We have all heard people say things such as “Don’t give your dog chocolate, it will kill him!” or “Even a small amount of chocolate will kill a dog.” Fortunately for all cabinet opening dogs out there, the truth to the chocolate rumors lies somewhere betw

Did you know? The National Animal Poison Control Center Hotline phone number is 1-800-548-2423. If less than two (2) hours has passed since your dog ate chocolate, we can induce vomiting to get the Theobromine containing chocolate out of their system. If it has been more than two hours since ingestion (or you are unsure) bring your pet in for evaluation. Placing chocolate of any kind in a plastic container with a sealable lid will help keep four legged family members out of the chocolate. Take precautions one step further and place these containers high in a cabinet with a child proof latch.

We have all heard people say things such as “Don’t give your dog chocolate, it will kill him!” or “Even a small amount of chocolate will kill a dog.” Fortunately for all cabinet opening dogs out there, the truth to the chocolate rumors lies somewhere between the chilling truth in the refrigerator and the trash. Let’s explore the truth behind chocolate and dogs, and what to do if you find your dog has a sweet tooth.

Chocolate is usually associated with being bad for just dogs, but it can be bad for any pet.
It’s important to know that it is not the actual chocolate that will harm your pet, but an ingredient known as “Theobromine” which is toxic to pets. The amount of Theobromine varies from chocolate to chocolate. This ingredient increases urination and affects the central nervous system in pets.

What to do if your pet gets into your secret stash:

It might not be necessary to run out to the emergency veterinary clinic on Christmas or Thanksgiving if your pet decides on a new snack. As soon as you realize your pet got into the goodies, asses the situation. If your pet snatched a stray M&M that the children dropped on their way through the house, you can relax and move on. If the entire box of chocolate candy bars is gone, start gathering information to give to the vet or veterinary technician you speak with.

Look at the packaging and see how much chocolate your pet ate. Packaging must include the contents weight. Hopefully you will know if the package was already open and about how much was left inside.

Examine the type of chocolate. Unsweetened bakers chocolate is considered Theobromine dense. Milk chocolate has the least amount of Theobromine, while semi-sweet chocolate falls in the middle of the chocolate road.

Consider your pet’s weight. A large Great Dane will not be as affected by the Theobromine as a small Maltese dog.

Assess how your pet is reacting. Did you notice the chocolate had been eaten because they acted funny? Are they vomiting, do they have diarrhea? Increased urination is another side effect. Go ahead and give us a call if your pet experiences any of these symptoms.

Understand that just like humans, dogs who have tasted chocolate can actually crave more of it. Never give in to your pet that keeps eyeballing that chocolate chip cookie from under the table. Letting your pet have a taste of chocolate will leave them looking for more and more.

Pet Dental Health Month between now and the end of February 2012

Many pet owners believe that their pets don’t really need professional dental care, making periodontal disease one of the most overlooked health problems pets suffer from today. Unfortunately, untreated periodontal disease can lead to infections, severe pain and tooth loss – and when they become advanced, infections can spread into the blood stream and cause heart, liver, or kidney damage. Preventive care such as annual dental cleanings at Northwest Animal Hospital, along with consistent home care, can not only keep your pet’s mouth healthy and pain free – it can actually extend their life!

The chart below shows the progression of the four stages of periodontal disease:

How do you know if your pet needs a dental cleaning?

Symptoms of periodontal disease can include bad breath, pain, and gums that are swollen and red. If you wait to see visual signs of tartar or swollen gums, it’s too late to reverse periodontal disease. Your pet will need professional veterinary care to keep the condition from worsening, but when dealing with the health of your pet’s teeth – prevention is key.

Between now and the end of February Northwest Animal  Hospital will be offering a  reduced fee for dental procedures performed for your pet.   Our knowledgeable staff and Doctor's will discuss your pet’s individualized treatment plan, as well as provide you with an estimate of what your costs will be on the day of the procedure. They can also advise you about proper home care, such as brushing your pet’s teeth and choosing the best treats and toys for dental health.

Spaces for Dental Month at a reduced fee are limited, so don't delay.    Call us at 719-593-8582 to schedule Dental Care for your pet. 

