Volunteer Orientation: March 10, 2012

Posted on February 8, 2012 by Amanda

What: We’re headed out to Stautzenberger College, my old stomping grounds, to hold our first volunteer orientation session.

When: Saturday, March 10, 2012 starting promptly at 10 am.

Where:

Stautzenberger College
8001 Katherine Boulevard
Brecksville, Ohio 44141
The room will be announced on our Facebook Event Page

Why: To find out how to make a One Health difference in your community

Who should get involved: Anyone interested in helping keep animals, people, and environments healthy

General kinds of volunteer opportunities available:

  • Working directly with animals (veterinarians, technicians, assistants, and students; must be 18 years or older for your safety)
  • Working near animals (assist pet owners with check-in and check-out, ensure veterinary team has food and beverages during breaks, etc.)
  • Working for the animals (marketing, fundraising, writing, etc.)

Caution: Those people who want to work with or near animals for the Vets On Wheels program need to be aware that…

  1. Allergic reactions can occur in people as a result of being near animals (e.g. runny nose, watery eyes, difficulty breathing, etc.)
  2. Part of the veterinary services involve collecting blood samples, handling fecal and urine samples, giving shots (vaccinations), expressing anal glands, clipping toenails, and giving medications to animals, as needed.
  3. The recommended veterinary procedures are for the health and safety of the pet, and the other animals and people who get near them.
  4. Animals may bite, scratch and express their bodily fluids, when you least expect it.
  5. Animals don’t always want veterinary procedures to be done to them and avoid them (see note above about biting, scratching, etc), so they must be restrained appropriately for everyone’s health and safety.
  6. You must dress appropriately for your safety and that of others; a dress code will be discussed and enforced.

Note: If any of the above activities may be a problem for you, then please do not volunteer for a position that involves activities that are a known problem for you.

There’s limited space, so please let us know if you plan on coming.

We hope to see you there!

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Valentine’s Day- a One Health perspective

Posted on February 6, 2012 by Dr. Anna

My husband Ned enjoying a relaxing time in his favorite chair with our cat Oreo

For some Valentine’s Day is filled with dread. That day when single people feel left out, for couples who are experiencing rough patches, for those not wanting to get trapped in the commercialization that demeans this day, or for those not knowing how to express love in a meaningful way. And for others it’s the perfect time to connect with a loved one in a special place.

If you look at Valentine’s Day as a day as an excuse to sit and remember all that you love in life- not just about romantic love- then it can take on a whole new meaning. A One Health meaning. What do I mean about that? Continue reading →

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Posted in Animals, How to Help, One Health, People, The van Bakeren Foundation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Magic is in the Air

Posted on February 3, 2012 by Dr. Anna

I cannot believe our luck. Merry Rosenfield from The Magic Zoo is selling her unique hand designed, animal shaped jewelry with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the great One Health work of The van Bakeren Foundation. And just in time to celebrate those we love.

Valentine’s Day for me is not just about romantic love, it’s about those relationships we cherish with others. What better way to express that love than to wear a remembrance of a pet or animal we love? I gave my kids a matching set of earrings and necklaces some time ago and they just love them!

So this is the deal:

Artist Merry Rosenfield of The Magic Zoo jewelry is generously donating 17% of anything you purchase on her site during the month of February to celebrate One Health. Click on her beautiful handcrafted animal jewelry to find your favorite pet or animal design!

Never heard of The Magic Zoo?!? Well let me tell you about her.

I met Merry Rosenfield, master creator at The Magic Zoo, at a veterinary-related continuing education event several years ago. She is so friendly, generous, and an amazing artist. She knows just how to capture the essence of any animal species. She must have them all- her store is a veritable Noah’s Ark of animals. I’m sure you can find your favorite animal in her vast collection of species.

The other thing I love about her unique items is how affordable they are. There are many great items under $50 (there’s a great set of cat earrings for $10), but there are also other stunning pieces if there’s something special you need.

So get shopping and help a great cause- all at the same time. How great is that?!?

Understandably, all transactions that occur as a result of this amazing opportunity are between the shopper and The Magic Zoo. Any comments, questions, or concerns with their products or services need to be raised with The Magic Zoo. The van Bakeren Foundation is not responsible for any transaction made between the shopper and The Magic Zoo.

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Join Us for a Vets On Wheels Event!

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Amanda

The Vets On Wheels team will be traveling to Akron, Ohio on February 14, 2012 to provide a FREE community educational seminar, “Keeping Pets and Seniors Healthy.”  Chambrel at Montrose, an exceptional senior living facility, has graciously offered to host this event and we are pleased they invited us to share the One Health message.  The seminar will take place from 2:00-3:00PM, followed by light refreshments and a gift to take home.

If you are interested in attending this event, please see this flyer for details. Don’t miss out on this special event!  We look forward to seeing you soon.

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Posted in Animals, Cats, Dogs, Events, One Health, People, Pets, Seniors, Uncategorized, Upcoming Events, Vets on Wheels, YOPIE's | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Vets On Wheels Success in Bay Village!

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Amanda

Dr. Pizzuli draws blood from a dog to test for heartworm disease.

Last Wednesday, the Vets On Wheels team traveled to Knickerbocker Apartments in Bay Village, Ohio to provide veterinary services for the residents.  We were welcomed by eager residents and appreciative staff, which helped to start our day off right.  After setting up a small room with all of our supplies and equipment, we were ready to start seeing patients! Dr. Pizzuli and I began the day with a few feline nail trims, met some wonderful residents along the way, and ended our afternoon with two very loyal service dogs, in need of their yearly check-up.  We saw a total of 7 animals and formed new relationships with the residents of Knickerbocker Apartments.

