Mamma Mia, Here I Go Again

Hi All.

Libby here.

In light of yesterday’s festivities, I want to dedicate this post to mothers everywere.

I want to wish all the mommas and all the momma’s mommas and all of the mommas momma’s mommas and even all of the baby mommas a Happy Mothers’ Day, on behalf of myself and the Prospect Park Animal Clinic.

I have to say, out of all the holidays that Hallmark has created and all of the commercial opportunities established because people just want an excuse to celebrate something, Mother’s Day is one of the few that really makes sense to me.

I mean…we owe a lot to these ladies. And bear in mind, I'm speaking as a kitty whose momma used to carry her around by the scruff of her neck (sometimes taking a little nip in the process.) But even though she may have been tough sometimes, I love my momma.

These strong, beautiful, sometimes willful ladies brought us into this world, nurtured us and helped raise us. They picked us up when we were down and were first to lick (or for the human folk- kiss) a booboo the moment one appeared.

These ladies mean business. I’m getting teary just writing this post, thinking about my momma who passed away a few years ago.

All I’m trying to say is, cherish these special women. They are one in a million and they love you. So be good to them. And remember to wish your mom a Happy Mother’s Day.

Libby

Stash Your Stash!

Hi All,

Libby here.

This week, we're going to talk about something a little naughty.

Not 'I peed on the couch' naughty but more like 'I left my marijuana stash lying around the house and my dog ate it' naughty.

It's OK. Most of us have been there before (present company excluded of course, seeing as I am a cat and therefore unlikely to be getting high).

But many adults indulge in marijuana usage. No judgements here. I get it. 

I'm not condoning it per-se but I'm also not telling anyone what to do.

So anyway, last week this dog comes into the office. His pupils are dilated, he's slobbering like crazy and he's super wobbly.

I'm thinking to myself: 'What's with this guy?'? Why is he freaking out? 

Anyway, so Dr. Silverman brings the crazy dog into his exam room and does his thing.

Dr. S has seen this sort of thing before so, with a knowing look, he asks the dog's owner if the dog has eaten anything. 

The owner sheepishly admits that he thinks he may have left out a plastic baggie filled with weed and that Fido here may have eaten it.

Ever the epitome of discretion, the good Dr. simply told the frantic man not to worry and that he would recommend leaving the pooch in the office overnight for observation, administering supportive care with fluids and appropriate medications.

Ladies and gents, this happens far more often than you might think but you should never let a fear of being judged hinder you from taking care of your pet!

Their health is paramount and the truth is, the PPAC doctors have other things to worry about without judging you for your recreational drug usage!

Til next time, If you're going to smoke, make sure to hide your stash when you're done!

Libby

A Fond Farewell

Hi All,

Libby here.

Goodbye, farewell, avidazen goonight.

Remember that movie? The Sound of Music? Gotta love Julie Andrews!

But I digress. We're not here today to sing songs or talk about beautiful songstresses.

We ARE here to say good bye to a good friend and an even better (soon to be!) veterinarian.

Justin, originally came to the Prospect Park Animal Clinic through Nick Silverman- Dr. Silverman's son and coincidentally, another soon to be vet! (Are you detecting a trend here?)

They met when they worked at VERG and what can I say? A beautiful friendship blossomed. Yea it's a bit cheezy but just go with it.

Anyway, when Justin approached Nick about the possibility of working with dear ole' dad, it just made sense.

Justin has been working here at the PPAC for a mere two weeks but everyone loves this guy, myself included. He's friendly, talented and quick to lend a hand whenever needed.

His next move will be placing him at his first full time job as a veterinarian!

We'll all be so sad to see him go but the kids got skills and I'm sure he will do great things.

Don't be shocked by my rare moments of nostalgia and sweetness. And don't get used to it.

Til' next time,

Libby

I Know Lindsay Lohan

Hi All,

Libby here.

I wanted to tell you that I, Libby the cat, know Lindsay Lohan.

No not that Lindsay Lohan!

Come on. How would I know her? I'm a cat.

The Lindsay I know is a different, and in my opinion less volatile, Lindsay.

She's a cat who has been staying at the PPAC as of late.

Unlike her same-named counterpart, this kitty hasn't let life bring her down. She was brought in with a heart murmur but has kept her chin up and seems to be doing ok in spite of it.

I do have one itty bitty bone to pick with her however.

Now, you know that Dr. Silverman and I have a special thing going, right? We're buds- he lets me kinda do what I want and I in turn let him scratch my ears and rub my belly. It's a win-win situation.

But lil Miss Lindsay has come in and she's all up in his business, rubbing his legs and trying to jump into his arms! I think she's trying to weasel her way into his heart (maybe she is more like the real Lindsay than I thought!)

So, full disclosure, I'm writing today for a double purpose.

