Veterinary Ophthalmologists Provide Free Eye Exams to Service & Working Animals!

Veterinary Ophthalmologists Provide Free Eye Exams to Service & Working Animals 

National Service Animal Eye Exam Event in May 2018! Registration opens April 1!

WOOF! For my Service Dog and Working Dog friends, I want to share this information I received about a FREE EYE EXAM for Service Animals provided by Board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. The event is expected to provide 7,500 examinations during the month! WOOF!

The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists is an approved veterinary specialty organization of the American Board of Veterinary Specialties that board certifies veterinarians as ophthalmologists. The organization developed the ACVO/StokesRX National Service Animal Eye Exam event in 2008, and since its inception, nearly 60,000 Service and Working Animals have received free screening eye exams — including approximately 7,500 in 2017 during the 10th Anniversary event!

"Receiving a Free Eye Examination"
(C) ACV/Stokes

Barks, Honor, a 3year-old Yellow Labrador Retriever Service Dog trained by Freedom Dogs in San Diego, received her first free eye exam during the ACVO/StokesRx National Service Animal Eye Exam event in the 2017 10th Anniversary event.

Like many Service Dogs, Honor works loyally each day to help her handler, Marine, Cpl. TJ Melhus, with tasks such as, medication retrieval, retrieval of dropped items, blocking people from approaching, alerting of people approaching from behind, and redirecting anxiety attacks through pressure from her chin.

“It was so important for Honor to take part in the ACVO/StokesRx National Service Animal Eye Exam event for the first time in 2017,” said Katie Stoll, Honor’s trainer/puppy raiser at Freedom Dogs. “The free eye exams provide Service Animal handlers with the comfort of knowing their animals are healthy — sight is an asset these dogs use each day to keep their handlers safe.”

Around 300 board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists throughout the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico donate their time and resources to provide free screening exams to Service and Working Animals in May. Barkingly, other Service or Working Animals including horses, miniature horses, donkeys, alpacas, and cats can receive free sight-saving exams.

The goal of the ACVO/StokesRx National Service Animal Eye Exam event is to provide as many free screening exams as possible to eligible Service and Working Animals. The following types of Working or Service Animals may qualify: guide, handicapped assistance, detection, military, search and rescue, and current, registered therapy animals – all whom selflessly serve the public. WOOF!

This year’s event is sponsored by ACVO® and Stokes Pharmacy, as well as several generous industry sponsors.  Participating board-certified ophthalmologists volunteer their services, staff, and facilities at no charge for Service and Working Animals and their owners/agents to participate in the event.

HOW TO REGISTER FOR THE 2018 EVENT:
To qualify, Service and Working Animals must be “active working animals” that have been trained through a formal training program or organization or are currently enrolled in a formal training program. The training organization could be national, regional or local in nature. More qualification details are available here.

Owners/agents for the animal(s) must FIRST register the animal via an online registration form beginning April 1 at ACVO Eye Exam. Registration ends April 30. Once registered online, the owner/agent will receive a registration number and will be allowed access to a list of participating ophthalmologists. Then, they may contact a specialist to schedule an appointment, which will take place during the month of May. Times may vary depending on the facility and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so owners/agents are encouraged to register and make appointments early.

"Service Dog - Canid"
Photo Credit: Swong95765, Flickr Creative Commons

About the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists®
The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists® (ACVO®) is an approved veterinary specialty organization of the American Board of Veterinary Specialties, and is recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Its mission is “to advance the quality of veterinary medicine through certification of veterinarians who demonstrate excellence as specialists in veterinary ophthalmology.” To become board certified, a candidate must successfully complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, a one-year internship, a three-year ACVO® approved residency and pass a series of credentials and examinations. For more information, please visit www.ACVO.org.

About Stokes Pharmacy
Stokes Pharmacy is a national, full-service compounding pharmacy specializing in the art and science of the custom formulation of prescription medicines for humans and animals. Leading the way in innovation, Stokes invites veterinarians to prescribe compounded medications online securely, quickly, and accurately via iFill, a cloud-based prescription management system. For more information, visit stokesrx.com.

National Hug a G.I. Day!

(C) StoryBlocks, Used by Permission

National Hug a G.I. Day!

WOOF! When I learned today is National Hug a G.I. Day, I couldn't let it pass without sharing with you! Barkingly, as a country need to do more to thank those who work to protect our freedoms.

Barkingly, for me, it is as easy as going next door or walking down the street or crossing the street to meet someone who either served in the military or is currently active and I can give them a pawingly grand hug! WOOF! WOOF!

