#Local Veterinary Hospital

[animalhospitalga2-blog]

Cat Wellness Check from Veterinarian

A regular cat wellness check with a veterinarian is essential for keeping your feline friend in the best possible health. During these check-ups, your vet can spot potential issues early, ensuring your cat stays happy and comfortable for years to come. From checking their weight and coat condition to assessing dental health and overall behavior, a thorough wellness check covers all the important aspects of your cat’s well-being. These visits also allow your vet to provide guidance on proper diet, exercise, and preventive care tailored to your cat’s age, breed, and lifestyle. Prioritizing these check-ups not only improves your cat’s quality of life but also gives you peace of mind, knowing that they are well taken care of.

Our Animal Hospital Services in Canton, GA

Comprehensive Pet Health Assessments

Regular wellness checks are vital for your cat’s overall health. Our veterinarians will carefully evaluate your pet’s physical condition, from their weight and skin to their heart and lungs, ensuring everything is in tip-top shape. Catching any early signs of illness helps keep your feline friend healthy and happy for longer.

Preventative Pet Care & Cat Vaccinations

Vaccinations and preventative treatments are crucial for protecting your cat from common diseases. During the wellness check, we’ll ensure your cat is up-to-date on vaccines and provide advice on flea, tick, and worm prevention to keep them safe.

Cat Nutrition & Weight Management Guidance

Every cat has unique dietary needs. Our veterinarians offer tailored advice on feeding routines, portion sizes, and proper nutrition. We also monitor your cat’s weight to prevent obesity and other health concerns, helping them stay at a healthy weight.

Behavioral Health Insights for Cats

Cats can sometimes show subtle changes in behavior when they’re not feeling well. During the checkup, we’ll also discuss any changes you’ve noticed in your cat’s behavior, offering advice on how to address issues like anxiety, stress, or any unusual habits.

Why Regular Cat Wellness Checks Are Crucial for Your Feline’s Health

Regular cat wellness checks are an essential part of maintaining your cat’s overall health and longevity. Just like humans, cats need routine checkups to catch any underlying health issues before they become serious. During these visits, veterinarians assess everything from weight and coat condition to dental health, helping to detect any potential problems early. Early detection is crucial for preventing conditions like heart disease, kidney failure, and diabetes, which can go unnoticed until symptoms are more severe.

These regular visits also help ensure that your cat is up-to-date with vaccinations and preventive treatments. Staying on top of flea control, deworming, and other essential health measures is much easier with a vet’s guidance. In turn, this routine care helps your feline companion live a longer, healthier, and more comfortable life.

What to Expect During Your Cat’s Wellness Checkup

During a cat wellness checkup, your veterinarian will conduct a thorough physical examination. They’ll start by assessing your cat’s overall appearance, including coat quality, weight, and skin health. They’ll also check the eyes, ears, teeth, and gums for signs of infection, dental disease, or other issues. A stethoscope will be used to listen to your cat’s heart and lungs, ensuring there are no signs of cardiovascular or respiratory problems.

The vet may also perform tests to evaluate organ function and rule out common issues such as parasites or kidney problems. Depending on your cat’s age and health history, additional tests like blood work or urine analysis might be recommended. This comprehensive checkup ensures that your cat’s health is monitored and maintained at every stage of life.

Top Signs That Indicate Your Cat Needs a Vet Visit

Cats are notorious for hiding discomfort, making it challenging to know when they’re unwell. However, certain signs indicate that a wellness check or vet visit is needed. If your cat is suddenly more lethargic, has lost interest in play or food, or is exhibiting changes in behavior, it could be a sign of an underlying health problem. Additionally, noticeable changes in their coat, such as hair loss, excessive shedding, or skin infections, may indicate issues like allergies or parasites.

Another critical sign to watch for is changes in litter box habits. Increased or decreased urination, along with signs of pain while using the litter box, can point to urinary tract infections, kidney disease, or diabetes. Vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual coughing are other red flags. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to schedule a vet visit for a thorough examination.

How a Cat Wellness Check Prevents Long-Term Health Issues

A routine wellness checkup for your cat can prevent long-term health problems by catching issues before they escalate. Many chronic conditions, like kidney disease, arthritis, and diabetes, can develop slowly over time, often with few noticeable symptoms early on. Regular checkups give your vet the opportunity to spot these conditions in their early stages and begin treatment immediately, helping to slow progression and improve quality of life.

Additionally, wellness exams are essential for addressing common problems such as dental disease and obesity. These conditions can lead to serious complications, including heart disease and organ failure, if left untreated. By regularly monitoring your cat’s health, you not only prevent long-term problems but also ensure that any issues are treated promptly and effectively, providing your cat with a healthier, more comfortable life.

How to Prepare Your Cat for a Stress-Free Wellness Check

Preparing your cat for a wellness checkup can make the experience much less stressful for both you and your pet. Start by getting your cat used to their carrier well in advance. Place treats, toys, and bedding inside the carrier so your cat associates it with positive experiences. It’s also helpful to practice short car trips to help reduce anxiety. Once at the vet, try to stay calm and reassuring, as your cat can pick up on your emotions.

During the exam, your vet will be gentle and efficient, but it’s important to give your cat time to adjust to the new environment. If your cat gets overly stressed during vet visits, talk to your vet about possible solutions, including anxiety-relief products or calming techniques that can help make future visits easier for everyone involved.

Understanding the Importance of Cat Vaccinations During Wellness Exams

Vaccinations play a crucial role in your cat’s overall health and well-being, and they are often part of a regular wellness check. Vaccinating your cat helps protect them from serious, potentially life-threatening diseases such as feline leukemia, rabies, and feline distemper. Your veterinarian will recommend an appropriate vaccination schedule based on your cat’s age, lifestyle, and health status.

In addition to core vaccinations, some cats may require additional vaccines if they go outdoors or are exposed to other animals. These vaccinations can prevent infections like Bordetella, feline herpesvirus, and others. Keeping your cat’s vaccinations current ensures they are protected from preventable diseases, and a wellness checkup is the perfect time to ensure they’re up-to-date on all necessary shots.

How to Maintain Your Cat’s Health Between Wellness Visits

Maintaining your cat’s health between wellness visits is just as important as the checkups themselves. Regular grooming helps prevent matting and allows you to check for skin issues, fleas, or signs of infection. Additionally, keeping your cat’s teeth clean with dental treats or brushing can help prevent dental disease, which is common in cats.

Maintaining a proper diet is another key element of health. Ensure your cat is eating a well-balanced diet appropriate for their age, weight, and health condition. Regular play and exercise also help keep them active and prevent obesity, which can lead to many health problems. By staying proactive with these steps, you can help ensure that your cat remains in good health until their next wellness check.

Cherokee Animal Hospital for Cat Wellness

A regular cat wellness check is one of the best ways to ensure your feline companion lives a long, healthy life. By addressing potential health issues early, these check-ups help prevent serious conditions from developing and provide peace of mind for pet owners. From vaccinations and dental care to weight management and behavior monitoring, your vet ensures your cat receives the proper care tailored to their unique needs. If it’s been a while since your cat’s last visit, it’s time to schedule a wellness check today. Your vet will provide expert advice, treatment, and support to keep your furry friend feeling their best. Reach out now to book an appointment and prioritize your cat’s health.

Cherokee Animal Hospital

2424 Marietta Hwy, Canton, GA 30114

770-479-6505

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[justinspoliticalcorner]

Amy Maxmen at KFF Health News:

Keith Poulsen’s jaw dropped when farmers showed him images on their cellphones at the World Dairy Expo in Wisconsin in October. A livestock veterinarian at the University of Wisconsin, Poulsen had seen sick cows before, with their noses dripping and udders slack. But the scale of the farmers’ efforts to treat the sick cows stunned him. They showed videos of systems they built to hydrate hundreds of cattle at once. In 14-hour shifts, dairy workers pumped gallons of electrolyte-rich fluids into ailing cows through metal tubes inserted into the esophagus. “It was like watching a field hospital on an active battlefront treating hundreds of wounded soldiers,” he said. Nearly a year into the first outbreak of the bird flu among cattle, the virus shows no sign of slowing. The U.S. government failed to eliminate the virus on dairy farms when it was confined to a handful of states, by quickly identifying infected cows and taking measures to keep their infections from spreading. Now at least 875 herds across 16 states have tested positive.

