I’m sure that by now everyone has heard of the most recent pet food recalls due to a contamination of Salmonella. In order to help educate and protect our clients and patients we have decided to post the newest product code listings as they appear on www.diamondpet.com/info.  If the diet that is fed to your pet is listed and you feel that your pet has been exposed and is beginning to show symptoms please to call us  schedule an appointment.  For any further questions please call the office and our staff will be happy to assist you.

Symptoms of Salmonella would include vomit and diarreah.

UPDATED: CORRECT PRODUCTION CODE INFORMATION

Diamond Pet Foods Expands Voluntary Recall of Dry Pet Food Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination

Batches of the brands manufactured between December 9, 2011 and April 7, 2012 are affected

Consumer Contact: 866-918-8756 Media Contact: 816-255-1974

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 5, 2012

Diamond Pet Foods today announced that it is expanding a voluntary recall to include batches of nine brands of dry pet food formulas manufactured between December 9, 2011 and April 7, 2012 due to potential Salmonella contamination.

In April 2012, Diamond Pet Foods initiated three voluntary recalls of Diamond manufactured dry dog food. Although none of the additional products being recalled have tested positive for Salmonella, the company is pulling them from store shelves as a precaution. Diamond Pet Foods is coordinating efforts with federal and state health and regulatory agencies and decided to independently expand the recall to ensure the safety and well-being of customers and their pets.

The company stated: “We have taken corrective actions at our Gaston, S.C., facility and voluntarily expanded the recall out of concern for our customers and their pets.”

Brands included in the recall include:

• Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul
• Country Value
• Diamond
• Diamond Naturals
• Premium Edge
• Professional
• 4Health
• Taste of the Wild

To determine if their pet food is recalled, consumers should check the production codes on the back of bags that have a number “2” or a “3” in the 9^th position AND an “X” in the 10^th or 11^th position. The best-before dates for the recalled brands listed above are December 9, 2012 through April 7, 2013.

The following graphic is an example of how to read the production code and best before date:

The recall affects only products distributed in the following U.S. states and Canada.  Further distribution through other pet food channels may have occurred.

• Alabama
• Florida
• Georgia
• Indiana
• Kentucky
• Massachusetts
• Maryland
• Michigan
• Mississippi
• New York
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• South      Carolina
• Tennessee
• Virginia
• Canada

The Kirkland Signature products included in the recall include:

• Kirkland Signature Super Premium      Adult Dog Lamb, Rice & Vegetable Formula (Best Before December      9, 2012 through January 31, 2013)
• Kirkland Signature Super Premium      Adult Dog Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Formula (Best Before December      9, 2012 through January 31, 2013)
• Kirkland Signature Super Premium      Mature Dog Chicken, Rice & Egg Formula (Best Before December      9, 2012 through January 31, 2013)
• Kirkland Signature Super Premium      Healthy Weight Dog Formulated with Chicken & Vegetables (Best Before December 9, 2012 through January 31,      2013)
• Kirkland Signature Super Premium Maintenance      Cat Chicken & Rice Formula (Best      Before December 9, 2012      through January 31, 2013)
• Kirkland Signature Super Premium      Healthy Weight Cat Formula (December 9, 2012 through January 31,      2013)
• Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain      Salmon Meal & Sweet Potato Formula for Dogs (December 9,      2012 through January 31, 2013)

To determine if their pet food is recalled, consumers should check the production codes on the back of bags must have both a number “3” in the 9^th position AND an “X” in the 11^th position. The best-before dates for the recalled brands listed are December 9, 2012 through January 31, 2013.  

The recall affects only products distributed in the following U.S. states, Puerto Rico and Canada.

• Alabama
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Canada
• Puerto Rico

Diamond Pet Foods apologizes for any issues this may cause consumers and their pets. Pet owners who are unsure if the product they purchased is included in the recall, or who would like replacement product or a refund, may contact Diamond Pet Foods via a toll free call at 1-866-918-8756, Monday through Sunday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. EST.  Consumers may also go to a special website, diamondpetrecall.com, for more information. The company is working with distributors and retailers to ensure all affected product is removed from shelves.

