* March brings with it spring and nicer weather. After this year’s winter spring can come none too soon. We have had such a rough winter we know many dogs have had limited opportunity for regular exercise. This dulls their enthusiasm and contributes to weight gain. As the weather breaks and the streets aren’t so wet and slushy we encourage you to get out with your dog and walk and run. Both of you will benefit. If you got a puppy during the winter you might consider enrolling your new family member and its family in a spring puppy kindergarten or basic obedience class. We will be having classes starting in April. We also recommend the Toledo Kennel Club, Pups ’N’ People, and Gardner Dog Training.

* Our cat show, Cavalcade of Cats, was a great success. Over 100 household pets were judged in three rings and many ribbons were given out.

This years winners were:

Best Kitten In Show was “Silver” an 8 month old male owned by Vivien Ziemke

Best Young Adult In Show was “Roxy” a 21 month old female owned by Kim Stiles

Best Adult In Show was “Freddie” a 5 year old male owned by Denny Daly & Dorothy Pakulski

Best Senior In Show was “Pumpkin” a 15 Year old female owned by Diane Avellano-Virostko

Our attendance was down a little, in part, because of our new location at Gladieux Meadows. Hopefully, this will become our permanent home. This years show was dedicated to the memory of a great client and cat lover, Diane Stang. Diane died of cancer this past fall. We anticipate donating over $500 each to Paws and Whiskers Cat Shelter and Maumee Valley Save A Pet. All in all the Cavalcade of Cats was a great community event and one we look forward to continuing. Our fund raising efforts for humane organizations are unique in the local veterinary community.

* Did you know that we have several talented animal artists in our practice. Laura Keller is a former employee who is a graphic design artist. She has done the beautiful artwork that has appeared on the cat show bulletins and t-shirts. Nikki Eby does beautiful drawing of cats. The collage of cats behind our reception counter is Nikki’s work. She is currently working on a matching piece of dogs. Nikki is also the founder of her own private cat rescue organization, Care About The Cats, C.A.T.S. Both Laura and Nikki are available to do a drawing of your pet. Contact the office for their phone numbers, or you can e-mail Nikki at nikki@accesstoledo.com . Pat Snyder, a former groomer in Waterville and the breeder of Dr. Bob’s Portuguese Water Dog is a talented artist. Her line drawings accompany each puppy she sells.

* In March we will be conducting our quarterly Keep Lucas County Beautiful street pickup. We are responsible for Main St. / Holland–Sylvania from the office south to Central. If any client would like to assist the staff, just give us a call, and we will let you know the exact day and time to come to the office. After our pick-up, which takes less than one hour, Dr. Bob buys us lunch at Barry Bagels.

* Our new referral thank you program is in full swing. Several clients have made multiple referrals and are getting near the big payoff of 11% off all veterinary bills for one year for all their animals. If you are impressed with the care you and your pet receives at Sylvania Vet be sure to tell your pet owning friends. When they enroll as a new client the thank you and gifts start flowing your way. Stop in and ask for a pocket calendar that lists the great gifts that you receive each step along the referral path. Help us grow and reap the benefits. Refer them to our web-site for information and a new client registration form.

* Look for the introduction of a new senior pet wellness and aging prevention program. Dr. Ross and several staff members are developing a senior care package that will help us keep your aging pet healthier, happier and living longer.

* Recent reports about a human weight loss product, Metabolife indicates that it can be toxic to pets. Two reports to the national pet poison control center indicated near death experiences for two dogs that got into a bottle of Metabolife left out by their owners. This points out that you must be careful about all your medicines and supplements when you live with pets. It also indicates that herbal substances can be potent medicine when not used appropriately.

Have a green , fun and safe St. Patrick’s Day!

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