Category Archive: Uncategorized

1. Help Save These Pets and Others Like Them. Donate to FETCH a Cure Today.

   December 27, 2016 4:10 pm Comments Off on Help Save These Pets and Others Like Them. Donate to FETCH a Cure Today.

   End of Year Highlighting 2 CIC Cases

   If you’re having difficulty seeing this email, click here       Help Save These Pets and Others Like Them.   Happy Holidays, My Name is Katie Happy Holidays, My Name is Katie…I’m a 12 years old “Bugg”, that’s Pug and Boston Terrier mix, and I’m a three time survivor of Mast Cell Cancer. FETCH a Cure has helped with support for my chemotherapy treatments and medication. I just had my recheck this week at The Oncology Service, and although I will continue to be treated for mast cell, I feel GREAT!     FETCH made a difference in my life and I’m so happy to be celebrating another holiday with my “paw”rents this year.  I’m a Bottomless “Pit”bull Full of Love I’m a bottomless “Pit”bull full of love. My name is Nelly and my mom rescued me from Gracie’s Guardians after I told her I would be hers and I’d love her with all my heart, forever. I have a history of Mast Cell Tumors and my mom provides ongoing monitoring to help detect any early warning signs of new cancer.  Well, thank goodness she was checking, because Mammary Cancer was found and at a higher grade than the Mast Cell. FETCH a Cure stepped in to help my mom get me life-saving chemotherapy and I’m doing much better now. I still have some treatments to go and could use your support for FETCH a Cure to further my success. I want to be around to lick my mom’s face with kisses for a long time to come.  If You Have a Tennis Ball I’m Your Friend for Life My name is Tucker and if you have a tennis ball I’m your friend for life. My lab-ness makes me playful and active and I enjoy hanging out with my crew at Church Hill dog-park.  My dad found a lump on my neck and reacted quickly.  He took me to a vet and they said I have Lymphoma.  Lymphoma advances rapidly so my dad wanted to start treatments right away, but he was not able to pay for them. FETCH a Cure jumped in to help support my chemotherapy as it was important to start this treatment quickly.  My dad is grateful to FETCH for their help and I’m doing extremely well with the chemo right now.  I will need more treatments and it would be wonderful if you could help.  I want to catch that squirrel and that might take a few more years.  Donate to FETCH a Cure Today. $1,000 Funds a CT Scan and partial radiation therapy $500 Funds 1-2 doses of chemotherapy treatment $100 Pays for blood work $50 Funds drug therapy $25 Funds bandages and medical supplies A donation in any amount helps support Katie, Nelly, Tucker, and other pets like these.     Featured Sponsors: Dogwood Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center  | Virginia Veterinary Surgical Associates | Midlothian Animal Clinic | Central Virginia Veterinary Acupuncture | Holiday Barn Pet Resorts | Fido Park Avenue Dog Boutique | Redridge Pet Market | Pouncey Tract Veterinary Hospital | Hanover Green Veterinary Clinic | 2SpeakDog | The Oncology Service | Animal Medical Center | Canine Adventure | Cary Street Veterinary Hospital | Agape Pet Services | River City Veterinary Hospital   This email was sent to {Email}. You are receiving this email because you may have opted to receive communication from us. © Fetch a Cure 2016. All rights reserved. Follow us on: Fetch a Cure 5711 Staples Mill Road, Suite 101, Richmond, VA, 23228, United States www.fetchacure.org Unsubscribe | Subscription Preferences Powered by:

    

2. 4 Holiday Desserts You Can Make For Your Dog

   December 9, 2016 4:13 pm Comments Off on 4 Holiday Desserts You Can Make For Your Dog

   4 Holiday Desserts You Can Make For Your Dog

   

    Courtesy of Bark Post and writer Rachel Crocetti

   The holidays are just around the corner, and what better way to show your pup you appreciate him, than to make him a special treat? While you and your family are stuffing your faces in pies galore, give Fido his own dog-friendly dessert to enjoy at the same time!

   Note: All doggy tummies are different. Share treats with your pup in moderation, and be aware of how much he can handle!

   1. Doggy Egg Nog

   

   Source: Lola the Pitty

   This simple recipe by Lola the Pitty is the perfect treat for your pup to enjoy by the fireplace on a good winter night!

   Ingredients:

   • 1 (7 oz.) container plain greek yogurt (I used Fage 2%)
   • ½ of a (4 oz.) jar baby food (I used organic sweet potato & chicken)
   • ¼ cup water
   • 1 egg (free range if possible)
   • Gingerbread Buddy Biscuits (topping)

   Directions:

   Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until frothy.