Pets with Salmonella infections may have decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. If left untreated, pets may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

Individuals handling dry pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with surfaces exposed to this product. People who believe they may have been exposed to Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. According to the Centers for Disease Control, people who are more likely to be affected by Salmonella include infants, children younger than 5 years old, organ transplant patients, people with HIV/AIDS and people receiving treatment for cancer. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have received a limited number of reports of salmonellosis, the illness caused by Salmonella. We are working with the CDC, but due to patient confidentiality, we cannot comment further.

# # #

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

For more information, please visit diamondpetrecall.com.

Hello everyone! As summer approaches many of us will begin to plan our vacations. This also means deciding who will care for your pet while you are gone! I found a great article on www.petplace.com that discusses the importance of chosing the right care facility for you and your feline family member.

Enjoy!

Kenneling Your Cat

By Dr. Douglas Brum

While kennels range from the barebones to the ultra-fancy, keep in mind that the frills are meant mainly for owners. The cat really isn’t interested in what color his enclosure is. What is important is general safety and the friendliness and competence of the staff.

What to Look For in a Kennel

• The first thing you should do is visit the kennel before boarding your cat. Most kennels welcome these visits, and it gives you a chance to see their facilities and ask specific questions. Your questions should be answered to your satisfaction, so that you will feel comfortable leaving your pet when you are away.

• The kennel should be clean inside and out. Proper sanitation is one of the most important aspects of preventing the spread of contagious diseases. The cages and runs should look and smell clean. Animals that are currently boarding should be clean and appear well cared for.

• Indoors, the boarding facility should have adequate cage sizes. Each cat should have her own individual cage, and not be too near other cats. Cats should not have any contact with one another. This decreases the potential of aggression and spread of disease. Cats also shouldn’t be boarded together with dogs, which tend to bark. Cats prefer a quiet environment. Even the presence of some dogs might cause a great deal of stress in certain cats, especially if the dogs are within direct view.

• The general boarding environment should be pleasant and feel comfortable. Natural lighting from windows is great, but if not available, adequate indoor lighting should be present. The area should be relatively quiet, although some kennels play music or the radio, which can also be quite soothing. The air should circulate well and not smell stagnant. With cats, the biggest potential infectious problem while boarding is upper respiratory infections. Proper air ventilation significantly decreases the risk of transmission of this disease.

• Even though cats are being boarded, they still need to be provided with certain stimuli and opportunity for some exercise. Some kennels offer cat cages with multiple levels, giving cats a place to climb and perch. Some cages have scratching posts, or are partially carpeted. These provide greater comfort, but are much more difficult to keep clean.

• Find out how many animals are routinely boarded at a single time, and the number of staff taking care of the animals. More people and fewer animals may mean more attention for the individual animals.

• Some kennels have associations with specific veterinarians either on the premises or working near by. Discuss how your cat will be taken care of in the event of an illness. The kennel’s veterinarian may be the one contacted for treatment to be provided, or it might be your regular veterinarian. If you have a specific preference, discuss this with the kennel owner.

 • If your cat is on medication that is given several times a day, make sure that the kennel personnel are able to administer it appropriately. Some kennels may not be able to give medication as often as your cat requires.

• Some boarding facilities offer an added benefit of grooming services. Consider having your cat groomed the day he or she is scheduled to go home. It is always nice for your cat to come back from the kennel smelling clean, fresh and newly groomed.

Kennel Requirements

• All cats to be boarded should be healthy and free of contagious diseases. If your cat has a medical problem that is stable or currently under treatment, let the kennel know prior to boarding to make sure they are comfortable boarding your cat.

• A kennel may require a health certificate from your veterinarian and proof of your cat’s most recent vaccinations.

• If your cat has fleas or other external or internal parasites, he or she should be treated prior to arrival or on admission to the kennel.

• Certain kennels have very specific requirements regarding vaccinations. Don’t assume that your cat has had all of the vaccinations required without checking with the kennel first. For example, some veterinarians are not routinely vaccinating each year for FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia). These veterinarians may be giving these vaccines every three years, yet the boarding facility still requires them yearly. Additionally, a kennel may have specific vaccine requirements (i.e. feline bordetella) that are not routinely administered by your veterinarian. In all cases, check with the kennel so that any discrepancies can be addressed prior to boarding. Most of the time, a letter from your veterinarian will be all that is required. Other times, additional vaccines may need to be given.

