HENRICO, Va. (WRIC) — The nonprofit FETCH a Cure has a new facility to help save the lives of area pets with cancer.
Today staff members, volunteers and local veterinarians were on hand for a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Advanced Radiation Treatment Center, a first-of-its-kind veterinary facility in Central Virginia.
It furthers the nonprofit’s mission to give options to families who need help getting cancer care for their dogs and cats.
“So many people cannot travel the distance with a sick pet and the cost involved,” explains FETCH Executive Director Joanne Silverman. “And having it in their own backyard, and for folks 100 miles surrounding miles surrounding areas, they’ll be able to have easier access.”
Until today, families who chose to pursue cancer care for their pets had to travel to either Springfield, Virginia or Raleigh, North Carolina for radiation services.
FETCH a Cure offers several programs, including its Companions in Crisis fund. It provides financial assistance to help families pay for life-saving treatments for their pets who have been diagnosed with cancer. According to FETCH, this program strives to provide pet owners with a sense of hope when facing a cancer diagnosis.
The new Advanced Radiation Treatment Center is housed inside The Oncology Service clinic on Staples Mill Road.
“Murphy Brown came to our family through Giles County Animal Shelter in June of 2006 after being found roaming a Pizza Hut parking lot. We should have known then that Murphy’s two loves would be food and self-guided tours.
Murphy loved his cheeseburgers and didn’t discriminate. You could find him dining at McDonald’s or the Home Team Grill and FW Sullivans in the fan or The Grill on Patterson when the weather was cool. During Murphy’s life, he traveled with our family quite frequently – visiting Washington, DC, the beaches of Bald Head Island, NC and Virginia Beach, along with the mountains of Charlottesville and Narrows, Virginia.
Murphy enjoyed being with his people more than anything in the world. We found that out when Murphy was diagnosed with Lymphoma in October of 2014. After a visit to River City Veterinary Hospital and the NC State Veterinary Medical School, we learned that Murphy Brown had B Cell Lymphoma and only had 4 – 6 weeks to live without treatment. Murphy went to weekly chemotherapy for months and lived an entire year cancer free. When he came out of remission in November of 2015, he fought like a champ. Never complaining about being picked and prodded because he loved seeing his girlfriend Katie at TOS every week.
Murphy fought until the end – which was August 7, 2016. He gave us the gift we’d hoped for during this horrible journey, which was the gift of passing away at home on an early Sunday morning when his little body just gave out. The saddest part to our family is that Murphy was just 24 hours away of being enrolled in a trial at the University of Pennsylvania. Our hope is that any family faced with a cancer diagnosis for their pet will partner with their medical team to identify what treatment and trial options are available. The timing didn’t work out for Murphy Brown, but we pray it will for other sweet puppies and kitties fighting cancer.
In an effort to raise awareness of treatments and FETCH a Cure’s mission, we hosted the first annual Murphy’s Mile walk at University of Richmond on Saturday, October 8th. The UR lake was Murphy’s favorite place on earth, and even Hurricane Matthew couldn’t keep Murphy’s fans away. 65 people joined together, walking in his memory, with a commitment to find a cure for canine cancer.”
Many of us love this time of year — the changing color of the leaves, brisk fall breezes, and finally a respite from the hot weather of Summer. For your dog, however, fall may be more work than fun.
The change in the season can mean a decrease in exercise, and an increase in baths, allergens, and other unpleasantness for your dog. The following tips should help make the transition into the new season enjoyable for both you and your dog.
Pet lovers may forget about such things as allergens, keeping your dog warm, medical issues, etc., that are associated with the changing temperature. With two of the biggest food holidays coming up — Halloween and Thanksgiving — dogs are in particular danger of food poisoning, choking on bones, or just overeating. Dr. Kerri Marshal, Chief Veterinary Officer at Trupanion, has a few tips to make sure your dog’s health is looked after during the fall season.
Seasonal allergies can kick in for dogs in the fall. These are most commonly skin allergies, but can also be allergic rhinitis, evidenced by sneezing, loud snorting or snoring, and clear discharge from your dog’s nose. Your veterinarian can diagnose and prescribe antihistamines or other therapy to make your dog more comfortable.
As the weather gets cooler, think about putting a coat or sweater on your dog during walks. Make sure it is rain-proof in the wetter parts of the year.
If you use space heaters, be very careful that your dog cannot be burned by them, and does not have access to chew the cord.
Regarding Halloween candy, there’s one simple rule: No! This is especially true of chocolate, which contains ingredients, like theobromine, that are toxic to dogs.
If your arthritis gets worse with colder weather, keep your acetaminophen away from your dog, as it can cause liver damage. The same is true of ibuprofen, which is also highly toxic to dogs. Your dog’s arthritis may act up too. If this is the case, Cesar recommends using a natural supplement to support joint health like Antinol.
Dogs may need slightly more calories in cold weather if they spend time outdoors. Ask your vet to evaluate your pet’s “body condition score” and recommend the proper pet food and amount for active outdoor pets.
Exercise
With the shortened days, it’s very likely that you are going to be walking your dog in the dark, either morning or evening, or both. The best ways to keep you and your pet safe are reflective gear, flashlights, or light-up collars, like the new Bright Light Collar™, which is designed for safely walking your dog at night. The collar is solar powered and USB chargeable, and has two lighting options: a steady or flashing LED light.
Fall also means colder weather, rain, and even snow, which can really make it hard to get outside. In these conditions, you can exercise your dog indoors using a treadmill, or by setting up an indoor “agility” course using households objects, such as clothes baskets, broom handles and furniture. You can then train your dogs to run the obstacle course and work for a treat reward. You can easily alter the course to keep your dog’s mind active and thinking.
