Holiday Dog-Friendly Recipe:

ingredients
1 cup shredded roasted turkey meat
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 sweet potato--baked, skin discarded and potato coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons cranberry sauce

directions
In a medium bowl, combine the turkey and breadcrumbs. Mix gently with your hands, then mix in the egg and sweet potato. Shape into two 1/2-inch-thick patties.
In a medium skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the patties and cook, turning once, until golden-brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Top with the cranberry sauce and let your canine enjoy!

October Pet of the Month: Lola

Lola is our October Pet of the Month! Lola is an 18-month old Briard who is definitely one of the family. In fact, she thinks she owns the place! As much as she rules the roost, she also likes to pretend she's a lap dog by cuddling with eac

h of her people as often as possible. True to her origins, she's a fan of Brie cheese (well, ANY cheese), romping in the snow and corralling small children when sheep aren't available. Lola loves Dr. Cobelli and everyone at Quarry Ridge and she doesn't hesitate to stand at the counter on her hind legs to say hello every time she visits. We are proud to honor Lola as our Pet of the Month!

Employee of the Month: Susan

Sue has been with Quarry Ridge Animal Hospital since October of 2006. She has three Pugs, Curly, Harly and Sabrina, along with a multitude of cats. She lives with her wonderful husband Rob, but her new joy is her first grandson, Liam. 
Both Sue and Rob love to travel. Sue's secret passion is for aquatic and all marine life. She loves to scuba dive. She has taken a few team members to swim with the dolphins at the Mystic Aquarium. Sue also arranges the annual bowling event.

Today is National Pet Obesity Awareness Day

Today is National Pet Obesity Awareness Day! Is your pet above their ideal weight for their size? Overweight pets are prone to organ health problems such as heart and liver disease, and could develop joint health problems as well. We can help you develop an exercise and diet plan to get them on the road to good health and good fitness! Give us a call today


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Are You Allergic To Your Pet?

Breathe easy! 

You can still keep your animal companion!

Although more and more people are discovering the beneficial effects of owning a furry bundle of joy, the fact remains that roughly 15 to 20 percent of the population is allergic to animals. The result? Countless owners in unhappy, unhealthy situations—and their beloved pets are the cause! Allergen is the medical term for the actual substance that causes an allergic reaction. Touching or inhaling allergens leads to reactions in allergic individuals. Symptoms can include red, itchy, watery eyes and nose; sneezing; coughing; scratchy or sore throat; itchy skin, and most serious of all, difficulty breathing.

The most common pet allergens are proteins found in their dander (scales of old skin that are constantly shed by an animal), saliva, urine and sebaceous cells. Any animal can trigger an allergic response, but cats are the most common culprits. People can also become allergic to the urine, dander and saliva of exotic pets such as ferrets, guinea pigs, birds, rabbits and rodents. There is no species or breed to which humans cannot develop allergies. Fur length and type will not affect or prevent allergies. Certain pets can be less irritating than others to those who suffer from allergies, but that is strictly on an individual basis and cannot be predicted.

Once the diagnosis of a pet allergy is made, a physician will often recommend eliminating the companion animal from the surroundings. Heartbreaking? Yes. Absolutely necessary? Not always. Keep in mind that most people are allergic to several things besides pets, such as dust mites, molds and pollens, all of which can be found in the home. Allergic symptoms result from the total cumulative allergen load. That means that if you eliminate some of the other allergens, you may not have to get rid of your pet. (Conversely, should you decide to remove your pet from your home, this may not immediately solve your problems.) You must also be prepared to invest the time and effort needed to decontaminate your home environment, limit future exposure to allergens and find a physician who will work with you. Our three-part program follows:

Improving the Immediate Environment

1. Create an allergen-free room. A bedroom is often the best and most practical choice. By preventing your pet from entering this room, you can ensure at least eight hours of freedom from allergens every night. It's a good idea to use hypoallergenic bedding and pillow materials.
2. Limit fabrics. Allergens collect in rugs, drapes and upholstery, so do your best to limit or eliminate them from your home. If you choose to keep some fabrics, steam-clean them regularly. Cotton-covered furniture is the smartest choice, and washable blinds or shades make good window treatments.
3. Vacuum frequently using a vacuum equipped with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate arresting) filter or a disposable electrostatic bag. Other kinds of bags will permit allergens to blow back out of the vacuum.
4. Install an air purifier fitted with a HEPA filter. Our modern, energy-efficient homes lock in air that is loaded with allergens, so it’s smart to let in some fresh air daily.
5. Use anti-allergen room sprays. These sprays deactivate allergens, rendering them harmless. Ask your allergist for a product recommendation.
6. Clean the litter box frequently. Use lowdust, perfume-free filler. Clumping litter is a good choice.
7. Dust regularly. Wiping down the walls will also cut down on allergens.
8. Invest in washable pet bedding and cages that can be cleaned often and easily.
9. 
   

Decontaminating Your Pet

1. Bathe your pet at least once a week. Your veterinarian can recommend a shampoo that won't dry out his skin. Bathing works to wash off the allergens that accumulate in an animal’s fur.
2. Wipe your pet with a product formulated to prevent dander from building up and flaking off into the environment. Ask your veterinarian to suggest one that is safe to use on animals who groom themselves.
3. Note any symptoms of dermatitis exhibited by your companion animal. Dermatitis often leads to accelerated skin and fur shedding, which will up your allergen exposure.
4. Brush or comb your pet frequently. It’s best to do this outdoors, if possible. (The ASPCA does not recommend keeping cats outdoors, so make sure your feline is leashed if you take him outside.)
5. 
   

Taking Care of Yourself

1. If possible, have someone other than yourself do the housecleaning, litter box work and pet washing, wiping and brushing. If you must clean the house or change the litter, be sure to wear a dust mask.
2. Wash your hands after handling your companion animal and before touching your face. The areas around your nose and eyes are particularly sensitive to allergens.
3. Designate a “pet outfit” from among your most easily washed clothes. Wear it when playing or cuddling with your companion, and you’ll leave other clothing uncontaminated.
4. Find a physician, preferably an allergy specialist, who will make sure that your pet is the cause of your allergies and will help alleviate your symptoms. Medications and immunotherapy (desensitizing shots) can often allow you and your companion animal to remain together happily ever after.

September Team Member of the Month: Beau

Beau Vitanza, Co-Office Manager at Quarry Ridge Animal Hospital, is the Team Member of the Month for September.

Beau started out as a client of the practice. About a year after Dr. Cobelli moved the practice to our current, larger facility and started expanding the number of doctors and staff, she hired Beau to help her out in the office on a part-time basis. Beau started on December 5, 2002. Her position has now evolved into a full-time position and she is definitely the "jack-of-all-trades" person in the practice.

Beau graduated from Georgetown University and practiced as a registered nurse before going to work as Office Manager for five years for her husband's executive search firm.. Her interests include gardening and her newly adopted 12 year old Labradoodle, Angus. After years of having Great Danes, Angus came into her life through the practice when one of our dog-training clients was looking for a home for him. Beau fell instantly in love with him and says he is both well-trained and a joyous clown.

When asked about her favorite things about the practice, Beau stated that it is the employees. According to her, "We have a lot of fun--great employees who have great repoir with our clients. And, of course, working with all the animals is always fun."

Plants Poisonous to Cats

Did you know that many plants can be dangerous, even toxic for our cats if consumed? Cats are curious by nature, and often use their noses and mouths to learn about the world around them. This can be extremely hazardous, causing them to accidentally consume things that they should never touch. It’s important to know what these dangerous plants are and to keep them out of our yards and homes. For a detailed list of poisonous plants, please visit the Cat Fancier’s link.

Pets & Camping Safety

Are you taking your dog with you on a family camping trip this summer? Don’t forget to be prepared for pet care! It’s important that your pet is up-to-date on parasite prevention and has plenty of food and fresh, filtered or sanitized water to drink at the campground. Also, be prepared for safety by ensuring that your campground of choice allows dogs to visit, and that your dog has a place to sleep, preferably inside the tent where they won’t be bitten by insects or pestered by wild animals! Be safe, and the trip will be that much more fun!