• As a general rule, most kennels require FVRCP vaccinations to be given according to the general practice of the area (either yearly or every three years). Rabies vaccines are administered according to individual state law.

What You Should Bring to the Kennel

• It is always a good idea to bring your cat’s own food to the kennel. Abrupt changes in food, may lead to diarrhea in some cats, especially when they are in a more stressful environment, away from home. Abrupt dietary changes in cats may also lead to anorexia, since most cats do not like changes in their routine. If your cat is on a special diet or has special dietary needs, make sure the kennel is aware of this, and that they follow your specific instructions.

• For many cats, bringing their own litter is a good idea. Some cats may be reluctant to use a different type of litter, especially in a strange environment.

• If your cat has a special bed or favorite toy, ask if you can bring them with your pet. Familiar items from home will make your pet feel more comfortable while you are away.

• The kennel should have several contact numbers available so, if needed, the appropriate people can be contacted in the unlikely event of an emergency. First, provide the number (if possible) where you can be reached while you are away. If you are unavailable, a friend or relative’s number should be accessible. This person should be able to make any emergency decisions if needed; discuss your wishes with this person prior to your leaving. The kennel should also have your veterinarian’s number in case there are medical problems, especially on going medical problems with your pet.

• If your cat typically receives medications at home, they should be continued while boarding. Bring the medications with you to the kennel, and make sure the kennel is aware of the specific problem being treated.

If you do not feel that kenneling is appropriate for your cat, you may want to consider hiring a pet sitter. These animal loving people will come to your home to care for your pet. Some may even spend the night.

 Original article written by Dr. Douglas Brum and was published online at www.petplace.com

April 12, 2012

Hello fellow cat lovers! I came across a great website that I’d like to share with all of you. It sends out daily news letters with helpful pet tips! Go to www.petplace.com to check it out.

Until then I’m posting a copy of today’s letter written by Dr. Jon. I hope you all find it as useful as I have!

Extremely BAD Flea and Tick Season – Are You Prepared?

You may have seen on TV that veterinarians are predicting that this will be an extremely bad flea and tick season.

Why these predictions?

Well, this is because across the country we experienced a warmer than usual weather this winter.  This means that fleas and ticks will emerge from their dormant life cycles sooner.

That is not good news, especially when you consider that even just one flea can lead to a full flea infestation in no time at all.
An adult flea can lay 15 to 20 eggs per day and over 500 in her lifetime. At this rate one flea in your home can become a full flea infestation – imagine fleas on your pet, in your carpets, sofas, clothing and even your bed.

The only way to protect your pet is to treat them with a flea and tick preventative medication.

Let me ask you a question….

Is your pet in flea medication yet? If not, please do not let your precious pet go another day without protection! A single flea can bite your pet more than 400 times – please act today and give him/her the protection he/she needs!

TODAY’S PET TIP

Applying Topical Medication to Your Cat

Help us to improve our service!

At Pleasant Valley Animal Hospital our goal be sure that each client recieves the best personalized service that we can offer. In order to do that we need your feedback! Please click on the link below to take our survey. Any further comments or suggestions are greatly welcomed!

http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22EFPVRJTSV

Fat Cats, Dogs Developing Diabetes, Report Finds

Friday, May 13, 2011

FRIDAY, May 13 (HealthDay News) — Like all good pet owners, Christine Wong didn’t hesitate to go to a veterinary clinic near her home in Austin, Texas, when her cat, Kiki, wasn’t feeling well.

“She just wasn’t acting like herself,” recalled Wong.

After running a blood and urine test, the doctor discovered the Persian-mix feline has diabetes.

Diabetes is on the rise as America’s cats and dogs grow fatter, according to a new report by Banfield Pet Hospital, a national chain of pet hospitals headquartered in Portland, Ore. Since 2006, diabetes jumped 32 percent in dogs and 16 percent in cats, says the report, which analyzed trends in common and preventable illnesses from the past five years.

Just as in people, diabetes is often linked to obesity and may require lifelong monitoring and treatment.