Experts say they have lost faith in the government’s ability to contain the outbreak. “We are in a terrible situation and going into a worse situation,” said Angela Rasmussen, a virologist at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada. “I don’t know if the bird flu will become a pandemic, but if it does, we are screwed.” To understand how the bird flu got out of hand, KFF Health News interviewed nearly 70 government officials, farmers and farmworkers, and researchers with expertise in virology, pandemics, veterinary medicine, and more. Together with emails obtained from local health departments through public records requests, this investigation revealed key problems, including deference to the farm industry, eroded public health budgets, neglect for the safety of agriculture workers, and the sluggish pace of federal interventions. Case in point: The U.S. Department of Agriculture this month announced a federal order to test milk nationwide. Researchers welcomed the news but said it should have happened months ago — before the virus was so entrenched.

“It’s disheartening to see so many of the same failures that emerged during the covid-19 crisis reemerge,” said Tom Bollyky, director of the Global Health Program at the Council on Foreign Relations. Far more bird flu damage is inevitable, but the extent of it will be left to the Trump administration and Mother Nature. Already, the USDA has funneled more than $1.7 billion into tamping down the bird flu on poultry farms since 2022, which includes reimbursing farmers who’ve had to cull their flocks, and more than $430 million into combating the bird flu on dairy farms. In coming years, the bird flu may cost billions of dollars more in expenses and losses. Dairy industry experts say the virus kills roughly 2% to 5% of infected dairy cows and reduces a herd’s milk production by about 20%. Worse, the outbreak poses the threat of a pandemic. More than 60 people in the U.S. have been infected, mainly by cows or poultry, but cases could skyrocket if the virus evolves to spread efficiently from person to person. And the recent news of a person critically ill in Louisiana with the bird flu shows that the virus can be dangerous.

Just a few mutations could allow the bird flu to spread between people. Because viruses mutate within human and animal bodies, each infection is like a pull of a slot machine lever. “Even if there’s only a 5% chance of a bird flu pandemic happening, we’re talking about a pandemic that probably looks like 2020 or worse,” said Tom Peacock, a bird flu researcher at the Pirbright Institute in the United Kingdom, referring to covid. “The U.S. knows the risk but hasn’t done anything to slow this down,” he added. Beyond the bird flu, the federal government’s handling of the outbreak reveals cracks in the U.S. health security system that would allow other risky new pathogens to take root. “This virus may not be the one that takes off,” said Maria Van Kerkhove, director of the emerging diseases group at the World Health Organization. “But this is a real fire exercise right now, and it demonstrates what needs to be improved.”

[...] Curtailing the virus on farms is the best way to prevent human infections, said Jennifer Nuzzo, director of the Pandemic Center at Brown University, but human surveillance must be stepped up, too. Every clinic serving communities where farmworkers live should have easy access to bird flu tests — and be encouraged to use them. Funds for farmworker outreach must be boosted. And, she added, the CDC should change its position and offer farmworkers bird flu vaccines to protect them and ward off the chance of a hybrid bird flu that spreads quickly. The rising number of cases not linked to farms signals a need for more testing in general. When patients are positive on a general flu test — a common diagnostic that indicates human, swine, or bird flu — clinics should probe more deeply, Nuzzo said. The alternative is a wait-and-see approach in which the nation responds only after enormous damage to lives or businesses. This tack tends to rely on mass vaccination. But an effort analogous to Trump’s Operation Warp Speed is not assured, and neither is rollout like that for the first covid shots, given a rise in vaccine skepticism among Republican lawmakers.

KFF Health News reports on how America lost control on containing the bird flu that could set the stage for another pandemic. If we see another COVID-level or even Ebola-level pandemic, America will be in for a world of hurt, thanks to the rise of anti-public health sentiments.

See Also:

CNN: How America lost control of the bird flu, setting the stage for another pandemic

[thlpp]

Sun King has left the building

Some time between late afternoon of 30th of September and the morning of the 1st of October Sunny has passed away as a result of multi-systemic antibiotic-resistant infection.

Sunny came to us aged 2.5-3 years in 2017, very sick, and after almost a year of treatments he eventually recovered; however some resistant bacteria remained in his body. As long as his immune system remained strong, he would be able to suppress the infection, but it was unlikely to ever fully clear.

It seems that the incident with the mass that Sunny had an emergency surgery for back in April marked the beginning of the end.

We took him to the veterinary hospital for a necropsy yesterday, and the results were that pretty much every system in his body was impacted, and he couldn't go on.

In the seven years he's had with us, Sunny brought innumerable moments of joy to us, and we're devastated by his loss.

I haven't yet fully processed it TBH. It's going to be some rough weeks ahead.

If you wish, please donate to your local reptile rescue in his name.

Goodbye sweet Sunny boy.

[copperbadge]

Radio Free Monday

Good morning everyone, and welcome to Radio Free Monday!

While I will be discontinuing Radio Free Monday in the new year, I am working with someone now on keeping it going. This looks like it's gonna happen, so stay tuned and please be patient with us if there are any bumps during the transition, but feel free to keep submitting items.

Ways To Give:

nichristi linked to the Arizona Masterworks Chorale, a nonprofit community choir which performs sacred and secular choral works. They volunteer at homeless shelters, collaborate with other local groups, and perform with schools as well as providing a safe space for people with disabilities to perform, including several deaf/HoH members. Several of their grants have recently been cut and they are in need of board members; you can read more, find sponsorship and donor information, and volunteer for board membership here..

Recurring Needs:

idiomagic's cat SpyBoy recently spent time in the emergency vet hospital, where they found out he has pancreatitis and diabetes; they're facing nearly $7K in veterinary bills with no income, as Idiomagic's husband lost his job at the same time and she is unable to work. You can read more and give at gofundme here, give via amazon wishlist here, or give directly via gwyndynalexander at Venmo.

chingaderita is raising funds to cover various necessities and healthcare for themselves and their family, which has been struggling after having to move into an unsafe living situation after a house fire. You can read more, reblog, and support the fundraiser here.

loversdoom is raising funds for an assessment to get help with mental health so she can be treated and remain in school, where she has a safe place to live and basic psychiatric support. You can read more, reblog, and find giving information here or give via paypal here.

And this has been Radio Free Monday! Thank you for your time. You can post items for my attention at the Radio Free Monday submissions form.

[miffysrambles]

This isn't really a request, I've just had this idea worming it's way into my brain and I wanted to send it somewhere because I found the idea hilarious:

If you know the scene from wolf children where Hana's confused about whether she should take her sick daughter to the hospital or a veterinary office,

I got the funny idea of either Macaque or Wukong and their s/o arguing over to whether they should take their sick child to a doctor or a vet because the kid has so many monkey-like attributes.

I don't know if it's as funny as I think it is, but the idea had me cackling

it certainly is a funny idea, just picturing it makes me laugh!

wukong/macaque going into father mode over their sick child, confused whether or not the take them to the vet or to the doctor.

their s/o telling them to calm down, it’s just a light cold and that they can just take them to the local pediatrician.

silly arguments ensue as the child lays in their bed, confused as to why their parents are arguing.

wukong/macaque - “you don’t understand, we’re not supposed to get sick. what do we do?!”

s/o - “maybe calm down first…?”

they were interrupted by the sound of a cute small sneeze,

more panicking.

[felinefractious]

Warning: This post will contain mention of animal death, animal injury and burns. If you wish to donate without further information here is the link.

If you at all follow the animal rescue community online you may have already heard about this tragedy, I have even seen articles out of the UK and India about what happened - the international rescue communityis shaken by the enormity of this loss.

At around 7:15am EST yesterday afire occured at the sanctuary in Medford, New York on Long Island. It ultimately claimed the life of the owner and sources estimate at least 100 feline residents, leaving a potential ~200 more cats in need of aid.

