakeland Animal Shelter 262-723-1000

Sponsored by:

262-363-8555

311405

SUMO

DSH 6 months - neutered male

Sponsored by:

FLEURY’S AUTO BODY

WARREN’S AUTO BODY 311397

COLTON

262-763-2116

311406

SUGAR

DSH 6 months - neutered male

Pitbull 4 years 10 months - spayed female

Lakeland Animal Shelter 262-723-1000

Lakeland Animal Shelter 262-723-1000

Sponsored by:

DARIEN STORAGE DEPOT 262-724-5094

311398

POUNCE

Sponsored by:

WHITEWATER TRAVEL SERVICE 262-473-5055

Pitbull 1 year 8 months - neutered male

Lakeland Animal Shelter 262-723-1000

Lakeland Animal Shelter 262-723-1000

Sponsored by:

262-763-4665

311407

ROCKY

DMH 2 years 10 months - neutered male

Sponsored by:

DAN-TONE GARAGE

THE PINK PEONY, LLC 311400

NEVAEH

PET CONNECTION • SPRING 2018

WINDY

Shepherd 3 years 2 months - spayed female

RIVER CREST TIRE & AUTO

16

These lovable animals are all up for adoption and hoping you’ll give them a happy new home!

262-514-3251

311408

CHANCE

DSH 1 year - spayed female

Border Collie/Australian Shepherd 1.5 years - neutered male

Lakeland Animal Shelter 262-723-1000

Lakeland Animal Shelter 262-723-1000

Sponsored by:

PECK & WEIS HEATING & COOLING 262-248-6836

311401

Q-TIP

Sponsored by:

JOHN AMATO FORD 262-363-3085

BAILEY

DSH 10 months - neutered male

Anatolian Shepherd 1 year 9 months - spayed female

Lakeland Animal Shelter 262-723-1000

Lakeland Animal Shelter 262-723-1000

Sponsored by:

Sponsored by:

JAY’S LANES

262-363-7230

311409

SPX FLOW TECHNOLOGY 311403

262-728-1900

311410