“The most important thing we can do for a cat with diabetes is getting it on a weight loss program,” said Dr. Denise Elliott, a veterinarian with Banfield.

“We know that if we can get the weight off in conjunction with insulin injections, in many cases we can resolve the cat’s diabetes,” she added.

Fat cats are six times more likely to develop diabetes than their thinner feline cousins, Elliott said.

For the report, researchers crunched data from the records of 2.5 million dogs and cats cared for last year in its 770 hospitals nationwide.

Symptoms of diabetes in both dogs and cats may include excessive urination, increased thirst and weight loss, despite a hearty appetite. If not detected and treated early, dogs in advanced stages of the disease might develop cataracts and cats may experience hind-limb weakness, Elliott said.

There are two types of diabetes mellitus. Dogs often get type 1 (insulin-dependent), which is similar to the form seen in children, in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin, a hormone that helps cells turn sugar into energy. Breeds prone to the condition are bichon frise, cairn terrier, dachshund, keeshond, miniature poodle and puli.

Cats are commonly affected by type 2 diabetes, or non-insulin dependent, in which the pancreas produces insulin but the body does not respond normally to it. At-risk breeds include Maine coon, Russian blue and Siamese.

For dogs with diabetes, it’s usually a lifelong battle. Along with a special diet, they typically need insulin injections twice a day, veterinarians say. Once clinical signs resolve, blood glucose concentrations are monitored every three to four months to determine if changes to the treatment plan are necessary.

But the outlook for dogs is good. “Typically dogs that are treated properly for diabetes go on to live a long, full life,” said Dr. Charles Wiedmeyer, assistant professor of veterinary clinical pathology at the University of Missouri in Columbia.

Wiedmeyer and colleague Dr. Amy DeClue, assistant professor of veterinary internal medicine, recently adapted a device used to monitor glucose in humans to help dogs with diabetes that don’t respond well to conventional treatment. Continuous glucose monitors (CGM) are flexible devices inserted an inch or so into the skin to provide detailed information on sugar levels.

Using a CGM, a dog’s blood sugar levels can be monitored at home in everyday situations rather than in a cage at the animal hospital, they say. Normally, veterinarians create an insulin regimen by taking blood from the animal in the clinic every two hours over the course of a single day. But test results are often inaccurate, he said, because of stress felt by pets from being in an unfamiliar environment.

Adapting to the needs of a diabetic pet isn’t easy. When Kiki, Wong’s cat, was diagnosed three years ago with diabetes, the toughest part was getting used to giving the insulin shots, Wong said.

Now it’s a breeze, she noted. Kiki receives insulin injections every 12 hours — before Wong leaves for work and when she returns home — plus occasional check-ups and a modified diet.

It costs Wong about $65 a month to manage her pet’s disease. But she doesn’t mind the added cost or extra time spent in caring for Kiki.

“In the end, she and I are definitely closer for all of it,” said Wong. “She lives well and seems healthy and happy these days, far from the end. And this makes it all worth it.”

SOURCES: Charles Wiedmeyer, D.V.M., assistant professor of veterinary clinical pathology, University of Missouri, Columbia; Christine Wong, Austin, Texas; Denise Elliott, D.V.M., veterinarian, Banfield Pet Hospital; 2011 State of Pet Health Report, Banfield Pet Hospital

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We’d like to invite all of the friends and family of the Pleasant Valley Animal Hospital to join us at the 3rd annual Hudson Vally Petpalooza this Saturday, May 21st, from 11am to 5pm at the Dutchess County Fair Grounds! There will be great fun, music and food for all and leashed pets are welcome.

You will find us at the Rabies Clinic booth where we will be giving vaccines to help raise money for P.A.N.T, a local rescue organization that gives help to pets that need assistance in finding a home. The rabies vaccines will be given at ten dollars per pet and ALL funds will be donated to the many pets in our area that are in need!

For More information on the Petpalooza or the organizations that will benefit from this charity event please check out their web site www.hudsonvalleypetpalooza.com

We hope to see you all there!