Over-the-Counter Medications & Pets

Pets are often curious creatures, wanting to check out things around the house. Because of this characteristic, it’s important to always store dangerous substances like medicine far from their reach. Pets have been known to accidentally ingest whole packages of pills and the results are often serious, sometimes fatal. Keep your pet’s safe at home by storing your medicine safely out of their reach.

Cathy Lewis: Team Member of the Month

We are proud to honor Cathy Lewis as our Team Member of the Month! Cathy has been working at Quarry Ridge Animal Hospital for over 10 years. She greets everyone with a big smile. Cathy lives with her husband Dave in Newtown, CT. They are the parents of 5 children and one grandson. In addition to the humans, they have, 3 dogs, 7 ducks, 15 chickens and 3 guinea hens. In her spare time she loves to garden starting most things from seeds and she enjoys horseback riding. We are grateful to have her on our team!

Pets & Insects

Flying critters don't want to share the sweet aroma of spring as it blooms in your garden. Watch your pets while they are outside, because they might be getting up close and personal with a bee or other insects which may result in a nasty sting. We want your pets to enjoy their frolic through the flowers.

Cleaning Pet Toys

Playing catch, chewing on squeaky toys, and playing tug-of-war are all exciting and fun things for dogs to do. There is no need to throw away and replace dog toys just because they are dirty. Man's best friends have their favorite toys, and some tend to wear out more quickly than others. Keeping toys clean and well-maintained will ensure that they are around for a long time.

Case of the Month: "Dude" Carruthers

Dude is an 11 year old Labrador that came to us for the first time about 2 weeks ago with a history of decreased appetite, intermittent vomiting and approximately 20 pound weight loss for about a week. With two dogs in the house, and the kids feeding the dogs, the symptoms could have started even a little sooner.

Concerned for his age and the severity of the symptoms, we began a diagnostic workup, fearing serious disease of cancer. All his tests came back normal. His x-rays showed a two inch round object that was consistent with a foreign body or mass in his stomach. Because of his age and the severity of his symptoms suggesting a guarded prognosis, we started with a conservative approach of a bland diet and stomach medications, but the poor appetite and vomiting continued.

We tried inducing vomiting to see if he could bring up the possible foreign body, to no avail. We discussed possible abdominal exploratory surgery, but elected to try endoscopy to look inside his stomach first...all appearing normal, which no sign of a tumor or foreign body.

Still being suspicious and hoping for an answer and hopefully a cure, we went to a surgery and found a large chestnut wrapped in plastic that was filling a large segment of his intestines. He has recovered well from surgery, and one week later, is back to his usual self again!

June is Adopt-A-Cat-Month

Congratulations, the cat's out of the bag! You've just entered into a wonderful relationship that's bound to be filled with fun and affection. By starting off on the right foot—that is, by being well-prepared for your new arrival—you can move through that rocky adjustment period most new relationships go through and get right down to the lovin'!

1. Make Sure Everyone In The House Is Prepared To Have A Cat

Talk to your family members before bringing a new cat home. Make sure everyone knows that the fun begins only after kitty feels safe and her needs are met. Once you're sure everyone is ready for feeding, litter changing and grooming, you can divvy up chores among family members so everyone is prepared to care for kitty before she arrives.

2. Do You Know What Your Cat Is Trying To Tell You?

The average cat has a vocabulary of more than 16 different sounds, including purring, howling, hissing and meowing—not to mention a wide-range of playful and serious body language. Taking a glance at our Cat Care section will help you understand your cat's behavior before you're faced with her mysterious cat calls, pouncing and nocturnal romps.

3. Stock Up On Supplies Before Kitty Arrives

Have all of your cat's needs ready so she can get right down to the business of making herself at home. Kitty will need:

• A litter box and the brand of litter she's been using
• Food and water bowls and the food she's used to eating
• A sturdy, rough-textured scratching post—at least three feet high—that allows her to stretch completely while scratching
• Safe, stimulating toys. Hint: If you give her toys that make noises, you'll know when she's playing.
• A bed lined with a soft, warm blanket or towel
• Grooming tools: a high-quality brush and nail clipper are a good start

4. Identity Is Key

Proper identification is a necessity. If your kitty is indoors-only, an ID tag or implanted microchip will help ensure she'll be returned to you if she gets out and can't find her way home. A safety collar with an elastic panel will allow your cat to break loose if the collar gets caught on something. We caution against letting cats outdoors, but if you do—or if a window or door is left open—a safety collar and an ID tag may be what bring your missing cat home.

