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One Lonely Betta

One Lonely Betta
There was a time when Nana enjoyed three male bettas, each in a uniquely shaped vase – one an antique, as accents in the kitchen and great room.  A fourth display of the handsome Siamese fighting fish graced the corner of my former office desk. Actually, at one point, Nana had a total of five bettas.  The fifth was in a huge brandy sniffer-styled bowl holding seven gallons of...

Pets Need Dental Care Too

Pets Need Dental Care Too
By Dr. Mitsie Vargas Millions of pets do suffer from serious dental disease. These pets may also exhibit behavioral changes due to their pain. They are picky eaters, grumpy and even aggressive. Unfortunately many of these pets are relinquished to rescues or even euthanized. Like our teeth, dogs have an inner chamber of the tooth known as the pulp cavity. This hollow cavity (or...

Scales and Tails Pet Festival to be held...

Scales and Tails Pet Festival to be held at DiOGi Park
The Polk County Board of County Commissioners’ Parks and Recreation will host the Scales and Tails Pet Festival on Sat., Feb. 11 from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. at Loyce E. Harpe Park in Mulberry (500 West Carter Road, next to the DiOGi Dog Park). This family event is free and open to the public. Free activities include live entertainment by Sunshine Serpents, pet contests, wiener dog...

creating today Feb 02 2012

creating today Feb 02 2012
The man who rows the boat seldom has time to rock it. - Bill Copeland creating aspiration, intent and perseverence… letting go into purpose; what steps will be boldly taken today? peace, love and joy…   www.creatingtoday.net  

Bok Tower Gardens Hosts Bark Tower Garde...

Bok Tower Gardens Hosts Bark Tower Gardens’ Winter Dog Day
Bok Tower Gardens is going to the dogs for good cause on Saturday, January 14 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the Bark Tower Gardens’ Winter Dog Day. Leashed and friendly dogs will be invited to visit to help support the Humane Society of Polk County which will receive 50 percent of the event proceeds. Dog admission, including a doggie gift bag, is $5 per dog. Regular human admission...

Cold Weather Tips To Keep Your Pet Safe

Brrrr—it’s cold outside!  The following guidelines will help you keep your companion animals safe when the mercury dips. While the SPCA encourages pet owners to keep their cats and dogs inside at all times for their safety and health, if you or anyone you know has an outdoor pet, ensure they are brought inside during cold nights. If you are one of the many in the area who...

Raw Food For Dogs: The Facts

Raw Food For Dogs: The Facts
By Dr. Mitsie Varga For a majority of pet owners, a quick trip to the local grocery or even pet superstore is the easiest way to pick up their pets’ food. People might debate favorite brands, but most will use some sort of commercial dry or canned diet for their four-legged friends. For a few pet owners though, preparing a meal for the family dog involves a little more work and...

Make Sure Santa Visits Your Pet

Make Sure Santa Visits Your Pet
By Dr. Mitsie Vargas Did you know almost 60 percent of pet owners will give their four-legged friend a holiday gift this season? Pets have successfully transitioned from the backyard to the beds; they’ve truly become an integral part of the family. This Howlidays remember that pets are not judgmental or materialistic! They simply enjoy “unwrapping” their gifts,...

Happy Howlidays!

Happy Howlidays!
By Dr. Mitsie Vargas The Holiday Season is usually known at our hospital as Pancreatitis Season because of the high number of vomiting cases we see each year. The main culprit is the abundance of rich foods and candies that go along with all the celebrations. Pancreatitis means inflammation of the pancreas. When pets consume foods that are extremely fatty (like the skin of turkey or...

Pet Safe Thanksgiving!

Pet Safe Thanksgiving!
This Thanksgiving Holiday is a great opportunity for pet owners to be aware of the myriad of hazards to go along with the holiday parties. The delicious smells of roasted turkey and baked goods may prove a very tempting opportunity for our pets to beg and steal way some foodstuffs. I always remind pet owners of the many foods that should be banned for pet consumption. These foods...

Economy Affects Our Pets, Too

Economy Affects Our Pets, Too
The sad state of the economy is affecting all of us, thus changing the way we spend our money. I’ve seen many pet owners try to save money by buying less expensive dog food, trying Internet pharmacies and skimping on monthly preventatives and grooming services. I am sympathetic to the plight of my clients but wanted to sound a word of caution when cutting corners on you pet...

creating today Oct 18 2011

creating today Oct 18 2011
There’s nothing you can know that isn’t known. Nothing you can see that isn’t shown. Nowhere you can be that isn’t where you’re meant to be. It’s easy. All you need is love, all you need is love… - The Beatles photo by joe dudek creating involvement, tenderness and cherishing… letting go into relatedness; how will treasuring...

Frostproof Festival Wants You and Your &...

Frostproof Festival Wants You and Your ‘Barks and Bikes’
The Frostproof Chamber of Commerce is planning a day of family fun, food, antique cars, exercise and entertainment on Saturday, Oct. 22, to be held at the historic Depot, in downtown Frostproof.  The theme of this year’s event is Barks and Bikes. Starting from 8 a.m. with our bicycle rides of various lengths, from a family fun ride of 12 miles around Lake Reedy, up to a 32, 62...

Local Sports Stars and Coaches Team up w...

Local Sports Stars and Coaches Team up with SPCA
Local Sports Stars and Coaches Team up with SPCA for Four-Legged Fund Raiser at bd’s Mongolian Grill What: SPCA Guest Griller Night at bd’s Mongolian Grill Who: Local sports stars and coaches from Tampa Bay Storm, Lakeland Raiders, Florida Southern College and Lakeland High School Why: To raise money for the SPCA animals; SPCA receives all guest griller tips AND 20% of sales...

Pet Friendly Events Abound in October!

Pet Friendly Events Abound in October!
October is a busy month full of activities that cater to dog owners. The great weather and the hint of the Holidays converge to create several great events in which our Hospital is proudly participating. The first event that I fully endorse is “Howl at the Moon” this Saturday the 15th at The Humane Society grounds at 555 Sage Road off Dundee Road in Winter Haven. It will be a great...

Annual Exam Important For Cats

Annual Exam Important For Cats
By Mitsie Vargas Do we value dogs more highly than cats or are there other reasons for the inequity in cat’s veterinary care? Experts believe that cats and humans have interacted with each other for more than 10,000 years. From their humble beginnings chasing rodents away from our food, cats have vaulted into our homes and hearts as North America’s favorite pet....

Pets Need Eye Care, Too

Pets Need Eye Care, Too
By Dr. Mitsie Vargas As part of your pet’s regular check up, your veterinarian will spend time peering into the depths of the animal’s eyes. In the majority of cases, the doctor will see eyes that are bright, clear and free of any sort of abnormality. Occasionally though, pets present to their veterinarian with injuries, scratches or irritation to their eyes or eyelids....

World Rabies Day

World Rabies Day
This September 28th is officially World Rabies Day. World Rabies Day, held each September, is designed to raise awareness and help people understand how they can help eliminate this threat. Here in the USA, we are extremely lucky vaccinations have practically eliminated the threat of rabies from our domestic animals. However, according to the Alliance for Rabies Control, 55,000 people...