Encinitas Pet Health Blog by The Drake Center for Veterinary Care

The Drake Center would like to give a special thank you to one of our very special clients this month.  Meet Howard Pearl, an ordinary pet owner who went to extraordinary lengths to help another.

Several months back, Mr. Pearl helped us with a crisis involving one of our patients.  Lexi, a sweet, 14-year-old diabetic husky mix, had run out of insulin.  Her insulin type had been discontinued in the United States, but was still available in Europe and Canada.  The medicine was supposed to come in from England, but was held up due to complications with the mail deliveries there.  We expected her insulin to arrive long before she needed it, but it never came. 

That day, Mr. Pearl’s wife, Erin, happened to visit the hospital.  We knew that the Pearls often traveled to Canada, and as it turned out, Mr. Pearl was there on business.  Mrs. Pearl contacted him right away and he agreed to help. 

First, he went to a nearby veterinary clinic and explained the emergency.  The clinic did not have the insulin in stock, so he then called around to other area hospitals and found one about an hour away that could help. The clinic was almost closed when Mr. Pearl arrived, but he was able to get the much-needed insulin.  Mr. Pearl drove straight from the clinic to the airport, where he was able to get the package on a FedEx airplane to San Diego. 

Mr. Pearl spent a day away from his busy schedule to help Lexi and her insulin arrived just in time.  When we thanked Mr. Pearl for his act of kindness, he replied that he did not consider his efforts special. 

“That’s just what people do for each other,” he said. 

Thank you, Mr. Pearl.  We do think you are special and we are so grateful.

Regular wellness exams are crucial for keeping your cat happy and healthy.  For a stress-free trip to the vet, trying using these tips at your next appointment.

1.  Make the carrier your cat’s second home.  Cat carriers are typically associated with many unpleasant things.  Many cat owners keep the carrier in a closet or garage, so the cat has not rubbed on it or slept in it.  Cats who haven’t transferred their scent to the carrier see it as a foreign object, so give your cat time to mark the carrier with facial rubbing—she’ll feel like it belongs to her and you may find it easier to place her inside.  If you have room, make the carrier a part of your family room furniture.  This means leaving it out all the time with the door open.  Place a soft towel inside to make it a little more cozy.  Pretty soon, your cat won’t think twice about entering the carrier.

2.  Turn the carrier into a meal center.  Put part of your cat’s daily food in the carrier to help your cat associate something good with the carrier.  Even better:  Use a bit of especially yummy food, like canned food or tuna.  Or try tossing your cat’s favorite treats in the carrier when she wants to be alone.  This will reward her for seeking solitude in the carrier and continue to reinforce the notion that the carrier isn’t so bad after all.

3.  Try a different kind of carrier.  If you have an emergency and don’t have time to let your cat adjust to the carrier, try using a pillowcase.  With the cat on your lap, slip the pillowcase over her body, head first.  Knot the top of the case and support the bottom when holding your cat.  Alternately, you can use any type of item your cat likes to nap in—two laundry baskets connected together could also work.  These items may not be a trigger for fear the way a standard carrier might be.

4.  Consider using a synthetic product.  Using a product that contains a feline facial pheromone can help calm cats during stressful events.  These products can be sprayed on blankets and towels before you head to the veterinarian.  Many cats become less agitated when their owners use these sprays, so purchasing one could also make your life easier when it’s time to take your cat for a car ride.

Information courtesy of Dr. Sally J. Foote, Okaw Veterinary Clinic, Tuscola, Ill.

Don’t leave pets out of the celebration this month!  San Diego offers plenty of fun with furry ones in December, from a food and toy drive to a pet parade in the Gaslamp Quarter. 

Here are our holiday picks:

December 3, 4, 10 and 11:  Sunny and Angel Save Christmas at Helen Woodward Animal Center

Meet Santa Claus and hear the story of how twin foals Sunny and Angel helped him save Christmas.  Santa will be at the Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to tell the story, visit with the kids and take photos.  Each child will receive a personalized letter from Santa and treats will be available for all.  Admission to this event is $20 for children and $8 for adults, with all proceeds benefitting Helen Woodward Animal Center.  You may register online for this event to ensure your space.

More info.

November 21-December 17: Dog Beach Dog Wash Food and Toy Drive for Shelter Pets in Ocean Beach

Dog Beach Dog Wash is expanding the OB Holiday Food and Toy Drive this year to include pets.  Drop off new, unopened food or toys in the grooming salon’s donation barrel and help orphaned pets in San Diego this Christmas.

More info.

December 9 and 10:  Holiday Wine and Food Pet Festival at Seaport Marina Village and Embarcadero Park-North

Bring your dog along to play in the snow and meet Santa Claus and the Snow Bunnies at this pet-friendly holiday event.  Enjoy waterfront shopping, gourmet food and family entertainment as well as live music and a wine and beer tasting fundraiser on Dec. 9 from 1-8 p.m. and more shopping on Dec. 10 from 1-4 p.m.

More info.

December 10:  Holiday in the Wild at Lions, Tigers and Bears Big Cat and Exotic Animal Rescue

Watch the big cats and bears play with their Christmas trees and receive presents as you enjoy some seasonal shopping.  This event will feature food and beverage samples, holiday activities for kids and photos with Santa Claus as well as the unveiling of the new Black Bear Habitat.  Rates vary.

More info.

December 11:  Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade in the Gaslamp Quarter

Head downtown to see costumed critters march the streets starting at 3 p.m. or dress up your pooch and participate yourself.  The parade originates and concludes at Hilton Park and prizes will be awarded for the best-dressed pets.  Also enjoy the Pet Expo and Pet Talent Show at the park from 1-5 p.m.

More info.