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Pet of the Month - July 2011
Woof! Woof! Woof!
Speaking of babies - I have lots of them and I love it when my Dad plays with me. I especially like the ones that squeak (even if I can't hear them real well now days.) I used to love to walk the beach and swim in the ocean, stalk squirrels and chase ducks. Now days however, I love to lay in the sun and roll in the grass and when the sun doesn't shine, I love to snuggle in the warm towels, just out of the dryer. Oh, and don't forget my treats! I love my treats! They're the key to a long and happy life...
My Mom and Dad take very good care of me. I have had two ACL's replaced, several eye surgeries, and oh, did I mention my pacemaker? I've had it almost three years now. Dr. Amy is treating me for congestive heart failure and she's doing a good job with that, but I think she spends too much time fussing with my ears.
My Mom and Dad want me to stick around for a while longer and as long as the treats keep on coming, that's OK by me...
Congratulations to Brodie, our July 2011 Pet of the Month.
Cannoli
January 2012 Pet of the Month
Meet Cannoli, a very fun and friendly Italian Greyhound who enjoys snuggling and giving out hugs. She lives on Spring Island where she enjoys walking 3 miles a day, visiting her doggie friends and playing with her rubber ducky’s she has about 2 dozen of them. Cannoli's favorite foods are fruit smoothies and tomatoes, and she loves to travel, shop and dine in outdoor cafes.
Cannoli came to Riverwalk in July 2011 for a third opinion for lethargy, changes in water intake and urination, and developing a sensitive stomach. After running some laboratory tests, taking x-rays, and performing an ultrasound of her abdomen, she was diagnosed with liver disease – either a liver shunt portosystemic shunt or cirrhosis/fibrosis of the liver. Because of the very small size of her liver and her past sensitivity to anesthesia, she was taken to the specialists at the Charleston Veterinary Referral Center where she had an MRI which confirmed a shunt an unusual diagnosis in an 8 year old dog! and moved right to surgery for correction. She has been feeling great since the surgery, and her lab values have returned to normal. A good lesson that age doesn’t preclude a disease diagnosis!
Chase Denham
November 2011 Pet of the Month
Meet Chase, a young and active Chocolate Lab who is our November Pet of the Month. She was the runt of the litter and had to be bottle fed, but she’s now 87 lbs! Chase loves to chase a tennis ball (she got the correct moniker!) but her knee injury has limited that activity and she has now taken up swimming.
Chase’s best friend is an All American named Chance that came from the Hilton Head Humane Association. They do everything together including a regular morning wrestling match! Chase is the ultimate lap dog and enjoys watching Animal Planet.
Chase came to Riverwalk Animal Hospital with a ruptured cruciate ligament and a history of bloody urine and recurrent urinary tract infections. We were able to treat her leg non-surgically with anti-inflammatories, cold laser, and rehab at home. We also diagnosed bladder stones and have completely dissolved them with medical, rather than surgical treatment. She is doing great, and we are thrilled to have her in our Riverwalk family!
We need homes!
Cocoa and Lucky are two furry babies looking for their very own homes.
Cocoa has been a patient of Riverwalk Animal Hospital for over 10 years. She has always loved us and we have always loved her and her wonderful mom. Sadly, Cocoas mom passed away this year, so Cocoa has come to us for love and support until that special home is found. Cocoa is a grand mature lady at 10 years old. She is very sweet and would be an excellent companion for someone who wanted an easy going friend.
Lucky is our resident black cat with a typical cat personality loving when he wants to be petted and feisty when not. He is a young 5 years old with a beautiful black coat and large yellow eyes a handsome fella indeed! Lucky is very healthy but does require a special diet to keep his urinary tract on track. He would love to have a permanent home with lots of attention and be your best mouser.
Both Cocoa and Lucky are up to date on vaccines, spayed/neutered, microchipped and on heartworm prevention. They have a special $50 adoption fee for the month of December. If you would like to learn more about these two wonderful pets, please contact Windi at Riverwalk Animal Hospital 987-0844.
Pet Of The Month - January 2011
Hi!! My name is Ernie and I live with the Chapmans in Sun City. I’m originally from Cleveland, Ohio where, along with my 5 brothers and sisters, I was given to the Cleveland Animal Shelter when only a couple of months old. The staff at the shelter named me and my two brothers after the boys on “My Three Sons”, and my sisters after the girls on “The Brady Bunch”.
When I was about 7 months old, the Chapman family came to the shelter looking for a Mother’s Day gift for Mrs. Chapman. I acted really nice, calm and friendly and it worked because they chose me!!! They already had a big dog, Shaggy, who was getting old and they hoped I would keep her company. We had lots of fun together for several years and I learned a few dog tricks and traits, like meeting my parents at the door whenever they came home.
