Newsletter
The veterinarians and staff at the Fredericktown Animal Hospital are pleased to provide you with an online newsletter. This fun and fact-filled newsletter is updated on a regular basis.
Included in the newsletter are articles pertaining to pet care, information on our animal hospital, as well as news on the latest trends and discoveries in veterinary medicine.
Please enjoy the newsletter!
You’ve just gotten home from running some errands and your pet is gone. Now, what are you supposed to do? Follow our simple tips and hopefully, you’ll find your loved animal soon.




Are you a dog lover? Then you’ll be happy to know that the fourth week in September has been reserved as National Dog Week. This is no ordinary holiday; it is a full-blown celebration of human’s best friend.
The Origin of National Dog Week
Ever wonder where this fun celebration came from? In 1928, World War I veteran Captain William Judy determined that dogs need a week long celebration to recognize their service and loyalty. Captain Judy had earned the Silver Star and eventually went on to establish a publishing company that was dedicated to canines.
He published Dog World magazines in addition to the numerous contributions he has made to establishing National Dog Week. Since 1928, the week is marked with fun activities, adoption drives, fundraising events and full community involvement.
Ways to Celebrate
There are countless ways to celebrate National Dog Week. It is truly about focusing your attention and affections towards dogs and those who care for them. Dog lovers should get involved and plan their own events if they can’t find any.
Find ways to rally donations for dog issues, join in on speaking engagement with your local veterinarians, or create some fun activities for the children in your neighborhood. If you are an experienced dog owner or trainer, take the week to gather at your local dog park and teach owners more about dog care. You may just make a few more friends; human and four-legged!
Ways to Make Your Dog Feel Special
Ready to show some appreciation to your dog for their years of loyalty? Here are a few simple ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
Spa Treatment
Doesn’t your pooch deserve a special day? Set aside some special time for a thorough cleaning of your pet. Start with a sudsy massage and use it as a great time to check for any abnormalities. While you pamper your dog, you can easily feel for bumps, ticks, fleas or bumps that should be addressed.
Have a Date
Just like you would with someone you love, taking the time to have a date together is an important part of your relationship. Take your dog to pick out a new collar or head to a restaurant that welcomes pets.
Pet Therapy
Volunteering your dog to work with local organizations will not only bless the lives of others but can be healing for your dog. There are places that use dogs to treat abused or neglected children. You can even talk to local hospitals about therapy with cancer patients or terminal illnesses. Consider calling a local nursing home to see if the patients would enjoy a visit from your best friend.
Give Back to Other Dog Owners
Many dog owners around the nation struggle to take care of their pets adequately. If you have the means to help, now would be a great time. Consider holding a fundraising dog walk to raise money for your veterinary clinic. You can also gather friends and family to gather supplies and drop them off to a family in need. Don’t neglect your local shelters as well because they can always use the extra food donations.
Adopt a Dog
Do you have a little extra room in your heart for another fun loving dog? It is time to adopt and help with those that don’t have a loving home. Not only could your current dog enjoy some companionship, but you will also reap the rewards of adding more snuggle partners in your home.
Be Sure to Shop the Sales
Every year, multiple stores will offer deep discounts on everything you need for your dog. This is a great time to save some money, and maybe even buy a little extra to donate. Since the prices will be right, treat your dog to a few extra treats.
Throw a Party
Give your dog a special party and be sure you invite other dog-loving friends. You can set toys and treats throughout the home for your “guests” to find. There are also plenty of fun games to enjoy like hide-and-seek or fetch with some dog-friendly balls.
Meet with Your Local Photographer
Now is a great time to get some professional portraits done with your dog. Capture your pooch’s cute quirks and funny nature on camera so you can remember them forever.
What Will You Be Doing to Celebrate?
No matter how you choose to celebrate this amazing week, be sure you take the time to remember how important dogs are to our way of life. They provide companionship, service and love to all they encounter. One week a year seems like a small way to give them the thanks they deserve for their undying loyalty to us.
