Cancer Survivor Credits Dog for Survival

Cancer survivor credits a rescue hound dog for living through cancer to become a survivor.  Ms. Julie Risoldi has a theory of survival that goes like this.

"I'm not saying the love of a dog can save everyone from cancer spreading, but I do believe that the endorphins produced when hugging a furry friend creates a positive atmosphere inside the body that helps tremendously," says Ms. Risoldi.  My dog Willie D. made my journey more bearable.  I love his big brown eyes, and they gave me joy in a time when I really needed it.

People with cancer can become depressed when facing chemo, radiation, surgery and the gaunt of impending stressful testing.  The body produces stress hormones in response.  Ms. Risoldi believes when hugging an animal, the response is good for the body helping it to fight cancer.

Her conclusion:  Everyone needs something furry to snuggle during cancer.  Animals intrinsically know when someone is sick and suffering, and many offer the love necessary.

+Marietta Vet Clinic welcomes pet stories to the blog.  +Julian Peckich DVM invites new pets, both dogs and cats to become patients to the animal clinic.

Hot Item Holiday Raffle for Shelter Dogs and Cats

+Marietta Vet Clinic and +Verde Pointe Dental Associates have announced a raffle for shelter dogs and cats to be held Tuesday, December 23rd.

You could win one of these for a dollar!

The winner will receive a Philips DiamondClean Sonicare Toothbrush, and all proceeds will benefit Tigg Neuter Project, a Cobb County non-profit organization that spays and neuters shelter pets.

 The goal is to reduce the number of intake pets coming into the local shelter needing homes by continued efforts to spay and neuter.  

"Euthanizing healthy dogs and cats because they don't have a home is heart breaking.  We have joined efforts with Verde Pointe Dental Associates and the Tigg Neuter Project to make a difference," says Dr. +Julian Peckich DVM from Marietta Vet Clinic.  "Both offices are committed to help."

Dentists, +Kirk Kimmerling DDS, +Suzanna Aguilera DMD and +Garrick McGrath DMD have donated the toothbrush for the raffle, as it seems to be a hot item that people get excited about.

"Anyone can participate by stopping in either office and buying a ticket.  They are $1 for one chance to win, and $5 for 6 chances to win," say Dr. Peckich.  The winner gets to decide the color of brush they want: white, black or pink.  Each are the latest DiamondClean model with a sleek travel case and charger glass.

Both offices believe in community service, so they plan on devoting time and effort towards the unwanted animals of Cobb County and beyond.

If you are looking for a dentist or veterinarian in Marietta, look no further.  Both offices are located in the same office park at Verde Pointe Professional Park in Marietta, GA.

Pig Thrown Off Flight

It has become common place for airlines to accommodate animals on pedestrian flights.

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However, when a pet becomes unruly, it becomes a hazard.  A US Airways flight ordered a disruptive pig off the plane, when a passenger brought the pig for emotional support.  Both left the plane per Laura Masvidal, a spokeswoman for US Airways because of the disruptive behavior.

A fellow passenger, Jonathan Skolnik told the Associated Press that a duffel bag had an odor that clarified the situation.  "It's no duffel bag but a rather stout PIG...on a leash," he wrote in an email. "Am I dreaming."  He estimated the pig weighed between 50 to 70 lbs according to ABC News.

"The pig is incontinent," he told AP.  The animal was running back and forth on the plane, as the owner tried to clean up after her pig.

Emotional support animals are permitted on commercial flight only if thy are not disruptive, per the U.S. Department of Transportation, Masvidal said.

Contributing:  The Associated Press

+Marietta Vet Clinic and veterinarian, +Julian Peckich DVM are happy to give advice on pets, dogs, cats, etc that are taking a flight soon.  The animal clinic can help make the flight better for the animal, the owner and others a board.  Also specializing in dog vaccinations, cat vaccinations, and general well care.