For many 2011 has been more than a challenge. Most of us can handle actual bad news, but it is the uncertainty that 's difficult!  Making a deliberate effort at cultivating a sense of gratitude, even when we don't "feel" like it puts us on a course for positive change.  And as we cultivate that in ourselves, we also influence those around us, because we are all inextricably connected to each other:

The best predictor of human happiness is human(and pet) relationships and the amount of time that people spend with family and friends and those that they love. The same could be said for our pets! There's a reason we call them "Man's best friend"

Happy New Year - 2012    Wishing You Health, Happiness, Love, Laughter, New Friendships & Learning Something New Everyday And don't forget to hug that four-legged friend everyday!

 The Doctors and staff at Northwest Animal Hospital

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday 2011 . May we all feast on friendship, happiness and good will for all!  And be sure to give that special furry friend a hug too!

Your friends at Northwest Animal Hospital and Pet Care Center

Time flies! It's time to make holiday boarding reservations at Northwest Animal Hospital and we understand that one of the often over-looked stressful part of travel is leaving your pet in the care of others. Careful planning, however, can help ease anxiety for both pets and their owners. Northwest Dog Boarding Kennel and Cat Boarding staff have been with our organization for more than a decade. Knowing you are placing the care of your pet in the hands of someone experienced should give our clients confidence and comfort knowing that they are being watched closely.  Overlooking this can have disastrous consequences

What to look for in kennels: Cleanliness, including regular changes in bedding Centrally monitored fire alarms Immediate access to the veterinarian if medical care is needed Regular walks on a leash and personalized care Open 7 days a week Medications given correctly by a trained technician Secure well built facility Staff that asks for contact information and verification of vaccinations

When selecting a kennel/boarding facility, consider the facility’s cleanliness and housekeeping, which are essential to the prevention of contagious diseases such as kennel cough, canine flu or other illness. By maintaining higher standards our kennel has prevented numerous common problems associated with boarding your pet.

Professional experience is important.  The neighbor’s child or someone down the block is generally not the best choice. Get someone who is paid on a regular basis, knows animals and what to look for, and is in immediate contact with the veterinarian  in case there’s any problem.

We follow strict control measures by isolating any sick pet so as to not cross contaminate between the hospital and boarding kennel.  By doing so all pets are protected.

We encourage clients to stop by for a tour to see the difference!

A Safe Halloween

Halloween Safety Tips for Pets
from Northwest Animal Hospital & Pet Care Center

With visitors approaching the door throughout the night and plenty of activity, Halloween can be fun for the whole family, pets included. However, our veterinarians recommend keeping your pets indoor on Halloween night. Your pet will be less stressed by the activity and less likely to get lost, making Halloween a fun evening for the whole family.

Helpful Tips from our Colorado Springs Veterinarian

Keep candy away from pets: When Halloween arrives, keep your bowl of trick-or-treat candy in an area your pet can't access. If you leave the candy right next to the door, the temptation may be too great for your dog to resist. Halloween night won't be much fun if it is interrupted by an emergency vet call or visit to the animal hospital!

Use pet safe decor: Keep tempting Halloween decorations like stuffed animals or potpourri out of reach, and secure cords used for decorative lighting. Even pets that normally leave household objects alone may become curious about new arrivals; check with your Colorado Springs veterinarians if you are in doubt about decorating safely any time of year.

Choose costumes with care: Some pets love to be the center of attention and wear a costume, while others won't enjoy the experience at all. At Northwest Animal Hospital & Pet Care Center, we recommend that you make sure your pet is really willing to dress up, and that you pass on the costume if it causes undue stress. Consider selecting a Halloween-themed breakaway collar or bandana from your dog grooming professional; the item will be festive and fun, but safe as well.

Costume safety: If you decide to dress your dog or cat in a Halloween costume, make sure the item you choose is safe. Buy a costume designed for pets, not people and double check for choking, tripping or other hazards. Check with our Colorado Springs vet if you are in doubt about using a costume.

Watch your doors: If you have an indoor cat who is prone to making a dash for freedom, consider keeping her in room away from the door while trick or treating is in full swing. If your dog is prone to anxiety when the doorbell rings, give him safe spot away from the door, or consider using our pet boarding service for the evening.