When was the last time you brushed your pet’s teeth? Studies show that fewer than 1% of pet owners brush their pets’ teeth daily. As odd as it may seem brushing your pets teeth on a regular basis is just as important for maintaining their health as it is for us. Good oral care combined with annual wellness exams and routine dental cleanings is the best way to prevent periodontal disease and the health risks associated with it.¬¨‚Ć Some of the most common warning signs of periodontal disease are:

• Plaque and calculus buildup
• Gingival recession
• Mobile teeth
• Excessive salivation
• Chewing difficulties
• Halitosis¬¨‚Ć

There are four stages of periodontal disease. Once a specific stage is diagnosed, tailored therapy and prevention of future disease is recommended.

Stage 1: Gingivitis

Therapy involves removing plaque from the teeth and encouraging pet owners to perform home care such as tooth brushing, wipes and/or dental treats.

Stage 2: Early periodontal disease exists when <25% tooth support is lost.

Therapy involves removing a small amount of gum tissue (gingivectomy) or applying a local antibiotic (Doxirobe) in cases of small pockets. Where there is gum recession, usually home preventive care is all that is recommended after the teeth are cleaned.

Stage 3: Established periodontal disease exists when 25%–50% tooth support is lost.

Treatment involves decreasing or eliminating the periodontal pocket if present.

Stage 4: Advanced periodontal disease exists when >50% tooth support is lost.

Because there is very little support of the teeth, extraction is the treatment of choice. Prevention of periodontal disease affecting adjacent teeth is very important.

Routine examination of your pets teeth should be done every year in combination with the annual wellness exam to check for any signs of dental disease.  As your pet grows older the chances of periodontal disease increases. Because of this many veterinarians will suggest  examing the pet every six months and may want to schedule a  routine dental cleaning annually. By following simple guidelines for good oral health along with the reccomendations of your veterinarian, not only will your four legged friend have fresh breath and spakling teeth, they will also have a healthy and longer life.

What causes the kidney to fail?  Advancing age, severe /chronic or recurrent infections, high blood pressure (yes! cats and dogs can have high blood pressure!), kidney stones, birth defects like cysts in the kidneys, poisons like antifreeze, Lyme Disease, Leptospirosis, and, in some dogs, an adverse reaction to grapes and raisins.

What can we do to recognize kidney problems at the very earliest stage?  Simple.  Bring a urine sample into the office for analysis.  The laboratory will test the pH, look for crystals and various cell types, check for sugar, and, most importantly, look for leakage of proteins.  Protein leakage is the earliest sign that kidneys may be diseased, although the presence of excess protein in the urine does not, by itself, diagnose the reason for that leakage.

The full scope of kidney disease cannot be detailed today in our blog.  For that, take a look at theses articles published at www.DVM360.com.

Prolong Life and kidney Function(Proceedings)

http://veterinarycalendar.dvm360.com/avhc/Medicine/Prolonging-life-and-kidney-function-Proceedings/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/651332?contextCategoryId=45705

11 Guidelines for Conservatively Treating Chronic Kidney Disease-Veterinary Medicine

http://veterinarymedicine.dvm360.com/vetmed/Medicine/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/478487

Acute Intrinsic Renal Failure(AIRF)- Causes and Prevention

http://veterinarycalendar.dvm360.com/avhc/Medicine/Acute-intrinsic-renal-failure-AIRF—causes-and-pr/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/651367?contextCategoryId=45705

But what I DO want to do today is stress the importance of that urine sample.  Few of us can go to our own physicians without providing a sample to our doctor.  Why would it be any different for our pet cat or dog?  For ease of collection, use a pie plate for a dog – even a jar top will work for a tiny tea-cup toy breed.  A half-teaspoon of urine is enough to run the full battery of tests listed above.

As for our fastidious feline friends, if you insert a cat’s litter box into a clean dry cleaning bag, 75% of cats will urinate on the plastic since they can (a) see their litter, (b) feel their litter beneath their paws, and (c) dry cleaning plastic does not crinkle.  We also sell a black plastic bead litter called Nosorb which can also convince cats to give us a sample, but the plastic bag trick works better. 

After the sample is obtained, a clean zip lock bag works well as a convenient container for urine for transport to the hospital.  If you can’t come right away, store the urine in the refrigerator.  It will be adequate for most purposes for up to 24 hours.  Special timing is sometimes needed for pets on special diets due to bladder stones, but you would be told those instructions if that were the case.

