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A Season of Change
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Change. Sometimes it's difficult, but many times it leads to something better. We are happy to announce that we are implementing a new "paperless" patient records system here at the clinic. Over the next few months we will be transitioning from our old hard copy patient records system to a computer-based system. Instead of having all of your pet's records in a file folder, ultimately, we'll have instant access to all of your pet's records via laptop computers. This transition will be gradual and--rest assured--the paper files will be kept as a backup indefinitely. You may be asked the same question multiple times during an office visit, simply because we want to confirm that the computerized records we are looking at are accurate. It may seem repetitive, but we ask for your patience during this transition. This new system will allow us to better serve our clients with faster record retrieval and information processing. We'll also be using less paper which will be saving more trees--that's always a good thing! At some point in the future you may be asked if you would like to receive your appointment reminders via email. Email reminders can save lots of money on postage and paper so we are hoping to gradually make this transition as more and more people utilize email. Don't worry! If you want to receive postcards, you absolutely still can. We completely understand that not everyone has--or wants--email. Have a happy and safe summer! Great Brook Animal Care
207-339-0700
Watch for special offers on our new email reminders! Take advantage of volume discounts on flea/tick control. See coupon below. |
| Did you know? |
 According to the U.S. EPA's conservation website, the average office worker in the U.S. uses 10,000 sheets of copy paper each year. Some of the things we're doing at Great Brook to help the environment: - Recycling as much as possible in the clinic: paper products, newspapers, wipes, etc.
- Using recycled trash bags throughout the clinic.
- Implementing new paperless patient records system
- Using an electric lawn mower
Learn more about recycling at the United States EPA Website: Resource Conservation |
| Staff News Thank You Dr. Discher! | |
Dr. Deb Discher, an adjunct faculty member of the Veterinary Technician program at Great Bay Community College in Portsmouth, NH, since 2004, has taken the position of Associate Professor of this two-year Associates degree program. In addition to the didactics, the students go through two clinical courses to gain practical experience. Great Brook has participated as an internship site for this program for five years. We plan to continue our relationship with Great Bay in the future.
After eight years of working with us, we are sad to see Deb go. We will continue to provide care to the clients and patients she has seen at GBAC. We wish her ALL THE BEST in her new position. THANK YOU, Dr. Discher, for your years of caring and excellent medicine.
Our head receptionist Donna has been promoted to the position of Office Operations Manager. Congratulations!
We also welcome two new staff members to our team, receptionists Nancy and Amanda. Nancy recently moved to the area from Massachusetts and owns a Golden Retriever and Amanda has two boys and a black Labrador Retriever that keep her very busy.
Cara and her husband have increased their goat herd this spring. You can find their fabulous goat cheese for sale at the Sanford/Springvale Farmers Market on Saturday mornings. Look for the Flying Goat Farm kiosk.
Meghan and her family are looking to add a new K9 family member to their clan. Good luck on your search!
Kala recently completed the Applied Animal Science program and graduated from UNH. Well done, Kala!
Linda and family are enjoying trips to Water Country and camping this summer. Go s'mores!
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| A Note from Dr. B: |
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Dr. B and Tug
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Greetings to All of My Furry Friends, As we approach the "dog days" of August when temperatures reach the 90s, you may find that your pets are hot and tired too. Before you shave them too close, consider this. Dogs and cats "perspire" differently than people. Actually, dogs pant to cool themselves down when they feel too hot. Cats perspire through the pads on their feet. Both will seek out a dark, cool spot and lie down until they feel more comfortable.
Although we might feel the need for a summer haircut ourselves, that layer of hair on your pet acts as an insulator from the cold and the heat. Shedding of excess hair that helps pets to keep warm in winter is common during the hot weather. So when you take your pet for his or her summer grooming, ask for the regular or maybe just a little more, but leave some summer fur for normal temperature regulation. Remember these things to help your pets feel happier in the hot weather:
- Plenty of clean, cool water to drink
- A cool place to lay in the shade outdoors or a small fan indoors
- Smaller portions of food
- Easy early morning or late evening exercise when temps are cooler
- A swim in a pool, lake or the ocean can be as refreshing for your dog as it is for you!
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New Great Brook Surgery Video
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Have you ever wondered what happens when your pet needs surgery? See the new video detailing what's involved from the pre-surgical exam to the recovery room.  | Click above to see the latest video that shows what happens when "Rupert" has a potentially cancerous skin lump removed surgically.
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| In the News |
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Some of the items GBAC donated to FAME.
