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Episode 1: In Which a Cat Finds Himself at Home

Fri 27, Oct, 2017
Episode 1: In Which a Cat Find

It’s not so bad here, I’ve decided. There’s always food, and not just in the bowl. They know I love to eat, so they give me treats when they think no one else sees. They all do it when no one else is watching, so I get a lot of treats. Humans are silly that way, but I’m happy with the arrangement. And that big window. Every morning, I can see the bunnies outside in the ditch, eating grass or whatever they eat. They look so soft, and a little juicy… Seems like a good moment to find someone for a treat. But that window, the way the sun comes in, it warms my fur just right so that I can pop all my vertebrae in one big stretch. Very satisfying. It gets quiet at night when they all leave, but they always come back in the morning. And if I get too lonely, I mean really desperate, like the kind of lonely that settles in your chest and makes the silence ring in your ears, then I visit the boarding room and listen to the dogs snore. But don’t tell a soul I told you that.

 

I like daytime around here; there’s always a lot to see and do, and plenty of humans around to pet me and talk to me. Their conversational skills aren’t always impressive, but I like the company. They laughed the first time they saw me on top of the cupboards where they examine the animals that are always coming in and out. It’s the perfect place, right up near the ceiling, where I can watch the whole room and see everything that happens. Plus, it keeps me out of range of too many dog noses. They’re not bad people, dogs. They’re just like anyone else; some are nice, some not so nice. Their biggest problem is not knowing how to comport themselves in the company of anyone else. They get too excited around my kind of people, for sure. Anyway, I never really understood why the humans thought it was funny to see me up there, but I like the way it sounds when they laugh. It makes my whiskers tingle and the end of my tail curls up. They laugh a lot around here.

Sometimes I like to wander to the area where people enter and leave the building. Every time they open the big doors, a little bit of outside comes in. I like the smell of the air sneaking in, especially now when it’s crisp and clear, with a hint of decay from the fallen leaves. It’s an earthy aroma; the scent of transformation. There’s an expansive desk here, with plenty of surface to spread out on, and if I make my presence known at the right moment, I am rewarded with oohs and ahs and pats from the visiting humans. Speaking of all that attention, I think if I talk loud enough someone will bring me a treat… It’s not so bad here.

Dr CJC

Mon 09, Oct, 2017
New Independent Ownership of M

It is with great enthusiasm and gratitude that we announce new independent ownership of Mountain Ridge Animal Hospital. The transaction became effective July 1, 2017, and we thank Dr. Rob Landry for entrusting us to carry on a business built through his own hard work and dedication. We wish Dr. Landry the best of luck as he moves on to outside academic pursuits surrounding pain management and research.

Both Dr. Jennifer Bentz and Dr. Erin Walters are remaining on board and we are grateful to have their guidance on this new path. In addition, you can expect the same dedicated service from the familiar faces of our certified veterinary technicians, receptionists, and dog day care staff. The new ownership team is comprised of Andrew W. Boal, DVM (myself) and Peter Burge. We are local and independent.

Peter is a 4th generation Coloradan living in Denver with his wife and two dogs. He has over a decade of experience in veterinary management and understands that outstanding service to clients starts with genuine caring for our staff. As for myself, I am a proud University of Colorado undergraduate and have been working as a small animal veterinarian in Boulder County since 2011.

My philosophy surrounding small animal veterinary medicine is relatively simple; it is based on the love between pets and their owners. I was in Costa Rica a while back with my wife and two kids. We were strolling down the beach when we spotted a ragged old Basset Hound staring intently out to sea. He seemed friendly enough, but shrugged off our advances. He was focused. We respected his decision and left him to his task. Two hours passed and the sage old hound was still at it. About the time we were packing up, the old timer broke his trance, hobbled down his sand dune and bounded into the water with a wagging tail. Being a Basset Hound, he was waist deep in no time. The driving force behind this unexpected shot of momentum suddenly presented itself as his owner coming in from a surf session. Old Basset Hound’s owner was now back on solid ground, and his dog was simply ecstatic. Turns out, after asking a nearby local about the heartwarming scene, this is the pair’s routine more days than not.

I know some version of this story is true for most of you. It certainly is for me. My dog and three cats practically mob me when I come home in the evening. This is a given for most dog owners. Even the most discerning of cats will usually give a complimentary back arch or leg stretch to acknowledge the good feeling they get when their person enters the room. It’s amazing. They love us unconditionally and ask only for food and affection in return.

The staff at Mountain Ridge Animal Hospital knows this too. The relationship with our animals have their own character, but each is based on love. We know your animals are no different. We know you are going to do the best you can do and we are here to guide you along this path. We are here to tell you how we care for our own beloved four-legged friends while offering sound advice regarding the care of your own. Not only are we rigorously trained and highly experienced in the field of veterinary medicine, we are passionate about the welfare of animals and understand the life-enriching role these short lives play in our own. We look excitedly toward the future with clear vision and a foundation based on a mutual love and respect for animals and one another. Please feel free to contact us with any questions regarding this transition. We are humbled by your loyalty and continued support.