So I bark and woof, "Go find your servicemen and women or a neighbor or a friend and give them a hug.  Its a simple to show your support and say "THANK YOU!" Barks, you can pat them on the back, give a hearty handshake or even take them to lunch. Be sure to recognize Veterans and Active Service members. ARF!

While the term G.I. refers to Army personnel, today celebrates everyone who has served in all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.

While today, the term G.I. is commonly used to refer to those humans serving in the Armed Forces of the United States of America, the term hasn't always meant that.

From what I read, in the early 20th century, G.I. was a notation in supply records for galvanized iron. Later, in World War I, it was used to refer to German artillery shells made from galvanized iron. At some point, soldiers began interpreting the initials as “Government Issue” or “General Issue.” Barkingly, by World War II, it began meaning generic enlisted men. WOOF! Many service members
began sarcastically using the term to describe their feelings of being mass-produced for Uncle Sam!
In 1942, comic strip artist and former Army Sergeant David Breger's G.I. Joe cartoon in Yank Magazine. Barkingly, the term became permanently used when, in 1944, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the G.I. Bill, the G.I. Bill; Servicemen’s Readjustment Act.

Bark! Today, HUG a G.I. excuse me while I go paw my neighbors and a few friends!

We The Dogs, DC

A few days ago, I learned about a charity in Washington D.C. and some of the projects which they are doing. WOOF!!

Read through these images which share about the charity. If you have further questions, please contact "We The Dogs, DC!"

WOOF! I need to give a loud bark out to our friends at Operation Paws for Homes who are participating in the Photo Book Project you read about.

(C) We the Dogs, DC, Used by Permission

Friday's Friend! Dog Adoption, Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc.

Photo Credit: Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc. Creative: Allen Pearson

As pretty and beautiful as the summer flower is a pawsome and accurate way to describe the young lady brought by "Lab Lady" of Lab Rescue for you to meet this week!  Barkingly, her personality matches her beauty!

Daisy is a 22-month-old Yellow Labrador Retriever looking for a "Forever Home" in a rural or suburban single-family house. Barkingly, there is no fence requirement, but with her timid nature, it would be a benefit! She isn't used to the noises and chaos of the city life! WOOF! 

Photo Credit: Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc. Creative: Allen Pearson

Daisy loves the other Labradors in her foster home. She is working on trusting the humans in the home.

Daisy has discovered the pawsomeness of having her ears rubbed, going on new adventures, learning to play and chewing on bones or just relaxing in a soft spot!

Daisy does well in her crate and is house-trained.

Daisy is great with other dogs, has not cat history but did alright when she passed one at the Veterinarian!  She is approved for mini-humans age 10 and older.

If you would like to meet Daisy or apply to adopt this true sweetheart, pawlease complete the Lab Rescue Dog Adoption Application.

Tell "Lab Lady" Noah barked!

Photo Credit: Lab Rescue of L.R.C.P., Inc. Creative: Allen Pearson

Friday's Friend! Cat Adoption, PetConnect Rescue

Photo Credit: PetConnect Rescue Creative: Allen Pearson

My pawsome meowingly grand friend "Cat Lady" stopped by this week a cool cat named Sheldon for you to meet!

Sheldon came to PetConnect Rescue from a partner shelter where his human surrendered hum since they were moving and could not take him. MEOW!

Purrs, though Sheldon has probably spent a lot of time outside, he is loving being an indoor-only cat. Meow!

Sheldon loves to be hugged, gently squeezed and lived by humans.  He will roll over for belly rubs and purrs when you pet him.  Meowingly, he appreciates a warm blanket, a soothing loving hand and a bowl of food. For this fella, life is purringly simple!

Photo Credit: PetConnect Rescue Creative: Allen Pearson

Sheldon is looking for a "Forever Home" where the humans aren't gone long hours from home or to a home with another like-minded, laid-back, and chill personality.

Sheldon is good with other cats, dogs and mini-humans. Has pawsome house manners!

WOOF! A note from my friends at PetConnect Rescue: Cats adopted through PetConnect Rescue must be indoor only, and may not be declawed (unless already declawed at the time of rescue).

The first step in approving adoption applicants is to completing a Veterinarian check. Vetting of current and past pets is very important so they will be speaking with the Veterinarians(s) listed on your application to ensure that your current and previous pet(s) are kept up to date on vaccines (including rabies), spayed or neutered and examined annually by your Veterinarian.


If you would like to learn more about cat adoption, pawlease visit PetConnect Rescue Adoption Guide.

Interesting in meeting Sheldon or applying to adopt him? Pawlease complete the PetConnect Rescue Cat Adoption Application. 

Maybe you just love this cat but aren't able to adopt. Pawlease consider sponsoring Sheldon! Donations will help offset costs associated with Sheldon's care. What a pawsome way to care for a cat! Any extra funds raised will be used to help other PetConnect Rescue animals.Visit DONATE to help Sheldon!

