Fall, 2011 Elm Ridge Updates
"See the Light" with us !
We have just started using a "Cold Laser" to treat acute and chronic pain and join the thousands of people that are amazed at how well it works. Sometimes the effects are IMMEDIATE. The technical reps tell us it works by "activating cellular activities." Other research suggests that it works possibly at the same enzyme (COX) that the NSAID's work at and therefore inhibits the synthesis of the cellular instigators of inflammation and pain, the prostaglandins. Like our clients that have tried it with simply amazing results, we say: "We don't really know how it works-- it JUST WORKS!"
We are working on a page for this website dedicated specifically to this exciting new treatment option-- specific research studies, potential uses, client testimonials. In the meantime, we invite you to try it yourself to see if it is helping your pet. The first two treatments will be free for you to see if it might help. Benefits seem to last about 5-7 days before a treatment has to be repeated. It is not dangerous, painful, or time-consuming. A treatment lasts about 5 minutes. By the time you sit down and relax with your cup of our coffee, we will be done. (You can take the coffee to go!)
Not all conditions will respond as quickly or at all , but right now we are seeing positive results about 75% of the time. Give us a call today to set-up a time for you to try it. (PS: although we cannot actually put the laser on YOU (just your pet) it is legal and safe for you to try it on yourself. One of our clients tried it on his foot with plantar fasciitis and said the pain that he had dealt with for two years was gone in two minutes. )
He will never be forgotten...
In Memoriam: Our Friend and Colleague, Dr. Dean LeBeau
January 26, 2011, will always be remembered in our hearts as the day that God asked his special angel, Dr. Dean LeBeau to return to heaven continue his work there. On that fateful day, Dean fell off at ladder in the home he worked so hard to build, and suffered a fatal injury. There is not a single person that ever knew Dean-- a colleague, client, minister, friend, business associate-- that would describe him in any way except the most caring, compassionate, gifted, selfless, inspirational, vivacious person we had the absolute honor to know. His passing is a huge loss for our community, our profession, and of course his beloved family.
Every pet owner that was graced to have Dean as their vet at any time, will tell you fondly how Dean would talk to their pets like they were children, and how he cared about his patients like no other vet ever did. The tales of his gift for healing and caring were so numerous, our staff began referring to him as the "Urban Legend, " which made him laugh out loud.
I first met Dean when I was only 12 years old, and he inspired me then to become a veterinarian. Fourteen years later, he hired me for the emergency clinic which became my main life's work for two decades. He continued to mentor me all those years and became a cherished friend. I had so much respect for him, that when I began Elm Ridge, I begged him to come out of retirement and work with me part time. It was not the fancy established clinic he was used to, but he filled our little office with his trademark humor, skill, love, and compassion.
When the rumor came out that he was coming out of retirement, I had some of his old clients calling me at home in the middle of the night in excitement: "Is it true? Is he coming back?" So sadly, his return to our profession proved to be short-lived.
However, I intend to see that the lessons he taught all of us in the profession will not end on January 26. Dean was involved in raising money for Ohio State's Veterinary School, for a special project spearheaded by his 1970 graduating class, that will help teach new students how to be better vets and people, and communicate more compassionately and effectively with their clients. With Dean's enthusiasm, his group raised $200,000 for the project ! Elm Ridge plans to donate a plaque to this center with Dean's picture and the message his son found on his desk after his death: "What we do for ourselves dies with us; what we do for others lives on." Dean's legacy will to be to teach these "newbies" the importance of compassion as well as skill.
Melanie Butera, DVM
ERAH Mascot Dillie Deer Wins Contest and Becomes a Media Star !
Our Official Mascot of Elm Ridge AH is Dr. Butera's pet deer, Dillie. We entered Dillie in a video contest for her GPS Zoombak Collar, and she is the official winner !! Her grand prize is $1,000 !! You can see her video on You Tube, under "Dillie the Blind House Deer" or at www.zoombak.com. To celebrate her win, Dillie will be treated to her favorite dinner of linguine and roses-- yum ! Since her contest win, Dillie has become a national star. We have started a facebook page for her, too.It has been very surreal meeting and talking to people from all over the world about Dillie. Elm Ridge clients have known and loved her for 5 years-- now the world is finding out what a sweet and loving soul she is.
Dillie has her own website, at www.dilliedeer.com, with a webcam. The purpose of the Dilliecam will be to use this to educate children in schools, home schools, etc about deer, wildlife conservation and rescue, pet care, and veterinary medicine. The webcam will not be available all the time-- a lady needs her privacy, you know !
If you have young children and they like Dillie, they can write Dillie in care of Elm Ridge Animal Hospital, or , yes, she does have e-mail now-- dilliethedeer@live.com. Dr. Butera will see that Dillie answers all the letters to children. While her website is under construction, you will be able to find more about here on her page on this site.
Zoombak is of course delighted with her stardom. She is their ideal celebrity spokesmodel-- and they never have to worry about her showing up drunk on the Tonight show , being caught having an affair with Rudolph, or needing propofol to fall to sleep. We have some Dillie T-shirts for sale through our office or at CafePress.com, too-- just a fun little thing to do-- and the proceeds go to our rescue efforts and to the low vision disability center in Arkon.
In other news, we are now on Facebook ! Become a fan-- check out our clinic calendar, pictures, and blogs. The facebook page is easier to update than our web pages, so most of our photos and videos will be posted there. Check it out today-- it's free !
JOIN OUR FACEBOOK PAGE !!
Introducing: Online Product Ordering and Home Delivery
ERAH has teamed up with Webster Veterinary Supply to bring you the convenience of online or over the phone shopping and HOME DELIVERY. You will be able to order heartworm and flea products, grooming supplies, prescription diets, and prescription items from our website or with a phone call. The products are then shipped right to your door ! And-- our prices will usually be less than PetMeds Express and the hospital-not some internet giant-will be earning from it. This in turn, will help us keep our costs down in other areas. This system will also give us the ability to offer products to our clients that we don't usually carry, or only want to have a small supply of on hand at any moment. Our in-clinic prices for most items will be the same or less than the online store,since there is no shipping or middleman if you pick things up in person. However, the online store allows us an unlimited inventory of items without having to keep a large inventory in stock.
Introductory Discount: The first time you use the online ordering system, you will receive a 5% rebate on your first transaction invoice. (This will be sent to you from our clinic in the mail. Please allow two weeks for delivery.)
Only existing clients can order prescription items (and only with our doctor's approval-- by federal law!) but we invite pet lovers around the world to order non-prescription items and enjoy the savings. You can access the web portal for the online ordering athttp://elmridgeanimalhospital.vetsourceweb.com, or by using "Online Ordering" link to the left
We proudly recommend Royal Canin Pet Foods for all pets !
Click here to see their website and learn more about pet nutrition.
