The bond shared between ourselves and our pets is unlike any other.  What they give to us as owners is remarkable, genuine, and completely unconditional. The way our pets make us feel everyday is the reason we bring them into our lives and what gives us so much joy.

Why is this?  How do these amazing animals cause humans to want to cuddle, care for, and love them so much?  How is it that animals can bring together two entirely different people and make them smile?  It truly is incredible and makes us wonder, what
                                                                                  do they know that we do not?

The human-animal bond has been researched thoroughly and proven time and again.  Here are a few facts that perhaps you have experienced yourself.
   -People with pets in their lives have lower blood pressure
   -Senior citizens with pets cope better with the stress of entering the health 
    care system.
   -Pet owners feel less likely to become a victim of a crime when sharing a home 
    with a dog.
   -Pet owners have fewer minor health problems
   -Pets in nursing homes increase social and verbal interactions among residents
   -Dog owners have better physical health due to exercise with pets.
   -Dogs have preventative and therapeutic benefits against stress
   -Pets make us feel less lonely and isolated.
   -Positive self-esteem is experienced by children exposed to pets.
   -Children with pets are more actively involved in chores, hobbies, and clubs.

These are only a handful of the positive things that pets bring into our lives.  They make us laugh, smile, and exercise.  They are willing to do anything for us.  No wonder we love them so much!

The interactions between humans and animals has changed dramatically over the last 20-30 years.  Many pets today are considered "part of the family" and are often referred to as "children!" 

The American Animal Hospital Association recently surveyed pet owners asking them who would they take with them if they were stranded on a deserted island.  Over half of those surveyed chose their pets over human companionship.  This certainly says a lot about the bond we share with our pets!

Meet the New Faces of Carver Lake

The staff here at Carver Lake Veterinary Center have always been close.  We often refer to each other as our "Carver Lake Family."  We wanted to take a moment to introduce you to the newest members of our family.  We are very excited to have them here and feel that they are great additions to our team.

Dr. Kari Ekenstedt first came to Carver Lake as a veterinary assistant almost 10 years ago!  She has since earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota - College of Veterinary Medicine and has come back to Carver Lake as a veterinarian.  Kari loves the veterinary field for a number of reasons.  She enjoys working with animals and people who love them and she also is fascinated by the science behind veterinary medicine.  She herself owns a senior cat name Muffy and 3 horses.  When she isn't at the clinic she enjoys riding her horses, swing dancing, and rooting for the Green Bay Packers!
                                                          Learn more about Kari and see her picture here

Technician Maria first came to know Carver Lake a few months ago while she did her veterinary technician internship here.  She has since received her A.A.S. in Veterinary Technology from Argosy University and has joined our team as a full time employee.  Maria has always enjoyed working with animals and has a special interest in birds and wildlife.  She herself owns 2 birds - Agnese, a pacific parrotlet, and Giulia, a budgie.  She also has a Husky/Border Collie mix named Remy.  When not working with animals Maria spends her time swimming, playing and writing music on her guitar, and learning foreign languages.  She hopes someday to finish her B.A. in Italian Studies and Linguistics.
                                              Learn more about Maria and see her picture here           
We first got to know Veterinary Assistant Shayla when she brought her Eclectus Parrot, Quack to see us.  It didn't take long to realize she would be a great addition to the Carver Lake team.  She also owns a cat named Petunia. Shayla has always been interested in the veterinary field.  She feels that because  animals give so much to humans that they deserve quality care in return.  She loves seeing the human-animal bond and enjoys the challenge of a "speechless" patient.  This fall Shayla will be entering her senior year at the University of River Falls and will have earned a degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry when she is finished.  She is currently working on her application to vet school and hopes to begin that in the fall of 2007!  When Shayla is not at the clinic she enjoys dancing, scrapbooking, listening to music, and (believe it or not) playing video games!
                                                       Learn more about Shayla and see her picture here

You will soon be able to meet our new receptionist Kari too.  She will begin working here later in July.  She is the proud owner a big, but gentle Great Dane named Harley.  Kari is also currently working on her Veterinary Technician Certification at Globe College.

Carver Lake  believes that having a strong, professional team helps up provide even better care for your companion animals.  We are happy to welcome these new employees to the Carver Lake team and look forward to getting to know them even better. 




 

Summer is here!  And as we start to see our familiar feathered friends returning, birds and other wildlife will begin breeding and rearing their young.  During this time of year you might come across a fallen bird's nest or maybe a bunny that looks injured or sick.   If you come across any wildlife you think is in need of your help, please take a moment to assess the situation. 

More often than not, baby birds and mammals are "rescued" when help is not needed.  These "kidnappings" can be avoided.  If you find an unfeathered baby bird, look for a nest in nearby trees, bushes, or on the ground (possibly damaged.) A baby bird put back in its nest WILL be cared for by its parents. 

If there is no nest or parent birds seen, or if the baby looks sick or injured it needs to go to a wildlife rehabilitation center ASAP.  Put the baby in a warm safe place (a shoe box or paper bag if needed) until you can transport the bird.  Baby birds cannot self regulate heat so you will NEED to provide them with heat.  A heating pad under half the container, or a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel in the box are usually sufficient for short times.


Many baby birds that are found hopping on the ground and are feathered are assumed to be orphaned and are unnecessarily taken.  These little guys often don't need our help and should be left to go on their little feathered way without humans and pets interfering.

Many people come across the path of a baby bunny during the spring.  Bunnies are similar in that they are often "rescued" when it is not needed.  Bunnies wander out of the comforts of their nests quite young.  If you find a baby bunny that has its eyes open he is probably fine.  Bunny nests are often found and damaged easily.  Mother rabbits WILL accept young returned to the nest even after human contact. If you find babies with eyes closed and can't find the nest gently pack them up, supplement heat, and take them to a wildlife rehabilitation center ASAP.

Please keep wildlife,their young, and their nests safe by restricting access from our pets.  If you find any wildlife that is obviously injured, it is an emergency!  Please contact a wildlife rehabilitation center immediately. 

In St.Paul you can call the wildlife rehabilitation center at 651-486-9453.  You can also call Wildlife Rehabilitation and Release located in the Animal Humane Society in Golden Valley at 763-522-4325.  They provide great hotlines with pre-recorded answers to the most commonly asked questions.

Carver Lake Veterinary Center also accepts wildlife on a limited basis Mon-Thurs. Dr.Kim Ammann is federally and state licensed to treat wildlife.  Please call ahead if you for wildlife services.  If you would like more information on wildlife rehabilitation or volunteer opportunities, you can contact any of the numbers listed above.

Technician Melissa Welcomes New Baby Home!

On Thursday, June 22nd at 9:30pm, Technician Melissa and fiance Cory welcomed baby Keagan Leonard into their family.
He weighed in at 7lbs, 6oz and was 19 and 3/4 inches long. 

Keagan keeps his parents very busy, but they all seem to be settling in well.  Even the family dog, Izzy B, seems to enjoy the new addition to her family.

We are all very excited for Melissa and her family and wish them the very best as they start their life together.  Keagan is a very lucky boy.  Not only does he have 2 wonderful parents, but he has a huge extended Carver Lake family that loves him very much too.

See articles from past "what's new" pages here.