   Top with a small dog treat such as the tiny Buddy Biscuits.

   *Recipe can easily be doubled and kept in the fridge for a couple days or frozen!
   *You can leave the raw egg out if desired.

   2. Apple, Cheddar, and Bacon Bit Treats

   

   Source: The Cottage Market

   The Cottage Market is an eclectic little blog that came up with this pawesome recipe that has almost everything that our dogs adore.

   Ingredients:

   • 1 1/2 cups of white flour  (you could use all whole wheat flour if you would like)
   • 1 1/2 cups of whole wheat flour
   • 1 large egg
   • 2 tablespoons of softened butter
   • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
   • 8 ounces of grate sharp cheddar
   • 1 large apple peeled and grated (make sure there are not pits)
   • 2 tablespoons of dried parsley
   • 3 tablespoons of bacon bits
   • 1 cup of milk

   Directions:

   Place the egg, butter and olive oil into your mixer bowl and whip together. Add the milk and mix a bit more.

   Add the flours then add the grated apple, cheese, parsley and bacon bits.  Your dough should be nice and smooth. If it is too dry, add a little touch of water or milk and if it is too sticky add a little bit more flour!

   Sprinkle some flour on your board or counter so the dough does not stick and roll out half of the dough (approximately 1/4″ thick) then sprinkle a little bit more cheese and parsley on top and give it a few rolls so everything sticks.

   Now it is time to cut out your shapes – large, small, medium, whatever you want for your pup or pups!

   Place them on your lightly coated baking sheet or you can use parchment to line it and pop them into a pre-heated 375 degree oven for 20 – 30 minutes. They should be golden and nicely browned on the bottom.

   

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   20 Times Dogs Wore It Better Than Christmas Trees

   3. Peppermint Holidog Christmas Treats

   

   Source: PetGuide

   The name is clever enough for us to want to try these out! Peppermint is safe for dogs and is even believed to help an upset tummy for both humans and canines. This recipe from PetGuide is just what Fido needs!

   Ingredients:

   • 3 cups whole wheat flour
   • 1 cup water
   • 1 tsp molasses
   • 2 Tbs peanut butter
   • 2 Tbs olive oil
   • 1 tsp peppermint extract

   Directions:

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

   In a large bowl, mix flour, molasses, peanut butter, water, olive oil and peppermint extract until smooth.

   Kneed flour on a floured surface and roll out to ¼ inch thickness. Cut with festive cookie cutters and place on non-stick cookie sheets.

   Bake for 30 minutes. Cool on wire rack. Store treats in a sealed container and refrigerate or freeze.

    

   4. Frozen Turkey Dinner Treats

   

   Source: 17 Apart

   If your dog is looking for a heartier dessert, we have the perfect recipe for you to try. The hoomans over at 17 Apart have come up with an awesome, two-step, savory frozen dog treat for your pup to enjoy with some leftover turkey broth. Watch Fido gobble it up!

   Ingredients:

   Peas (fresh or canned)

   Sweet potato (fresh or canned)

   Turkey broth

   Ice Tray or cake-pop mold

   Directions:

   Layer peas and sweet potato chunks to loosely fill molds, then pour broth to cover vegetables. Make sure to leave just a tad of room in the mold to account for expansion during freezing.

   Pop those suckers in the freezer for at least 4 hours or overnight, then you’re good to go.

   Featured image via Chicago Now

3. What You Should Know: Top 10 Holiday Dangers for Pets

   December 5, 2016 7:18 pm Comments Off on What You Should Know: Top 10 Holiday Dangers for Pets

   Courtesy of ASPCA.

   

   It’s that time of year again: the time when everyone is decorating, cooking and coming together to celebrate. But the hustle and bustle of the holiday season can make it easy to forget about potential pet dangers, so whatever holiday you might be celebrating this year, you’ll want to keep the following harmful hazards in mind:

   10. Beware of excess wires. Keep wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws’ reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock, and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus.

   9. Noisemakers. While celebrating, it is easy to forget that loud noises and celebratory poppers or noisemakers can scare your pets. Try creating a safe place in your home where your pet can have some quiet space if needed.

   8. Keep an eye out for salt. Ice melt, homemade play dough and salt-dough ornaments (even when dry) can all be a tempting salty treat for pets, but can cause life-threatening imbalances in electrolytes.

   7. Medication monitoring. If you’ll be having guests stay with you this year, be mindful of any medication they may bring. Houseguests who are unfamiliar with pets may not realize just how curious (and sneaky) they can be. Have your guests keep any medication in a closed cabinet instead of in a bag or suitcase.

