There’s no question that over the past 17 months the way we’ve provided our services has seen some changes. In addition to the evolving curbside service and masking protocols we experienced since March of 2020, making appointments has also been a little different from normal. While our team has been able to successfully weather the challenges brought on by these unprecedented times and still provide the same high level of care we always have, it’s difficult to deny the facts. Our hospital has been experiencing what veterinarians all over the country have been experiencing: a record-breaking level of business compounded by a lack of staff and other pressures related to the pandemic. As Dr. Siegle said in a recent interview with Fox 17 news, “It’s been relentless!”
At times, the heat of a West Michigan summer day can be overwhelming—and when it’s too much for us, it’s important to remember that it’s also too much for our dogs! Dr. Becky Schaffer shared some insights and advice for getting the most out of summer while keeping your dog safe and comfortable.
Cascade Hospital for Animals and Breton Village Animal Clinic are pleased to announce that Clayton Siegle, DVM, joined our staff on July 12. As the grandson of CHFA’s founder and the son of one of its current owners, Clayton is proud to carry on the family legacy, but the decision to go into the veterinary field was entirely his own.
The Fourth of July is the ultimate summer celebration, a time of cookouts, parades, and, of course, fireworks. Nothing feels more patriotic than watching the beautiful colors exploding in the sky, and for many of us, our neighborhoods turn into a cacophonous light show in the days surrounding the Fourth.
It’s a fear that haunts every dog owner: that their pet will be hit by a car. When it happened to Kate, a Cascade Hospital for Animals client, her first inclination in a time of rushing adrenaline was to get her dog, Kevin, to CHFA as swiftly as possible.
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily changed the way we run our clinics, Cascade Hospital for Animals and Breton Village Animal Clinic have been mindful of the effects their jobs have on our employees’ health and well-being...and, in turn, the effect their mental health and well-being have on our success. Our management team was motivated by some sobering statistics to promote a healthy work-life balance for employees. The most recent step to improve that balance has been an adjustment to the weekend hours at CHFA, shortening the hours on Saturday and ending medical services on Sunday.
Some of the biggest problems for dogs come from the tiniest creatures: fleas, ticks, intestinal parasites, and mosquitoes. These pests cause problems ranging from annoying itchiness to life-threatening illness. As we get closer to outdoor summer fun and our pets get more exposure to these threats, it’s a good time to ensure they’re fully protected.
There’s no question the COVID-19 pandemic has meant change for everyone—and every organization, company, and individual has responded in a different way. For veterinary clinics such as Cascade Hospital for Animals and Breton Village Animal Clinic, the early uncertainty around the pandemic in March of 2020 meant taking decisive action. Before the announcement of any government orders, the clinics implemented curbside service in order to promote social distancing. Staff saw their duties change.
Nothing brings spring into a home like a flower arrangement. When CHFA client Brittany received a lily bouquet from a friend, she displayed it on her desk. But while her back was turned for just a moment, her new cat Olaf began to eat the pollen out of the flower.
Many pet owners don’t necessarily see a link between grooming and their four-legged friend’s overall health. But regular grooming is key to maintaining an animal’s health and well-being.