This is local to me.

The clinic I work at is not one of the primary veterinarians that served the sanctuary, but some of our clients are volunteers there and would bring some of the cats to us… we have patients who we don’t know yet what happened to.

This is a link to the official fundraiser for the care of the surviving cats. 🔗

If you live on Long Island or the surrounding area there is a desperate need for fosters so the rescued cats have somewhere to go. I have seen The North Fork Country Kids and Strong Island Animal Rescue League put out a call for fosters.

Both of these organizations are accepting donations directly in addition to the main GFM.

Make a Donation to North Fork Country Kids

Make a Donation to Strong Island Animal Rescue League

There is also a seperate GFM for a cat named Crystal who was rescued from the fire and is being treated at an emergency and specialty hospital, the fundraiser was made by an employee of the hospital who is fostering her.

A link to this post will be added to my pinned and I’ll update this post as information becomes available.

I do not intend to turn reblogs on for the post, I don’t want to deal with comments… I’m just talking to my followers. Thank you for understanding.

04/01 Update [Link 🔗]

A warehouse has been secured in Holbrook, NY to work out of as a makeshift sanctuary to temporarily house the cats as they are vetted and fosters as sought. Paws of War is assisting with their mobile veterinary clinic, they don’t appear to be requesting donations for the situation at this time.

04/09 Update

04/04 The fire was not deemed suspicious and arson isn’t being suspected, a definite cause hasn’t been identified. [Link 🔗]

04/05 57 cats were removed from the property, 5 cases were in critical condition and severely burned. [Link 🔗]

04/06 Cat Wrangler Rescue formally joined the trapping efforts. [Link 🔗]

04/06 148 cats and received FeLV/FIV testing, vaccinations, flea/tick treatment, deworming and microchipping from 50+ volunteer veterinary staff. [Link 🔗]

04/08 Rescue agencies were finally permitted access to the home, an additional 54 deceased cats were recovered on top of the original 100 reported. [Link 🔗] [Link 🔗]

04/08 One of the cats rescued by NFCK dubbed “Tuxie” passed away [Link 🔗]

04/08 Wipeout is a cat from the sanctuary rescued by NFCK and is doing well. [Link 🔗]

04/09 Crystal passed away. [Link 🔗]

04/09 Another injured cat from the sanctuary was found by a neighbor. [Link 🔗]

04/09 Moonshine/Salem and French Fry continue to do well, French Fry begins laser treatment for his paws. [Link 🔗] [Link 🔗]

04/09 Sir Arthur is an FIV+ cat from the sanctuary rescued by NFCK and is doing well. [Link 🔗]

04/09 AnimalKind has a FeLV+ survivor rescued from the sanctuary that is available for adoption. [Link 🔗]

04/10 Update

Cat Wrangler Rescue trapped 14 sanctuary survivors. [Link 🔗]

20 cats were brought into the temporary location, an estimated 20 remain at the burned down sanctuary needing to be trapped. [Link 🔗]

Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons took 8 sanctuary survivors. [Link 🔗]

Bideawee took 8 sanctuary survivors. [Link 🔗]

Little Shelter also took some sanctuary survivors. [Link 🔗]

North Shore Animal League took 20 sanctuary survivors to be housed at their “Bianca’s Furry Friends Feline Adoption Center.” [Link 🔗]

Southhampton Animal Shelter Foundation has also taken some sanctuary survivors. [Link 🔗]

04/13 Update

04/12 One of the burn survivors passed away. [Link 🔗]

04/12 Moonshine/Salem and Salty French Fry continue to recover. [Link 🔗]

04/13 Last Chance Animal Rescue took 12 samctuary survivors. [Link 🔗]

04/13 The Patricia H Ladew Foundation took 4 sanctuary survivors. [Link 🔗]

04/17 Update [Link 🔗]

The North Fork Animal Welfare League took 14 survivors.

04/22 Update

46 cats were brought into the temporary location, an estimated 10 remain at the burned down sanctuary needing to be trapped. 1 cat is being treated for FIP. [Link 🔗]

Paws of War and Strong Island caught another injured survivor in a neighbors yard after receiving a report. [Link 🔗]

The badly burned cat caught by Strong Island on 4/09, named “Mittens,” continues to receive veterinary care and may need part of his tail amputated. [Link 🔗]

04/24 Update

04/23 A sanctuary cat named “Dusty” has been adopted out through North Fork Country Kids to a loving pet home. [Link 🔗]

04/23 There are currently 310 cats in the sanctuary database with more waiting to be added. [Link 🔗]

04/24 4 of the cats North Fork Animal Welfare League took have been introduced to one of their cat rooms. [Link 🔗]

04/24 The cat famously rescued from a tree stump in a neighbors yard, now named “Shelley,” is in the care of AWAP and looking better through her long road to recovery. [Link 🔗]

04/24 A cat with burned paws is doing welll in AWAP’s care, named “Sebastian.” [Link 🔗]

04/25 Update

French Fry is moving from the hospital into his foster home. [Link 🔗]

Moonshine was able to leave 24-hours critical care, a tremendous landmark even though he still has a long recovery ahead of him. [Link 🔗]

Final Hope Animal Rescue took in 4 sanctuary survivors that are FeLV+ [Link 🔗]

05/05 Update [Link 🔗]

TNR Taskforce is fundraising to purchase an airconditioner for Final Hope Animal Rescue to benefit the FeLV+ cats they took in.

[73ghosts]

I'm sure many of you are already aware of this, but in case I have any newer tumblr users, pet bill donation scams are very common on this site. If someone DMs or sends you an ask asking you to reblog some sort of donation post for a sick/injured pet, it is most likely a scam.

Below the cut, I have included tips to spotting a scam, and why I believe the post by 507-on-queue is a scam. @kyra45 runs an excellent tumblr scam awareness blog, and has more information and tips here about spotting pet scams. I have archived the scam post in question on my side blog here.

Here's some ways to spot these scams:

Age of the blog - most scam blogs are a week old or younger, they are often under a day old

Similar urls being used for multiple blogs - scam blogs are typically blocked/deleted rapidly, and the OP makes a new account with almost the same name

The blog bio/pfp are not unique

You can only access the dashboard view of the blog so the post archive cannot be accessed (for example, my dashboard view is this, but you can also visit my webpage view and see my 9 years of post history via /archive lol)

The blog has never interacted with you before

The blog follows you and immediately sends a DM/ask

The DM/ask is overly polite and guilt trips (they often ask you to reply privately to reduce digital footprint)

Images of pets can be found via reverse image search

OP's story is inconsistent or unrealistic

The Paypal link does not match the supposed country OP lives in

Most recently, a scam post has been going around about a sphynx cat named Draven. This has been done using multiple urls, including:

meer-lion (deactivated)

507-on-queue (deactivated)

507onqueue (deactivated)

507-onqueue (current as of Jan 13th, 2024)

Here's how this blog meets our scam watch criteria:

The current blog (507-onqueue) is less than a day old (19 hours at the time of this post). The oldest post:

As listed above, OP uses multiple, similar URLs.

The bio of 507-onqueue is taken almost directly from another user (said user). Due to the same bio being used in previous scams, I suspect this is the same or related person to kappa-tundra/kappatundra (about this scam).

Scam blog:

Copied blog:

Only dashboard view is available.

The blog follows and immediately DMs/sends and ask. From my account:

The ask from the account is very polite, guilt trips, and asks me to answer to the post privately. The goal of being so polite is to win your trust and lower your defenses. This isn't the worst guilt trip I've been in a scam (that goes to the child support scam from several years ago). By asking me to reply privately, they're attempting to reduce their digital footprint (making them harder to google) and disguise how much they are spamming asks.

The information in that post was taken from a private Facebook account (source). I found the Facebook account in question and confirmed that the information was taken from there. I do not want to share the page because I view that as a further violation of the Facebook OP's privacy. For transparency, the images of Draven are not on Facebook OP's page any longer, but there are several other identifiable pieces of information that make it more than likely that the claims of her information being stolen are true.