We'd love to know -- how are you celebrating Halloween with your pets this year?

Home Grooming Tips from Northwest Animal Hospital & Pet Care Center

 

Due to the quick action from a caring owner, Patches is happy now having undergone a complicated surgical procedure, called a Perineal urethrostomy to relieve a urinary obstruction.  This problem is a rapid cause of death among cats especially male cats.  Here Patches is seen after surgery performed by Dr Sudduth.  We are happy to report that he is on his way home and should do well on a special diet designed for this problem

After the heavy rains Colorado Springs has been having we are seeing mushrooms appear  everywhere - in yards, in the woods, in parks, alongside roads . . . and in my salad almost everyday(mushrooms provide an excellent source of protein, carbs and fat  see   http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2482/2 . Some dogs, like some people, like them also. They can be a gourmet delicacy . . . or possibly poisonous.

Mushrooms can be hard to identify  ( http://www.coloradomushrooms.com/)  They can't be differentiated by studying pictures in a text or on the Internet. Many species, both poisonous and nonpoisonous, look very much alike, and they frequently grow side by side. When a mushroom is obtained for identification, it must be identified as quickly as possible before it begins to deteriorate. Accurate identification of a mushroom usually requires a mycologist (a fungus specialist) or someone who has been hunting wild mushrooms for years. Mycologists may be found at universities and botanical gardens. Local mushroom clubs may be helpful in identifying mushrooms, as well. But if all attempts fail, what do you do? Do you know of a good link to help us identify mushrooms in Colorado Springs?

Presumed Poisonous

Although most mushrooms are known as LBMs (little brown mushrooms) and are generally nontoxic, when I receive a call that a dog has just eaten a mushroom, I always advise decontamination for safety. This means that vomiting is induced, and unless the entire mushroom is seen in the vomitus, activated charcoal is given to adsorb remaining toxins. Once decontaminated, each dog is treated individually, based on clinical signs that develop. Poisonous mushrooms can cause four distinct clinical syndromes.

• Gastrointestinal irritation. This is the most common syndrome and is rarely fatal. Vomiting and diarrhea generally develop within six hours of ingestion. The upset stomach lasts about 24 hours and requires minimal veterinary care.
  

• Gastrointestinal upset plus signs  similar to  insecticide poisoning include excessive salivation and tear production. Pupils are often very small and constricted. The most serious clinical sign is  a very slow heartbeat. In most cases, this clinical syndrome will develop within six hours post-ingestion and almost always requires veterinary care. The two most common species of mushrooms that cause this syndrome are Inocybe spp. and Clitocybe spp.

• Gastrointestinal upset, hypersalivation signs, plus depression and lethargy. Severe abdominal pains and signs of colic occur, as do severe bouts of vomiting. The mushrooms destroy the liver, causing the dog to develop jaundice (the whites of the eyes and mucous membranes turn yellow.) Because the liver produces blood-clotting factors, bleeding disorders can develop. Seizures occur due to the liver damage. The most deadly syndrome has a delayed onset of greater than six hours and up to 20 hours post-ingestion. Without prompt, aggressive treatment, this syndrome is often fatal. Humans may be given liver transplants, but this is not an option for dogs. The death cap (Amanita phalloides) is the mushroom most likely to cause this syndrome, although the false morel (Gyromitra esulenta) and Galerina spp. also cause it and may be found in areas that dogs frequent. To add to the confusion, some species of Amanita and Gyromitra are considered nontoxic.

• Hallucinogenic syndrome. Mushrooms that cause this syndrome are known as magic mushrooms, blue legs or liberty caps, and are considered illicit drugs in many places. "Street" mushrooms are generally edible mushrooms, like those found in supermarkets, laced with LSD or other illicit drugs. Whereas dogs ingest other poisonous mushrooms in woods or the back yard, they pull hallucinogenic mushrooms out of backpacks or other hiding places. Behavior changes include restlessness and hallucinations. Dogs who are hallucinating frequently snap at invisible flies, may be extremely depressed, stagger when walking and become comatose. Muscle tremors and seizures also occur. Dogs who ingest hallucinogenic mushrooms always require rapid decontamination and monitoring by a veterinarian.

