Pet dental health month

As pet dental health month winds down, I have a couple of thouhgts.

First our pets still have teeth next month. :-) And they will build up tartar and plaque, so keep up with brushing.

We have a few of the t/d bags for cats and dogs for the $5.00 off the manufacturer gave us, as well as a few of the CET chews.

I learned, like the 'approved by the American Dental Association' for human toothpaste and other products, there is a Veterinary Oral Health Council that will put their seal on products that actually do benefit the pets to reduce tartar and plaque.

The oral rinse that is available and is the ONLY one with the VOHC approval is at the bottom of the list.

Notice the T/d food is the first approved, and the CET chews are also on the list. The 'flossing' toys have not received this approval.

Healthymouth anti-plaque water additive is the additve that is recommended. It is available by clicking here.

They also have a cat water additive available at the same address.

Happy smiles.

Day Dreaming or Dreaming of something better?

We had in interesting staff meeting on Wednesday. Kelly Ramirez (my wife) came in and presented an interesting concept - how to manage your dreams.

We started with - what are were your dreams in the past? Who helped you achieve your dreams?

And more important, what are your dreams now? For this year, for 5 years from now, for 10 years from now?

We did a 'dream storming' session with the staff - asking them to write down their dreams.

So what are your dreams? We will continue this on our Facebook page also. If your not a 'fan' check us out here.

What makes you smile

I have thought about what makes someone smile - is it a fun event, or a joke. Is it at the end of a nice day where you get to help people?

What makes you smile? In our clinic - a new puppy is a very nice smile. Getting a chance to see the joy on a person's face who brings in a new bundle of energy into their house is very exciting for everyone. And that excitement is contagious.

What makes you smile so much that your smile is contagious? I was reminded of that when I think back to the days my children were born. That makes me smile, and it was contagious when I went back to work.... and I think it lasted for exactly 13 years. ;-)

When I bought the practice here in East Peoria, I had a big smile, because that was a dream I had since I was a high school youth, was to be a veterinarian, and 'be my own boss'.

Sometimes the road to get our dream is longer than we think... but it is worth it. We learn something with each and every day that passes that helps us become a better version of ourself. What is that for you?

I know our pets have helped me to become a better version of myself. I learn so much from them every day. And I am very privileged to be able to take care of these wonderful creatures every day.

That makes me smile.

Take time for important

I was driving to work today, and an incident gave me pause to think about what is important.

As you know we are trying to sell our house north of Decatur. As I was driving around Bloomington this morning, I saw in front of me a black Saturn spinning and doing a 360 in front and slide down the side of the highway.

They probably would have been OK, except this occurred just south of the Normal Wildcats football stadium... where the culvert is for the drainage ditch.

The car unfortunately hit that just the wrong way, and flipped over and disappeared to those who saw the whole thing.

Along with many others, I stopped to go help those in the car. Turns out it was a dad and his older daughter.
The car was upside down in the water part of the ditch, with the trunk and rear seat in the water.
By the time I had arrived, both of the passengers somehow had survived, with only scratches, and were out of the car. Obviously both were shaken up, and were soaked. We all offered out coats, had them take off their wet clothes, while some others called the paramedics and state police.

In all - almost 10 people stopped and came to offer help for this person in distress. The dad thanked us all, and was very greatful because, as he pointed out, if we had not stopped, you could not see the car from the road, it flipped into the culvert and was 'hidden' from the road.

It is why I love to work in Central IL. People here care for each other and what is important. Several folks waited for the paramedics and police to show up... just to be there with the folks. It is all very scary time, but just having folks around is very helpful.

I took it a little slower on my drive in, and thought about many things - how our lives have changed for the better since having a chance to work in this practice, as we move to the community.

I want to thank you for being a part of a wonderful community, and welcoming me into your community family.