My family and I got tired of the cold weather up north so we moved to Bluffton in 2007 and really love the nice weather and surroundings. Everyone is so friendly here, especially the nice folks at Riverwalk Animal Hospital. They take excellent care of me, and with regular bloodwork and check-up’s are keeping my Hyperthyroidism regulated. I’m about 15 years old - it sure isn’t fun getting old!
I like to sleep, play with rubber bands (kitties – do not attempt at home!), eat ham and turkey, watch animals and birds that come into our yard, and cuddle with Mom and Dad at night. As you can see I also like to dress up for Christmas (not!), climb on top of the kitchen cabinets and play in boxes. Thanks Riverwalk Animal Hospital for making me Pet of the Month.
Congratulations to Ernie, our January 2011 Pet of the Month
Pet Of The Month - March 2011
Meet Fred, a 12 year old Shepherd/Husky Mix that has become part of the family here at Riverwalk. He came to Sun City via Rockville, MD and is not so sure he really likes the warmer temperatures (he’s really a cold weather kind of guy).
Fred was adopted by his family as just a small puppy from the shelter.
Fred enjoys traveling in the car, going to the beach with mom and dad, lying on the bed (actually lying just about anywhere!), and sitting in the backyard keeping an eye on the wildlife. He likes to talk and sing, and will sort of moan and sigh if you rub him just the right way. Fred also knows lots of commands, such as “skooch” which means he has to move over ‘cause he’s taking up too much space in bed. When he gets a command, he really has to think about doing it… and sometimes he does.
On May of 2010 Fred was seen for mild limping in his right front leg. Since then, he’s begun to stumble on both front legs and has begun to have an abnormal gait on his back legs as well. Fred’s parents, wanting to get an answer to his gait problems, have taken him to see a neurologist at North Florida Veterinary Neurology, 2 consultations with NC State University Veterinary teaching hospital, and obtained a consult from a local, traveling neurologist. He has had a couple of CSF taps, a CT scan, MRI, and EMG testing….phew! His testing did reveal bilateral tendonitis, but unfortunately to date, Fred’s neurological problems remain a medical mystery. Mystery or not, he is loved by his parents & Riverwalk family.
Congratulations to Fred, our March 2011 Pet of the Month
A little background:
Retired professional Model & Computer Specialist at Purrty Couture. I studied Fashion and Computer Science at the College of Hard Knocks. Die-hard Georgia Bulldog fan; GO DAWGS!! Moved to Bluffton from Chicago a year ago where I soon made great friends at Riverwalk Animal Hospital. Originally from Miami, FL. Born on August 30, 2002. I speak English, Spanish and Yiddish. In my own words: I am one cool cat!
My given name is Genny Tealia James Cantoria. I am better known as "Missy G". I have been told I am of Cuban origin, but a Jewish princess. I was placed up for adoption at a very young age, first adopted by a Cuban family in S. Florida, but given up again shortly thereafter. It is rumored I was returned because of conflicts with the family dog Chihuahua, and attacking the adopted father's private parts. I have no memory of either, although that could explain the name given to me by my current mother-hmmmmm….
My now forever parents adopted me at age 12 weeks. I put on quite a cute performance to get their attention the first time I saw them; it worked...they took me home to Chicago the same day. I was considered to be an over active child. To this day I cannot explain the hyperactive behavior when the lights were turned off at night....perhaps brought on by something from my early days. Although my parents said it was an abnormal behavior pattern; I do not agree....I was simply having tons of fun. I am confident my parents love me dearly. I have had three knee surgeries, and one ankle surgery, numerous dental problems which required surgery, have not shaken the need to bite I now gum, and I am told several times a day how much I am loved. I am also told I am a "special needs" case. They are good people and I love them very much.
I enjoy traveling; road trips are the best! My parents take me on trips with them; clocking in almost 20K road miles since my forever parents adopted me. I have special memories from each trip, with the exception of a couple of horses in Casper, WY that attempted to scare me. It is a good thing I do not scare easy, but I did not appreciate their efforts! Well....I am feeling the need for a nap.
Gracie
April 2012 Pet of the Month
We are very fortunate to have Gracie. She was found wandering by the marsh in Beaufort by some good people who took her in and tried to find her a home. I happened upon her by accident on their porch, fell in love, and then brought her home. Anni, her doggie sister, and I are so happy to have Gracie. She is a sweet, kind and gentle dog, and everyone who meets Gracie loves her. She is especially happy and excited when she meets her buddy, a charming neighbor dog named Angus. It helps that Angus' mother passes out doggie treats! Gracie is still needy and somewhat shy at times, we think a result of her being homeless. She had some health issues at first, but bounced back well. She tested positive for heartworms but successfully completed heartworm treatment and is now heartworm negative! She likes to play, loves to be brushed and she is my lap dog, actually my baby. She's never very far from me and gives me a splendid welcome when I come home.