5. A Room Of One's Own

Choose a low-traffic room your kids and other pets don't frequent—this will be your cat's safe space to sniff, eat, scratch and play while she gets her bearings. Arrange her food and water bowls, bed and litter box—and scatter her toys around. You can even clean off a windowsill for her and have soft music playing. She'll appreciate the chance to feel out her new family from inside her haven.

6. Routine Behavior

Give your cat a little structure to lean on. For the first few weeks, provide him with the same kind of food and feeding schedule he had before living with you—and give him the same brand of litter, too, for a familiar scent and feel on his paws. Later on, if you wish to switch to different products, you can make a slow transition.

7. What's New, Pussycat?

With a whole new life in store for her, Kitty will need some time and space to check out her surroundings and all of her new play things. Give her time alone in her room to get comfortable before you come in to play with her. If you have other pets, it's a good idea to leave your new cat in her own room for a few days will allow the other animals in the house to get used to her sounds and scent. (Hint: Watch from the door to see how she leaves her carrier. Whether she pussyfoots into a dark corner or zooms out into the room, you'll know how she feels about her new surroundings.)

8. Introducing Kitty To The Pack

Go slow at first. A cat may need seven to fourteen days to relax into her new environment. If you have kids, let them introduce themselves one at a time. Hold up on the meet-and-greets with friends, neighbors and relatives until your kitty is eating and eliminating on a normal schedule. If you have other pets, don't let your new addition have free run of the house. This is the territory of the animals who have lived with you already. Allow all of your pets to meet in the new cat's territory—and make sure you're there to supervise.

9. Cat-Proof Your Home

When your cat is ready to explore the rest of her new home (for short excursions at first), be sure to get rid of stray items she might chew on or swallow, like toilet paper, tissues and paper towels. Pens and pencils may need to be kept in drawers. You may also have to tape wires to baseboards and put caps on outlets.
Put away harsh cleaning products, human medications and household poisons, and rehome any houseplants that might be toxic to her. Make sure foods that aren't healthy for a cat's tummy are placed securely out of reach.

10. Visit The Vet Within Her First Week

Last but not least, bring your new feline to a caring veterinarian for a wellness exam within one week after adoption. Make this appointment even before you bring your kitty home.

Employee of the Week: Dr. Adrianne Profeta

We are proud to honor Dr. Adrianne Profeta as our Employee of the Week for the 4th week of May! Dr. Profeta has worked in the veterinary industry for 14 years and she loves everything about the wonderful environment. She recently completed her training in Acupuncture which is able to supplement the treatment program. Dr. Profeta loves spending quality time with her daughter doing special things together. In this picture, Diane is congratulating Dr. Profeta by presenting her with flowers! 

CAMEO: May Pet of the Month

This is Cameo! Cameo is a dog that had to be recently amputated due to bone cancer. She is our May Pet of the Month!

Employee of the Week: Diane Carlson

The employee of the week is Diane Carlson. She is our Head Receptionist and has been at Quarry Ridge Animal Hospital for 8 years. Diane has been married to Charlie for 26 years this month, they live in New Fairfield with their lively hunter kitty Bucca. Bucca abuses his curfew constantly, worrying his parents.. Diane loves her job at Quarry Ridge especially her coworkers. She feels lucky to work around all the four legged creatures! Diane has recently started a bowling team the Quarry Ridge Rollers. Diane greets the clients like old friends and we are lucky to have her as part of our Quarry Ridge family. 

This is Daisy Barnard. She is a French puppy.

We Are Working Towards Acupuncture Certification

We are proud that Dr. Adrianne Profeta and Dr. Michele Seibold are working towards their Acupuncture Certification! They both recently completed their courses and PASSED their written and oral examinations. They are working hard towards becoming certified in Acupuncture so that our practice can provide your pets with exemplary veterinary medicine!

April Birthdays

Happy Birthday wishes this April to the twins, Jeremy and Zach, and also to Dr. Seibold! We hope you all have incredible birthdays!