Bon Appetit!

Mushrooms in yards should be removed promptly before your dog notices them. If your dog becomes ill, and you suspect mushroom ingestion, place the vomitus and any bowel movements in a plastic bag for identification, and refrigerate the bag. Try to have the contents identified within 24 hours. Notify us that your dog may have ingested a mushroom, so that we can be alert to clinical signs that may require treatment. Finally, go ahead and enjoy your salads and quiches and sauces - as long as the mushroom's origin is known!

Grooming your pets doesn’t mean that they have to be made-up and untouchable; it simply means that you’re taking good care of their health by keeping a watchful eye on their skin and hair coat and hygiene. Pets, like humans, are more likely to remain healthy when they are clean and well groomed. Contrary to popular belief, dogs and cats are not wild animals; they require regular grooming attention to keep them healthy in their domestic environments. One of the major benefits of a regular grooming regimen is that you or our groomers will become familiar with your pet’s body. Identifying problems early can lead to quicker resolution,  less cost for you and an improved quality of life .

Our grooming staff has been with Northwest Animal Hospital for almost 15 years.  Carrie and Dawn and the grooming staff  are loved by our clients and also their pets:

http://nwanimalhospital.com/custom_content/c_169031_professional_pet_grooming.html

Although we appreciate and love to see our clients and their pets, owners would be well advised to do a mental checklist to avoid an unscheduled emergency visit over the next few days to weeks.  Here are some things to note as you put together those holiday plans:

FIREWORKS:
Although people generally enjoy firework displays this is not a place where you should take your pet. They can become frightened by the large crowd of people, the loud noises, and unexpected bursts of light. It is best to keep your pet in a safe, quiet, and familiar area inside your home where they can not escape should they become frightened. Close all windows and shades in areas in your home while you are away. Distract your pet while you are gone by leaving the television or radio playing at a normal volume or turning a fan on to help muffle out noises. Remove any items that your pet could chew on or destroy should he/she become frightened as some animals are destructive when frightened. Do not leave a pet outside unattended as they could become frightened and run away. They may also try to get into the home or hurt themselves trying to escape the yard. Regardless where you pets are during the Independence Day celebrations make sure they have identification tags or are micro-chipped.

Do not use fireworks near pets. They may burn themselves on the lit firework or could chew on unlit or used fireworks which contain toxic substances.


FIREWORKS & THUNDERSTORMS:
If you are home with your pet and they act nervous with loud noises, such as pacing, whining, or crying do not stroke your pet and try to reassure him/her with words. Often this action may reinforce the behavior, instead the best thing to do for your pet is to distract your pet by playing with him/her or doing an activity your pet enjoys.


HEAT STROKE:
Animals get heat stroke when their body temperature increases above normal. This can occur for several reasons including: being left in a car without adequate ventilation even for a short amount of time, being outside on a hot or very humid day without appropriate shade, or exercising in the heat or humidity. Pets that are overweight are at an increased risk of getting heat stroke. Heat stroke causes serious health problems and possibly death in a relatively short amount of time. Please do not leave your pet in the car, as partially opened windows will not provide enough air on summer days. If your pet spends time outside ensure they have plenty of shade and cold water to drink. Avoid taking your pets on long walks or playing outside for long period of time during the warmest times of the day or on hot days.


PICNIC FOODS:
Several foods that are safe for us to eat can harm your pet or even kill them. Foods that are harmful to your pet include chocolate, avocados, grapes/raisins, onions/chives, garlic, yeast dough, and salt.

Corncobs are not toxic to your pet, but they can get stuck in your dog’s esophagus or intestines can cause obstruction. Corncobs generally will not pass on their own, and often require surgical removal.

Curious pets can put their head in empty chip bags and suffocate.

Changing your pet’s diet by giving them human foods can upset their digestive stomach causing vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. Fatty foods, meat scraps, grease from meats, butter or oil can lead to pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) which is painful and can be life-threatening. Some dog breeds are more prone to develop pancreatitis.