The ask is inconsistent itself with the name of the cat (Draven vs Indie). This is also nearly identical to another scam ask from user captbridges. This user was using a real GoFundMe for a sick cat to scam.

The medical paperwork in OP's post is for a veterinary hospital in Wisconsin. However, OP's PayPal is based in the Philippines. The country.x= part of the url indicate the country of origin of the account; PH is the Philippines. The local.x= part of the url shows that the link was localized to the United States (making the donation currency USD). (PayPal's information page about country codes).

Stay safe out there and remain vigilant, everyone. If you don't already know them, try to pick up some boolean operators to refine your google searches when checking for scams. The tumblr search function sucks, so this is your best bet of finding information about scams like these online.

[jtargaryen18]

The House of Shadowed Roses

CHAPTER 1

Words: 5.4k

Pairing: Edward (Loosely based off a "A Different Man") x Live-in Companion Reader F

Disclaimer: The author of this work claims no ownership of characters aside from the reader, and original secondary characters mentioned. This work is not intended for those under the age of 18 due to explicit sexual content and darker themes. By reading this work or any works on my blog (jtargaryen18), you agree that you are at least 18 years of age. I do not consent to have my work hosted on any third party app or site.

"You could have flown away A singing bird in an open cage Who will only fly, only fly for freedom..." - "Walk On" U2

A/N: This is my spin on Beauty & the Beast. Edward, at the beginning of the story, has the condition neurofibromatosis as he does in the film. But this isn't going to be used in a negative way, nor are we going to include depictions of him being mistreated by others as a result. (Edward has structured his life in a way to avoid that.)

As you were reading over the short list of rentals into today's paper, you felt your frustation rising. Were you going to find another place to live before you had to leave your current apartment?

It had been a long few years. 

You graduated high school, started college pursuing a degree in business.Your first year in the MBA program was at the smaller Michigan university not far from your hometown. Your grades had been fine. You just realized after five years of business you didn't feel anything about it, one way or another. Did you really want to spend your life like that?

You took a gap year, working part time jobs to pay your bills and to keep your tiny, dark little apartment. You'd started working as a kennel assistant at a local veterinarian's office and what do you know? You found something you loved doing. Sure, you started out walking dogs, scooping poop, and cleaning kennels. But after a few months, you were trusted with other tasks in the clinic. You helped pull kittens or puppies when there was an expectant mother, you looked after animals boarded there. You helped put together prescriptions, sometimes helped the receptionists get vacations or personal days.

It was an easy choice, you were going back to school. The vet-med program was in Virginia but in four years, you'd earn a DVM. It was a job that you knew you'd appreciate and that would allow you to make a real difference. 

The problem was, now you were heading for thirty and the student loans were piling up. After two years in the program, you earned a two-year technician's degree. It was as good a time as any to get some work in the field and pay some of that debt down.

The veterinary hospital in the small Virginia town was even nicer than the first one you'd worked in back home. It was female-owned with three female doctors, two other techs who were guys, and a competent staff of receptionists, kennel assistants, and even a couple of volunteers. After six months, your job there just fortified your desire to achieve a career as a veterinary doctor.

The problem? Living spaces.

You knew the apartment in the old -- really old -- boarding house was probably a risk. The building was a hundred and twenty-five years old, there were drafts, creaking floors, and leaks from the ceiling when it rained. The electric wiring needed repairs often.

When you received the notice that the building where you lived was being condemned, you panicked. You had just a month to make other arrangements which meant your living conditions probably weren't safe. But its affordable rent had really helped you put some money back. 

Where were you supposed to go now?

When someone called your name the next day in the break room, you walked in to see Dave, one of the other techs, sitting at the table eating the lunch he'd packed and scrolling on his phone. He looked at you expectantly when he spotted you.

"Weren't you looking for a place to live?" he asked.

"Sure am," you told him.

"There's an ad in the marketplace," he told you, looking back to his phone. "Room for rent. Looking for someone to help with shopping and small errands. In exchange, will rent space: a bedroom, office or living room, and full bath. Kitchen and laundry can be shared."

When Dave read the address and the rent price per month, you were floored. It sounded like an elderly person looking for a housemate to help them with shopping or cleaning. That would be perfect for you and it was just fifteen minutes away from the hospital. 

"Can you send me that?" you asked him. "When was it posted?"

Dave took another look at the ad he'd read to you. "Says it was posted today."

"Perfect! Thank you," you told him.

Grabbing your phone from your locker, you were going to call right now. Hopefully, it was still available. It had the potential to be a really good deal for you.

Your call went straight to voicemail. A digital voice told you to leave your message at the tone. You did. You probably sounded like an idiot, but you quickly asked if they could call you back about the rental. You left your number and name.

And then nothing. At the end of your shift, there were no messages. The next day, no return call. The day after that? Nothing.

Damn, someone beat you to it. 

You spent the weekend doing laundry and boxing things up. You did your normal search each day in the papers, marketplaces. Maybe something you could afford would come up. You had two weeks now. You were gettting desperate.

You'd been home for maybe an hour Monday when the chime of your phone had you fishing it out of your purse to see who it was. The number was private but since you'd called to ask about another apartment this morning, you assumed it was them.

A deep, rough male voice asked to speak with you. When you confirmed it was you, he mentioned his house on Garden Street. You were floored! It was the house from the ad Dave told you about, the one where the owner was looking for help and offering a really affordable price. 

"Yes," you responded. "I am very interested in your ad."

"Do you live in the area?" he asked. 

His voice was strange. He didn't sound old per se. It was hard to tell. His voice was rough and sounded a little garbled. You had a little trouble understanding him. But there was no way in hell you were going say that. You wanted what he was offering.

You explained your situation and the urgency of it. Then you told him you appreciated his consideration. There was a long moment when he didn't say anything. Was he still there? Was he considering your case?

"I'd like to interview you," he said finally. "Tomorrow."

Really? "Okay, I can do that," you said. "What's a good time?"

Whatever you needed to do, you'd do it. Take the evening off from work even. 

"Come at eight-thirty," he said after a long pause. 

"In the morning?" You wanted to make sure you got it right. 

"No, tomorrow evening," he said. "I'll text you the address."

Okay. It was a little odd. But you needed a place to live. "I'll be there," you told him.

When you got off the phone, when you went to  bed, you could rest easier. Sure, there was a chance that you wouldn't get the place. But there was just as much of a chance that you would. You got a good night's sleep. 

***

Nerves were about to get the best of you as headed down that narrow dirt road in your car, pulling up to what looked like an old southern mansion. Twilight still clung to the deepening colors on the horizon and there was just enough light left to hint at a magnificent old house, a few of the first floor windows were lit up with soft light. There was a huge, elegant weeping willow tree in the front yard and what looked like huge flower beds on either side of the ornate front porch, their colors swallowed by the night.

Summoning your courage, you climbed out of your SUV and headed for the front door. The heat of a hot August day still lingered on the humid air and the chorus of crickets all around you made you feel like you'd entered some enchanting storybook tale.

What a beautiful place. What would it be like to live here?

You had enough time to go home and change out of your scrubs. You went with a strappy summer dress and cute sandals, a soft, summer cardigan lending a demure look to the outfit. You'd ultimately decided to carry a small purse with your phone. If you needed to make notes, you were well prepared.

The soft notes of piano music reached your ears as climbed the stairs to reach the front door. For a moment, you just listened. It sounded like someone was actually playing a piano rather than a recording and you smiled when you recognized the song. "Dream a Little Dream of Me."

You hated to disrupt that but you didn't want to be late either. Your smart watch showed you it was eight-thirty-one. 

Here goes.

Three sharp knocks on the door, announcing your presence. And just as you suspected, the music stopped. Footsteps grew louder as they neared the door. You smiled when the door swung open, anxious to greet your host and hopefully your new landlord.

But all you saw was his back as he walked swiftly away from you down a long shadowy hallway. 

"Come in!" he called back over his shoulder in that strange voice.

You hadn't expected that, hoping you hadn't done something wrong already. With nothing else to do, you quickly closed the front door behind you and followed him down the hall. He'd turned to the right, light from the room casting a spotlight on the floor. Slowly, you went that same route, peering into the room before you walked into it.