   6. Watch out for candles. If you decide to give your home that extra holiday glow this year, be sure not to leave your pets unattended around lit candles. A long tail or a curious paw could knock over a lit candle and potentially start a fire or burn your pet.

   5. Holiday eats. We recommend keeping your pets away from the table and keeping lids tightly secured on trashcans. Many of our holiday favorites can be harmful, including sweets, fatty and spicy foods, and alcohol. You also want to make sure not to give your pet any turkey or chicken bones. Check out our full list of pet-toxic foods to keep in mind when planning your holiday menu.

   4. Tis’ the season of snow globes. Some snow globes contain ethylene glycol, a highly toxic substance to all pets. If a snow globe is broken, the sweet smell can attract a pet to lick it up, leading to a potentially fatal intoxication. Keep these out of paws’ reach!

   3. Under the tree. Wrapped presents can pose a threat to curious cats and dogs depending on their contents. Be sure to keep any wrapped food or treats up and away from your furry friends. Just because you can’t see the contents, doesn’t mean your pets can’t smell them.

   2. Pesky plants. While most people fret over poinsettias making their pets sick around the holidays, the truth is that these festive red plants only cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal irritation. However, there are a couple of other seasonal stems you should be wary of: Holly and mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems when ingested, and various lilies that are often found in holiday bouquets can cause kidney failure in cats.

   1. O’ Christmas tree. If you’re planning on putting up a tree this year, there are a couple of things you should know:

   • Make sure that your tree is tightly secured so that there’s no chance of it tipping or falling over and causing injury to your pet.
   • Keep the tree water covered and inaccessible. Tree water may contain fertilizer and other harmful chemicals—not to mention it can become a breeding ground for bacteria that could cause nausea, diarrhea or stomach upset.
   • Stay away from tinsel for decoration. Ingested tinsel can cause severe vomiting, obstructed digestive tract, dehydration and could require surgery.

4. “FETCH a Cure makes sure that your good boy gets the cancer treatment he deserves”

   November 7, 2016 8:47 pm Comments Off on “FETCH a Cure makes sure that your good boy gets the cancer treatment he deserves”

   FETCH a Cure makes sure that your good boy gets the cancer treatment he deserves

   Courtesy of NOVAdog Magazine

   By Tonie Stevens

   What if your pet was diagnosed with cancer? Would you know what to do? What questions to ask? What steps to take? Where to look for information? Most pet parents feel a barrage of questions rushing through their heads when presented with the diagnosis of cancer. How did this happen? Is my pet going to survive? How bad is this, and how much will it cost? After the doctor answers these questions (and many more), moments of shock, fear, guilt, or devastation may set in. For some, a feeling of complete hopelessness washes over them. They are suddenly faced with life-altering decisions to make under the extreme stress of possibly losing their best friend forever.

   One organization has made it their mission to help pet parents navigate these waters, weigh their options, and support them by providing access to all possible treatment options. FETCH a Cure is a nonprofit organization furthering pet cancer awareness, education, and treatment. Through their Companions in Crisis program, they provide financial assistance to families unable to bear the cost of life-saving cancer treatments for their pets. Many treatment procedures can range in cost from $600-$3,000 and up, depending on the type of cancer, protocol for treatment, and duration of treatment. FETCH wants to help families make decisions without the pressure of an overwhelming financial burden.

   “Our motto is do as much as you can for as long as you can. We are striving to build a community where everyone has access to information, education, and treatment for pet cancer. The CIC program ensures no one is denied a choice for their pet health due to lack of options or funding. The program’s funds are administered through our Medical Advisory Board, consisting of regional veterinarians, vet oncologists, and surgeons.”

   The parameters of the Companions in Crisis program require that the funds allocated to a recipient be sent directly to the primary hospital or clinic performing the treatment. FETCH is available to assist pets and vets in VA, DC, and Maryland. This program strives to provide pet owners with a sense of hope when facing a pet cancer diagnosis.

   “FETCH works to provide families the opportunity for more time, to make more memories and share more love with their pet. For most of us, our pets are members of our family, so there is nothing we wouldn’t do to have them with us for as long as we can. Time is a precious gift, and we couldn’t be happier to provide this to so many. Having the time to accomplish bucket lists or say “good-bye” makes a difference you can quantify.”

