Dr. Schaffer poses with the rest of the leadership team.

Dr. Becky Schaffer is now a part owner

Dr. Becky Schaffer recently shared the exciting news with the CHFA and BVAC staff that she is now a part owner of the hospitals. Her decision to join the leadership team came about not from a longstanding aspiration to be an owner of a clinic, but from the positive experiences she had taking on more responsibilities in recent years as Assistant Medical Director.

Licensed Veterinary Tech Aly holds Rosey, who recovered from bladder stone removal surgery.

Bladder stones in pets: what to watch for and how we treat them

Bladder stones can be just as much of a painful problem for dogs and cats as they can be for humans. A recent case Dr. Kyle Fuller treated here at Cascade Hospital for Animals showed just how big of a problem bladder stones can grow to be and how critical it is to treat them on time.

Dr. Julie Wesselink has felt a life-long calling to help

Cascade Hospital for Animals and Breton Village Animal Clinic are pleased to welcome Dr. Julie Wesselink to our talented team of veterinarians! Dr. Wesselink comes to us from her most recent position at a clinic in southwest Michigan. 

Dr. Siegle poses with a patient who receives heartworm, flea, and tick prevention year round.

Why is year-round prevention essential for parasite control?

As a veterinary hospital in the midwest, we get a lot of questions about preventative medications. For example, “Why do I need to give my pet heartworm protection in the winter when there are no mosquitos around?” Well, while it’s true that we are for the most part free of mosquitos this time of year, it’s still important to keep giving your pet their parasite prevention medication all year long, no matter what the weather is like.

Sara snuggles with her own cat.

The importance of dental health is easy to see

As veterinary professionals, we can never emphasize enough the importance of regular dental care for dogs and cats. There’s a reason the entire month of February is dedicated to pet dental health! Recently, a CHFA staff member saw in living color the importance of maintaining healthy mouths for our pets.

Dr. Mincks, who provides behavioral consultations, poses with a patient.

CHFA now offers Behavioral Consultations

Your love for your pets can overcome anything, but at times their behavior causes stress and friction for the entire family, especially when you don’t know where it’s coming from or what to do about it. Whether the cat has stopped using his litter box or the dog is barking at strangers during his walk, these issues make life difficult for everyone.

Brittney poses with a grooming client

Protect your dog's coat this winter

Winter has hit West Michigan in full force, and along with cold weather, shorter days, and snow come dogs’ winter coats. “Many dogs have a different type of coat in the wintertime that’s thicker and heavier,” said CHFA groomer Brittney. To some dog owners, it may seem like a good plan to leave that heavy coat alone until spring. According to Brittney, however, maintaining your pet’s coat, including regular professional grooming, can be more critical during the winter than at any other time of year.

Dr. Mincks poses with a patient.

Welcome to the team, Dr. Holly Mincks!

Cascade Hospital for Animals and Breton Village Animal Clinic are excited to announce that Dr. Holly Mincks has joined our veterinary team! Dr. Mincks is passionate about her career. “What I really love about vet medicine is the problem-solving. It's so, so rewarding when pets come in with a problem and they're feeling really crummy and you can figure out what the problem is and how to fix it and they can feel better. And when the pets are happy, that strengthens the bond they have with their humans,” she said.

Dr. Grace Longcore smiles with a Pomeranian patient.

Welcome aboard, Dr. Grace Longcore!

Cascade Hospital for Animals and Breton Village Animal Clinic are proud to bring Dr. Grace Longcore on board! Dr. Longcore began her career at Animal Emergency Hospital, where she worked before joining us.

Multi-cat households are a joy but they need careful consideration to work for everyone.

Multi-Cat Households: How to Make them Work for Everyone

For some cat lovers, their family just isn’t complete with one cat! And while there are many advantages to having more than one cat—they keep each other active and mentally stimulated for starters—there are many considerations and necessary first steps before making your household a multicat one.