Raise your hand if you held, patted, scratched, hugged, kissed, or talked sweetly to your pet today. It looks like - it’s unanimous…all hands raised! The joy that our pets bring to our lives is enormous.

Most of the time we only consider the work it takes to care for our furry friends, but it’s important to remind ourselves of the happiness they provide to us each day. How great does it feel to return home from a tough day at work to your dog’s excited greeting – tail wagging and a loving, slobbery kiss? Remember the long “stay at home” days during COVID; your pet was sitting on your lap or close by with a look that seemed to say, “I don’t know why you are sad, but I’m here for you”. Experiences can be different, but the outcome is usually the same…we need them as much as they need us.

Pets provide encouragement and help in so many ways. Emotional Support Animals bring comfort through affection and companionship. Service dogs perform work or tasks to mitigate their owner’s disabilities. Therapy dogs provide psychological or physiological therapy. Research suggests the pets in our lives actually offer benefits to our health and wellbeing. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), some of the health benefits of having a pet include:

The joy you experience from your pet’s selfless love should be equaled by the care you provide these four-legged friends. Your commitment to their health and wellbeing may, at times...feel like work, but it’s worth the effort every time you see that happy tail wagged or purr offered. AVAC wants you to know that we are here to help with vaccines, medical care, grooming, dental cleaning, boarding needs and so much more. Every pet we see is treated like they belong to us – with lots of love, attention, and the best care available.

Pets come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, but they all have one thing in common – a need to love and be loved. Be thankful. Be joyful. Be the person your pet thinks you are!

Julie Grimes, DVM

Lolly Wilson, DVM

To help you keep your pet's teeth clean and safe, we are offering a 20% discount* on dental cleanings through February.

We are now making appointments for our February cleaning special. Call (205) 967-7383.

*Terms and conditions apply. Must be of the same product, size, and purchased at one time, Ask front desk receptionist for full terms and conditions.

This *NEW* four-week course developed by Anthony Rodriguez CPDT-KA is designed to encourage teamwork and strengthen the bond between you and your canine companion while using shaping & back-chaining. By rewarding good decisions and giving your dog the freedom to make choices, his/her problem-solving ability will increase. Exercises in this course include increased difficulty with leash walking, shaping a retrieve and/or interest in novel objects, and building on previous stay and leave it exercises, plus the addition of an agility obstacle or two! Prerequisite: Impulse Control course.

To be notified when this course is added, contact Rebecca@lovethemtrainthem.com.

These two are Winston and Phoebe. Their sweet pose and good manners just made them a great choice for this months Pet Picture of the Month. Happy Valentine's Day!

Designed and Created by Dan Feltham - Providien Marketing Group - Phone: 205.422.0898