   Shaler, an adorable yellow Labrador, is a FETCH Companions in Crisis recipient. He was diagnosed with Grade II mastocytoma (mast cell cancer) in June 2010, when he was only sixteen months old. A rare occurrence in a dog so young. Shaler’s owners noticed a lump on the left side of his saddle area that, over the course of a couple weeks, began to suspiciously alter in size. One day it would appear smaller, the next larger, and so on. Concerned by the changing size of the lump, they took him to their vet for an exam. The vet found a mast cell upon aspiration of the site. Shaler was immediately scheduled for surgery to remove the tumor. The tumor showed a high mitotic rate, the rate at which cells divide and multiply. The consulting oncologist wanted cleaner margins, so Shaler underwent an additional surgery, just a week later. The tumor marker results were high and it was determined the tumor was behaving like and aggressive Grade II. Chemotherapy treatments would start soon. Eight rounds of chemo was the recommended protocol. By now, the expenses were adding up and began to burden Shaler’s parents. They needed help. The treating vet was familiar with FETCH a Cure and recommended they contact the organization. FETCH was able to provide financial support of Shaler’s chemotherapy and oncologist’s monitoring exam fees.

   “We are so very grateful for their financial assistance that helped enable us to continue with Shaler’s treatment regime. Thank you, thank you, thank you to your [FETCH] organization, to those who have donated to this cause, and to the people behind the scenes who give their time, compassion, and dedication to helping our family and many others through this program.” — Dawn and Mike, Shaler’s parents.

   Shaler is a remarkable dog: vivacious, energetic, and obedient. He successfully reached remission and has won his battle with cancer. Shaler also went on to win consecutive titles as a Dominion Riverrock Festival Champion Dock Jumper. His first ever jump was over 16 feet, and he kept improving from that point on.

   “Shaler is not only a dock jump champ, but also a champion to us and many other dogs and their families. He is our longest-living survivor and has been cancer-free for seven years. He’s a beacon of hope to other families facing pet cancer. Shaler’s parents found a lump early on and reacted in urgency. This early detection helped Shaler win his battle with cancer. We hope all pet parents will perform routine lumps-and-bumps checks to detect cancer early on. A lumps-and-bumps illustration, as well as an article on the ten warning signs of cancer can be found on our website, fetchacure.org.”

   FETCH has helped many other pet parents find peace of mind when faced with life-altering decisions regarding their pet’s health. Additionally, FETCH provides free bi-annual veterinary continuing education seminars to foster a greater understanding of pet oncology, cancer treatments, and geriatric care. It is their hope that more veterinary practices will refer their patients to them to provide help and support through the difficulties of pet cancer.

   Tonie Stevens is Co-Founder and Director of Development for FETCH a Cure, a Richmond-based nonprofit dedicated to helping families cope with pet cancer. http://fetchacure.org/

5. First Veterinary Radiation Cancer Treatment Center Opens in Richmond Region

   October 27, 2016 7:48 pm Comments Off on First Veterinary Radiation Cancer Treatment Center Opens in Richmond Region

   Courtesy of Richmond Family Magazine

   FETCH a Cure and The Oncology Service (TOS) opened the new veterinary Advanced Radiation Treatment Center. This radiation treatment center is operated by TOS and represents a collaboration between FETCH a Cure and TOS  This Advanced Radiation Treatment Center is the only one within a hundred miles of Richmond with the next closest treatment centers being in Leesburg and Raleigh. Patients of TOS will now have access to these new advances as well as the support of the specialists at Dogwood Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center in Richmond. This oncology facility will start seeing patients in mid-November.

   FETCH a Cure is a Richmond-based non-profit organization designed to raise awareness, to educate and provide pet owners greater access to information about pet cancer, senior care, and treatment options. The Oncology Service is an oncology-exclusive practice specifically dedicated to providing the most advanced, evidence-based veterinary cancer care to pets with cancer and their caretakers.

   “We are excited to welcome The Oncology Service and their new Advanced Radiation Treatment Center here at FETCH a Cure,” said Joanne Silverman, Executive Director of FETCH a Cure.  “This facility represents a collaboration between our two organizations to ensure that the best and most advanced treatment facilities and options are available to the Richmond community and its surrounding areas.”

   “Our patients will now be able to receive state of the art oncology care from TOS and compassionate support from FETCH a Cure to improve quality of life,” said Dr. Chand Khanna, Chief Executive Officer of The Oncology Service.

   The new technologies at the Advanced Radiation Treatment Center include a GE 8-slice CT scanner for advanced 3-dimensional imaging and a state-of-the-art Varian linear accelerator capable of advanced radiation techniques. With this new equipment, TOS is able to perform the most conformal radiation treatment which allows for precise treatment of tumors in far fewer treatment sessions than is conventionally needed.

   If you have a concern about cancer affecting your pet, please see your primary care veterinarian and ask about TOS as an option for providing care and treatment.  Together, TOS and FETCH a Cure can deliver the future of veterinary cancer care to the Richmond area.