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As we start to think about the holidays and staying warm and dry, our attention is drawn to those families that need help feeding their children both two and four-legged. We are teaming up with our neighbors at Friendly House's Services for Seniors and Homeless Families to help provide food for both people and pets. Until the end of the year, Northwest Neighborhood Veterinary Hospital will be donating a pound of dog and cat food to Friendly House's Emergency Food Pantry for every pound of food
(both people and pet) or supplies donated at our hospital.
The Friendly House Emergency Food Pantry seeks to provide nutritious, culturally appropriate, and easy to prepare food for low income clients and participants of Friendly House progams. High protein, easy to chew items and nutritional drinks, such as Boost or Ensure are particularly good for seniors. Food stamps will not pay for sanitary items, therefore supplies such as toilet paper, female sanitary products and bath products are greatly appreciated.
Friendly House's program for seniors and homeless families provides key areas of assistance. They help seniors stay in their homes by providing housekeeping services and bathing assistance. Friendly House staff also offer classes, workshops, special events and outings to enrich daily living and reduce isolation. Their Information and Assistance Specialists help navigate complex systems like housing assistance, Medicare/Medicaid, and legal aid. They provide case management to families experiencing homelessness to help them transition into safe, affordable, stable housing. And they support domestic violence survivors with art therapy classes.
Many of these people request food for their dogs and cats as well. If we can provide food for their pets, hopefully we'll be able to keep their families together and maintain the very important human-animal relationship. Please help us by donating non-perishable human food items as well as pet toys and treats. We will have a bin set-up in the lobby of our hospital as well as a more information on Friendly House's Services for Seniors and Homeless Families.
THANK YOU! |
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Understanding Veterinary Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a method of health care with roots in ancient China. For at least 3,000 years both humans and animals have benefited from its healing effects. Acupuncture is defined as the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to cause a desired effect. According to Chinese philosophy, disease is the result of an imbalance of energy in the body and acupuncture is believed to balance this energy and thereby assist the body to heal. Because acupuncture prompts the production of neurochemicals called endorphins by the brain, and the release of hormones including cortisol by the pituitary gland, it helps boost the body's own defenses against pain and inflammation. Therefore, acupuncture is a great adjunct tool for the treatment of chronic conditions such as arthritis, intervertebral disc disease (back problems), and other musculoskeletal injuries.
Acupuncture is safe and painless when performed by a trained veterinarian. In order for a veterinarian to successfully perform acupuncture, they must receive extensive training and pass a rigorous certification process. The International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) teaches veterinarians from all over the world about alternative veterinary medicine including acupuncture. We are lucky at Northwest Neighborhood Veterinary Hospital to have an IVAS certified veterinarian acupuncturist, Dr. Becky Prull. Dr. Colleen Flaherty has also begun her training this year and will certified by next spring. Our doctors and staff have seen the benefits first hand that alternative veterinary medicine such as acupuncture can provide our pets. If you have question or would like to meet and discuss alternative forms of veterinary care for your pet, please call our office at 503.227.6047.
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Pet Spotlight: Sid and Mimi
The Gift that Keeps on Giving!
My name is Sid and this is my story. On a blustery and frigid day in January 2009, I was abandoned and running across Millikan Road. I was scared, my leg was hurt badly and I was being chased by a bunch of people who had pulled over in their cars and were trying to "catch" me. I darted under a parked van, hoping to avoid capture. After biting one pursuer, a very brave and calm woman named Juliette crawled under the van, threw a blanket on me, scooped me up and off we went. Her husband repeatedly asked, "What are we going to do with this little dog?" I finally popped out of the blanket and gave Juliette a kiss. She laughed and cried and then said, "We're taking him home."
My new parents are amazing. After trying to find my previous owner (I kept my paws crossed they wouldn't), they took me to NW Neighborhood Veterinary Hospital for a physical. My leg needed surgery and Dr. Gowing recommended a fabulous specialist. After surgery, my rehab included swimming. My parents spared no expense or amount of love on me. Life is so good.
My name is Mimi and this is my story. On a sunny warm day in June 2010, a woman  and her dog came to Silverton to check me out. I only weighed one pound, smelled badly and was living in a barn. A few minutes later, I found myself in the front seat of her vehicle sitting next to a Chihuahua named Sid. I immediately fell in love with my parents and felt so loved and happy not to be sleeping in a barn anymore. More importantly, Sid and I became best friends. We really love each other and are inseparable. Life is so good.
Sid and I also have another home away from home which is NW Neighborhood Vet. Mary and the gang take incredible care of us. We couldn't be more thankful or lucky to have such a wonderful place to stay when we are not travelling with our parents. We are two very lucky dogs.
Happy Holidays
Sid and Mimi
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