Urine has been called by some as “the Golden Elixir of Life,” and I couldn’t agree more.  As a pet owner myself, I have lost both a dog and a cat to kidney disease, fortunately in their old age.  Still, it didn’t make it any easier. Monitoring urine results for all your pets on a regular basis is as important as checking stools for parasites on a regular basis.  Kidney disease is most quickly recognized in a urinalysis before blood tests will be abnormal, and collecting a urine sample can be done at home.  A regular urinalysis is a win-win for both you AND your pet.

The thyroid gland is the main regulator of energy balance in the body.  If you have an extremely active gland, like in a hyperthyroid cat, calories are burned rapidly and extensively.  The cat loses weight, even if the cat eats more.  The cat also drinks more, since when calories are metabolized, water is needed to wash the waste products from the body.  The greater the number of calories burned, the more water is needed. It is also hard for the cat to rest as the body is always set to “on.”  So insomnia and restlessness is common.  Owners often complain that there cat demands extra attention, play, and food.  Or that their cat becomes agitated and irritable – grooming excessively to the point of baldness or fighting with other cats in the household.

For the HYPOthyroid dog, the opposite is true.  A hypothyroid dog is likely to be sluggish, sleep more, eat less yet put on weight, and be less interested in playing or joining family activities.  Another role of the thyroid involves the immune system.  Recurrent skin and ear infections are common if a dog does not have enough thyroid hormone.  Loss of hair to the point of bald patches can also occur, even without infections.  Typically, hair first begins to thin on the tail and then friction areas like the sides of the hocks.

Interestingly, some dog breeds are at greater risk for developing hypothyroidism, while no known breed risk in cats for hyperthyroidism exists.¬¨‚Ć Doberman Pinschers and their cousins the Rottweiler’s are considered breeds at greatest risk for hypothyroidism.

Fortunately, treatment for our dogs is very simple; thyroid supplements in pill form are easy to administer once the condition is recognized.  Blood tests will show if an individual needs more or less than the standard dose.  Most signs of disease are gone within 90 days.

Our cats can be treated with radioactive iodine treatment (Thyro Cat or Hy-Purr Cat).  This is the same treatment that is used for humans with hyperthyroidism.  It seems very expensive, but, over the life of your cat, it really isn’t.

Alternatively, a drug called methimazole will suppress the thyroid’s ability to secrete the excess hormone.  This does not eliminate the disease since the thyroid continues to enlarge in size, but it does eliminate the signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism.  Blood levels are monitored and drug doses adjusted accordingly.

Thyroid disease is the most common endocrine disorder in our pets.  Fortunately, early recognition, testing, and treatment can successfully treat both our cats and our dogs, extending not only their life span, but the quality of their life as well.

To learn more about treatment at one of the Thyrocat  or Hypurr Cat facilities please visit www.thyrocat.com or www.hypurrcat.com
.

  Sweetie’s blood work continued to be free of any leukemia throughout the winter, but, beginning in February, her kidney values began to rise.  Urinalyses and a review of her entire medical record revealed that this was simply due to old age, not any effect of the cancer or the anti-cancer drugs.  Nor did she have any infection or relapse of her Anaplasmosis.  As her cancer was well controlled, we stopped the CEENU in March and began to decrease her doses of prednisolone.  By April, her kidney values were almost twice normal, but she was still her old sweet Sweetie self.  However, she tired easily and could no longer go to her beloved Vanderbilt.  By May, she no longer felt like eating, and so, on May 21, 2010, Sweetie was peacefully tranquilized and then euthanized at her home in Mr. Lipton’s arms on the couch. I am grateful to have known this lovely dog who, thanks to the dedication of the Lipton family and the generosity of countless individuals and philanthropic organizations, beat cancer and lived long enough to die peacefully at home in her old age.

The Pleasant Valley Animal Hospital would like to thank the community for all of the generous support that was given to Sweetie in her time of need. Your generous donations enabled us to give her a good quality of life for the time she had left here with us.

We would also like to thank the Senior Animal Medical Aid Fund for their unwavering care and support of Sweetie. Their fund raising efforts were a big contibution in giving Sweetie the health and happiness she deserved during the last years of her life.