This not to say that we have not had out trials.  Within her first 12 months she ate a lava rock from the back yard (which required surgical removal), and has chewed up various items of clothing.  The one that caused the most trouble included a safety pin which opened and lodged in the back of her throat – another surgical removal.

Ellie’s favorite evening past-time is take up a position at the top of our stairs. From here she can see the front door, and the path to the kitchen. Activity at either location will bring her running.  The cute thing she does is this; she positions herself right in the middle of the walk at the top of the stairs, and leisurely requests a tummy rub as payment to allow passage.

That you to all that participated in the cute pet photo contest on our facebook page. Congratulations to the winner Jackson! If you have not seen these cuties, check them out on our Facebook Page

Blessings,
C Simon DVM

The puppy is very cute and checked out as healthy during its initial exam.  Those of you who know me, know I talk a lot (my kids tell me this always involves waving my hands around).  In the process the exam, and review of puppy care (vaccinations, de-worming etc), I must have said out loud how darn cute this puppy is several times!  My wryly client commented – “You know we will pay you even if you don’t say he is cute!”

I realized after the fact, that as we concluded our transaction – my experience, evaluations, treatment, and future recommendations in exchange for some of my client’s hard earned dollars – I had been paid twice!  Not only did a few dollars go into the the till, I also had the good fortune to spend several precious moments (and receive some snuggles) with a really adorable representative of God’s creation.

Okay, I am ready to go take on another day – I hope you are too. Give your pet some lovin’ and tell ‘em you appreciate them!

Blessings
C Simon DVM

There are days that being a veterinarian is quite amazing.  I find myself in the privileged position of having a glimpse into the relationship the people have with their pets.  As with many things in life – great variety exists among  pets, people, and the relationships they have.  As for the pets: while dogs and cats are our standard fare, I also encounter hamsters and rabbits; the occasional bird or reptile makes its way through our doors as well. People, I have learned, present themselves in many ways, while the stress of concern for a beloved pet may bring out the worst in some – the good news is that “Pet People” – by and large are great people.  As to the relationships: at the extremes I am witness to exasperation at both ends of a 6 foot leash, and occasionally interrupt an encouraged on-the-mouth human-dog “kiss”.  Most pet-person relationships which I encounter, fall between these extremes in the realm of mutual respect and enjoyment.

This morning, the reality of running a small business tarnished the idyllic picture of the veterinarian cuddling little kittens (sadly there were no kittens today). Rather the toilet in the guest bathroom was out of order – and clothes dryer gave out.  Neither is unexpected (the toilet in the employee bathroom suffered the same gasket failure last month – and since we run household washers and dryers 8 hours a day 6 days a week we routinely replace them about every 18-24 months).  Both were resolved before lunch was over. Fortunately the afternoon brought opportunity to enjoy some pets and the relationships they have with their owners.

At the end of the day I remember the moments enjoyed cuddling with a kitty, or petting a  furry pooch.  I greatly enjoy solving puzzles and explaining to to people (many who do not share my background of medical training) the reasons behind the steps along the path to wellness.  My most favorite days of all are the days I can FIX something; this week it was removing a cup’s worth of bladder stones from one pet and an ingested tassel from the intestine of another.
When all is said, I am very grateful to the families that trust me to join them in caring for their pet’s health needs.

Blessings,
C Simon DVM

Visit the new Marina Hills Animal Hospital online pharmacy!

When you visit our online store, you can rest assured you are providing the best care for your pet.  How is that possible?
1.       The medications you will receive come from the same trusted supplier we use at the hospital.  You already know our veterinarians and staff provide the best care for your pets. You can consider the Marina Hills Animal Hospital online store to be an extension of us!

2.       We review your pets medical chart before approving any purchase. If we have any questions or concerns our staff will call you the next business day.  Another bonus – if you have any questions, simply call our office and speak to the same staff you already trust! (Imagine that – ordering online and having a human answer your questions!).

3.       Your order will arrive at your house 3-5 business days from the time you order. No more waiting for other online pharmacies to contact us for approval! Less processing time means your pet receives his or her medication faster!

Please contact us or see the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Q&A regarding prescription medications for your pet.

Though you can’t order online and pick-up at the hospital, we still offer the convenience of ordering directly through our office. Just give us a call at 949-495-2224 and will we will have your medications ready as soon as possible!
At Marina Hills Animal Hospital, we realize you are busy and need a convenient way to care for your pet. With so many questionable online pharmacies (see the FDA warnings regarding online pharmacies not directly linked to your veterinarian) we want to offer you a trusted resource.