Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Speck's Waggin' on Down the Road!

 
 

Hi again!

I just wanted to let every one know, that I'll be wagging on down the road...

  Me and my Mommy will no longer be here at the Hospital. So I won't be able to keep telling you stories about what happens around here.    

  For a little guy,like me, writing over 80 posts for all of you is something I'm really proud of. 





  I'll miss the many furry and human pals I've made here. I can't tell you how much me and Mommy will miss all the friends we've made.


A new Kitten Friend!



My best friend: Stella!


And a kinda scary friend: Nugget...She tried to hop on my head.



  I'm really gonna miss Dr. Jackson. She took so good care of my brothers and sisters. Talk about an awesome Doctor. She's the best!




  I think, what I'll miss the most, is helping my Mom put on all of the super fun Holiday celebrations! 


 


  
 Our Halloween Photo Contest was awesome too! Seeing everyone in their costumes was really fun! But, choosing a winner every year was really hard!





 
 I've only been around for five of the Hospitals famous Holiday photo sessions for our Clients and Patients. But Mommy has been making sure that Santa came to see us for 14 years! 





  Helping her (well kinda, I'm pretty tiny) put up the Hospitals Holiday decorations was so much fun. 

  I loved watching the bids go up on our Silent Auction Baskets! I never imagined how generous our Clients could be!




  And making all of our raffle baskets to raise donations for the Pets in Need Fund, was the best feeling ever!



  I know how much she loved wrapping up our seasonal raffle Gift Baskets. The baskets were a special "Thank You" to our wonderful Clients!




  My Mom also took some pretty funny pictures of me for my blog. Some were pretty over the top:



I know it was Easter. But really? A Bunny Costume?
I think you knew how much I hated snakes, Mom
                                             



 I always had fun though. Even with all the crazy costumes and poses she put me in.


Really, Mommy? In my bathing suit?











 
Did you really have to take my picture while I was in the tub?


 
 Even though I won't be at this Hospital anymore. There's a great big world out there for me to explore and write about.



I'll definitely keep telling stories. Just in a different place!


And I'd love it if you joined me!  


  I'll always keep the promise I made to all of you, over four years ago. To tell you happy stories, funny stories, and sometimes very emotional ones too.


  You can always visit me at Facebook page for more Blog Posts and other awesome stuff: 
https://www.facebook.com/SpecktheBloggingDog/




See you there!

Speck 


Let's face it, Mom. No one believed this one...


                              Speck the Blogging Dog © Chrissie Ratliff 2013-2017 all rights reserved

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Happy 50th Anniversary to our Hospital!

The Hospital was originally a trailer, that was parked across the street.


Wow! It's been awhile.

  Sorry I've been away for so long, but when I tell you why, you'll totally understand!

 I had to help get ready for our Open House, Santa Photos and our 50th Anniversary!

That right! Our 50th! 

  Laguna Hills Animal Hospital has been here since 1966! And we are super proud of that.

 

The first time Dr. Acton saw our Hospital

    
 Dr. Acton took ownership on June 1st. 1983 and he was beginning an amazing journey. 

  Remodeling came first. Dr. Acton began a 20 year long process, making everything super cool and comfy for us furry guys. No detail was missed. He did it all!


Our original Pet Store


  One of the first things: a new Pet Store! Looking back at the photos, he did a really good job! Now you can pick up anything, from pet food to toys!



















  
  And you wouldn't have believed how the inside AND outside of the Hospital changed too! Everything was renovated to be the best hospital ever!

 

Our new sign!

Dr. Acton checks out the progress




  
  We just kept growing and growing. It was awesome!  Signs went up and walls went up and everything just kept getting bigger and better! 



A tired Dr. Acton takes a quick break during the construction



 Dr. Acton worked and keep his dream growing. More and more Clients and Patients kept coming. They loved our Hospital so much, Dr. Acton had to keep making it even bigger!






  All I've gotta say is, I LOVE this place! And without Dr. Acton, his hard work and his commitment to all of us, Laguna Hills Animal Hospital would still be, just a dream.
  
I just wished I had been around then to watch it all happen,

Speck


Speck the Blogging Dog © Chrissie Ratliff 2013-2017 all rights reserved

Thursday, June 16, 2016

How to Deal with a Lamp Shade on your Head




We've all had to wear one...

  They're known by many names: the Elizabethan collar, the "satellite dish", the "lamp shade" and even the "cone of shame".  

