Courage Update: Vet Kennel Attendant at Center of Animal Cruelty Case Terminated
Citing death threats from angry members of the public, hospital administrator Gilbert Velasquez of the Southern California Veterinary Specialty Hospital has confirmed the termination of Kimberly Nizato, the California woman charged with tying a German Shepherd out and leaving it to starve for five weeks. In a statement issued last week, Velasquez had indicated that the hospital intended to continue Nizato’s employment after she proclaimed her innocence in a private conversation. Hospital officials reversed that decision when evidence led to formal charges in the case and Velasquez began receiving death threat calls.

Spring is on its way, opening up countless new opportunities to have fun with your pet. While springing into action, however, it’s important to remember that in addition to fun in the sun, spring also brings some seasonal hazards.

North Shore Animal League America has assembled a collection of helpful springtime tips for you and your pet. We want to help you keep your pets happy, healthy, safe and in the pink.

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Make sure your pets are protected with flea, tick and heart worm treatments and are up-to-date on vaccinations. Keep a file with your pets’ medical information and keep track of necessary follow up shots and appointments.
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Keep identification on your pet at all times and make certain that the information is current and legible.
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Is your dog eating grass? Unless it’s been treated with fertilizer or pesticide, don’t worry. It could mean he has a bellyache, or it could just be his natural instinct to aid his digestion.
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Springtime means spring showers and sprinklers which can leave puddles of standing water. Try not to let your dog drink out of puddles, as standing water can be filled with bacteria leading to gastrointestinal upset or ailments.
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Recreational swimming is a great way to cool off, but can be dangerous. Never leave your pet unattended near swimming pools or lakes.
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Nothing beats a leisurely spring ride in the car. If you’re taking your pet with you, make sure he is properly contained. Don’t put him in the back of a pick-up truck where he could fall out or let him hang out of open windows where debris can get in his eyes or he could get hurt.
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Goin’ fishin’? Keep bait and tackle secured, as they can be extremely hazardous to curious pets. If your pet gets accidentally hooked, seek immediate emergency veterinary attention. DO NOT try to remove the hook yourself.
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Cool breezes feel great, but open, unscreened windows can be dangerous for your pets. Make sure they can’t get to windows where they can fall or crawl out.
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Just like us, our pets have allergies too. If you notice obvious signs of allergies like swollen eyes, frequent scratching, fur/skin conditions or sneezing, you may want to take your pet to the vet to explore those allergy symptoms.
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Grooming is not just about vanity. Keeping your pet clean and groomed prevents skin irritations, fleas and ticks and keeps his temperature regulated. Make sure his nails are trimmed but not too short.
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The outdoors is not the only thing pets get a fever for in the spring. Springtime is mating season! Make sure your pet is spayed or neutered so that they don’t contribute to overwhelming pet overpopulation problem.
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Certain common spring plants can be extremely hazardous to your pet. Many can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested and some can even be deadly.

Why should I use a pet sitter?
There are many reasons for choosing
to hire a pet sitter.
1.Your pets stay in the comfort of their
own home.
2.Your pet experiences less stress~no
other animals~no parade of strangers.
3.They don’t need special shots.
4.Your pet receives one on one
observation, love, pampering, and
attention while you’re away
5.They are not exposed to other
animals that may be ill.
6.We bring in the mail and water plants
and pets at home are a crime
deterrent.
7. You don’t have to impose on friends
or family to care for your pet. You can
rely on a professional.
8.Your pet deserves the best.

Please don’t leave your dog at home all day while you’re away. Have a professional pet sitter give your pooch that midday walk!

Pet Sitter and Dog Walker