On July 12th, from 9-3 we’re hosting a yard sale to benefit the Richmond Animal Protection Society (RAPS).

We have 20 table available for clients, non-clients and team members to sell their slightly used stuff.  We’re suggesting that people donate 50% of the monies they raise to the outstanding shelter to help dogs, cats and other pets in need.  If you’d like to participate, please give us a call to reserve a table.  This is a rain or shine event.  (Please don’t bring any pets to the sale as we worry about the busy parking lot and even busier highway right by.)  We look forward to seeing you all their, either to sell your wares or to find a treasure.

Prevalence of Worms Transmitted to Humans by Dogs and Cats

Worms and people: it’s not something we like to think about at the same time. Astonishingly, about 14 percent of the U.S. population is infected with Roundworms from either dogs or cats according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  We’re talking about PEOPLE here, not pets!  There is no reason to think that the situation is any different here in beautiful British Columbia.

The largest age group is the ‘under 20’s.’  Children are more commonly affected because they play in contaminated soil and may not be as diligent about washing their hands as adults.   Infections occur after the ingestion of Roundworm eggs found in environments contaminated with the feces of infected dogs and cats.  Roundworm larvae can cause permanent blindness by encysting in the eye.  The larvae may also cause liver and kidney damage in humans.  This is not to be taken lightly.

The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) is an independent council of veterinarians and animal health care providers established to create guidelines for control of parasites that may infect people.  The CAPC recommends year-round preventive medicines that control parasites (both internal and external) for dogs and cats, irrespective of where they live.  By controlling the infection in animals, we will reduce the rate of infection and disease in humans.

Parasite control is safe, effective and easy.  Most of the medications we have are either chewable tablets or a liquid that is emptied onto the skin on the back.  It’s really that simple.  If you have concerns about parasites in (or on) your pet, please give us a shout to discuss what is the most appropriate route of action for you.

This was our 3rd Annual Photos with Santa Fundraiser and it’s rapidly becoming an IVH tradition.  We raised $1100 this year and collected about $100 worth of food for the Richmond Food Bank.  The monies raised were split evenly between the Richmond Animal Protection Society and our local branch of the SPCA here in Richmond.

One of the photos we took this year will become our IVH Christmas card for 2009.  You’ll have to wait and see who it will be.

We would like to thank everyone who brought out  their furry companions and children to pose with Santa!  We even had some great contributions from people who couldn’t make it out with their pets.  We’d also like to thank Bob Elliot, Charles Whittaker, Neil Williscroft and Ian Wardley for donating their time and excellent humour.

Here’s to a Wonderful 2009 from all of the team at IVH!