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Veterinary News Network Media Insider
October 12th, 2013
In This Issue
Quick News Stories
New and Upcoming At VNN
Ideas for Upcoming Media Outreach
Quick Links

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Good morning everyone...we sure hope that your fall weekend is relaxing!  Dr.  Jim wants to mention that it was great connecting with a few VNN members while down at the AVDC Dental Forum in New Orleans. Looks like everyone had the opportunity for some GREAT CE!

Veterinarian and assistant with dog Don't forget...next week is the annual observance of National Veterinary Technician Week!  Are you planning anything special for your team?  We have a great story and video from last year that focuses on the role technicians and assistants play in our practices.  It might be a great share on your Facebook page!

Keep up with us daily with postings on our Facebook page, Twitter account and over at Linked In.

Animals, Veterinarians and VNN Members in the News  
 
Three Persian Kittens Although rabid dialogue was certainly in the news this past week with Congress trying to fix the government shutdown, you are probably more interested in other news about rabies.  In Tahelquah, OK, a litter of kittens was adopted after being advertised on the Tahlequah Online Garage Sale Facebook group.  One of those kittens subsequently developed neurological signs and was found to be positive for rabies.  Over in Maryland, a rabid cat was found in Washington County and Arizona is reporting another rabid bobcat!  As we mention constantly, rabies is always a good news hook if you are trying to engage the local media.

In Louisiana this week, a 4 month old puppy was found locked in a storage unit and the story is generating a lot of interest and passionate discussion.  After being found, "Braveheart" has taken to a local animal emergency clinic and one of the technicians starting fostering the dog.  Unfortunately, adherence to state law regarding animal abuse cases caused animal control to then take the dog from the foster family.  Thankfully, it appears that Braveheart is now back with his foster family and the original owners have a warrant for their arrest.

Whatever has been causing illnesses in dogs around the Midwest, we know now that it isn't circovirus.  DVM360 reported yesterday that the Ohio Department of Agriculture has ruled out the novel bug as the primary contributor to illness or the cause of death.

Did you see the VNN Facebook page this week?  Dr. Jim posted a case that was presented by Dr. Frasier Hale at the AVDC Dental Forum this past week.  This greyhound had been receiving "non-anesthetic pet dentals" for several years.  The pictures will astound you!  This single story was shared more than 450 times from our page alone!!  Thanks to everyone who is sharing the message about these procedures.



Congratulations to "Ellie" - named the 2013 American Hero Dog by the American Humane Association!   Ellie is a young therapy pit bull in North Carolina who helps kids understand dog safety, reading and overcoming prejudice!  Great job, "Ellie"

Have you seen a story that you think needs to be shared??  Email a link to me and I will make sure it goes into our social media.  From your own blogs to local stories of interest, what is making news in  your area may also be beneficial for your fellow VNN members across the country. 
New and Upcoming at VNN

Next week, we will release a great new print story on the abilities and capabilities of veterinary technicians who are specialize in particular areas of veterinary medicine.  This will be a great addition to our celebration of National Veterinary Technician Week and should really help you educate your community about the skills and importance of these team members!

Dr. Jim is working hard on our next two video stories...one will be a look at the great work being done by the Morris Animal Foundation and their Lifetime Golden Retriever study.  The other story will focus on the growing us of therapy lasers in veterinary practice.  Watch for these stories to round out our 2013 year!

TweetableMedia Outreach and Tweetable Moments

Use these ideas to plan your upcoming marketing and media outreach

Tweetable Moments:

It's Natl Veterinary Technician Week! Our techs and assistants are the BEST and we are so proud to have them help care for your pets!

What does a veterinary technician do? We're glad you asked, check out this video about our great techs and assistants.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnxBWwNbYFI

Veterinary Technicians and assistants are vital to our practice. Help us say "Thank you" for many jobs that couldn't happen without them!

Halloween is getting close! Please remember to keep pets away from  Halloween candy!  Chocolate is toxic, but other dangers are also there!

Dressing up pets for Halloween can be fun, but remember, not all pets appreciate it.  If your pet is bothered by the costume, don't use it!

Halloween can be scary for pets...masks and costumes can be confusing. Let your pet wait out "trick or treat" night in a quiet bedroom!

Pets age so much faster than we do. Let us help insure your pet's overall health with twice yearly physical exams and wellness care!

How can you avoid a BIG veterinary bill? Make sure your pet has routine exams, proper vaccines and regular parasite prevention! 

Lots of news about canine circovirus, but it seems this is actually not the culprit. Ask us about any questions/concerns you have 
 

Media Outreach

Why not celebrate those hard working staff members this week?  Oct 13th through the 19th is the annual observance of National Veterinary Technician Week.  Use our VNN story resources and the video below to "show off" your technical team!

Veterinary Technicians - Trusted Partners in Your Pet's Care 
Veterinary Technicians - Trusted Partners in Your Pet's Care


 

 


At VNN, we are here, 24/, to help you with your media needs.  Please don't hesitate to contact us whenever you need help!

Sincerely,

Thomas Dock
Managing Editor
317-281-8658 (mobile)
tomdock@MyVNN.com
Contact
Dr. Jim Humphries
President and Founder
719-495-2100 (VNN Main Office)
719-963-6852 (mobile)
dr.jim@MyVNN.com