Like their owners, dogs and cats start to feel more aches and pains in their joints as they age, so they may shy away from physical activity that aggravates their conditions. And just like their owners, older pets lose flexibility and put on excess weight as they avoid exercise -- causing the whole cycle to accelerate.

The situation is largely the same when a dog or cat undergoes surgery on their hips, elbows, knees and ankles. When it hurts to move their joints, they avoid activity -- which only causes them to lose even more range of motion.

The staff at Cascade Hospital want to remember former employee Molly Hulbert in the most fitting way they can -- by giving the gift of life to people and encouraging others to do so as well.

Molly, a 14-year veteran at the hospital who succumbed to small cell carcinoma in November, was the type of person “who would help anyone in any way she could,” said LVT Kelli Ferguson, who is organizing a blood drive March 8 at the hospital along with staffer Theresa Hertel. “We felt this is the best way to pass along her spirit of giving. The number-one reason why donors say they give is to help others.”

When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, we often step on the bathroom scale and vow to shave off a few pounds in the coming year. We know that we will have more energy and feel better if we control our diet and exercise to lose excess weight – even during the winter months.

But did you ever consider making that same resolution for your trusty buddy – your dog or cat – as well?

When you hear the word “laser,” you normally think of the amazingly concentrated beam of light that can transmit messages over great distances or even cut through steel plate. But physicians, physical therapists, and other medical professionals in clinics across the country are using something called therapy laser on patients every day to relieve pain and promote healing.

Cascade Hospital for Animals has made this remarkable technology available to its four-legged patients as a way to accelerate tissue repair, alleviate pain, and reduce swelling and inflammation from arthritis, tendonitis, and sprains.

Most people have heard the phrase “curiosity killed the cat,” but they don’t know there’s a second half to that old saying that goes “but satisfaction brought it back.”

If that could be applied to humans, it may fit our own Dr. Cherie Anderson, veterinarian at Cascade Hospital for Animals who loves the dare that felines throw down every day to find out what’s wrong with them.

It may come as a surprise to pet owners, but more than 85 percent of all veterinary hospitals and clinics for companion animals in the United States and Canada are not accredited by an independent outside agency as hospitals for humans are.

We were reminded of that last week when we hosted a visit by Wanda Ross, practice consultant for the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) who came through to evaluate our hospital and review its accreditation using about 900 standards of best practices. Established in 1933 and based in Lakewood, Colo., AAHA is the only veterinary association exclusive to pets that does accreditations.

Walk through the halls of the main facility of Cascade Hospital for Animals on any given day, and you will discover our “army of angels” for animals who support the work of our veterinarians to provide the highest caliber of veterinary care at affordable prices.

We are proud to have 31 veterinary technicians working at the hospital -- the largest contingent of such professionals at any animal treatment facility in the Grand Rapids metro area.

Everyone loves a good love story. We have one we would like to share about two very special people.

Ben started working at Cascade Hospital in 2006 as an Animal Care Technician while attending college with hopes of going to veterinary school. Ben transitioned into the role of an Exam Room Technician a few years later. He worked with the veterinarian in the exam room, helped educate clients, and assisted with outpatient appointments.

This Fourth of July weekend is shaping up to be a beautiful one in West Michigan, and I’m sure many of you are planning to celebrate with family and friends at parties, picnics, parades, barbecues, and fireworks. These family activities with awe and beauty bring joy to many of us, but for your pets, it can be the most terrifying time of the year. “Pets are sensitive to loud noises, bright flashing lights, and strong smells,” says Dr. Steve McBride of Cascade Hospital for Animals. “All of these elements are present around July 4th, during fireworks shows that take place over a number of nights.”

Before you head out to enjoy the day, take a look at our four tips to keep your pets happy and healthy during the July 4th holiday.

It is a beautiful spring morning in West Michigan. You are enjoying your morning coffee watching the birds at the feeder in your backyard, and he shows up. A disheveled looking squirrel disrupting the serenity of the morning. Some may “shoo” him away; however, many others call us asking for advice on how to help the little guy out.