Post-meeting crew, left to right, RVT Austin, CSRs Will & Kayla, CVA Cynthia, CSR Chaunelle, GSA Kelly, RVTs Lydia & Jesse, Pharmacy Tech Dena, RVT Diane, PR/Social Media Specialist Ashley, GSA Mario with GSA (formerly) Britney & VPC Kaylee in front!
Team update: We were sad to say goodbye to Becky, Karla and Britney in August. Becky has desires to go into another field of medicine as a dental hygienist. Karla is opting to stay at home with her expanding family, and Britney had an opportunity at a long-desired job. We appreciate all the time and efforts they devoted to AHS, and will miss their friendships, as well.
Michelle - Team Member Spotlight!
Michelle has been with Animal Hospital of Statesville since 2018. She will be heading up our medical support staff at Animal Hospital on South Main when it opens. She's going to become a "Mrs." next spring, so we're all happy and excited for her and fiance Adam. Watch her spotlight below to learn a little bit more about her!
Animal Hospital on South Main Update!
Things are moving right along! They are now laying the floors and have the cabinetry (or at least most of it) installed. We're starting to recognize the floorplan a bit more easily - pictures will come soon! Here's the outside of the building - the parking lot is paved and striped, almost ready for you to stop by with your precious pets for a visit! We'll be announcing our open-house, ribbon cutting event soon, so stay tuned! We'd love for you all to celebrate with us! It will be announced in a separate email/Facebook/Instagram post since our next newsletter will come IN October!
We have several of our staff members going to South Main, all of whom you are familiar with! As mentioned before, Dr. Zuercher will be there full time, and Drs. Cooney, Christy and Talbot will rotate in. Makayla and Ashton will be our front-end team. Michelle, Traci, Lauren, Taylor, Ella (VPC Ella) and Ashlee will our medical support staff. There is no boarding available at AHSM, so our GSAs will remain at our Statesville office. Traci will continue to work with CVA Cynthia teaching our Puppy Socialization Classes. Jada, Hannah and Angela will rotate to AHSM, as will Ashley & Kyle, to make sure you all have social media coverage from there, and candid staff photographic updates!
Having a Pet Portal issue? We are working on that! Some things have not migrated over smoothly, and it is in the software engineering department to determine what needs to be done to fix it. If you have an issue you need resolved, you can email kyle at animalhospitalofstatesville@gmail.com and she will start an investigation! Hopefully, by next Monday, our issues will be resolved, but just in case, just let her know!
Apprenticeship NC - What IS It, and Why is AHS Involved?
Simply put, Animal Hospital of Statesville cares about the quality and education of our staff. We help further their education and personal development. As such, we are part of not only an externship for future veterinarians, but also, in this case, for future Registered Veterinary Technicians. Our VPC, Autumn, started here several years ago as a Guest Services Assistant while she was still in high school. She was enrolled in the CTE (Career and Technical Education) program at North Iredell, focusing on getting her CVA, or Certified Veterinary Assistant credentials. After working and doing her externship here at AHS, she wanted to go further - to go to college at Gaston College and earn her credentials as a Registered Veterinary Technician. This is her story - how she progressed from a high school student to a college student and how AHS and Apprenticeship NC are helping her achieve her professional goals! If you know a high school student with educational goals (in lots of different fields), Apprenticeship NC might be able to help!
AHS's Pet of the Month for September
From Spicy to Sweet - Zeus' Puppy Socialization Class Story -
Meet Zeus, an 18-week-old Maltese with a big personality in a very small package. When he first joined Puppy Class, Zeus was overwhelmed. He came in scared, anxious and unsure of the world around him. His fear showed up in the form of snapping, biting, and growling - not just at other puppies, but even toward his family and class instructors. His owners were understandably concerned about why he was already so fearful at such a young age.
However, instead of giving up, his family leaned in. They invested in his future, showing up each week with patience and commitment. They also worked with him outside of class, taking him new places, introducing him to different sights, sounds, and people. They asked thoughtful questions, stayed consistent, and gave him the support he needed. Without their dedication, Zeus wouldn't be where he is today.
By his second class, we saw small glimmers of progress. Still very nervous, guarded, growling and curling his lip when other puppies came too close. Meanwhile, all the other pups just wanted to be his friend, but Zeus wasn't ready to swap phone numbers just yet.
Then came class three - and the breakthrough. During playtime, Zeus cautiously approached Traci, hopped up on her leg, and asked to be picked up. When she bent down, he flopped onto his back and offered her his belly. That was the moment we finally saw the real puppy inside! Not fearful, but playful, happy and trusting.
Fast forward to August 18th, Zeus' final class. The puppy who showed up that day was nearly unrecognizable from the anxious little fluff we first met. He trotted through the tunnel with confidence, sailed through the obstacles and even put his head into the E-collar without so much as a grumble. That alone is a big win!
And then came playtime. Zeus zoomed around with the other puppies, tail wagging, chasing and playing. He bounced up on Traci's leg to be picked up and even gave her kisses. To see the once fearful puppy transform into a confident, affectionate pup was truly heartwarming!
Now, full honesty. No puppy is perfect. Zeus did do a little resource guarding at the water bowl, growling and trying to nip when another puppy came in for a drink. Here's the good news: That was his only spicy moment all class. Compared to where he started, that's HUGE progress!
Zeus' journey is a reminder that socialization is a process. It takes patience, consistency, and teamwork. Thanks to his dedicated family and a safe space to grow, Zeus transformed from a fearful little fluff into a confident playful and affectionate puppy. And if you ask Traci & Cynthia, Puppy Socialization Class instructors, that's worth CELEBRATING!
New Flea & Tick Product!
Dr. Ashly LaRoche talks about our new 1-year flea & tick prevention! Do you forget to give your pet prevention every month, or every three months? A LOT of us do! This may be your answer! Although it's a bigger initial investment, you are DONE with it in one injection, and there is a $70 rebate if you purchase the 1-year injection along with 12 months of your pet's heartworm/intestinal parasite prevention, Sentinel Spectrum! Ask for details at your next visit!
The Gallery at AHS - Artist for September and October: Vicki Winthrop
Vicki Winthrop is a wife, mother, and artist who believes in the transformative power of creativity. For her, art is more than just a finished piece of work- it's a way to process emotions, find connection, and express what words often cannot. As the owner and artist behind The Forty Seven Studio, she creates with intention, using her work to inspire and bring a sense of beauty and meaning to others. Here is a link to her website, if you're interested in seeing more of her work!
Gordon Hospice House
Our charity for September and October is Gordon Hospice House. We've helped them before, and they are so appreciative of whatever we can do. They are a top-notch organization that helps SO many families go through their hardest times. You can help by choosing some items to donate and bringing them by AHS and we'll get everything together and deliver it to Gordon Hospice House. See the list below. We collect snacks for the families who are visiting their loved ones. Also, if you want to learn more about Gordon Hospice House, we've included our interview from last year - take a look!
Food for Days
Our Food For Days collection item for September is: Pop-Tarts! These items fill local children's backpacks on the weekends when they may not get food to eat. These are items they can prepare themselves. We appreciate all you do to help us help the children in the community we live and work in!