Since this was my first event with Vets On Wheels, we thought it would be great to get the residents’ feedback on the services we provided.  I am happy to report that they were more than pleased with our team and loved the convenience of us coming to them!  One resident said she was very thankful we came to her apartment since she had difficulty getting her cat into a carrier.  Turns out the cat loved the convenience, too!  He was more relaxed since he felt comfortable in his home and was a model patient, which made our job much easier.

Knickerbocker resident and her beloved cat

It was a lovely morning spent with a great group of residents and their furry companions.  We are excited to add Knickerbocker Apartments to our client list and hope the next event is in your neck of the woods!  If you are interested in Vets On Wheels providing veterinary care in your community, please call (216) 586-4VET (4838) or e-mail me.

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01/18/12: Vets On Wheels Veterinary Service Day

Posted on January 17, 2012 by Amanda

Tomorrow morning, the Vets On Wheels team will be traveling to Knickerbocker Apartments in Bay Village, Ohio (west of Cleveland) to provide veterinary wellness services for the residents and their furry companions.  If you are interested in Vets On Wheels visiting your community, please call (216) 586-4VET (4838).

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Posted in Animals, Cats, Dogs, Events, People, Pets, Seniors, Uncategorized, Upcoming Events, Vets on Wheels, YOPIE's | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Vets On Wheels: Recruiting Volunteers!

Posted on January 14, 2012 by Amanda

The New Year is upon us and Vets On Wheels is speeding into 2012 with great enthusiasm!  With veterinary service events scheduled for January and February, the Vets On Wheels team needs your help!

If you are looking for a way to give back to your community, look no further than volunteering.  What other way can you help others and help yourself?  Studies show that volunteering is not only beneficial to others, but good for your own health, too!

So, go ahead, make your New Year’s resolution to volunteer.  If you enjoy working with animals and people, then you have found your first stop on the path of altruism.  The Vets On Wheels team is in need of passionate, dedicated volunteers to help us continue the mission of The van Bakeren Foundation into 2012.  If you are interested in volunteering for Vets On Wheels or other volunteer opportunities, please visit our web page for ways to help our organization. Or contact us today at 216.920.3051 or e-mail me.

We look forward to meeting you in the New Year!

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Ponies, puppies, and kittens- what’s right for you and your family?

Posted on January 5, 2012 by Dr. Anna

I hear that lots of children ask for pets like ponies, puppies, kittens, and any number of other kinds of animals as presents for a special holiday or a birthday. My kids have always asked to get a dog. Sometimes parents “cave in” to those requests. But has everyone involved really explored the realities and responsibilities of taking care of an animal? Day in and day out? 24/7/365? Hearing in the news that people are taking pets to shelters after an impulse buy over the holidays indicate that more than one person has not.

A parent (or other well-meaning gift giver) must understand first and foremost that at the end of the day, an adult is the one responsible for making sure that the animal has been adequately fed, watered, sheltered, and given the right environment for their species, age, size, and individual temperament. A child can be given age appropriate tasks associated with the care and feeding of that animal, but relying solely on a child to take on any or all tasks is not fair to the animal without adequate follow through.

Amanda Butts picks up poop from her back yard. You go girl!

Each species has its own unique care and feeding requirements. Of course, what goes in the mouth ends up going out the other end after the food and water has been appropriately processed by the body as pee or poop. So understanding their bathroom habits are a must.

When selecting any kind of animal as a pet – whether it’s a traditional pet like a dog or cat, or an exotic pet – any animal may pose health risks to children and other family members. There are ways to determine whether the many benefits of having an animal in the home, yard and/or barn outweigh the risks. What are they? Continue reading →

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One Health Resolutions for 2012

Posted on January 4, 2012 by Dr. Anna

Of course many people talk about making New Year resolutions every year. But have you heard of One Health Resolutions? Wait no more! Tired of reading a lot? Don’t worry. I’m tired of all the reading, too. So here are a few common sense One Health Resolutions I offer you to help keep pets, people, and places healthy for 2012 and beyond. Continue reading →

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Posted in Animals, Cats, Dogs, One Health, Parasites, People, Pets, Veterinary Medicine, YOPIE's, Zoonotic disease | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

We are receiving awards!

Posted on December 28, 2011 by Nina Sheffler

We are proud to announce that our Founder, President, & CEO, Dr. Anna and staff registered veterinary technician and Veterinary Field Services Coordinator, Amanda Butts have recently received awards.

On September 9th, 2011 The Ohio State University Veterinary Medicine Alumni Society awarded class of 1993 alumni, Dr. Anna van Heeckeren, MS, DVM the “Alumni Recognition Award.”  She was recognized by the President of the College, Adam Parson as well as the Dean and past Chair of the One Health Task Force, Dr. Lonnie King.  Dr. Anna was recognized  for her contributions to the enhancement of the veterinary medical profession.

At the Annual Public Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) Ohio Silent Raffle on November 12th, 2011 Amanda Butts was presented the award for “being a voice for the animals.”  Amy Beichler, Executive Director of PAWS Ohio, has worked closely with Amanda over the past few years to help rescue the homeless pets of NE Ohio.  Amy took the opportunity to recognize Amanda’s hard work at this well attended annual event in Broadview Heights.

All of us at the at The van Bakeren Foundation are very excited about our staff member’s recognitions in the One Health community and are thrilled to share them with you!

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