The Village Vets continues to be the leader in the Atlanta veterinary community in supporting local rescue groups by offering low-cost veterinary services. Due to the downward trend of our economy over the past two years, donations to these groups have decreased significantly while the homeless pet situation has worsened; making the rescue group's shoe-string budgets even tighter. We are pleased to announce a new "Recovery Plan".

In addition to the low cost services offered now, we will now offer FREE spays and neuters for our Atlanta area registered/non-profit rescue groups. Our witness to all the hard work and constant dedication of these rescue groups is what makes our commitment to support their cause even more rewarding. We are proud to partner with them, and to be able to provide this service

Its flea season! You've probably noticed that fleas are starting to crawl and jump their way back into your lives. If you stopped treating your pets for fleas over the winter, then it's time to start back or you will soon find yourself dealing with a much bigger problem.

The basis for any flea prevention and control starts with treating your pets. We recommend treating and preventing fleas year round by using products which attack different parts of the flea's life cycle. A preventative such as Sentinel, prevents flea eggs and larvae from hatching and adulticides such as Frontline Plus, Comfortis (for dogs only) and Feline Revolution to kill adult fleas. There are many combinations available so please feel free to call and discuss your pet's best options with one of our staff directly. Our recommendations are based on your pet's lifestyle and risk of exposure.

Dr. Stacy Stacy of The Village Vets of Decatur.

We are pleased to announce the new Wellness Center opening this June at our Decatur hospital. Adding two additional exams rooms, the Wellness Center is being designed to accommodate routine wellness exams, as well as minor medical issues, such as ear or eye concerns. The Wellness Center's location on the 2nd floor of The Village Vets of Decatur, will be less noisy and therefore less stressful for our cat and small dog patients. We will feature further details in our upcoming June Newsletter.

Sunday, May 2nd, the Atlanta Braves hosted the first "Bark in the Park" event of 2010. "Bark in the Park" is a day that fans can bring along their canine friends to hang out and enjoy the game - in a designated area of 600 seats, with doggie pools and several booths hosted by pet inspired businesses. The Village Vets of Decatur's Dr. Ashley Alford, Cami Keisler and Eva Petrics, along with Animal Emergency Center of Decatur's Tomika Ludaway and Treasure Dreher, (pictured above) were the medical team that staffed the event's medical care tent. With potential medical issues that are often a concern at any pet-related events, our medical staff were on hand, and equipped, to access and/or treat medical emergencies, if they should arise (such as overheating, injuries due to dog scruffles, etc).

Along with the Braves defeat of the Houston Astros, this day was even more of a success in the fact that the 500+ four-legged fans were able to enjoy the entire day without any medical mishaps. The next "Bark in the Park" Atlanta Braves game is scheduled for August 29th. Go to the Atlanta Braves "Bark in the Park" link below for more information.

Individuals, salons and pet groomers are donating human and pet hair for the Gulf oil spill relief. The hair is used to create oil-absorbing mats that surround and contain the oil . To find out more information go the link below.

Dr. Amy Baden will be leaving her full time veternarian position at The Village Vets of Lilburn/Stone Mtn. in June. She will be joining her husband Dave as he pursues potential international opportunities with his position with the Centers for Disease Control overseas. Dr. Baden will continue to work with us part time until they leave.

"I would like to thank all the clients, wonderful pets, and support staff for making the transition from technician to veterinarian so fulfilling. You have confirmed that I have found my calling."