I have not finished this book but I had to recommend it to everyone right away.  Anyone who has an older dog or has a dog approaching old age, read this book today!  The faculty of Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University have done a wonderful job gathering basic information on everything you need to know about your aging dog and have presented it in a straightforward, easy to understand way.  There are clear explanations of which situations are an emergency and what behaviors should be watched for.  They begin with a breakdown of what is considered "old" for dogs and the general aging process.  We have one copy available to borrow from our Library, or go buy yours today!

In a couple weeks I will be taking a course to become a PetTech Instructor.  Over the next couple of months all of our sitters will take the course and become certified at which point I will begin offering these courses to the public!  It is a great 8 hour course that covers:

• Snout-to-tail assessment for injury and wellness
• Assessing the pet's vitals
• Canine and feline CPR
• Bleeding and shock management
• Caring for your senior citizen
• Much more!

I will be blogging and posting on Facebook about what I learn and I am very excite about our team learning all of these new skills.  You can be sure that Sidehill Sitters are watching out for your pets with the best knowledge available!

Learn more about the course and let me know if you would like to take a class in the future.  I can contact your when we get the first class scheduled.

Countryside Animal Hospital was kind enough to speak to us and participate in our local business highlights.  They are a very warm, friendly clinic that has a feeling of home.  Read on below to learn everything you need to consider when choosing a new vet!

Location: 
3820 South Timberline Road
Fort Collins, CO 80525
On Timberline between Harmony and Horsetooth


Phone:  (970) 223-7789
Email: vet@countrysidevet.com
Website: http://www.countrysidevet.com/

How long have they been in business?
    They opened in the end of 1992 and originally Dr. Catharine Speights, the owner and founder, and her family lived in the space above the clinic.  In years since the clinic has expanded and Dr. Speights has been able to move off-site but the building still has the homey feel of the farmhouse it originally was.

How many vets are there on staff?
    Currently on staff are Dr. Speights, 2 full time veterinarians, 2 part time veterinarians and relief workers.

What are their hours?
    Monday - Friday 8am through 5:30pm
    Saturday 8am through 2pm

What is their availability for last minute visits?
    Countryside can generally get clients in for an appointment the same day or next day, definitely during that week.  After-hours emergencies are referred to the Fort Collins Veterinary Emergency Hospital or VCA.

What types of animals do they treat?
    Dogs and cats.

What is the cost for a first time visit?
    $49 for an office call including a complete physical and time to address any concerns.

What is the cost of a checkup visit for a regular client?
    $49 for an office call; vaccinations are general between $13-18 but are figured based on how many vaccines are needed. 

What training does the staff have?
    The experience level of the staff is diverse although no particular training is required.  The less experienced staff is mentored by the more experienced to increase overall knowledge base.

What is their focus as a clinic?
    - Countryside Animal Hospital focuses on personalized care in a home style setting.  They provide preventative care and work to educate the client so that they can formulate a plan for the care of the pets. 
    - Whenever necessary they provide specialized referrals to other clinics.
    - They recently began offering acupuncture treatments in house.

What makes them unique?
    - Countryside really works with the client to formulate a plan for pet care based on an understanding of the treatment.  They try to educate the client and make recommendations that will work well for the pet.

Are they the vet clinic for you?
    Countryside Animal Hospital is for clients seeking high quality vet care in a medium sized clinic.  They have enough staff to provide flexibility while still keeping the home style feel and really work to develop the bond between patient and veterinarian.  They help the client understand their options and emphasize preventative care whenever possible.  If Countryside Animal Hospital sounds like the clinic for you give them a call today!

Have you used Countryside Animal Hospital?  Consider leaving a review below, we would appreciate it!

There are many requirements that a pet owner must meet before traveling by air with a dog.  While specific regulations will vary by airline, most airlines work with the same general rules when it comes to flying dogs.

Food and Water

Do not worry about feeding and watering your dog while on the plane.  A dog can travel for 10 hours without food or water and will be much less uncomfortable than having to hold it during a flight.  Consider reducing food before the flight as well and walk your dog before the flight to encourage them to go to the bathroom.  Some airlines to require bowls be attached to the kennel and food be taped to the kennel in case it is needed.

Clean Bill of Health

All airlines require that a dog that will be flying with you receive a full physical examination and be tested for various diseases (most commonly rabies) before they’ll be allowed to fly.  Usually the airline will require that the exam certificate be dated within a certain amount of time before the date of the flight, so the exam you had your dog undergo two years ago will not suffice for a flight you intend to take next week.

Weather Related Restrictions

The cargo hold on an airplane can become very hot.  Because of this fact there are restrictions on what times of the year dogs may travel to and from certain cities.  Most airlines will also enforce specifically weather and temperature related restrictions.  For example, if the temperature in the arrival or departure city exceeds eighty or eighty five degrees Fahrenheit, pets will not be permitted on the plane.