We all love her and are so happy she found us.
September 2011 Pets of the Month
Meow! Woof! Meow!
Mickey and Minnie are toy size Miniature Schnauzers who have found their forever homes with Jerry and Gloria McQuaid in Sun City. Minnie was adopted from Schnauzer Houzer in Tampa, Florida when she was one year old and has spoiled Jerry and Gloria for five years. Mickey was also adopted from Schnauzer Houzer when he was three years old and he has been part of the family for almost a year. Mickey and Minnie have the same mom, Charity, and both Jerry and Gloria credit her with giving the kids their sweet, loving personalities.
Minnie is only 8 ½ pounds, making her a perfect lap dog. She loves an early morning walk where she can “read the mail” left by her friends in the neighborhood. When she’s not in someone’s lap, she spends a good part of her day on the bed in the guest room where she can “supervise” the comings and goings on the street.
Mickey is 11 ½ pounds and is more of a “hip” dog. His favorite activity is going for a golf cart ride, the longer the better and several rides per day suit him just fine. He spends the majority of his day glued to the hip of the nearest human.
Mickey and Minnie are both, in a sense, rescue dogs since they had been passed over for adoption when they were puppies. The McQuaids enthusiastically recommend adopting dogs who are a year or more old.
March 2012 Pet of the Month
Hi, my name is Princess Nusbaum and my Mommy is Anne and my Daddy is Carl. I had a brother but I do not know what happened to him because we were rescue dogs. I really got lucky! I’ve been seeing Dr. O’Quinn for most of my 9 ½ years. She and my wonderful friends at Riverwalk Animal Hospital have taken such good care of me through the years.
This is such an honor for me. I have not been feeling too good lately and have to take this yucky medicine but it helps prevent my seizures so I can play with my toys. I have a favorite toy named Batman. He sorta has a cape and black around his eyes and I love to chew him. I am going to try to be a good doggie and get better soon so that Mommy and Daddy can have some fun. All of the staff at the animal hospital are helping me. I hope you like my pictures. Mommy says I am not photogenic but she doesn't care, she loves me anyhow. Thank you very much for this honor, I am very proud!
Pet Of The Month - June 2011
Punkin, a Maine Coon, was born on October 12, 2004 in the mid-west. She was initially a shelter cat and had two homes before she came to me. Her previous owner had developed asthma and couldn't keep Punkin, so my friend, Elizabeth (a true animal rescuer) informed me that she had found a cat for me; I explained that I really disliked cats but somehow she convinced me to keep the cat for 3 weeks while she was in the Galapagos Islands. The following Saturday, her owner came to my house with this hissing and growling cat in a carrier. I went to open the carrier and she streaked into my bedroom and hid under my bed; three days later she was still under the bed - she only came out when I was at work or at night to eat and use her litter box. While I was laying in bed the third night thinking that this was really not working, she leapt up on my bed, walked up my body, and stood on my chest staring down. I remember thinking - Good heavens, she's going to slit my throat. After a few moments, she lay down and started purring and it was all over. Her name until then had been Sidney, but it did not fit my mischievous little friend so she became Punkin, aka The Little Punk or Punk
Punk loves men. She has three special ones in her life - Tom, Jere and Scott - and they know exactly how to make her purr. She does not think she is a cat - she vacillates between thinking she is a dog or at other times thinking she is a person. One of her favorite things to do is bird watch and try to entice the birds into the house by chirping like a bird (it has never worked). She loves Christmas with the wonderful scent of the Christmas tree and the ornaments she likes to pat. She likes to watch television, especially sports, as long as it is either the Red Sox or the Patriots all the while lying on her cat quilt that her friend Julie made for her. Punk's very favorite entertainment is sitting on her jungle gym looking out over the golf course and lagoon and watching the world go by. Every morning she walks the perimeter of her house to make sure nothing has changed - if it has, she inspects it thoroughly to make sure she approves. If she doesn't approve, then she makes it well known until the change is undone.
Punkin does not like other animals - she has never been socialized and does not willingly or quietly share her space. She eats nothing but her favorite food which currently Is Flaked Tuna by Blue Buffalo and their Wilderness dry cat food. She has a water dish my sister-in-law Carol gave her when Punk was hiding under the bed and will drink water from nothing else; it still has to be in the bedroom while the rest of her food is in the kitchen; Punk will only eat her treats from a dish a friend gave her that says, If you obey all the rules you miss all the fun. Does it sound reasonable to say she lets me live in my own house on her terms??!