Friday's Friend! Dog Adoption, Operation Paws for Homes

Photo Credit: Operation Paws for Homes Creative: Allen Pearson

Last Friday night, my human came home smelling from head-to-toe like several other dogs. If I didn't know better, and I don't, I would think he petted and cuddled and scratched bellies with seven other dogs. arf? I am used to him coming home on Saturday afternoons smelling like he's petted a few dogs but this was all over home. I had to promptly begin making him smell like he should - LIKE ME! WOOF!!

I found out why from a friend at Operation Paws for Homes! My human and a barkingly pawsome volunteer named Mike from Operation Paws for Homes took a van loaded full of dog and cat supplies to the Animal Shelter in Maury County, Tennessee. WOOF! The two humans brought back seven dogs who needed to find "Forever Homes" and humans to love! WOOF! WOOF! I am barkingly proud of these two humans.

Photo Credit: Operation Paws for Homes Creative: Allen Pearson

This week, I got to meet the dog who left the most scents and smells on my human, Adora! She has a most fitting name too. Adora asked if she could tell you about herself!

"Barks! Hi Noah and thanks for letting me tell your readers about me! I was so excited to see your human and Mike stop by the Maury County Animal Shelter on that early morning. I wasn't sure what was going on but these two guys seemed so kind it could only be good!  I was hoping that one of them would adopt me! I went and met both of them and stayed with your human out of the way. I learned all about you Noah so I knew I was going home with your human. Barks, I still loved on him quite a bit. He helped me relax during this crazy few minutes. When the truck was unloaded, my human began preparing me to go with these two pawsome fellas! WOOF! I was told that I would have a new life in the Maryland area! As we drove the twelve hours north, I kept wondering what a Maryland was and my new humans will be like. Will that like me? Will that fall in love with my cute self and spoil me as rotten as they pawssibly can? A dog can only hope! The journey north was great. We dogs barked every time the van stopped. We were barking in anticipation and excitement!"

"Barks, so, a little about me. As your human learned, I am friendly, outgoing and enjoy meeting humans.When I meet new humans, I like to give them a tail-wag and flash my adorable puppy-dog smile. That's my I'm named Adora, for adorable, because I am. WOOF! I am an American Staffordshire Terrier mix! WOOF!"

"My foster human and probably your human too Noah describe me a spunky since I love playing and romping around! Arf. I am good about listening to their corrections when I'm told "no!" I enjoy playing with dogs my size or larger- sometimes I scare the small ones with my spunkiness! I am enjoying learning how to live in a house but am still house and crate training. My manners will be pawsome soon. Thank you, Noah!"

WOOF! Thank you for sharing I hope you find humans to love and a "Forever Home" soon!

Barkingly, if you would like to learn more about dog adoption, pawlease visit the Operation Paws for Homes Adoption Guide.

If you would like to meet Adora or apply to adopt her, pawlease complete the Operation Paws for Homes Dog Adoption Application.

Photo Credit: Operation Paws for Homes Creative: Allen Pearson

Friday's Friend! Dog Adoption, Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League

Photo Credit: Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League Creative: Allen Pearson

WOOF! Isn't this guy one magnificent dog? Great Danes fascinate me! They are so huge and yet such an elegant and cool dog! My friend "Great Dane Dame" has a pawsome life as she gets to work with these dogs helping them to find "Forever Homes!"

This week, "Great Dane Dame" of the Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League brought by a pawsome guy named Eddy, a handsome Merle Great Dane, though he has enough brown in him he could be considered a Chocolate Merle! WOOF! Barkingly, he is a cool dude! Eddy lost his "Forever Home" when his human passed away.

Photo Credit: Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League Creative: Allen Pearson

WOOF! This guy is ALL puppy! He loves to play, loves all animals but plays a bit too rough for the smaller dogs! Barkingly, he can be a bit mouthy when playing though never agressive, just a large goofy guy who loves to run too. He is learning to play fetch with a ball though he prefers sticks! He likes going to the dog park and doggie day care!

WOOF! Eddy is crate and house trained. He will go into his crate simply by saying "go to bed." Barks!

Eddy is an affectionate character who loves to give kisses and cuddle in your lap, against your legs or laying at your feet. He doesn't know his size so no mini-humans, paws "new ones" especially, in his new home.

Eddy will make a pawsome addition to almost any home. He is good with other dogs, larger than 40 lbs., has no cat history and no history with mini-humans.

Barkingly, if you would like to meet Eddy and learn the process and procedures to adopt a Great Dane, pawlease visit the Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League - Adoption.