Meet Bear!

Woof! Let me introduce myself!  My name is Bear and I am the canine office manager at Avondale Veterinary Complex. I supervise the daily activities from behind the front desk at the main clinic.  I came to be part of the Avondale family in 2007 after I was hit by a car.

I was in bad shape and Dr. Woodruff and the rest of the staff worked very hard to save me. I was very bruised; my back right leg was badly broken and after four hours of surgery, Dr. Woodruff wasn’t sure I would make it.

My owners weren’t able to take care of me, so I became part of the Avondale family. I was sleeping at night in one of the exam rooms with several large doggy beds, blankets, a night light, food water and a few toys to keep me company. During the day I would hang out behind the front desk, which became the fulltime position at Avondale that I hold today. (Some folks kid that I’m the guard dog, but even though I’m large and lean at 85 pounds, little dogs scare me. People think that’s funny, but when little dogs bark, it sounds like an alarm going off and I just want to get out of there!)

Anyway, after four months my leg wasn’t healing well, even with all the special care I was getting. I had nerve damage from the beginning and it wasn’t getting any better. My fractured leg was worse than before. So, the leg was amputated and I’m now a large, furry tripod. Trust me, having four legs is over estimated. I’m doing just fine with three! I have a pretty good nature and I really enjoy my job here at Avondale. The staff is wonderful and they take turns taking me home for sleepovers. It’s like spending the night in a five star doggy hotel, only better because love is included.  The Avondale clients are so nice to me. They bring me toys and treats and lots of ear scratches and sweet words. Dr. Woodruff had to put me on doggy treat rations, because I was getting so many that I was gaining weight!

So there you have my story. I’m a lucky dog to have so many people to take care of me! I learn a lot hanging around here and I’m going to use this blog to pass on some of that information to you. Tips and stories and maybe a joke sometimes. I hope to help you take care of your pet and maybe bring a wag to your tail now and then.  FOLLOW ALL MY ADVENTURE BELOW!  Woof!

Bear  

BEAR ATTENDS AVONDALE'S MEMORIAL TREE OPEN HOUSE

Each year, for the past 6 years, the Avondale Veterinary Healthcare Complex veterinarians and staff host an Open House called the Memorial Tree.  This event is for clients who have had a pet die during the year.  Bear knew that several of his special friends had died in 2011 and he wanted to be sure and attend.

Each pet that died had a dog or cat shaped tag that listed the pet's name along with the year that they died.  These tags were hung on the trees for the client to take off the tree and keep.

This Memorial Tree event allows for clients to mourn the loss of their special pet surrounded by others who understand the pain of losing their 4-legged companion.  During the 6 years the event has been held, it has become a healing opportunity for the staff as well as the clients.

 

Bear's Christmas Adventure

Bear heard that Santa Claus was visiting the Bass Pro Shop, and he begged to go so he could tell Santa what he wanted for Christmas.  While he was there Bear saw lots and lots of neat things.

He was very much afraid of the "bear" and the "deer" that he saw there and couldn't keep up with all the fish as they were swimming so fast.  He tried to bark to slow them down, but that didn't work.  He even found at tent he could use next year to camp at the Iowa State Fair.  The highlight of his day was seeing Santa and telling him everything he wanted for Christmas!  His Santa wish ended up being a thankful message for all those who love him so much - the Avondale doctors and staff and all the clients that come in to visit him every day.  Of course, Bear specifically asked for a few more "doggy treats"!

As his day ended, he settled down in front of the Christmas tree and was all smiles as he thought about the Reason for the Season and all of his good friends.  

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from Bear.

Bear's Thanksgiving

Bear had experienced Thanksgiving before, but this year his favorite people (the Avondale Veterinary Healthcare Complex staff) were planning a Thanksgiving dinner at the hospital.  He was so excited he could hardly wait.  On the day of the dinner, food was everywhere and the smell was so inviting.  He put on his Thanksgiving hat and joined the group.   A special Thanksgiving plate of food was prepared especially for Bear, for which he was truly thankful.

Bear's Halloween Party

Bear decided to have a Halloween Party.  Of course he wanted all of his guests to come in their costumes.  Not everyone was happy about having to get all dressed up to come, but they did anyway.  They started the day with a Halloween Parade through Avondale so all the employees and doctors could enjoy seeing them all dressed up.  They loved the applause and the "Oh, how cute" and "boooo-ti-ful" phrases they heard.  After playtime, they settled down for a special doggie Halloween treat and every dog had such a good time.  Bear was sure the party was a huge success and can't wait until next year's party!