You couldn't help but smile to see all the beautiful antique furniture, a gorgeous Tiffany lamp in delicate shades of pink and purple glass adorning a small table by the window. There were no photos on the walls, which you found strange, but there were gorgeous paintings of beautiful nature views. The floor was polished wood, gleaming under your sandals as you slowly walked further into the room. You also spotted the small piano, it's dark wood catching the soft light around it.

Finally, you spotted your host sitting in a shadowy corner of the room in a huge leather chair.  He sat there so still that it startled you a little at first. It took you only a second to understand why. Your host's face... It was horribly disfigured. Swollen and misshapen, covered with bulbous areas beneath his skin. His hands were normal, telling you he probably wasn't that old. He was dressed nicely in slacks and a black dress shirt, looking ready to curl in on himself under your scrutiny.

Only one eye was really open, the other buried in the odd landscape of his face, and it was blue. That one-eyed gaze was fixed on you and you instantly read the fear and anxiety there. 

The poor man. Was it Proteus Syndrome? Or something else?

Instantly, you smiled. Years of seeing all sorts of animal injuries and conditions had you switching into the same objective mode you used at work and school. You noticed a chair sitting off to his left by a beautiful, large window. It was oddly placed several feet from him, but you understood why. You wanted him to feel comfortable with you.

"Thank you for agreeing to speak with me," you said in a tone you would have used with anyone else. Motioning toward the other chair, you asked, "May I?"

"Of course," he said, that fearful gaze on you as you took a seat. "I'm Edward. Thank you for coming out. I appreciate your... kindness."

With a nod, you told him your name, maintaining eye contact as you took a seat. 

"So, your ad mentioned needing help with shopping and small errands," you said, realizing why now.  "What are you looking for there?"

"Not a lot," Edward replied. "As you can imagine, going out can be difficult for me at times. My condition is called neurofibromatosis. I've always had it so I'm used to people's reactions. It's just, the older I get, the more I just... You'd think I'd be used to it by now."

Your heart cracked a little in your chest. You couldn't begin to imagine what life had been like for the man before you. What did you say to that?

"And forgive me, but," Edward paused for a beat. "You're just so lovely."

Saying "thank you" didn't feel right. You certainly didn't see yourself that way so you waited for the uncomfortable silence to pass.

"I'd like a weekly grocery run," he explained. "During spring, I'd like someone who could run to the garden center for me to get supplies. That would be quite a few trips actually. I enjoy gardening. It's a place of peace for me."

That had you smiling. Everything around you, the home, the landscape outside, looked gorgeous. Maybe his condition had condemned him to a life in the shadows because of his appearance. But it sounded like he enjoyed making his environment beautiful and it really was. You found that inspiring.

"It's a little dark outside," you said. "But the flower beds around the porch are gorgeous. I bet they're even more beautiful by day."

Slowly, he nodded. "Thank you."

"That's mostly it," Edward finished. "I might ask for take out once in a while. Not often. I'll make sure you have plenty of money to get everything on my list and whatever you might want for yourself."

None of that sounded like a problem at all for you. It was incredibly generous.

"You'd mentioned you were taking a gap year from college," he said. "How old are you? If you don't mind my asking."

"I'm turning twenty-nine soon," you said. 

Edward nodded, seeming to consider this. "How long do you plan to be here?"

"Oh, a while I'd think," you explained. "I'm about three months into my gap year right now. I'm going to the vet-med college. I still have two or three more years to get my DVM."

"The goal is to be a veterinarian?" he asked.

"It is," you told him. "I really love the hospital where I work now. I'm kind of hoping once I finish my degree that maybe I can stay and work there."

"So you're planning to live here," it wasn't a question, "instead of just passing through."

"I'm hoping to, yes," you said. "I work there full-time as a vet tech. I'm there by six in the morning and I get out around four. Most days. Some days we have last miute emergencies that keep us longer but it's not often. Maybe a couple of times a month. It shouldn't interefere with getting you what you need when you need it. If I get the accomodations that is."

Edward nodded, seemingly considering your words.

"Do you have any pets?" you asked him.

"Not at the moment, no."

That was a shame. The love of a pet could be good for someone like him. 

"If you ever decide you'd like to adopt a dog or cat, let me know. We work closely with the county shelter and a few different rescue leagues. There are a lot of pets in need of good homes."

"I'll keep that in mind," Edward said.

You nodded, feeling a little awkward. You felt like he was smiling. There was no way to know for sure because his face...

"My offer is this," Edward said, pulling you out of your thoughts. "You live here. Like the ad said, you get a bedroom, living room, and full bath. They are very spacious rooms. The kitchen is here on the ground floor and it should be equipped with anything you need. The laundry is in the basement. Washer, dryer, ironing station."

An ironing station? That had you smiling.

Thinking about room in this house, you felt a small spark of excitement growing. Not yet. You didn't know how much he was going to ask for rent. You could just hope that if you were willing to run errands and shop for him, he'd take the price down a little. His house was incredible.

"You run errands for me, help me when I need you, and do the shopping," he went on. "We'll call it even."

What?

"Even?" you asked.

"I don't need your money," Edward said. "I have enough for a couple of lifetimes. My father left me quite an inheritance."

From the looks of everything around you, that appeared to be true. But you could stay for free?

You knew your confusion had to be showing on your face. Edward made a rough sound. Was it a chuckle?

"I have a couple more rules," he said after a moment. 

"Of course," you said, still waiting for the punch line. This man didn't know anything about you and he was just going to let you live in his old-fashioned mansion for free? Just for running his errands and getting his groceries?

"I enjoy a peaceful life here," Edward said. "No loud television or music."

That wasn't an issue. You enjoyed peace yourself. You nodded.

"I don't mind if you have deliveries here," he went on. "But no visitors."

No one at all? That wasn't a huge problem. Still, there was your sister Monica, her husband and your nephew Lucas. They stayed so busy with work and Lucas's little league games that a visit wasn't something you had to worry about right away. But if they wanted to visit? Were you were supposed to just meet them in town?

"Does that pose a problem?" Edward asked, his gaze with that one blue eye intent on you. "Is there a boyfriend?"

"No," you said instantly. Dating was hard these days with an endless array of guys on dating apps looking for Miss Right Now and tasteful nudes. You weren't into one-night stands. You were hoping one day to find someone to be friends first because friendship was the foundation of every great relationship you'd ever witnessed. With the right person, intimacy and love came later, building a beautiful life on top of that all-important foundation. That was what you wanted. And you weren't in a big hurry. Not right now while you were still in school, building an occupation and a life for yourself.

Was that a hint of surprise in that single blue eye?

"No?"

"No," you repeated. You didn't elaborate. You didn't know Edward but for some reason, you sensed that your relationship - or lack thereof - was important to him. 

Edward studied you for a long moment. "I'm surprised."

Okay, you were a little uncomfortable being put on the spot about your personal life. You were looking for a place to live for a while. That usually involved signing a lease and a credit check. But this?

"I've been busy between school and work for a while now," you explained awkwardly. 

"You're beautiful," Edward was blunt. "That's why I was surprised."

Beautiful? 

You blew out an exhale. See? He was just being kind.

"Do you accept the offer?" he asked.

Wouldn't you be stupid to refuse him? Free rent would help you put back money for school that much faster. If you wanted to see your sister, you could go visit her. If you did meet someone? Well, you could evaluate your situation then.

"Yes," you told him. "Thank you... Is there an agreement or lease or something you want me to sign?"

"There will be," he said. "I'll have my attorney put it together for us."

Just like that, huh? No one else was competing with you for this?

"When can I expect you to move in?" Edward asked. 

"Well, I only have two weeks left," you explained. "I don't have a lot so I should be able to get everything packed up this week. I could maybe move in this weekend. If that's okay with you?"

"That sounds perfect," he said in his strangely distorted voice. 

"Would you like for me to run errands or shop for you this week?" you asked, grateful for the offer he made you. He was lonely man and you understood that. Compassion for a beautiful place to stay sounded like a good deal to you. 

