In this issue The WISE Program Pet Loss Client Profile:     Chef Bill and Melvin North Shore Rabies Clinic In Memorium News Archives

Happy Spring!

It is here officially. Soon the warm weather and bugs will follow! We all should be able to get a little bit more fresh air with our pets and enjoy the warm after the long cold winter. As usual, we are not the only ones to enjoy the change of seasons. Although present all year round, ticks seem to be around in high numbers in the spring. With a few solid weeks of warmth, the mosquitos will not be far behind. To help protect your pet, make sure they are checked daily for ticks. Consider use of a parasite control program such as K9Advantix. Check out a great website at www.K9Advantix.com for more information and to determine if it is right for your dog. No cats can use the product!

If your dog is healthy, check with your vet about heartworm preventative. Don’t forget, the monthly heartworm preventatives work retro-actively. This means that they protect your pet from exposures within the last thirty days.

If you have any questions regarding parasites and your pets, please call the office or stop by for some information.

Women in Science and Engineering The WISE Program

Pet Loss

Over the last two months, we have had a large number of our beloved pets pass on. Most have died from cancer. Some long after diagnosis of the cancer, others the same day it was diagnosed. Neither situation is better than the other. Many others died from chronic diseases that they were coping with. In all cases, there can be a tremendous sense of loss and sadness with a pet’s passing. As with any grief, there are often phases that we pass through in dealing with the situation.

Even though I am exposed to death more frequently than I would like, it does not make it easier. At times there is great peace in knowing that the gentle creature did not have to suffer. The most important thing that I try to take with me is a special memory of that pet's life on earth. The entire staff has been fortunate to have so many pets be part of our lives from early on in puppy hood or kitten hood to the "golden years" of their lives. It is not something that we generally think of but most of our pets will pass long before we do because of their life span. The joy and unconditional love that they have for us during that time period is priceless and I feel a tiny price to pay for the sadness of their loss when it does happen.

If you have lost a pet or know someone who has, share the special memories. Talk, cry, make memorials. Whatever it takes. The office staff is here to help as well as make referrals to special support groups as well.

We also have a special album in the receptionist area for photos and stories of beloved pets that have passed on. Feel free to send a photo or story of your pet.

Client Profile

Chef Bill Collins, and his wife Karen Dzendolet, live in Beverly with their two greyhounds, Melvin and Dinah. Mel is unlike retired racing greyhounds. To Bill and Karen's surprise, Mel was born in their kitchen, shortly after they adopted his mother over eight years ago. Since then, Mel has settled into his comfy life, enjoying the sofa and Bill's cooking.

In late March, Mel underwent emergency lung surgery, which saved his life. However, he also lost ten pounds before he came home. This weight loss had Bill and Karen launch Mel on a new diet to help him get his strength back. Bill has cooked everything from poultry to beef to eggs for Mel. Plus, he's had a steady diet of vitamins too. And he's bounced back beautifully.

Bill can also do the same thing for you. Yes, he is happy to share his recipe for getting Mel's strength back, but Bill's specialty is food for people. Bill is a personal chef. He'll come into your home, and make five entrees and side dishes, to fill up your fridge or freezer. He specializes in fresh foods, and will cook the foods that you want to eat. He can work with almost any diet, including South Beach and Weight Watchers.

If you'd like more information, please visit Bill's website at http://www.chefbill.com, or call him at 978-927-9006.

North Shore Rabies Clinic

The Veterinary Association of the North Shore will be holding low-cost rabies only vaccine clinics to raise money for veterinary student scholarships. A long-standing tradition, the clinic is supported by local area vets that donate their time to administer the vaccine. The cost is ten dollars ($10.00).

Veterinary Association of the North Shore Rabies Clinic
Wednesday May 5th, from 4-6 pm*

Please note that the clinics will be held the following locations:

*note special time and date

All rabies vaccinations will be considered good for one year unless written proof of most recent rabies vaccine administration is provided by the owner.

All proceeds go to veterinary student scholarships.