Unfortunately, the Little Punk does not like anything to do with medical care or the people who provide it, and she isn't afraid to tell them so! She's had care at the animal hospital and at home, and she has decided that neither place suits her well! The reason this is unfortunate is that Punkin has developed Diabetes Mellitus and requires twice daily insulin injections as well as routine blood-glucose monitoring. While she's not gone into remission yet (our initial hope, as with appropriate and aggressive treatment >80% of cats will), with the help of Dr. Amy, Ashley, Janet and so many others, we are both soldiering through, and she is so brave. At this point, her glucose remains elevated (as does her water intake and urination), but her activity and attitude has returned to her normal impish self! The things that Punkin still loves to do - wake me up in the morning by jumping on her dead asleep owner so that she can eat on schedule; come to the door to say goodbye in the morning and welcome me home at night; hide under the bed when the vacuum is running; and sit and look out the front door when the doorbell rings to make sure it's not a burglar.
In sickness and in health, she is an integral part of our family.
Congratulations to Punkin, our June 2011 Pet of the Month.
February 2012 Pet of the Month
Shippo is an orange & white tabby cat with a curious and loving disposition. He was named for a cartoon character who was a mischievous fox demon boy. We got Shippo because we felt that our first kitten, Junior, needed a playmate. We asked the folks at Riverwalk Animal Hospital if they knew of anyone with unwanted kittens. They put us in touch with a lady who had some kittens. He has always been playful and bright.
He learned to sit up, roll over, and shake hands. Shippo enjoys playing with string, helping to fold the laundry, pouncing on my toes under the covers at bedtime, and waking me up bright and early.
Shippo was recently diagnosed with diabetes. His health had been declining gradually for several months and he started losing weight. Dr. O'Quinn prescribed insulin injections and a change in diet. We thought it was going to be very difficult to get Shippo well. Now, after just a few weeks, he is his old playful self again. We have all adapted to the twice daily insulin shots and blood glucose testing, and it is definitely worth it to have Shippo happy and healthy.
October 2011 Pets of the Month
Meow! Meow! Meow!
These sisters were adopted from Hilton Head Humane Association when they were 5 months old. Now these girls are 3 years old and are incredibly sweet kittens with unique personalities. Spookie is very curious and checks everything out. Spunkie is more cautious and relaxed but both love people and want to greet any guests we have in our home. Let me introduce you to them by sharing a few stories.
Spookie loves to play “fetch” with her catnip mice. She brings one of the mice to us and waits for it to be thrown. When it is, she quickly chases it and brings it back to be thrown again, and again, and again. After playing for a couple minutes, she’s ready to calm down. Although Spookie is the lightweight of the two (7.2 pounds versus Spunkie’s 11 pounds), she loves her moist food and treats. She usually starts begging for her food early and when she gets it, she gobbles it down quickly. Spookie also reminds us each evening at bedtime that she and Spunkie should get treats. She loves for them to be tossed, one at a time, across the room so she can chase it and sometimes catch it in her mouth on one of the bounces.
Spunkie’s favorite toys are narrow pieces of waxed paper from which address labels have been removed. She carries these “toys” around the house and loves to play with them around the sofa tables, which have a shelf about 3” off the floor. The shelf is narrow enough that she can bat the paper with her paw wherever it is under the shelf and chases the paper from one side of the shelf to the other. She also loves the sound of paper being cut. Even if she’s in another room, within seconds after the cutting sound begins, she is right there hoping for a new piece of paper with which she can play. When she gets a new piece of paper, she proudly carries it around the house before beginning to play with it. Another of Spunkie’s favorite things to do is to be petted. In the morning when the blinds are being opened, she runs to her carpeted cat tree by one window to be petted and then runs and jumps on top of the cat condo beside another window to be petted again as we are opening another blind.
While they each have their favorite toys and games, they have some similarities as well. Both are lap cats, on their terms. While we watch TV in the evenings, they love to be near us, either on a lap or on the foot rest lying beside someone’s legs. They also love to watch the newts crawling outdoors on the screens or on the furniture.Sometimes the birds get their attention as well and they will begin to make a “chirping” noise as they watch them. Both of them also like to take rides in the laundry baskets, although each has their favorite basket to ride inside. Spookie prefers the smaller, oval basket and Spunkie prefers the larger, rectangular basket with the flat bottom so she can lie down during her ride.
Pet Of The Month - May 2011
Meet Zeke, a loveable mature Miniature Schnauzer that was adopted from the Jasper Animal Rescue Mission in November 2007. It was love at first sight for the Brown family as well as Zeke! He fit into his new family very quickly.
Zeke has his favorite things such as his black and white stuffed dog toy, and watching TV. His favorite is the Travelers Insurance commercial where the dog buries his bone and you hear the trouble music in the background. Zeke runs to the TV when he hears this music. He also enjoys catching a horse race on TV but hasn't picked a winner for his family yet!
Zeke had a malignant tumor on his hip which we were able to remove successfully. That along with his perseverance has made him a cancer survivor. His prognosis is excellent and his family is very appreciative.
Congratulations to Zeke, our May 2011 Pet of the Month.