Firstly, because what a great name! It clearly warranted a post. But secondly, because Lindsay's up for adoption! Now don't get me wrong, I do genuinely enjoy her company. But I wouldn't be sad to get Dr. S. back for myself.

Ok? So spread the word-Lindsay's ready to go!

Til' next time,

Libby

The tale of Roxie

Hi All,

Libby here!

I'm here today to sing...

"this is the story, of a cat named Peri!"

No...that's a joke. I'm not going to sing. In fact, contrary to my lighthearted introduction, Peri is not a lighthearted topic. She has a pretty sad story to tell.

You know those really depressing commercials from the ASPCA with Sarah McLachlin singing in the background as a slide show of abused animals pop up on screen?

Well...that's kind of like Peri. When she first came to the PPAC, she was in pretty rough shape. She had been abused at her former home and had peroxide spilled on her-hence the name Peri.

I know...it's an awful story. Enough to melt even this old curmudgeon's heart.

But, as with all my tales of woe, there is fortunately a happy ending associated with her.

Peri and I became buds when she was first brought in-she's one cool cat who had a really positive outlook in spite of her past troubles.


In fact, she was so cool that a woman came in and fell in love with her and decided to take her home.  She was placed in a warm, friendly environment with people who adore her and renamed Roxie-a new name and a fresh start.

But wait...there's another slight hitch in the tale of Roxie.


Roxie was recently brought in not feeling well. Sadly, it turned out she had a diagnosis of cancer. This was one cat who's odds were sadly not forever in her favor. The good news is, she's definitely a fighter and after battling and beating the odds once more, she is now in remission.

I know I know...put away the tissues and don't get all sappy on me.

Even I like to tell a nice story now and again.

Til' next time,

Libby

Rosie the Riveter

Hi Guys,

Libby here.

So the title of my post is a bit of a lie-we're not going to talk about powerful rivet-gun wielding women.

But it was too good to pass up.

And can you guess? The heroine of this post is....A dog named Rosie!

Today, we're going to talk about Rosie's experience eating chocolate.

Now, if you are a pet owner, you've probably heard the warnings about not feeding your dogs certain foods. Ya know like chocolate, chocolate, onions avocados and grapes...that sort of thing.

But what really happens when pets get their mouths onto these things?

To help tell this tale, I hearken back to the title of my post and, Rosie.

Now one day, Rosie decided she wanted to make a snack out of some chocolate.That little snack almost did the poor girl in.

After consuming a hefty amount of chocolate, Rosie's poor owner found her suffering from:

• restlessness 
• increased heart rate 
• muscle tremors 
• vomiting 
• diarrhea 

No fun!

Something else you might not have realized about chocolate?

There are varying levels of toxicity- that means that not all chocolate is created equal! Bakers chocolate is the worst. Next comes dark and semisweet, followed by milk chocolate. Now don't get me wrong- none of these chocolates are good for your pet but some are definitely worse than others!

No matter the type, if you see an empty chocolate box on your floor and a guilty looking dog you need to act fast. The very first thing you should do is try to induce vomiting at home with hydrogen peroxide.

If you are unsuccessful at dealing with this by yourself, your first stop should definitely be your veterinarian.

They will also induce vomiting (through a process involving putting a tablet in their eye-weird, right!) and then will administer supportive-sedatives like Valium. They'll also give your pet lots of fluids to prevent dehydration and administer supportive care like valium and intravenous fluids if symptoms appear.

Long story short, Rosie was the unfortunate vehicle by which I can share tips about taking care of your pets by making sure you keep them far away from chocolate. It's kind of funny. Our owners are always going on about how chocolate makes them fat which is why they avoid it. But we need to avoid it for slightly different reasons!

So remember, keep your pets safe and away from chocolate!

Til' next time,

Libby

One-Eyed Cats in the House!

Hey Guys!

Libby here. And guess what?

One-eyed cats are in the HIZOUSE!

That's right ladies and gents.

Currently residing in the Prospect Park Animal Clinic are not one, but TWO one-eyed cats.

Yessiree. Me and Miss Ruby.

Now don't go getting used to this...Ruby's only here temporarily. But while she's here, we're going to have FUN!

So do you wanna know what Ruby's in for?

Well...she's got conjunctivitis (eye disease) and otitis (ear infection). And the poor gal has one shrunken eyeball because of a lil herpes she contracted. Oops.

On top of her eye issues, when she was brought in, she wasn't the friendliest gal. But you can't really blame her seeing as she was feral for most of her life. I'd be lying if I didn't tell you she has a bit of cattitude and needs to learn how to chill. Fortunately, she was recently adopted and since then, she's been warming up a bit.

She's well on her way to becoming a house pet and, to becoming one of my favorite PPAC guests.

Let's here it for one-eyed cats and two ole' F3- Fellow Feisty Felines.

Til' next time.

-Libby