Bear's Trip to the Ewing Park Dog Park

Bear heard there was going to be a new Dog Park just West of the Avondale Animal Hospital at Ewing Park.  He desperately wanted to go play at this park with the other dogs.  As soon as he heard they were going to have an Open House for all of the dog owners and their dogs, he begged to go!

 Naturally, Bear always gets what he wants!  He gladly hopped in Jessica's car and they headed to the Open House.  Avondale was donating a First Aid kit for the Dog Park and Bear wanted to be there to help with the presentation.  There were so many people there and all breeds and sizes of dogs.  Bear was excited!  He ran and played all morning.  He found out that the park has volunteers that serve as Dog Park Ambassadors and he met several of them while he was there. 
 

Bear received the Red Carpet treatment at the Ewing Park Dog Park and even had

his picture taken on the "Red Carpet". 
 

Bear felt he had really had a wonderful time and he just can't wait to go visit the Dog Park again.

Bear Goes To An Iowa Cubs Baseball Game

 
Dr. Tricia Beasley decided it would be a good idea if Bear could experience an Iowa Cubs Baseball game because he is such a sports fan.  Bear was ALL FOR IT!  He dressed up for the event in his sporting attire.
 
The Iowa Cubs are a Triple-A minor league baseball team that is affiliated with the Chicago Cubs, that plays in the Pacific Coast League.  The Iowa Cubs play their home games at the Principal Park in Des Moines.

Bear Participates in Susan G. Komen's Race for the Cure

Bear felt it was very important to be part of the Race for the Cure.  He knew that several members of the Avondale Veterinary Healthcare Complex staff and some of their children would be participating and he wanted to as well. 

He was so surprised when he saw more than 20,000 people participating in this event in Des Moines!  The weather was absolutely perfect, the State Capitol was pink and the Race raised more than $1,000,000 in the fight against breast cancer.  Bear felt truly blessed to have been part of such an important, life saving event!

Bear Visits The Carlisle Fire Department

Bear wanted to meet some of the fire fighters who protect us, so he visited the Carlisle Fire Department.  He met Tyler Beckler, Leanne Rice and Justin Sjullie.  They explained their jobs to Bear and he was very impressed!  He especially liked the big fire truck and was glad they didn't turn on the siren while he was there.
 
He thinks their job is very dangerous and is happy they are willing to devote so much time to protecting us.

Bear Visits the

Carlisle Police Department

It was a beautiful fall day at Avondale.  Bear decided he wanted to visit his good friend, Brady Jackson, one of the policemen with the Carlisle Police Department.  Brady stops out at Avondale periodically to say hello to Bear and Bear wanted to return the favor.Brady showed Bear all around and talked to him about what he does on his job every day.  Bear was very impressed and sure was happy we have Brady around to protect us.

Bear Visits the Iowa State Fair

The internationally-acclaimed Iowa State Fair annually attracts more than a million people from around the world.  Considered America's classic state fair, it has been featured in the New York Times best-selling travel book, "1000 Places to See Before You Die."  The Iowa State Fair has been a proud tradition for 133 years.

Bear wanted to go camping at the Iowa State Fair Campgrounds during the fair because he had heard that there were 1800 camping sites and during the Iowa State Fair, the campgrounds become the 12th largest city in Iowa!  He had such a great time, but he just couldn't believe how many campers there were and how close they had to park!  Some of them were quite decorated for the fair and he had fun just going from area to area to see all of them.

Bear headed to the Fair where he wanted to see the biggest bull, the biggest pig and the biggest sheep.  He wasn't disappointed.  He stopped to see all the baby animals at the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center where he watched the birth of some baby pigs.  He found lots of places to quench his thirst, but everyone made him just drink water!!

He headed to the Midway where he wanted to ride some of the rides, but they just wouldn't allow dogs -- sometimes Bear forgets he is a dog!  Bear saw lots and lots of people from all over the country.  Everyone loved him and would stop and talk with him all the time.  Bear thought that was pretty great.

After camping for 10 days at the Fair,

Bear came back to Avondale Animal Hospital

to catch up on some sleep!

He had a great time and just

can't wait until next year.

Bear Gets Ready for the 4th of July!

Bear is so excited.  It's the 4th of July and he is all dressed up and ready for the parade.  Angella has been practicing with him and has tried to teach him how to stand at attention when he sees the United States flag  She has even practiced singing the Star Spangled Banner with him.  Bear didn't learn the song, but did "howl" his way through as Angella sang!

What a fun day for Bear.  He particularly liked the horses at the end of the parade and barked and barked his greetings to them.  Naturally, Bear was the center of attention as he walked among the crowd.