"No." You sensed he was smiling again. "Make your preparations. You can move in this weekend and we'll sign the agreement then."

"Thank you," you told him. "I really appreciate this."

"I'm hoping this situation is one we will find mutually beneficial," Edward said softly. 

You nodded, rising to leave. Smoothing the skirt of your dress as you stood, you felt his gaze on you. Again, that sense of foreboding hit you. But why? Edward didn't feel like a threat to you. He was a lonely man looking for companionship maybe, some help in getting the things he needed.

"I'll call Friday," you told him, "to arrange a time for this weekend."

Edward shook his head. "No need. Come anytime you want this weekend."

"Thank you," you said, ready to go. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

You turned to leave, the piano catching your eye as you approached it. That had you turning back.

"You were playing the piano earlier," you said.

Edward nodded.

"Your playing was beautiful," you admitted.

Some emotion flashed in his eye. It was a little frustrating because you really couldn't read his expressions. You only had intuition to go on. But you sensed that you pleased him.

"Thank you," he said, adding your name. "Be careful on your way back to your apartment."

Nodding, you turned back to make your exit. When you walked out the door of Edward's mansion, you felt the cool night air wash over you. It was darker now but the moon was bright overhead. It lit the way back to your SUV. The night was gentle, peaceful when you climbed back into the driver's seat and started the engine. 

With one last look, your gaze roamed over what was going to be your new home. A beautiful old house and a gorgeous southern landscape. Free rent all for being quiet and getting whatever your new landlord needed. 

It was more than you could have hoped for.

You didn't notice Edward standing in the window, watching you leave. 

[orcinus-veterinarius]

hi, good morning/night! I'm a high school student hoping to become a veterinarian someday. do you have any advice on volunteer opportunities, eventually applying to the veterinary medicine program, or really anything else?

Good morning! High school is the perfect time to begin building your resume. I started working in the kennel at a vet clinic between my junior and senior years. If a part-time job is something you're considering, try visiting your local vet hospitals to see which of them hire high schoolers. Not all do, so don't become discouraged. If part-time work is unavailable, or something that doesn't fit into your schedule right now, many vets are willing to let students shadow them. It's a great introduction to the field and gives you the opportunity to ask a lot of questions.

At this stage in your journey, any experience with animals (outside of owning your own pets) is very helpful, even if not in a veterinary context. Humane societies, zoos, wildlife centers, farms/stables, and boarding kennels are examples of places you may be able to find work or volunteer experience. If you are based in the US and will be applying through the VMCAS, non-veterinary animal experience is still considered and will be logged on your application.

Another extremely important thing you can do: pursue your interests outside of animals and vet medicine. Sports, music, art, cosplay, community outreach, whatever it is you enjoy. Vet schools look for applicants that are unique and have passions and hobbies aside from animals. That was probably my biggest mistake when I applied. I was a cookie-cutter "good vet school applicant" with nothing that made me stand out.

I hope that's helpful! Best of luck!

[welcome-to-green-hills]

Do you think that we’ll explore the town of Green Hills, Montana in the series and Sonic 3? Like slice of life stuff or more history? I don’t think that there’s a whole lot to the town other than it being described as a “dinky backwater town.”

Hi Honey! ❤️✨

Believe it or not, the town of Green Hills is very fruitful in its foundation! It may not feel like it, but there’s definitely a rich history of when the town was established. (Whew! Now y’all get to see how big of a nerd I am. That’s either a really good thing or a bad thing). I’ll hyperlink all of my sources/claims to specific information so y’all can review it at a later date. Hopefully, this add a bit more detail than what the Sonic Wikis have for the films.

Down below are bullet points and photos of Green Hills, Montana:

Green Hills was founded in the early 1800's by a group of explorers surveying and mapping that state of Montana. The rugged explorers took nearly 30 years in making a complete map of the state and claiming the area as home. Green Hills is located in the middle of the state and known to have fascinating geological features. The town was called "Green Hills" due to the unique shades of green found in its flora. Essentially, the town was founded by chance because it took so long to survey between 1806 to 1835.

One of the town's founders, Morgan McConnell, specifically wanted to build a town in the heart of Montana because of the area's geological feature--checkered patterns. Morgan McConnell was credited for charting nearly a quarter of the state, including the town, and coined as as THE explorer of Montana. His favorite location to sit and work at was the Devil's Pinkie (the ledge that Sonic stands at in the first and second film). Unexpectedly, McConnell fell off of the Devil's Pinkie and died. According to town legend, McConnell's name echoed through the valley ranges for hours after he died. It's unknown if these are still heard in the area today.

Between 1870 and 1883, the town of Green Hills became one of the firsts settled areas along the Northern Pacific Railway. The transcontinental railroad system stretched from the State of Minnesota, the Pacific Northwest, and along the main line opening at the Great Lakes. A town plaque describes Green Hills as a "golden spike" by former USA president Ulysses S. Grant and viewed as an important hub. The town is credited as a supply depot, as well as known for bringing in large immigration populations. The railroad system is still a crucial necessity of the town today.

The first settlers of Green Hills, Montana didn't start making their migration to the area until the 1860s. The settlers were faced with hardships of the land, lack of infrastructure, and brutal winters. Families were known to mingle together in small dwellings and form small communities. Polygamous families were common until Christian morality arrived to the area in later years (Welcome-to-Green-Hills, 2021).

Main Street features the town's first general store, a feed and gardening supply store, and post office.

Green Hills, Montana takes pride in country hospitality. The warmer months have communal events such as hoedowns, harvests and festivals, fishing derbies, farmers markets, and horseback riding events. The business district features Dr. Maddie Wachowski's veterinary clinic, antique shops, a brewery (AKA, the Beer Gardens), a stationary shop, a butcher's shop, and the Mean Bean Coffee Shop (the slogan: "drink mean"). (Tails Channel, 2021).

The Green Hills Community Theater is a town gem. It was established in 1905 and has been known to put on spectacular and successful productions for over 100 years.

The Green Hills Bulletin (the local newspaper) says that they've been the hot spot for a classic car show for the past twenty years, have a "Dog of the Week" section, a local artist guild that does mosaics for the town, recently had a worker's strike on repairing the railroad system in town, and are in the middle of a movement for accessibility laws for disabled residents.

In the first movie's novel, Green Hills is known for its massive Blueberry festivals in the fall. This is an event that's welcome to all of the farmers in the state and neighboring states. Tom is known to actively take part of the festival.

In the 1900's, the town saw an influx of United States veterans occupy the area. It's seen as a "retirement community" to those not actively serving.

The town as a population of nearly 2,000 residents, as implied by the "Welcome to Green Hills" sign at the speed trap.

There's definitely more that the town has to offer in terms of history. When I have the chance, I'll give this post some more attention and add to it. Until then, enjoy some historical facts about our Dinky Backwater Town!

[animalhospitalga2-blog]

Dog Wellness Check from Veterinarian

Ensuring your dog’s health is a priority for every pet owner, and a wellness check with a veterinarian is one of the best ways to stay ahead of potential issues. These check-ups go beyond just vaccinations, offering a full assessment of your dog’s overall well-being. From monitoring weight and dental health to checking for any signs of discomfort or disease, regular wellness visits can help catch problems early, keeping your furry friend happy and active for years to come. Whether you’re adopting a new pet or simply ensuring your companion stays in tip-top shape, scheduling a dog wellness check is an essential step in maintaining a long and healthy life for your dog.

Our Animal Hospital Veterinary Services in Canton, Ga

Comprehensive Canine Health Assessment

A dog wellness check from a veterinarian provides a thorough evaluation of your pet’s overall health. During the check, vital signs such as heart rate, temperature, and respiration are monitored, while the veterinarian also examines the skin, coat, eyes, ears, and teeth. This helps detect early signs of illness, ensuring your dog remains in optimal health and can enjoy a happy life.

