Animals That Hoard

Many animal hoard, just like people.  Hamsters, woodpeckers, squirrels, dogs, etc. will hoard, save and guard excesses for a time when things are not as plentiful. Animals hoard food, toys, bedding, bones, etc and even unnecessary items. Interestingly, many animals are particularly wary being watched when hoarding, weary of a raid from another animal later.

All mine!

Have you ever seen a dog chew a bone while laying on another, or a hamster with cheeks full of food?

The term hoarding is typically used to describe rodents, and caching typically used for birds.

Animals store up food with two types of behavior.  Larder hoarding is when an animal puts and defends food in a few large stashes, making the consequence of a raid more devastating.  Scatter hoarding is where an animal stores food items in individual places.  Have you ever heard about squirrel starving because it can not remember where the food was hid?  Scatter hoarding requires a better memory.

If you have a dog that hoards toys, Marietta Vet Clinic can offer advice on relieving stress for the dog and keeping the home a happier place.  For some dogs, leaving out one toy at a time is a quick and easy solution for guarding.  Rotate the toys every couple of days to give the dog variety. This technique can relieve many dogs for a more peaceful existence.

Marietta veterinarian, Julian Peckich DVM welcomes dogs and cats to the pet clinic for behavior issues.  Welcoming new pets from the Kennesaw, Marietta, Acworth, Dallas, and Powder Springs areas.

Diabetes Sniffing Dog Alerts High and Low Blood Sugar

People suffering diabetes understand the importance of keeping blood sugar within limits. In 1999, a

man named Mark Ruefenacht suffered diabetes and after suffering an acute low blood sugar, he was alerted by a dog he was training for the blind.  The dog instinctively roused him from his drowsiness allowing him to get help.  This experience gave Mr. Ruefenacht the idea  to train a Labrador retriever named Armstrong to detect changes in blood sugar.  As a result, he founded Dogs4Diabetics, Inc, a non-profit organization that places dogs with people suffering type 1 diabetics.

Diabetes sniffing dogs can detect both high and low blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Until it is prevented and cured, a trained dog can improve the life of a person affected giving them peace of mind and something fuzzy to love.

If you suffer or know someone suffering from diabetes, a Dog4Diabetics may be for you.

+Marietta Vet Clinic and veterinarian, +Julian Peckich DVM are happy to help safe guard the health of your diabetic dog.  They understand the importance of keeping special dogs in tip top shape.  The animal clinic offers well and sick care for medical alert dogs.

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.

Pumpkin Spice Cookies Sold to Benefit Homeless Pets

Marietta Vet Clinic and veterinarian, +Julian Peckich DVM are at it again. The pet clinic has pumpkin spice cookies for a donation to the Tigg Neuter Project in the Marietta.

"Thanksgiving is a bountiful time for many, so we decided to offer delicious  pumpkin spice cookies, accepting donations to help Tigg Neuter Project with spay and neuter efforts," says Dr. Peckich.

The clinic has had successful fund raisers for needy animals before, so they plan to offer baked goods for a donation throughout the holiday season. 

Marietta Vet Clinic is happy to support the Tigg Neuter Project, as their mission is  to lower the number of intake animals at Marietta animal control through a spay/neuter campaign.  It is this same effort that Dr. Peckich whole-heartedly supports.

The pet clinic offers affordable pet vaccinations to cats, kittens, dogs and puppies.  

Dr. Julian Peckich DVM believes all pets can live a healthier, happier life with proper pet care.

Pumpkin Spice Cookies for
Shelter Dogs and Cats

Every Penny Helps the Shelter Pets

Americans Have Passion for Dogs Home and Abroad

Americans are known all over the world to be giving and compassionate nation, and the compassion doesn't stop with humans, it includes animals.

There are many American groups working on behalf of animals abroad.  Let's take a look at two, worthy of support.

A rescue organization is assisting the US military men and women in bringing home pets from war. The Puppy Rescue Mission, a non-profit organization out of Celina, Texas helps soldiers reunite with pets from abroad. Dogs are brought to America to live out their lives with the soldiers that love them. The mission has a heart for country and the furry.

The plight of stray dogs during the Sochi winter Olympics took the heart of millions of Americans. Ten lucky Russian dogs were brought to the USA via Washington's Dulles Airport this past March, thanks to the animal welfare group, Human Society International. Animal welfare groups have been able to work with Russian government for a more human way to deal with animal control.

+Marietta Vet Clinic and veterinarian +Julian Peckich DVM salute animal advocacy groups.  It would be the animal clinics great pleasure to welcome new pets, meet the owners and take care of the animals. Welcoming dogs and cats, puppies and kittens to the pet clinic for dog vaccinations, cat vaccinations, general wellness exams, diagnostic testing, laboratory testing, and medical relief for sick animals.