The New Year is here. Some people resolve to lose weight, some to quit a bad habit, or if you’re like me and have pets who are members of the family, you might have resolved to have healthy and happy pets in 2010.
Now is a better time than ever to reassess my pup’s dietary, physical, and health needs. It is a relief knowing I can address all of my Maverick’s growing requirements close to home.
Dr. Erin Smyth, DVM of the Log Cabin Animal Hospital.
The first and perhaps most important need is their health. Built in 1949, Log Cabin Animal hospital is located in one of the few remaining old Geist structures. Their cedar cabin offers pets some stress relief and a very home like feel. With all this cold weather your pet could be experiencing arthritic pain. Practicing veterinarian Dr. Erin Smyth, DVM shares, “We strive to be up-to-date on modern equipment and services; our new addition is a therapy laser which helps treat arthritis and other conditions without side-effects.”
Dr. Scot Harbin, DVM at the McCordsville Veterinary Hospital.
On the south side of Geist off Olio Road/Mt. Comfort Rd. and Pendleton Pike, you will find McCordsville Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Scot Harbin, practicing veterinarian explained it is easy for us pet parents to spoil our pets rotten, negatively influencing their weight and teeth. He shared, “Both of these conditions have been shown to significantly decrease the average pet life span. The good news is that these types of conditions can be remedied and/or prevented with minimal investment and proper client education.”
Is your household pet afraid of going to the vet? Coming this spring is a new “to your door” veterinary service called Curbside Care Mobile Veterinary Clinic. Owner Chris Zaring, a practicing veterinarian, says his service helps your pets “be more relaxed in their familiar environment.” Based out of Zionsville, Zaring will service the northside of Indianapolis from his custom mobile veterinary clinic.
Now that we have addressed what can sometimes be “the tough stuff”, let us have fun! Nothing is better than waking up with a ginormous, wet snout in your face at 7:00 a.m. on a Saturday morning. Waggin’ Tails Bark Park is located 2 minutes from Fall Creek Valley Middle School off 62nd street. They offer everything from training equipment to a water fountain for you and your thirsty K-9. Membership costs only $30.00 annually for Lawrence residents and $40 for those outside the area.
Another outdoor getaway for your dog is the Pierson Bark Park off E. 131st Street in Fishers. Privately owned, Pierson Bark Park offers four acres equipped with a swimming pond and a smaller area for senior or small pets so there is something for every dog at this retreat. Membership is $30.00 per dog and $20 for each additional dog. You can also purchase a day pass for $7.00 to test the waters.
Tom Kortie with Owen and Hanna at Healthy Hounds.
As I type this, Maverick is pressing his big ol’ head so hard against my hands on the keyboard, I have to stop and give him a treat to divert his attention. However, Maverick has a sensitive tummy and sweet potato treats are this dog’s bark. Owner Tom Kortie and his two rescued greyhounds, Owen and Hanna, started Healthy Hounds where they offer a comprehensive line of homemade and holistic treats. They also offer an easy to use self serve dog wash. Owners are provided access to shampoos, treats, colognes, and towels, but also HydroSurge Bathpro 5.1. Sounds fancy right? It is! HydroSurge gives your pets a relaxing massage. For under $20 you can go in with dirty paws and come out a pampered prince or princess!
Andrew Thompson, manager of the new Speck's Pet Supply.
You might have noticed the Pet Products Superstore has been replaced by Speck’s Pet Supplies. Speck’s has remodeled, has a new staff and owner, and an entirely fresh new take on pet supplies. They offer pet owners that “neighborly” feel we tend to miss out on at the corporate chains. Speck’s also works very closely with Robin’s Nest, a Geist feline rescue. “Since we started working with Robin and her family, we have been able to adopt out 136 cats since August of last year," said store manager Andrew Thompson. "The adoption fee is $35.”
Nina and Dave Moore of Specialty Pet Foods on Pendleton Pike.
If it is the largest selection of chow you are looking for on the north east side then head over to Specialty Pet Foods on Pendleton Pike. Owners Dave and Nina Moore just celebrated the store’s 20th anniversary so I had to ask what keeps people coming back? Dave replied, “What our customers say is the extensive variety of healthy, natural dog foods. That’s our number one drawing card.” Specialty Pet Foods also carries feed for cats, wild birds, and several other species of “pets.” In addition to pet food there is also a training facility behind the shop.
K-9 Training Center offers their furry students five different training classes in addition to open gym time. If you would like to spend some one-on-one time with your dog strengthening his or her agility, you can rent out their space for $10 an hour.
Training for your dog is definitely a must in some situations. According to Deb Harlan of Bark Busters, “One of the biggest reason pets are given up is because of behavioral reasons that could be remedied with training.” When Deb was struggling with her dog she knew it was time to begin researching training options. She heard about Barkbusters.com whose core belief is “to help families enjoy their pets by providing dog behavioral therapy and training using natural, holistic and humane techniques in the family’s home.” Believing in Bark Busters so much, Deb is now an in home trainer. She believes keeping a dog in its natural environment is less stressful and can also improve an owner’s relationship with their dog.
Christina Melson of Purrs and Gurrs.
We all know the feeling of having to leave your pet home alone. It is tough! As our furry family members sole care giver we should try and remember it is most likely twice as stressful on our pets. Purrs and Gurrs on E. 116th Street in Fishers not only offer a daily dog walking service, but an in home pet sitting service. Owner Christina Melson started out her business with pet sitting, but now also offers an award winning grooming salon.
“Our grooming package is all inclusive and priced below area competitors.” Including everything from a wash and massage to anal glands expressed and an ear cleaning plus much more; additional information can be found on their website.
My muffins make my life whole. As pet owners, it is the least we can do to make sure their physical and psychological well being are tip top. Cheers to making 2010 a blissful and fit New Year for our Geist residents and their pampered pooches and pets.