Happy Independence Day to all!

Bear's Bike Ride

It was a beautiful summer day and Bear decided he wanted to go on a bike ride.  Mr. Jack knew just the thing to do and secured Bear in his burley.  Bear loves to go on the Summerset Trail bike path that takes him from Carlisle to Indianola.  Many local people are making plans to

have the bike trail cover more miles around the local area.  Bear is very excited about that and just can't wait!  Bear thought a lemonade would taste especially good after his bike ride, but had to settle for some nice, cold water.

Bear Misses His Best Friend

Bear is very sad because his good friend, Mandy, a beautiful Shihtzu, left the Avondale Pet Resort after being here for 5 weeks.  He has looked everywhere for her - even the last place he saw her, which was

in the Snoopy Vacation Suite.

Mandy's "human" brother, Zachary Durham, was injured in Afghanistan.  Her family just wanted to rush to be at his side at the Walter Reed Hospital and needed a place for Mandy to stay while they were gone. Dr. Woodruff heard about this plight and offered to have Mandy stay at the Avondale Pet Resort at no cost while they were gone.  My goodness, even our groomer, Angela, groomed him free for his going home party 5 weeks later!

Mandy's mom and dad wanted to show the Pet Resort people how much they appreciated all their kindness shown to Mandy while they were gone, so they presented the Avondale staff with 2 huge 4th of July baskets filled to the brim with all kinds of treats to share!

The good news is that Zachary is doing better, but still at Walter Reed.  The sad news for Bear is that his friend, Mandy, isn't at the Pet Resort for him to play with every day!

Bear Goes For Ice Cream

It was an unusually warm spring day and Bear was craving an ice cream cone from his favorite place, Fiss.  He hopped into Jodi's convertible and away they went. 

He was sad when they arrived because he could not go inside and put his feet on the counter to tell them what he wanted. 

However, Tom Thiel, the owner, looked out and saw that Bear was a little unhappy, so he quickly brought out Bear's favorite ice cream cone - vanilla!  Bear made short work of the cone and profusely thanked Tom with lots of kisses.  It was a fun Adventure and Bear had a great time.

Bear Goes To School
 
Bear's most recent adventure took him to the first grade classroom at Western Hills Elementary School in West Des Moines, Iowa.  Bear was a great participant in the talk given to the first graders by Dr. Mandy Hollander and her technician, Tiffany, RVT.  They talked to the first graders about general pet care and what Dr. Hollander does as a veterinarian.  The class got to hear Bear's story about how he came to live at Avondale.  He gladly let Dr. Hollander and Tiffany show the class how a physical exam is done and why it is so important.  Dr. Hollander went over ways the first graders can care for their pets at home.  Last, the class was allowed to, of course, pet Bear.  Naturally, Bear loved all of the attention given to him by the first graders.  He had a great time visiting school and getting all the attention from the children!

Bear Delivers May Day Baskets

 
Delivering May Day baskets the 1st day of May to friends is an old tradition, but Bear had great fun on May Day.  The tradition is that you deliver a May Day basket to your friends BUT, if your friend catches you making the delivery, then they get to kiss you!
 
Bear delivered his May Day baskets to his Doggie Daycare friends, and only Charlie was able to catch him.  Bear was not sure how he felt about Charlie trying to give him a kiss!  Happy May!

Bear's Birthday Party

Happy Birthday, Bear!  Bear is not only special to the employees at Avondale, he is loved by the clients that come to visit.  We all celebrated Bear's 5th birthday party on April 20th.  Our Doggie Daycare dogs got into the act and really enjoyed the party and the special doggie cupcakes.  Not all of them were excited to wear the birthday hats!  Bear received flowers and toys from his adoring public.

The staff also made "human" cupcakes for the clients that came in to visit Bear or who just had appointments that day.  Special doggie bone treats were made for our visiting dogs, which they promptly devoured!  Such a fun day and Bear just loved all the attention he received as well as his special birthday cake.  Even though Bear had a rough beginning and only has 3 legs, you would never know he is the same dog that came to us 4 years ago.  He is so loved.  Happy Birthday Bear!

Bear's Easter Egg Hunt
 

Bear joined the Avondale Veterinary Healthcare Complex staff in their Easter Egg Hunt.  Everyone was looking all over the Complex for Easter eggs. 

Bear was able to "sniff" out quite a few and enjoyed the special dog treats he found inside the eggs.  He couldn't have too many or he would have gotten a tummy ache!  He had so much fun and the Avondale staff had a great time, too.