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A Dog's Purpose.....author unknown
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Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why."
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.
He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The six-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.
Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
Be always grateful for each new day.
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY
Author Unknown
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Kudos Corner
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We want to thank all of our clients for the kind words over the years. We appreciate your loyalty and trust in our doctors and staff. Without our clients, we would not be the great success we are! Once again, thank you!
“Thank you for your care and compassion towards my family and cats over the years!”
~~Jean C. client since 1992
“Please thank your staff for the compassion too. You have a great set of people working for you.”
~~Vicki V. client since 1994
“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate everyone’s compassion…”
~~Corey H. client since 2004
“The staff at Mill Creek Animal Clinic made that terrible day more at ease with their kindness and caring attitude, and understanding.”
~~Mark K. client since 2009
“…wanted to thank everyone at Millcreek, for the wonderful care you gave to Princess. She is feeling 100% better. …your staff saved her life, and we will always be grateful to you.”
~~Julie B. new client in 2010.
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Office Hours and Holiday Hours
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We are closed New Years Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
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Sunday
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-
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Monday
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7:00a - 7:00p
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Tuesday
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7:00a - 7:00p
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Wednesday
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7:00a - 8:00p
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Thursday
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7:00a - 7:00p
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Friday
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7:00a - 7:00p
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Saturday
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8:00a - 1:00p
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OFF-HOUR CLINIC INFOMATION - Recommened Emergency Clinics
Animal Emergency of Mokena
19110 S. 88th Ave.
Mokena, IL 60448
(708) 326-4800
Emergency Veterinary Care South, Assoc.
13715 South Cicero Ave.
Crestwood, IL 60445
(708) 388-3771
Arboretum View Emergency Services
2551 Warrenville Rd.
Downers Grove, IL 60515
(630) 963-0424
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Get Your Pet Portal Here!
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Find out when your pets important health services are due!
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CANINE BLOAT:
TREATMENT AND PREVENTION
Canine bloat, Gastric Dilitation and Volvulus, and GDV are all names for the same condition. It’s a very scary problem that comes on very fast, and requires action just as fast.
 WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? Bloat is relatively easy to recognize. If your dog looks like it swallowed a watermelon and is lethargic, he needs to be seen right away. Sometimes the dog will be attempting to vomit without success, have shallow breathing, or he could be completely collapsed.
WHAT IS BLOAT? Bloat is a condition in which food, air and stomach secretions prevent the stomach from emptying. Gas continues to build up in the stomach and can ultimately flip over on itself. Not all bloat patients turn into a volvulus, but many do. When the somach flips, other organs (like the spleen) can twist with it. The ability for food and gas to pass out of the stomach is eliminated completely. The dilated stomach then obstructs the blood flow to the stomach, gas continues to build up, and ultimately, the stomach will die. If not diagnosed and treated quickly, the patient will die as well.
 IS MY DOG AT RISK? In general, any larger breed dog with a deep chest is at risk. There are breeds that are more susceptible, as body type is the most important factor. Lean, deep chested dogs, and dogs with a family history of bloat are at the highest risk for bloat. Dogs that are more skittish or have intense, nervous personalities, also have an increased risk. There are some studies indicating higher fat diets (especially if fat is listed in the top 4 ingredients on the bag) and feeding your dog from an elevated bowl(they swallow more air), can increase the risk as well. Great Danes, German Shepherds, Irish Setters, and Standard Poodles are at the top of the list, but Rottweilers, Weimaraners, Dobermans, Retrievers (Labrador and Golden) are also on the list. To see if your dog has an increased risk of bloat, use this link to get a risk assessment: click here.
BLOAT CAN BE TREATED, BUT IT NEEDS TO BE CAUGHT EARLY! The longer your dog is bloated, the more damage to the stomach blood supply, and the greater risk he will die before, during or after surgery. Initial treatment is focused on decompressing the stomach and treating shock symptoms. Most will need emergency surgery to reposition the stomach and to remove portions of the stomach that have died as a result of the torsion. Once the stomach is repositioned and the unhealthy portion removed, the surgeon will then tack the stomach to the body wall to prevent the stomach from flipping in the future.
CAN I PREVENT MY DOG FROM BLOATING? The only definitive prevention is surgical tacking. It’s possible that feeding your dog canned food, splitting meals into multiple smaller meals through the day, slowing down the rate at which your dog eats, and placing food bowls on the ground may help prevent bloat. However, the best prevention is to anchor the stomach in a correct position inside the abdomen so that it can’t twist. On a healthy dog, the recovery is minimal, and complications are rare. Please discuss this important procedure with us at any time. We recommend dogs at risk have the stomach tacking done at an early age, such as when the pet is spayed or neutered, but it can be done at any time.
For more information visit veterinarypartner.com.
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