“Paw Parents”: A Community Connection

Winter 2021, Volume 1

Welcome!
We are proud to share the first Aquia Garrisonville Animal Hospital client newsletter! Please know that it is a privilege to serve you and care for your dear “pawsome” fur babies! We hope to share information that is of interest and informative whether you are “parent” to a dog or cat. We also hope to educate you on various product offers, medical topics and provide an opportunity to “meet” our staff! Please know that we understand the safety measures we have put in place due to COVID are challenging for you and your pets. However, it is our responsibility to keep everyone safe because we care. Thank you for understanding! This newsletter is dedicated to you…therefore, please let us know if there is subject matter that you believe would be helpful. Please enjoy!

Please remember to check out our Pet Desk app!! There are incentives for purchasing certain medications and points received can be redeemed for services rendered!!

A person with straight, shoulder-length hair smiles at the camera. They are wearing a dark floral-patterned top, suggesting a comforting demeanor often seen in a veterinarian, and are set against a plain, light-colored background.

Spotlight

 Jackie Josey, CSR

Jackie has been a member of the AGAH staff for over four years. She presently serves as the CSR team lead and works closely with the management team to improve the client experience. Proudly, Jackie coordinates and connects our veterinarians with our patients when she’s not floating throughout the parking lot, as we embrace this “curbside service era”! This lovely lady’s favorite part of her job is cultivating a long-lasting bond with our clients and patients, answering questions, comforting clients, scheduling appointments, and in general, doing anything possible to enhance the client and pet experience while at AGAH. When life is normal, Jackie enjoys traveling, attending concerts and outings with friends and family. At home, she has fun walking her dogs, Atlas and Kellan, and she shares that they are “the beat of my heart”. Jackie is awesome! In the words of her best friend, “she’s the type of friend who’s in your corner when you have no one else to turn to. Brains, beauty, heart, best work ethic in the world…there’s no one better”!

Spotlight

 Jackie Josey, CSR

A person with straight, shoulder-length hair smiles at the camera. They are wearing a dark floral-patterned top, suggesting a comforting demeanor often seen in a veterinarian, and are set against a plain, light-colored background.

Jackie has been a member of the AGAH staff for over four years. She presently serves as the CSR team lead and works closely with the management team to improve the client experience. Proudly, Jackie coordinates and connects our veterinarians with our patients when she’s not floating throughout the parking lot, as we embrace this “curbside service era”! This lovely lady’s favorite part of her job is cultivating a long-lasting bond with our clients and patients, answering questions, comforting clients, scheduling appointments, and in general, doing anything possible to enhance the client and pet experience while at AGAH. When life is normal, Jackie enjoys traveling, attending concerts and outings with friends and family. At home, she has fun walking her dogs, Atlas and Kellan, and she shares that they are “the beat of my heart”. Jackie is awesome! In the words of her best friend, “she’s the type of friend who’s in your corner when you have no one else to turn to. Brains, beauty, heart, best work ethic in the world…there’s no one better”!

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains un-awakened” – Anatole France

Preventatives…the best way to protect your pet!

Virginia is a beautiful and bustling place to live but it is also home to external parasites that can put your pet’s health at risk. It is recommended that your pet stay on preventatives for heartworm, flea and tick meds year-round, as the winters are not severe enough to reliably prevent parasite infection. Medicating adult pets that are stable in weight gain is easy to remember, as you can purchase larger amounts of preventatives at one time, serving as a visual reminder. However, it is more difficult to remember meds for a puppy or kitten, as that medication can only be purchased in single doses due to growth and subsequent weight change. While your little one is visiting frequently for the purpose of vaccinations, it is easier to remember to purchase another month’s worth. However, once no more vaccinations are necessary, it is easy to forget! In order to help you remember, here are a few suggestions. Put a reminder on the calendar (paper or electronic) a few days before the dose is due. The amount of lead time will depend on if you are picking up the preventative at the clinic or having it shipped to you. Next, you will need to obtain an updated weight. We can weigh your pet for you at the clinic or you can weigh your pet at home. On a home scale, it is usually easiest to weigh yourself holding the pet and then subtract your weight. You can then order the appropriate medication according to the new weight of your pet. When your puppy or kitten has reached a stable dosing point, we will let you know and you will be able to order larger quantities. Also, please don’t forget to ask if there are rebates or offers available on any of the products you purchase. Remember, prevention is the best way to positively protect your pet!
Submitted by Jackie Franceschetti, LVT

A close-up of a gray dog with a serious expression, alongside an image inset that contains a white bottle labeled "AGARI" and a black booklet. The dog’s ears are slightly perked up and its eyes are alert, as if anticipating a visit to the veterinarian. The background appears to be indoors, possibly a home setting.

Congratulations to Topper!

Topper, owned by Chrissy Schultz Sparks, is our Valentine Facebook contest winner! He is an American Staffordshire Terrier and we think he is just “pawsome”!!! Thank you to everyone who sent a pic of their special pet…it was difficult to choose our winner…as all of your “fur or feathered babies” are truly special!!! As our winner, Chrissy received an awesome AGAH lined jacket and AGAH water bottle!!!

You Have a New Puppy.. NOW WHAT?!

This new addition to your family will be a joy for years to come…but right now, he or she is a bit demanding and not at all mannerly! Here are a few tips that might be helpful to you as a new”pawsome puppy parent”!

Remember that your puppy is a baby and requires great patience!! A puppy needs to be near you or know you are close by day and night. Prepare a kennel that is appropriately sized and can be altered to allow for puppy’s growth in the future. Your puppy will cry at night if you are not nearby!

Feed your puppy a recognized and nutritious dry food. NEVER feed your puppy from the table! And use the same dry food for treats throughout training. More tips to follow…but most importantly, bring your puppy into AGAH for vaccines and check-ups regularly in order to maintain good health. Please ask about our Puppy Packages!