When did you decide to pursue a career in veterinary medicine?

I was fortunate to grow up with animals (the typical upbringing with host of furry and non-furry pets: dogs, cats, guinea pigs, anoles, fish and the like...) and a family interested in the sciences. My mother was a teacher and now a nurse, my father also started his career as a science teacher (and now lawyer). My great-uncle was the DIrector of Lincoln Park Zoo for many years (Lester Fisher, DVM) and my cousin was the medical director and owner at what is now VCA Berwyn (Herbert Lederer, DVM). As such, I was privileged to have some behind-the-scenes experiences bathing elephants, hosting a chimp baby at Christmas one year when zoo staff was short, and shadowing some veterinary specialists during high school holidays breaks. While digging through some old grade school papers, we found a letter I wrote when I was 9 talking about my future as a vet. It is all I ever remember wanting to do!

How did you make the transition from working in a veterinary office to starting your own mobile practice?

OUT-U-GO! has a Howl- loween treat for pet parents in Chicago, Naperville, Oak Park, and Denver!

It's no trick, we are offering new and existing Out-U-Go! clients a treat! Starting Monday, October 18th - Wednesday, November 25th, we will be offering book 5 midday dog walks get 1 free for new clients! Our existing clients won't be left out either, refer a friend to Out-U-Go! and once your friends books 5 walks, you will get one free! A sweet treat for all to enjoy!

Details:
- Book 5 midday dog walks and get 1 free available for new clients only, all 5 walks must be booked within 1 month of first walk.
- Referral discount for existing clients will be applied to the next month's invoice after the 5th walk has been booked.
- In order to be eligible for promotion discounts, pups must have their walks. Value of discount is $15.00.
- First walk must be booked before Wednesday, November 25, 2009.

Call your local Out-U-Go! office to schedule a meet and greet and your walk's today! 1-877-2-OUTUGO

Naperville Pet Sitting

We are thrilled announce Out-U-Go! Naperville will be opening on August 1, 2009. Headed by our newest Top Dog Aschley Hopkins and Top Dog Dogs Berkley and Libbey we are all looking forward to bringing our awesome dog walking, dog sitting, cat sitting, and pet sitting to the pups, kitties, critters and humans of Naperville, Wheaton, Lisle, Warrenville, Winfield, Glen Ellyn.

Our friendly local Naperville location will be supported by our team of pet sitters, cat sitters, and dog walkers trained at Out-U-Go!'s very own Dog Walk University. With more than 90 dog years of experience behind us we can promise the best dog walking, cat sitting, pet sitting, and dog sitting in the Naperville and Wheaton Area.

For more information about Out-U-Go! Naperville's dog walking, pet sitting, dog sitting, and cat sitting services check us out at http://outugo.com/Naperville_Dog_Walking and to meet Aschley and her furry family check them out at http://outugo.com/top-dog-aschley.

Big Woofs to Everyone!!!

Out-U-Go! Chicago sponsored The Anti-Cruelty Society's Wooftop Party.

A very waggy event filled with pups, kitties, and lots of wonderful human. The Anti-Cruelty Society is a terrific organization who is extremely dedicated to finding new permanent homes for dogs and cats in need in the greater Chicago area. Out-U-Go!, as a local dog walking and pet sitting service is extremely proud to partner with the Anti-Cruelty Society in Chicago.

The Wooftop event was a furload of fun!

Animal Care League

1011 Garfield St
Oak Park, IL 60304
www.animalcareleague.org
(708)848-8155 


Out-U-Go! chats with the Animal Care League's, executive director, Tom VanWinkle.

As Director of the Animal Care League, what is the greatest challenge you
face on a daily basis in providing the best  possible care for the pups and
kitties living at the shelter?

Out-U-Go! South Loop&Hyde Park Opens!

Out-U-Go! Volunteers at Animal Care League!

 
Our less fortunate freinds need walks too!
Many of our wonderful Pet Sitters have volunteered to help provide
morning care to our furry friends in need at the Animal Care League
in Oak Park.  A Big thank you to our staff for being wonderful and
always willing to "walk the walk" when it comes to helping our less
fortunate friends!   

We wish solving the problems for homeless pets was
a simple as that.  Unfortunately, it is not!  We chatted with Tom Van
Winkle, Executive Director of the Animal Care who spoke open and
honestly about the continual needs of shelters everywhere.  Please check out the interview for a closer look at ways to get involved
in the Animal Care League or a shelter near you. One thing is
certain...shelters everywhere need our help!

Dr. Robin Friedman, of My Vet Animal Hospital, answers spring questions.

My Vet Animal Hospital
1643 W. Cortland
Chicago, IL 60622
773-235-VETS
My Vet Animal Hospitial

1. What are common signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and what action should be taken if heat exhaustion occurs?

Panting, hypersalivation, body temperature of 106 or higher, hyperemic gums (red in color). If symptoms are severe, this can lead to seizures, ataxia (unbalanced or wobbly), or muscle tremors. Heat exhaustion can be fatal.

Early recognition is key. Hyperthermia (high body temperature) needs to be corrected immediately! Prior to getting to your veterinarian’s office, water can be sprayed over the body, fans can be used to cool and a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad can be applied to paw pads, axilla (armpit) and groin regions to help lower the body temperature. Ice packs should NOT be used.

We recommend never leaving your animal in an unattended vehicle or outdoors in extreme temperatures, and be mindful of excessive activity such as running with your pet.

2. Here we come dog parks and beach! What advice would you give to help keep our pups healthy while being exposed to all those pups with potential germs?

Proper puppy vaccines, routine fecal checks and preventative deworming should all be performed before being exposed to other dogs/dog parks. Flea/tick & Heartworm preventative are also recommended every 30 days to keep your pet protected against flea & tick infestation as well as heartworm disease (which is spread by infected mosquitoes) and certain intestinal parasites.