  And believe me; the times that I've had one on, I haven't been happy.




 
  But, sometimes the Doctors say we have to wear them after a surgery, injury or even excessive licking.   Without it though, licking or chewing can cause irritation and infection.
   Chewing at or licking an incision is a sure way to slow down healing too. The tongue, especially in cats, is so rough that it can destroy healing tissue and delay healing.   


 
  Licking can lead to nibbling and chewing, especially when nobody is around to watch us. Let's face it, sometimes we just can't control ourselves. And our families can't keep their eyes on us ALL the time.  
  Wearing and E-Collar, especially for the first time, can literally be a really bumpy ride! So here are some tips you can pass on to your parents to help you through it:

1. Be slow, comforting and patient with your dog. Be extra careful helping him/her get in and out of the car without bumping things. 
2. Make sure your dog has full access to their bed without bumping a wall or crate door. Move it away from walls or other objects she might bump.
3. Make sure water and food bowls are smaller than the collar area so he can eat and drink with the collar on. Put the dishes on something that elevates them so the collar doesn’t bump the floor when he tries to eat or drink. 
4. Keep the dishes away from the counter, wall or anything that s/he would bump into. You may have to move them as much as 6 to 8” away from a wall or counter.



  The good news is, here at the Hospital, we have different types of collars for you to try! Ones those are soft. Ones that you can see through. Even ones that blow up like a life preserver. Those are my favorite!





  So, hopefully this helps.  And you might even score a few "sympathy treats"  My Mom always gives me goodies when I have to wear a collar.... Especially when I give her the "sad eyes."

I know they're for my own good and I get used to it every time I have to wear one.

But, still. No one really wants to walk around in a lamp shade...

Speck

Speck the Blogging Dog © Chrissie Ratliff 2013-2017 all rights reserved

Monday, April 18, 2016

Something To Smile About!

 



Hi Everyone!

  I just wanted to tell you about a cool new product we have in our Pet Store:

OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews! 


  

  While other products may remove plaque and tartar, OraVet Chews are the first plaque prevention system. It’s a completely safe and drug-free product that adheres to teeth even through brushing.  



  Our great-tasting dental chews not only clean teeth, they create a barrier against plaque, calculus and bad breath!


  All you have to do, is ask your Mom or Dad to give you one chew each day. And that's it! You get a yummy treat and your teeth will be super happy!

  Like people, we need regular dental check ups and cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup. But if chewed daily, OraVet Chews make a big difference in your dental health.

 

And don't worry! There's a box of OraVet Chews for every size dog!


 

 

 


  So come on in and check out the new dental chew that will protect your teeth and take care of that bad breath!

OraVet chews are really something to smile about!  


Speck




                              Speck the Blogging Dog © Chrissie Ratliff 2013-2017 all rights reserved 

Monday, February 22, 2016

Welcome Doctor Cassidy Jackson!





This week I've got a really exciting announcement! 

Dr. Cassidy Jackson has joined our team of Doctors!

  I've know Dr. Jackson since I was just a pup. She was a Veterinary Technician here at the Hospital, then went away to  school. Now she's back with us as a Veterinarian! 



  I spent the day with her and learned some pretty cool stuff. I thought I'd share some things about her, so you guys can get to know her too: 

Dr. Jackson was born and raised in Southern California.


She Graduated in 2011 from University of California Irvine with a Bachelor of Science Degree, with a strong focus interest in genetics.


Dr. Jackson received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree in January 2016 from Ross University School of Veterinarian Medicine.


 •She completed her clinical of year training at Virginia Maryland School of Veterinarian Medicine.


Dr. Jackson competed with her Dalmatians in a variety of American Kennel Club events such as Conformation, Obedience, Agility and Junior Showmanship. 


In her spare time, she loves to go to Lake Havasu and water ski, play beach volleyball or soccer.





Dr. Jackson worked at LHAH from, August 2011 to September 2012 before leaving for Veterinary school.


She is also interested in preventative medicine, genetic health testing, theriogenology and strengthening the human animal bond.


I couldn't be happier about Dr. Jackson joing us! 

  She gave me a good looking over, and I did great! I'm usually nervous about things like that, but she snuggled me and made me feel safe, comfortable and cared for!

  So come in and meet Dr. Jackson. I promise she'll take the same amazing care of you, that she did with me!

Speck



                              
 Speck the Blogging Dog © Chrissie Ratliff 2013-2017 all rights reserved