How to Participate in National Pet Memorial Day
On the second Sunday of September each year, we celebrate National Pet Memorial Day. It’s a time to look back with love at our dog and cat companions whose paws have walked the Earth. September 10, 2017, is the day this year when pet lovers can honor their lost friends and remember the love and joy they shared with their pets. Pets are cherished family members, and often our best friends. We love our fur babies and value their importance just as much as any family member. National Pet Memorial Day is a day of remembrance dedicated specifically to those beloved pets and the role they played in your life.
Honoring your pet is a beautiful way to pay tribute to the life that you shared. You don’t have to plan something elaborate; the point is to dedicate the time to sit down and think about the impact this wonderful animal had in your life.
Volunteer in a Pet’s Honor
Contribute or volunteer with an animal protection group or charity in honor of your pet. Choose an organization that focuses on your animal's breed.
Volunteers are always needed at animal shelters, rescue groups, and humane societies. Consider a donation drive to provide a pet-friendly organization blankets, food, and collars. Any gesture you make will be appreciated. Helping animals in need will lighten your sorrow.
Create a Living Memorial
Many people like to have a memorial they can visit, so a popular tradition is to plant a tree or shrub. One popular tradition is to plant a tree as a living memorial. The Arbor Day Foundation will plant a tree in honor of your pet and issue you a personalized certificate identifying where the tree was planted. As the tree grows, you’ll have the satisfaction of helping the environment and seeing your pet grow with it.
Visit your Pet
Visit the burial site and make a tribute by decorating it with your pet’s favorite thing. Bring a blanket or toy, tell a story, relive a favorite playtime memory, light a candle or read a special poem or book. You could even play a video while you visit to remind you of good days.
Share Memories
Post a favorite memory on social media and share it with others by tagging it with #NationalPetMemorialDay. The International Association of Pet Cemeteries hosts a site where you can share an online memorial for your pet if you choose. If you lost your pet suddenly, try to keep your thoughts positive for others who might be grieving on that special day. National Pet Memorial Day doesn’t have to be a lonely affair; send sympathy cards to your friends who suffered the loss of a pet.
Reflect
Photographs capture the wonderful times you shared with your pet. Refresh your memories by browsing through a collection, or make a scrapbook of special times. As time goes by it will help to turn sadness into smiles as you take a walk down memory lane. Another way is to keep a favorite toy in a special place to revisit playtimes. These items were very important to your pet and will hold fond memories that they often provide some emotional relief.
Write a Story
We were all struck by the love in the story of Marley and Me. Create a personal tribute for your pet by writing short stories about how your pet enriched your life. Add in some pictures and a favorite toy to capture details of the story. Bind it all together as a tribute to the life you shared.
Artistic Tribute
Create or ask someone make a custom piece of art for you. You could get a tattoo of their birthdate or nickname, choose jewelry with paw prints, or frame a picture. There are so many ways to express your love for a pet that has passed away.
National Pet Memorial Day is a day for you to remember how much impact your pet had on your life. Take the time to grieve if you haven’t yet had the chance. Online support groups can be very helpful if you need an understanding shoulder to process your loss.
You may have donated blood, but did you know that dogs and cats can donate blood too? During surgeries, illness or injury, veterinarians need the blood of other pets to potentially save a cat or dog who is in the hospital. According to a recent Huffington Post article, there are a few requirements for a cat or dog to be able to donate blood.
Your dog or cat may be eligible to donate blood if they meet the following requirements:
• Be between the ages of one and nine
• Dogs must be 50 lbs. or more
• Cats must be 10 lbs. or more
• Cats must be solely indoor pets
• Never had a transfusion
• Not used for breeding
• Not on any long-term medication
Some of these requirements may vary depending on the state and blood bank, so it is important to check every hospital or donation center in your area individually. During every donation, a dog will donate approximately two cups, or one pint at each donation. A cat will donate approximately two ounces. When a dog donates blood just one time, it can help save the lives of up to four dogs! Pets get rewarded for their good deed with food, treats, toys and of course, belly rubs. Learn more with the video and article below.