While on walks, beware of ice that can cut dog’s paws or make you fall, and “salt” that is put down to melt the ice. While common table salt is frequently used as a chemical deicer, other chemicals which are poisonous to dogs are sometimes used, including ammonium nitrate, propylene glycol, and sodium ferrocyanide.
Try to avoid chemically treated areas, if possible. If you can’t, make sure that your dog does not lick at the ground, using a muzzle if necessary to prevent this behavior. If you need to ice your own drive or walkways, look for pet safe salts, which most pet stores carry seasonally.
Chesapeake Bank Regional Retail Manager Ben Edgell is on a mission to keep our pets enjoying long and healthy lives with his #ICareAbout cause. For the past six years (that’s a full 42 if you ask our furry friends), Ben has been volunteering with FETCH a Cure and working hard to combat pet cancer.
FETCH a Cure is a nonprofit that works to spread awareness of pet cancer. Through community events and the phenomenal dedication of volunteers like Ben, FETCH is able to raise funds for cancer prevention, detection and treatment. Each year, Ben also helps organize the annual Bow Tie Open golf tournament to gather proceeds for pets struggling with cancer.
Ben’s passion for animals and promoting pet cancer awareness has made it a reality for people to give their pets the best quality of life possible. He loves hearing the stories of individuals FETCH has helped over the years, and continues to fulfill the organization’s primary goal: helping to keep pet owners and their beloved pets together.
With the Ben’s enthusiasm and commitment to FETCH, our pets can look forward to healthy and happy lives (maybe even 9?) filled with long walks, head scratches and belly rubs.
Donate to FETCH a Cure through September 15, 2016 and Chesapeake Bank will match your donation! Thanks for helping Ben FETCH critical resources for pet owners and their beloved pets struggling with cancer.
Do you love the smell of sweet, sticky, thick-cut watermelon on a hot summer day? Last year, the streets brimmed with over 118,000 visitors who had made their way to the Carytown Watermelon Festival to devour 2,600 of these delicious summertime fruits while soaking in all the excitement of local performances, gift vendors, local businesses, and the all-around watermelon themed revelries! With the 33rd Annual Watermelon Festival fast approaching (Sunday, August 14th), we want to share with you ourTop 3 Reasons why you should lather on the coconut-scented sunscreen, grab your pooch’s leash, and join in the jubilee!
The Watermelon!
Watermelon is just as much a refreshing snack for us, as it can be for our favorite four-legged family members! Watermelon wields several health-enhancing benefits, including: Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, and Potassium. This succulent melon is low in calories (one cup being only 50 calories, and is comprised of 92% water (watermelon is a powerhouse fruit of hydration!). Before letting your dog engorge on a slice of this celebrated summer favorite, takes a few precautions by removing the rind and seeds from the melon to avoid the risk of intestinal blockage.
Explore Unique Local Businesses
Discover new, and support your favorite local businesses in this summer celebration! Carytown is a mecca for over 250 brick-and-mortar shops and restaurants, and on the day of the Watermelon Festival- this number expands to over 300 local businesses and services all converging for a late-summer hoorah! Make sure to stop by the Best Bully Sticks chews & treats tent to stock up on the BEST (and your dog’s favorite!) all-natural, chemical/preservative free goodies for your pup! Looking for pet-friendly shops to stop in for local-made goods, art, toys, or gifts? Check out these shops and restaurants who are “dog-approved”!
*Dogs must be well-mannered and leashed at all times! Restaurants are pet-friendly on outside patios only. Call to confirm any shop or restaurant you are considering bringing your pup to!
Support an Outstanding Charity
While perusing Cary Street’s historic stretch of road, you may spot men in fez- find the five designated watermelon booths stationed by the men donning this unusual headwear, and you will find bowls of cool mouthwatering melon- ripe for the purchase of $1 with all proceeds benefitting the Shriners Hospital for Children. Also known as, “The World’s Greatest Philanthropy”, Shriners Hospital for Children’s mission is to:
Provide the highest quality care to children with neuromusculoskeletal conditions, burn injuries and other special healthcare needs within a compassionate, family-centered and collaborative care environment.
Provide for the education of physicians and other healthcare professionals.
Conduct research to discover new knowledge that improves the quality of care and quality of life of children and families.
“This mission is carried out without regard to race, color, creed, sex or sect, disability, national origin or ability of a patient or family to pay.” -Shriners Hospitals for Children
A Few Tips for Fun!
Get there early as crowds of summer-goers will be looking to celebrate in this festival!
Bring PLENTY of water! August is traditionally hot, make sure to bring some extra water for your pup!
Have training treats in tow to reward your dog for great socialization and behavior! (Check out Best Bully Sticks newest mini treat, USA Super Star Training Treats!)
Have your smartphone charged and ready to take all the pictures of your dog loving his summer outing with you at one of Richmond’s most renowned festivals (don’t forget to tag your pup at our chews & treats tent with #wagamelon16 to save an additional 5% at our booth)!
Find information & tips from our friends at FETCH a Cure who will be educating, empowering, and encouraging pet-parents with resources on pet cancer awareness and help!
Most importantly, have fun and love your pup at this year’s Carytown Watermelon Festival!
HENRICO, Va. (WRIC) — The nonprofit 
“Murphy Brown came to our family through Giles County Animal Shelter in June of 2006 after being found roaming a Pizza Hut parking lot. We should have known then that Murphy’s two loves would be food and self-guided tours.
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