ALCHOLIC BEVERAGES:
Never give or leave alcoholic drinks unattended where you pet can get a hold of them. Alcoholic drinks can harm your pet and possibly lead to coma and death in severe cases due to respiratory failure.


TOXIC SUBSTANCES & HAZARDS:
Glow stick/jewelry – The inner liquid can cause irritation of the digestive tract, excessive drooling, and intestinal blockage (intestinal foreign body) if ingested.

Insect repellent especially those containing DEET can cause neurological problems in your pets.

Sunscreen products that are not labeled for use on animals can cause stomach upset (drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea) as well as lethargy and excessive thirst.

Other summer hazards for your pet include: matches, lighter fluid, Citronella candles and similar products, hot grills or fires. Regardless if your pet can swim they should not be left unattended near swimming pools, spas, lakes, or ponds as they could fall in and drown.

 In Colorado, beginning in March and running through the warmer parts of the year we have our own little miniature vampires that prey on any warm blooded creature, dogs and humans alike. The creatures I am referring to are fleas and  ticks. These little blood thirsty creatures are usually found in grasses and hitch a ride on any creature that passes by. Once on board they crawl through fur, hair or under clothing and attach themselves to skin and start to feed.  ticks tend to crawl forward and that is why more ticks are found in the neck and head areas although they can be found almost anywhere. Fleas can be found through the hair coat of our pets depending on how dense the hair coat is but predilection sites are the rump and abdomen.  Ticks will more than triple their size as they gorge themselves on blood.  They also carry diseases that they can infect their host .

With ticks, Colorado tick fever is by far the most common tick-transmitted disease of the region. Additionally, and despite its name, Rocky Mountain spotted fever is quite rare here. Lyme
disease is an important tick-borne disease in much of the eastern United States but is not as common here in Colorado.

Fleas are rampant throughout the wildlife and in particular the rodent flea can transmit bubonic plague to cats and humans that come into contact with an infected flea through exposure to their pets or a rodent infected with the flea.

How can you prevent getting them? Try to avoid weedy or grassy areas where
wildlife may have passed. Small rodents, raccoons, foxes, coyotes deer and elk are
often their transportation vehicles. If you walk or hike with your dog do a flea and tick check
often.  However remember these parasites can be lurking in your backyard!

For everyone's protection we strongly recommend that your outdoor dog and cat be placed on the new product called Vectra.  It is a veterinary quality product, has a good safety profile and is very effective at dealing with these annoying pests. No prescription is needed and we have the product in the lobby at our hospital for over the counter dispensing.  Follow the directions carefully.  And now go out and enjoy the great outdoors in beautiful Colorado without the worry that your pet will bring home some unwanted biting pests!

Keeping these medications out of pets' reach to prevent potentially life-threatening effects.

Nearly half the calls the team at Pet Posion Helpline receives are for pets that have accidentally ingested

human medications. With such a high number of incidents occurring each year, it’s critical to stay up-to-date

in case your pet is exposed to potentially toxic(to pets) human medications.

 A recently released report from the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics lists the top five human prescription

drugs dispensed in the United States. As explained below, some of these drugs cause only minor symptoms while

others can be potentially life-threatening. Awareness of these drugs and how they affect pets can save lives.

Likewise, in cases where a pet has ingested a nonlife-threatening drug, awareness can save the pet owner a great

deal of heartache and cost .

 1. Lipitor (atorvastatin). Reduces cholesterol levels. Generally when pets get into Lipitor, only mild side effects are

seen, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Therefore, Lipitor is not considered to have high toxicity levels for pets. While

some human drugs are utilized in veterinary medicine, Lipitor is not.

2. Nexium (esomeprazole). An anti-ulcer medication and proton-pump inhibitor that results in decreased gastric

acid secretion. While it’s used in veterinary medicine for some pets, mild side effects can include vomiting and

diarrhea. Pet owners should watch their pet closely but not be alarmed since symptoms will generally subside on

their own.

 3. Plavix (clopidogrel). A drug that affects platelets in humans, inhibiting clot formation and reducing the risk of

stroke. It’s rarely used in veterinary medicine. When pets get into Plavix, it has a wide margin of safety and

generally is not considered to be acutely toxic. Only mild vomiting or diarrhea may be observed.