Preventative Care Recommendations for Dogs

Your veterinarian will assess your dog’s health and offer tailored preventative care recommendations during a wellness check. This may include updating vaccinations, suggesting parasite prevention treatments, or adjusting diet and exercise plans. Regular check-ups are essential to prevent health issues and give your dog the best chance at a long, healthy life.

Dog Behavior and Activity Assessment

A wellness check isn’t just about physical health; it also includes a behavioral and activity assessment. The veterinarian looks for changes in your dog’s behavior, energy levels, and overall mood, which may indicate underlying issues such as discomfort or stress. Early detection allows for better management and treatment to maintain your pet’s well-being.

Senior Dog Wellness

As dogs age, they face new health challenges. Senior dog wellness checks are more focused, involving blood tests, joint examinations, and monitoring for age-related conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, or kidney problems. Regular visits ensure that your senior dog receives the proper care and attention to live a comfortable, happy life well into their later years.

The Importance of Regular Dog Wellness Check-Ups

Regular wellness check-ups are essential for maintaining your dog’s health and preventing issues before they become serious. Just like humans, dogs can develop health problems that may not show visible signs early on. A wellness check helps your veterinarian catch issues like dental disease, joint problems, or heart conditions in their early stages. These visits also ensure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date, offering protection from various diseases. Preventative care is key to ensuring a long, healthy life for your dog.

Routine wellness checks allow you to discuss any behavioral changes, diet, or lifestyle concerns with your vet. These visits provide an opportunity for expert advice on everything from nutrition to exercise routines. By staying on top of regular check-ups, you’ll ensure your dog’s well-being and give them the best chance for a healthy future.

What to Expect During Your Dog’s Wellness Visit

A typical wellness visit to the vet involves a thorough examination of your dog’s overall health. The veterinarian will check their weight, temperature, and heart rate, ensuring that everything is within the healthy range. They will also examine your dog’s coat, skin, eyes, ears, and teeth for any signs of abnormalities. If your dog is due for vaccinations, this will be the perfect time to ensure they’re up to date. Blood work and fecal tests may be recommended to check for parasites or underlying health issues.

The vet will ask about your dog’s lifestyle, including diet, exercise habits, and any behavioral changes you’ve noticed. This conversation allows the vet to understand your dog’s unique needs better and offer tailored advice. It’s important to be honest about any concerns you may have to ensure the wellness visit is as effective as possible in maintaining your dog’s health.

Key Canine Health Indicators Your Veterinarian Monitors

During your dog’s wellness check, your veterinarian will monitor several key health indicators to assess their overall well-being. These include weight and body condition, as being overweight or underweight can lead to a variety of health problems. Your vet will also check your dog’s heart rate, temperature, and respiration to ensure they’re functioning normally. An assessment of the skin and coat can reveal signs of allergies, infections, or parasites, while an eye and ear exam can help detect common issues such as infections or hearing problems.

Dental health is another crucial aspect that’s often overlooked by dog owners. During the wellness visit, the vet will check for signs of gum disease, tooth decay, or other dental problems. Routine checks of these health indicators allow your vet to provide early treatment, which can significantly improve your dog’s quality of life. By monitoring these key areas, you’ll ensure that your pet remains in optimal health.

How Dog Wellness Checks Can Prevent Future Health Issues

Preventative care is one of the greatest benefits of regular wellness checks for your dog. By addressing potential health concerns early, you can avoid costly treatments and complications down the road. For example, routine blood work may identify kidney or liver issues before they cause noticeable symptoms, enabling early intervention that can extend your dog’s life. Regular check-ups also help prevent parasites such as fleas, ticks, and worms, which can lead to more severe health issues if left untreated.

Additionally, a wellness visit allows for a proactive approach to vaccination schedules. Ensuring your dog is up to date with vaccinations protects them from preventable diseases like parvovirus, rabies, and distemper. The veterinarian may also provide advice on maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine, helping prevent obesity, joint problems, and other chronic conditions. By investing in wellness checks, you’re investing in your dog’s long-term health and happiness.

Signs Your Dog Might Need a Wellness Check Sooner

While annual wellness checks are recommended, there are certain signs that may indicate your dog needs to see the vet sooner. If your dog is showing signs of lethargy, loss of appetite, or unusual weight loss, it’s important to schedule an appointment right away. Changes in behavior, such as increased aggression or anxiety, can also signal underlying health concerns that need attention. Other signs to watch for include vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, or difficulty breathing, as these could point to more serious health issues.

If your dog is showing signs of discomfort, such as limping, avoiding physical activity, or whining when touched, it could indicate joint or muscle problems that need prompt attention. Ear infections or unusual discharge from the eyes can also be signs of an infection or underlying condition. Early intervention for these symptoms can help prevent more serious issues and improve your dog’s quality of life.

Choosing the Right Veterinarian for Your Dog’s Wellness Care

Choosing the right veterinarian is essential to ensuring your dog receives the best care during their wellness visits. Look for a vet who is knowledgeable, compassionate, and takes the time to listen to your concerns. It’s important to choose a clinic that offers comprehensive services, including preventative care, emergency care, and diagnostic testing. You want a vet who is up to date with the latest medical advances and who offers a warm, caring environment for your dog.

Consider the location and accessibility of the veterinary clinic as well. You may need to make frequent visits for vaccinations, tests, or follow-up appointments, so a conveniently located vet can make life easier. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the vet’s experience and approach to dog wellness care. Building a relationship with a trusted veterinarian ensures that your dog will always receive top-notch care.

Cherokee Animal Hospital in Canton, Georgia

Regular wellness checks are essential for ensuring your dog lives a long, healthy life. These check-ups help catch potential health issues early, preventing serious conditions from developing. From vaccinations to dental care and overall physical exams, a wellness visit is the best way to stay ahead of your dog’s health needs. By building a relationship with a trusted veterinarian, you’ll gain valuable insights into your dog’s specific needs and receive tailored advice for their well-being.

Don’t wait for signs of illness—schedule a wellness check today. A proactive approach to your dog’s health can lead to fewer visits to the vet in the future and a happier, healthier life for your furry friend. Contact us now to book an appointment.

Cherokee Animal Hospital

2424 Marietta Hwy, Canton, GA 30114

770-479-6505

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[toffeewhims]

My Townies for Brindleton Bay (Part 1)

Noah Caldwell & Beau- Noah works at Brindleton Bay Veterinary Hospital. He has always had a love for animals, and cares deeply for his best furry friend Beau.

Lena Rameriez- Lena is an up-and-coming social media star, who documents her quiet life in the Brindleton Bay area. She enjoys life style content, and luxury fashion hauls.

Ava Sinclair- Recently graduated from Britchester University, Ava is currently a publisher for a local publishing house. She is hoping to one day write her own novel.

Blair Porter- Blair is a local journalist for the Brindleton Bay Times. She loves connecting with her community and writing stories that are important to people.

Elliot Carter- Elliot often has a hard time connecting with others, but has found a love language through cooking. He is hoping to one day open his own restaurant in Brindleton Bay.

Furry Friend by EA:Pugowned 🤍

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

Makeshift shelter saves hundreds of dogs amid floods in southern Brazil

Hundreds of volunteers have set up a makeshift dog shelter in an abandoned, roofless warehouse in the Brazilian city of Canoas, one of the hardest hit by floods in southern Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul state

Hundreds of volunteers have set up a makeshift dog shelter in an abandoned, roofless warehouse in the city of Canoas, one of the hardest hit by floods in southern Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul state.

They treat and feed sick, hungry or injured dogs, hoping to reunite them with their owners, and they were working at full speed Friday morning as renewed heavy rains are forecast in the region over the weekend.

Authorities say more than 110 people have died, almost 150 are missing, and more than 300,000 people have been displaced by the floods. There is no official tally for the number of animals that have died or are made homeless. Local media estimated the number to be in the thousands.

The makeshift shelter, about the size of a soccer field, has taken in hundreds of canines from inundated areas since Sunday. Every hour between 20 and 30 dogs arrive, many injured after having been run over or nearly drowned. The shelter sends some to veterinary hospitals, but others that are in need of medical attention are too frail to be transported. Dog food is scattered throughout the facility, and dogs are chained at distances from one another to prevent fighting.