Pets in the Cabin

Many airlines are now permitting the transport of pets in the cabin of the plane, provided they can fit into the in-cabin kennel cage (22” long by 9” high on most airlines).  The cost for this service also varies by airline but is under $100.00 in most cases.  This is a considerable improvement compared to the pets transported in the cargo hold which many consider an unsafe practice and which can cost more than $300.00 in some cases.

International Flights

The customs laws of many nations restrict the passage of dogs and other pets over their borders.  Airlines must comply with these laws and in many cases your dog will not be able to join you on an international flight at all.

Consider a Pet Transport Company

Pet transport companies have become more popular in recent years and can be worth the money for high maintenance pets or just for your peace of mind.  They vary in level of services and cost but are worth looking into.

When considering flying with your dog please do your research and make sure you understand the conditions of the plane and requirements of the airline.  Have you ever flown with your dog?

Ever since my last dog passed away in December people have been asking me when I am going to get another dog.  I am definitely not ready for another dog right now but who can resist looking at cute puppy pictures?  For my own reasons I know I will get another purebred puppy from a good breeder (breeder versus rescue is a discussion for another day), but when I looked at Rottweilers I cannot think of anything but my last pup Xander.  I feel it would be hard for me to have another puppy that looked so much like my last boy.  I had never before thought of having a different breed but I have really been thinking about what characteristics I am looking for in my next dog.  Here are some of the things I have been considering and that anyone looking for a new dog should think about:

• What activity level will fit well into your lifestyle?
• How many hours per day will your dog be spending alone?
• How much time will you have for training and socialization?
• Do you have kids, cats or other dogs that need to be taken into consideration?
• What size of dog will work best for your living situation?
• Will your dog have a job such as herding, guarding or helping around the house?
• Will you be interested in participating in any events such as obedience or agility?
• Do you want a dog that is like velcro or more aloof?
• Do you want a family dog or one that bonds well with one person?
• Overall, what role will the dog have in your household, a companion, a working dog or a family dog?

These are all important factors to consider.  I am considering an English Shepherd, but am still open to ideas.  Maybe by the time I am ready for a new dog I will decide to get another Rottweiler, but we will have to see.  What is your favorite breed of dog and what is the main thing you consider when getting a new canine friend?

_I came across this video on my phone recently and had to share. This was taken just shortly before my pup Xander passed away so you can tell he does not feel great, but he and our cat Aislinn always got along wonderfully and this cleaning was almost a daily activity. Sorry for my terrible video skills!

Our first vet highlight is here!  Gamble Pet Clinic is a fantastic clinic in northern Fort Collins that caters to dogs and cats and focuses on preventative medicine to keep their clients happy and healthy.  Read on below to learn everything you need to consider when choosing a new vet!

Location: 
2108 Midpoint Dr., Suite 4
Fort Collins, CO 80525
Corner of Prospect and Timberline


Phone:  (970) 221-9995
Email: gamblepetclinic@digis.net
Website: http://www.gamblepetclinic.com

How long have they been in business?
    They opened in July of 2004, so around 8 years now.

How many vets are there on staff?
    Dr. Julie Gamble is currently the only vet on staff so you see her every visit.

What are their hours?
    Monday - Friday 7am though 6pm

What is their availability for emergency visits?
    For current clients they can generally fit in an emergency visit during normal hours.  For after-hours                emergencies they refer their clients to the Fort Collins Veterinary Emergency Hospital.

What types of animals do they treat?
    Dogs and cats.

What is the cost for a first time visit?
    $46 for the initial exam.

What is the cost of a checkup visit for a regular client?
    $42 for an annual exam, vaccinations average $18 each

What training does the staff have?
    - Both veterinary technicians are Certified Weight Loss Coaches through a new program offered by Purina.
    - One of their veterinary assistants is a Certified Vet Assistant (a new program offered by Front Range Community College) and is working at becoming a Veterinary Technician.

What is their focus as a clinic?
    Gamble Pet Clinic focuses on preventative care including regular exams, blood work, dental exams and year-round heart worm preventative.

What makes them unique?
    - Gamble Pet Clinic schedules long appointment blocks so that you are not rushed when you come in for an appointment. 
    - Dr. Gamble presents all options for treatment and outlines pros and cons of each so you can chose the option that is best for your pets.
    - The clinic has a strong family atmosphere (it is managed by Dr. Gamble's daughter) and that feel extends to the clients, creating a close bond between the clients and the staff.

Are they the vet clinic for you?
    Gamble Pet Clinic is great for someone looking for a nice clinic with a close family feel.  They do emphasize preventative medicine whenever possible.  You will always see the same veterinarian and they are always happy to help when you call in with a problem. 

On a personal note, Dr. Gamble is my veterinarian and the entire staff is fantastic.  They have seen the passing of a couple of my pets and have been very helpful during this difficult time.  One of my favorite stories was after my dog had his leg amputated and the incision became infected.  CSU (who did the amputation) was unable to get him in that day so Dr. Gamble squeezed him in at the last minute even though she was sick and already had a full day.  I cannot say enough good things about this clinic and the wonderful care they provide for your pets!