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Medical Equipment Donation Helps African Organization
A few months ago one of our clients mentioned that they were going to volunteer at a hospital in Tanzania with "FAME" the Foundation for African Medicine and Education. FAME's mission is to empower Africans through medicine and education. Volunteers were asked to bring whatever donated items they could carry with them on the plane and Great Brook wanted to contribute. We sent along extra otoscopes (instrument for checking ears) and a variety of medical supplies we thought would be useful. Learn more about FAME here. |
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New Tick Collar Lasts Up to 6 Months
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 There is a new product available for use in the war against fleas and ticks: The Scalibor® Protector Band. Used in Europe for years by over 20 million people this product was recently approved for use in the U.S. With continuous wear your dog can be protected from ticks and fleas for up to six months.
The band transfers to your dog's skin through friction--not by vapor action--so it's odorless. It's also waterproof so it protects dogs that are in the water a lot during the summer months.
Each collar costs around $45 dollars--that means you can get a full year of protection for around $90. Plus, it's easier to remember to treat twice a year rather than monthly.
For more information visit their website:
www.scalibor-usa.com
If you would like to purchase a collar or if you have any questions, please contact the clinic.
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| Adoption Update |
A few months ago we took in a mother cat and her three kittens that were abandoned. Fortunately, we were able to find new homes for all of them and they are all doing great. | |
"Mookie"
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At right is "Mookie." He was adopted recently by Leo, Toivo and Elsa. Elsa--who is only one year old--has learned to mimic his meow so well, that sometimes her parents don't know who is making the sound!  | |
"Rocky"
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This is "Rocky." He is a gentleman who after spending time with us at Great Brook, was fostered with our staff and now is living with his new family.  | |
"Rufus" enjoying his new home.
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One of our favorite success stories is that of "Rufus" a 9 month old mixed-breed puppy that came to us from a local shelter. He stayed with us for a while while we treated him for a serious skin condition. After his treatment was finished one of our clients offered to take him home for a weekend so he could enjoy a break from the clinic. She ended up falling in love with him and decided to keep him. We couldn't be happier that he has found a great home! If you are interested in adopting a pet, please visit our Facebook page. When we hear of pets that are available for adoption, we post their photos and information there. It's great being able to bring together pets that need a home and loving new owners.  |
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Great Brook
Animal Care
Mission Statement
| To provide exceptional service and consultation to our clients so that they may be informed and empowered animal caregivers who are able to nurture their animal family members throughout their lives. At Great Brook Animal Care we provide
Total Life Care with
Tender Loving Care.
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Community News
Lebanon 5K Run
Dr. Holbrook recently participated in a 5K run sponsored by the Lebanon Recreation Department. Now in its third year, proceeds from the run are given to a Lebanon family that is either going through or has been through cancer treatments.
Two Toad Farm
will be back this summer on Monday nights with fresh locally grown produce.
Certified Organic.
now offering:
free range eggs
from a local family here in town. They can be purchased through the CSA on Monday evenings from 4-7pm.
Please Drive Slowly!
We ask that you please observe the 5MPH SPEED LIMIT when you pick up your garden share. Office hours are still going on and pets may be walking in the back yard area during early pick up times.
www.TwoToadFarm.com
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 | Purina's Pet
Weight Loss Program
click above to learn more.
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Source: www.projectpetslimdown.com |
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Dog Biscuit Recipe
Bon-appetit!
Ingredients 3C whole wheat flour 2C oats 1C peanut butter 1C unsweetened applesauce 1tsp. baking powder
Preheat oven to 350 degrees while greasing 2 cookie sheets. Mix all ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
Knead the dough that forms on a lightly-floured surface. If it is too crumbly, add water by the teaspoon until the dough sticks together. Roll the dough to 1/4 inch thick. Use a cookie cutter to create the shapes you like then place on the cookie sheets.
Bake for approximately 25 minutes until golden brown. Cool thoroughly before sharing with your pooch.
Calories = about 70/ treat
Fat = 2.5 grams
Makes about 4 dozen small treats.
Compliments of:
S. Grann of New Palz, NY.
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Litter Box Advice
Tips for happy cats and their happy people 
The general rule is the number of feline friends + 1 = number of litter boxes.
If you like to have the boxes covered, leave one that is not. Some cats prefer that choice.
Pick different spots about your home to place their litter boxes. Preferably away from their dining area. Think privacy, your kitties like it too.
Once you find a brand of litter your cats like, stick with it. "Pick" the box at least once each day, cats like it clean.
Completely change the litter and wash the box to remove odors weekly.
If you find your cat straining to go to the bathroom or "making mistakes" around the house, call his/her doctor. These may be signs of illness.
Source:
"Protector" Vol. 9,
2nd quarter 2011
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Most Popular Pet Names The Top 5 Names for Dogs
Males: 1. Max 2. Buddy 3. Rocky Females: 1. Bella 2. Molly 3. Lucy 4. Maggie 5. Daisy
Males:
1. Max 2. Tigger 3. Oliver 4. Jack 5. Tiger
Females:
1. Bella
2. Lucy
3. Chloe
4. Lily
5. Molly
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