4. Advair Diskus (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol). Used for treating asthma and administered through an

inhaler, Advair Diskus contains beta-agonist drugs that expand the lungs and steroids that decrease inflammation in

the lungs. Because inhalers contain many doses, dogs that chew into them are exposed to massive amounts of the

drug all at once. This can result in heart arrhythmias, an elevated heart rate, agitation, vomiting, and even acute

collapse. Severe electrolyte abnormalities such as very low potassium levels are likely and can be life-threatening without immediate veterinary treatment.

 5. Abilify (aripiprazole). Contains aripiprazole, an atypical antipsychotic agent that is used to treat schizophrenia,

bipolar disorder, and clinical depression. Clients should keep this drug out of pets’ reach, as ingestion can result in

profound lethargy, vomiting, hyperthermia, significant changes in heart rate and blood pressure, and seizures. If a

pet ingests this drug, it needs immediate veterinary attention.

In order to keep pets safe from ingesting these and other dangerous human medications, follow these recommendations:

 > Store human medications in a different location from pet medications. Pet Poison Helpline often takes calls from

pet owners who accidentally give their human medications to pets.

> Weekly pill holders are irresistible to some dogs because they resemble chew toys and make rattling noises. The

danger is that a dog could ingest a full seven days’ worth of medications, significantly increasing the risk for

poisoning.

> Avoid putting medications into plastic storage baggies before traveling—these are not pet proof (or child-proof),

and can easily be chewed into by dogs.

For any questions you might have calls can be directed to the veterinarians at Northwest Animal Hospital. 719-593-8582

Northwest Animal Hospital Boarding Kennel

Special Services Requested During Boarding: Please indicate how many sessions of the following services you would like. Special services are fees charged in addition to regular boarding fees.

A La Carte Services-DOGS
PERSONAL EXERCISE
*Doggie Day Care Romp with the Pack
(1/2 Session)  $10 *Doggie Day Care Romp with the Pack(Full Session) $18

Personal one on one in our Enclosed Outdoor Exercise Play Yard  $15
Pool Time Play (Seasonal)  $15
Extra Walk (each)  $10

SERVICES
Personal Cuddle Time $10
Yappy Hour 4-6 PM - Daily Refreshments Treats $3.00
PACKAGES
Puppy/Senior Package – 2 extra relief sessions
per day, Yappy Hour PSP
$15
Pampered Pooch Package – 2 extra relief
sessions, extra one-on-one time, doggie
biscuits/lean treats, Yappy Hour PPP
$25
A La Carte Services-CATS
EXERCISE
Feline Playroom Session
$10
SERVICES
Personal Cuddle Time 1209
$10
PACKAGES
Pampered Kitty Package – Extra one-on-one
time, Kitty Treats PKP
$10
GROOMING
PROFESSIONAL GROOMING or BATH AND
BRUSH –Nail Trim, Ear Cleaning, Anal Glands
Fee Varies
Nail Trim (Technician)  $15
Anal Glands (Technician)  $28.50
Ear Cleaning – Healthy (Technician) DOG  $15
Ear Cleaning – Healthy (Technician) CAT $8
**Brushing Session (Kennel Attendant)  $10
*Close contact with other dogs **Non-matted, healthy coat

Doggie Day Care Socialization and exercise activity for good doggie playmates in our
large indoor play room. Close contact with other dogs

Personal Outdoor Off-lead play and exercise in our enclosed outdoor exercise yard with K-9

Exercise Yard grass Astroturf surface. Not for 8’ fence jumpers.

