Posts in category 'Animals'
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Celebrating the 3rd Annual Bow Wow Brunch with Angels of Assisi
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Paws in the Park: Unleashing Fun & Friendship
VISITING DOG PARKS IN SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA
Welcome, dog lovers and fur-fanatics, to the whimsical world of dog parks!
If you've ever wondered what makes these patches of paradise so irresistible to our four-legged friends, grab a leash, some treats and let's dive into the tail-wagging adventure that is the dog park experience. Imagine a place where dogs can be dogs, where they run freely, chase tails and engage in sniffing sessions. Dog parks are like Disneyland for dogs, complete with all the fun and no waiting in lines!
First up, we have what I like to call the "Zoomies Zone." This is where the magic happens! Watch as dogs of all sizes engage in spontaneous bursts of speed, aka "the zoomies." There's nothing quite like the sight of a dog running at full throttle, ears flapping, and joy radiating from every strand of fur!
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The Best Places for Horseback Riding in Roanoke, VA and Southwest Virginia
The Best Places for Horseback Riding in Roanoke, VA and Southwest Virginia
By Kelly Giarla
I have always had a love for horses.
Growing up I was the typical horse-infatuated girl you read about. Drawing horses, looking at horse books and daydreaming about riding. The problem was my family lived in a neighborhood and I never had the opportunity to ride as a child.
As soon as I became an adult and was able, I began riding lessons at a local barn. I was 30 years old at the time and yet was placed into a beginner class with 8- to 10-year-olds. My teacher was 16 (and amazing)! I understood that when starting something new you must begin with the basics, and I was humbled by these tin...
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Is There Physical Therapy for Your Pet?
Short Answer? YES!
Our pets play a significant role in our lives and studies have shown this relationship to be mutually beneficial. Among the many health benefits of owning a pet are decreased blood pressure, lowering anxiety and treating symptoms of PTSD in humans.
Animals can do so much to improve the quality of our lives, but have you explored all the ways you can improve theirs?
Here in the Roanoke and New River Valleys, we are fortunate enough to have access to the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (V-MCVM) in Blacksburg, Virginia. The V-MCVM is one of only 32 colleges of veterinary medicine in the United States!
Compare that to the number of medical schools in the United States (204), and you'll realize just how competitive it is to become a veterinarian!
Besides the main campus in Blacksburg, the V-MCVM includes the Animal Care and Research Center in Roanoke, the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center in Leesburg and the Gudelsky Veterinary Center in College Park, Maryland. The college is focused on the development and delivery of a One Health education, integrating multidisciplinary research and educational opportunities that provide health care solutions for animals, people, and communities.
One very unique service that the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine provides is physical rehabilitation for your pet. That's right - dogs can participate in physical therapy, too!
Just like humans, physical therapy can be used to treat orthopedic and neurologic conditions and can be incorporated into a treatment regimen before, after, or in lieu of surgery. The Rehab department is led by Flori Bliss, an extremely talented licensed veterinary technician and Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner.
I know first hand the positive impact this program can have on your pet.
My dog, Wilkes, is a 14-year old golden-retriever-terrier mix who has been going to physical therapy for over 2 years! Wilkes had knee surgery in 2020 to repair a torn ligament. At the time of his diagnosis, I also learned that he had a partial tear in his right knee, as well.
After his surgery, I began taking Wilkes to rehab and never looked back!
For Wilkes, our goal was to strengthen his back legs to prevent further injury and maintain his mobility as he ages. In addition to exercises, Wilkes also participates in laser therapy, a non-invasive, pain-free, drug-free treatment that relieves pain, improves mobility, and increases blood flow to the tissues.
Owners work with Flori and their referring veterinarian to come up with a treatment plan specifically for their pet. Wilkes goes to rehab twice a month. In between appointments, I work with him at home on exercises, as well.
More Details
If you'd like to learn more about rehab and the V-MCVM, check out this news story and video featuring Wilkes, Flori, and others at the vet school. Without Flori and the rehab department, Wilkes would not be able to have the same quality of life he enjoys at his age. For me, these services are just one of the many reasons I am so grateful to call the Roanoke Valley home!
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How to Help Animal Rescues in Roanoke and Virginia's Blue Ridge
I am an animal lover. In fact, the real reason I decided to move across the county to Roanoke in the first place was to fulfill my dream to start an animal rescue specifically designed to work with "misunderstood" animal breeds.
What's a Misunderstood Breed? Firstly, one that gets a bad rap based on the media (think pit bulls). Secondly, ones that are portrayed in television and film, often highly trained (think Belgian Malinois, which we have two of).
- What ended up happening next?
We bought a farm! A beautiful little slice of safety and sanity for my family and our animal friends.
- What type of animals do we have?
Donkeys, pigs, goats, mini horses, a Haflinger, dogs and cats. (I did NOT see that coming!) It was a wild ride at first, but sometimes the best plans take you slightly off course. Embrace it!
If you ar...
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