Socialize your puppy! Really!

We liked this recent article published in the Modesto Bee and re-printed in the Star Tribune.   Socializing puppies is a critical part of owning a dog, and pays off big benefits throughout your companion's life.

http://m.startribune.com/lifestyle/?id=186198081&c=y

Puppy Power at Cedar Pet

Puppy Power at Cedar Pet Clinic Lake Elmo

These two beauties -- Dr. Baillie calls them Big Puppies -- visited Cedar Pet Clinic Lake Elmo together one day recently, and prompted a rash of staff photography. The bulldog, Spike, is in our animal care staff Zoe's family, and was there for a special purpose -- a puppy play date. Clumber spaniel Forest is an only puppy, and owner Jayde, one of our vet techs, wanted the six-week-old to have some socializing and puppy play time; Spike was a willing participant. They played together under the admiring gaze of the staff. Forest, whom practice manager Mila says always looks sleepy, did wake up enough to chew on Spike's ear; the two wore themselves out with fun and spent part of the afternoon spooning and sleeping close together.

What a life!

What A Difference; A Year of Growth in a Boxer Puppy

On the left, exactly one year ago, technicians Kirstin and Kris happily support a set of newborn boxer pups. It is always a fine moment when our staff helps bring these wonderful babies into the world. And it's even more fun when we get to watch them grow up.

And on the right, on this date, mother Ruby on the left, and former puppy Thor on the right, posing with our staff on a recent visit to the clinic. Thor has gone from one pound at birth to 56 pounds at this weighing; Dr. Baillie calls him "a big, good-natured boxer, typical of the breed". And beautiful, too. Thor's sister Jada is also in the practice.

Technician Kirstin, by the way, is now a first-year veterinary student at Ross University on St. Kitt's Island. She writes regularly to the clinic, and recently reported that she and her husband have adopted a local dog down there. We know it will be in good health!