Pool Time Play Seasonal outdoor play and exercise in our outdoor wading pool. Off
lead. Grooming recommended prior to release from boarding
Personal Cuddle Focused on individual pet with personal handling, petting, talking and
Time catering to encourage your pet to relax and feel secure
Nail Trim, Anal Individual services (Included in regular grooming)
Glands, Ear Cleaning
Brushing Session Personal soothing brush out for non-matted cooperative pets. Offered
to increase comfort and personal interaction.
Yappy Hour Let the good times roll daily with refreshments and treats between 4
and 6 PM. Special confectionary delights provided.
Included in packages.
Pampered Pooch As described
Package
Puppy/Senior As described
Package
Feline Playroom Play and interaction in the feline luxury suite
Pampered Kitty As described
Package

Having spent 20 years in the Army(6 active at Letterman Army Institute of Research and SHAPE/NATO  in Mons Belgium and 14 years at Walter Reed in Washington DC)I have a deep respect and appreciation for those who have given their lives to preserve the freedoms we all cherish.  Reflecting on this today Memorial Day 2011, I came across this interesting note on The History of Taps.  It reads as follows:

The History of Taps

Of all the military bugle calls, none is so easily recognized or more apt to render emotion than Taps. Up to the Civil War, the traditional call at day's end was a tune, borrowed from the French, called Lights Out. In July of 1862, in the aftermath of the bloody Seven Days battles, hard on the loss of 600 men and wounded himself, Union General Daniel Adams Butterfield called the brigade bugler to his tent. He thought "Lights Out" was too formal and he wished to honor his men. Oliver Wilcox Norton, the bugler, tells the story, "...showing me some notes on a staff written in pencil on the back of an envelope, (he) asked me to sound them on my bugle. I did this several times, playing the music as written. He changed it somewhat, lengthening some notes and shortening others, but retaining the melody as he first gave it to me. After getting it to his satisfaction, he directed me to sound that call for Taps thereafter in place of the regulation call. The music was beautiful on that still summer night and was heard far beyond the limits of our Brigade. The next day I was visited by several buglers from neighboring Brigades, asking for copies of the music which I gladly furnished. The call was gradually taken up through the Army of the Potomac."
          This more emotive and powerful Taps was soon adopted throughout the military. In 1874 It was officially recognized by the U.S. Army. It became standard at military funeral ceremonies in 1891. There is something singularly beautiful and appropriate in the music of this wonderful call. Its strains are melancholy, yet full of rest and peace. Its echoes linger in the heart long after its tones have ceased to vibrate in the air.

As you listen to the notes, read the lyrics and perhaps like I, you will gain a newer apprecitaion of those that have gone before us:

http://www.armystudyguide.com/downloads/Taps.mp3

Taps Lyrics:
Day is done,
gone the sun,
from the lakes
from the hills
from the sky,
all is well,
safely, rest,
God is near.

Fading light,
Dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky
Gleaming bright,
From afar,
Drawing, near,
Falls the night.

Thanks and praise,
For our days,
Neath the sun
Neath the stars
Neath the sky,
As we go,
This, we, know,
God is near.

Dr.(LTC, retired)  John Sudduth D.V.M.

Time flies! It's time to make holiday boarding reservations at Northwest Animal Hospital and we understand that one of the often over-looked stressful part of travel is leaving your pet in the care of others. Careful planning, however, can help ease anxiety for both pets and their owners. Northwest Dog Boarding Kennel and Cat Boarding staff have been with our organization for more than a decade. Knowing you are placing the care of your pet in the hands of someone experienced should give our clients confidence and comfort knowing that they are being watched closely.  Overlooking this can have disastrous consequences

What to look for in kennels: Cleanliness, including regular changes in bedding Centrally monitored fire alarms Immediate access to the veterinarian if medical care is needed Regular walks on a leash and personalized care Open 7 days a week Medications given correctly by a trained technician Secure well built facility Staff that asks for contact information and verification of vaccinations

When selecting a kennel/boarding facility, consider the facility’s cleanliness and housekeeping, which are essential to the prevention of contagious diseases such as kennel cough, canine flu or other illness. By maintaining higher standards our kennel has prevented numerous common problems associated with boarding your pet.

Professional experience is important.  The neighbor’s child or someone down the block is generally not the best choice. Get someone who is paid on a regular basis, knows animals and what to look for, and is in immediate contact with the veterinarian  in case there’s any problem.

We follow strict control measures by isolating any sick pet so as to not cross contaminate between the hospital and boarding kennel.  By doing so all pets are protected.

We encourage clients to stop by for a tour to see the difference!