-Andrew W. Boal, DVM
Mon 09, Oct, 2017
October is Senior Pet Wellness

This fall, we want to help you make sure your old friends stay young at heart during their autumn years, so we’re offering 20% off senior preventative lab work in October and November.

Dogs and cats are considered seniors when they reach age 7, though exact age varies depending on the size of your pet. Because they age faster, diseases progress more quickly as well. For that reason, we recommend that senior pets be seen for exams and lab work twice per year.

Our schedule is filling up fast! Schedule an appointment for your senior pet today by calling Mountain Ridge Animal Hospital at 303-665-4852.
Mon 26, Jun, 2017
The Family Dog!!!!
  • Our canine companions have always been considered man’s best friend. We benefit from the loyalty and companionship that dogs provide, and dogs have increasingly become members of the family. This article will provide information for selecting the correct puppy and on general dog care.
  • Selecting the right dog needs to be done in order to meet your family’s expectations. All puppies are cute, and they all like to cuddle up and lick your face. Some grow to weigh five pounds and some grow to be 115 pounds or more. When you are looking for a dog ask yourself the following questions: What are your needs in a dog? What kind would fit your home? Will the dog require a lot of exercise? Will the dog shed excessively? Do you have budget constraints in terms of dog food and medical care? Do you desire a dog that is naturally high-strung? Do you desire a dog that can play fetch? Do you desire a dog with a known family-friendly disposition?
  • There are many dog breeds to choose from. Many dogs can be found in animal shelters and would love to be part of your family. Whether you choose a purebred or mixed-breed dog, be certain to choose the correct dog to meet your family’s needs and wants. Getting a family dog on impulse can certainly be very rewarding; however, it may lead to more dogs without homes.
  • There have been many medical advances that will keep your family dog healthy. There are also many misconceptions in terms of dogs. The following are some examples of both.
  • Male vs. Female. An age-old question. Which is best? There’s a feeling among dog owners that females make the best pet, but I would have to disagree. It really depends on how the dog is raised. Males are just as affectionate as females. Male dogs provide the very same companionship as females. Male dogs have different personality traits, yet are no less of a dog than females. Breeding. If you choose to breed your dog, you need to be committed to her overall health. A female dog’ s first heat cycle occurs at approximately nine months of age, then, in most cases, goes on a six-month cycle. Females attract the males during part of this cycle. Consult with your veterinarian to assure that your dog maintains a healthy pregnancy. The pregnancy will last for 63 to 65 days.
  • Spayed Females/Neutered Males. Having your dog spayed or neutered will provide a greater opportunity for a long and healthy life. Intact male dogs have a higher risk for prostate disease, and they will more likely have detrimental behavioral habits. Intact female dogs have a much- higher risk for breast cancer and uterine infections. Having your dog spayed or neutered will also assure against unwanted liters and more unwanted animals in our shelters.
  • Parasites. Fleas, lice, and ticks can cause a dog and the owner real misery. There are many species of each, but they all have one thing in common: they must have a warm-blooded animal on which to feed. Such parasites do exist in Colorado. Fleas are not as prevalent, but they certainly exist. Certain species of ticks can carry and transmit many diseases that affect our canine companions.
  • Mange. There are two types of mange, commonly known as demodex and scabies. Both kinds are caused by mites and require attention from your family veterinarian.
  • Ringworm. Ringworm isn’t a worm at all it’s a fungus infection of the skin that looks like its name. This fungal infection can present as a simple lesion or generalized over the animal’s body. Worms. Worms are major parasites of puppies and adult dogs. There are five worms that affect dogs: roundworms, tapeworms, whipworms, hookworms, and heartworms. The first four are intestinal worms, and a heartworm is a blood parasite. Intestinal worms are a human health risk because of the diseases they can cause in people. Heartworm was confi ned to the southern United States; unfortunately it has now become a problem in all parts of North America. Deworming should begin at two weeks of age for intestinal worms. Heartworm prevention should begin before six months of age.
  • Since my childhood I have wanted to help animals of all kinds. Having dogs as part of our daily lives truly provides pleasure and companionship. I look at dogs as family members and continue to strive as a veterinarian who can provide them with the best life medically possible. I want to secure a long relationship between you and your family dog. Congratulations on your new family member. They will naturally provide you with unconditional, unbiased, non- judgmental, and loyal companionship.
  • Future articles will focus on cats, human-animal bonds, and other animal-related topics. Mountain Ridge Animal Hospital is located at Baseline and Hwy 287 in Lafayette, open daily. Call 303.665.4852.
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