Continue reading.

[silentwastelands]

STATUS : closed LOCATION : portum veterinary hospital FEATURING : skylar finch @fullmoonsky

AS MUCH AS SAM WANTED TO ENJOY THE BONFIRE FESTIVITIES, worry still sat heavily in the back of his mind well after the last of the coals went cold. a walk in the surrounding forest would usually bring some peace of mind, but today he was on a mission to make sure the local wildlife wasn't reaping any of the consequences of the fireworks and balloons let off the evening before. much to his dismay he found someone sooner rather than later: a scraggly looking creature with plastic wrapped around its neck. it wasn't too interested in sam coming closer, but once he showed he posed no threat it let him scoop it up and make the way to portum veterinary hospital.

"excuse me? i found this friend, could you help them out?"

[bedinkus]

New Bot!

⁎⁺˳✧༚Something out of the woods˚⁎⁺˳✧༚

You’re caring for the over-night animals late at night in the local veterinary hospital. However, that brings an interesting and unexpected visitor.

Especially on the night of the full moon.

Please, please, please. He begged internally. Don’t fuckin’ let me die out here. He watched the person inside look over and was probably startled at the sight of a giant wolf with yellow high beams for eyes staring through a window. Ryker whined trying to show how much he was hurt, how desperately he needed medical attention.

Janitor Link

Tags: AnyPOV, Male, Werewolf, Alternate Scenario

Image Generated with PixAI

[nocompromise-noregrets]

five good things

Time for one of these, I think, partly because it's been a good couple of weeks, and partly because Last Cat Standing is in the veterinary hospital overnight (or possibly for the weekend) because his kidneys are starting to fail and they want to give him IV fluids and meds to try and stabilise him a bit and help him feel better - so I need a bit of distracting. (although as I typed that sentence the vets called me and apparently he is tolerating the drip well and with some meds/supplements and a special diet he should be fine...)

I had my 25th anniversary at job number one on 1 February and had a very enjoyable evening out with my best work friend/work wife, although I had to do an hour and a half of work first - I walked up into town to meet her at the end of the Saturday event she was running, only it did not end on time because there had been a booking disaster and twice as many people showed up as there was room for, so I ended up getting drafted in to help out (in civvies, and loudly protesting that I was supposed to be going to the pub with my friend XD ). Ah well, I put it on my time card XD I was also made a fuss of at the staff meeting on the Monday, and our boss (who is from Suffolk, as am I) made up a little quiz for everyone else on Suffolk dialect phrases, which we read out in our best accents and made everyone guess what they meant XD

I have gained a duckling! Our most recently-qualified archivist has been floundering a little in the wider team because they're all idiots and she's sensible, and my best pal who is her manager asked me to take her on for a bit of mentoring, and to give me a hand with the ridiculously complicated task I've managed to get myself landed with. She's been absolutely invaluable and we are getting on like a house on fire. I've spent my entire career studiously avoiding any managerial responsibility, but supervisory/mentoring? Yeah, that I can do.

Also I had a call this morning from my manager, slightly frantic and very apologetic for calling me on my day off - we have committed to doing a project for one of our major depositors, funded by them, because they need to move out of their offices and have loads of stuff that needs to come to us. One of our colleagues was supposed to be doing it, but about three weeks in, he's become ill, and we need someone to pick it up while he's off. So my manager asked me, since I've been advising our colleague anyway, and suggested I take the duckling with me as it will be very good professional development for her. So we start that on Monday, I think. This will make me look Very Good Indeed. XD (I am Flexible and Experienced and Mature and Sensible and Willing to Help Out at the Drop of a Hat even though I Did Not Particularly Want To Do This Project Myself. Go me.)

I have also just made us look Very Good Indeed because the papers I've been cataloguing about the proposed (but abortive) reorganisation of local government in the 1990s have just been very useful indeed for the consultant who is advising our employers as the whole thing has come up again, in more or less the same shape as last time (work in this job long enough and you realise there really is nothing new under the sun) and he was very impressed with how efficient and knowledgeable we were (I was XD ) and fed back to the Deputy Chief Exec who is likely to be the new Actual Chief Exec when the current one retires in May. She already likes us, but that was a very useful boost. *buffs nails*

I saw Soul Asylum the other week and they were GREAT! The venue was packed at first sight, it was absolutely wall-to-wall people as soon as I got in the door, but I realised after gently pushing through a few rows that it was because everyone was standing at the back like idiots, and further towards the front it all opened up. I ended up in the second row right in front of the singer, and I had a fantastic time. Eighteen-year-old me, who listened to the Gravedancers' Union album almost non-stop at university, is DELIGHTED.

I have been going to the gym for about five weeks, faffing about on the weights machines, and actually rather enjoying myself. Loud music (Måneskin, it's Måneskin) on the headphones, as many machines as I can actually get on when they're not being occupied by people sitting there for ages between sets, about an hour/hour and a quarter three times a week, and I'm feeling better about things already. I don't bother with the free weights or floor exercises or cardio, because I still cannot make myself do cardio and being perceived while moving is still utterly offputting, but I'm thinking that maybe I might be able to trick my brain into a brisk walk on the treadmill sometimes eventually. I go on the way home from work on Mondays and Wednesdays, and I walk up there and back on Fridays, so that's a bit of cardio/warm-up and cooldown, so it kind of works as it is, and my poor crumbling bones are getting a little bit of support.

Speaking of my poor crumbling bones, I FINALLY have an appointment to talk to a consultant about hopefully getting the infusion treatment for my osteoporosis, which is once a year or so, rather than the tablet-with-ridiculous-conditions-once-a-week which my undiagnosed probably-ADHD-but-at-least-executive-dysfunction has struggled with for over six years (which is why my bones are as crumbling as they are). I had my scan last July, the GP referred me in September, I was sent an appointment for January in October, which was then cancelled in November because they had 'reviewed my information' and decided I didn't need it or something, but then in January I was invited to book another appointment online...only to be told there were no appointments available, but about three weeks later I was sent one for the first Tuesday in March. Here's hoping! I was talking to my friend (who is a very organised post-doctoral researcher in public health management and specialises in nudging people to make healthy choices) about it, and she was making all sorts of suggestions for remembering the tablet, which...I just, I just can't, reminders don't work for me because I'll look at them and forget immediately, and then I explained the full ridiculousness of it - have to take it first thing in the morning, once a week, on an empty stomach, can't eat or drink or lie down for at least half an hour afterwards...and she was like 'oh yeah actually okay fuck that, that is RIDICULOUS' and then we got talking about how it really does sound like I probably have ADHD but given that we still haven't got the missus a diagnosis after about three years of trying, and I can generally cope with things better than she can, I don't know if there's any point even trying to get diagnosed. But anyway.

I am collaborating with the same friend on the most DELICIOUSLY angsty and bittersweet fic series and having an absolute whale of a time with it. Our writing styles and processes are very different, but it is just such a joy batting ideas back and forth and hammering the stories out (with absolute glee every time we think of a plot point which will make our four readers howl XD ) and developing all manner of plot-device characters into actual fully-fledged characters and generally having a marvellous time.

I am also having a MARVELLOUS TIME pinging ideas back and forth with @malkaleh on her Gold Cage ROP-'verse and a large and sprawling thing taking in all manner of characters from all manner of sources which will never see the light of day because it's ours (and would make no sense to anyone else at this point XDDDD ) but we are enjoying SO MUCH. <33333333

And people seem to like Alyssa, my very-young-and-very-out-of-her-depth personal-assistant-to-an-absolute-chaos-demon-idiot, which is GREAT - I know people are sometimes a bit leery of OCs, but I couldn't not write her and I'm so glad I shared her. One of the readers who talks to my friend regularly sent her a picture with the caption 'I feel like Alyssa will have something to say about this' or words to that effect, which my friend then sent to me, so it seems like the Alyssa-'verse is spreading XDDDD

Anyway, that's plenty to be going on with. And Last Cat Standing is still standing and there are things that can be done for him, so that is also a Good Thing. <33333333333