Human Flu Vaccine Clinic: 12 – 2pm

Provided by the Alexandria Medical Arts Pharmacy, get your adult, seasonal flu shot for just  $25!

This clinic is for adults only and will be heald at Paws, Purrs & Exotics Animal Hospital from 12 to 2pm.

For questions, please call the Alexandria Medical Arts Pharmacy at 703-549-4350

 
Pet Microchip & Vaccine Clinic: 4 – 7pm

Provided by Paws, Purrs & Exotics Animal Hospital, save on pet microchipping and vaccinations!

Microchipping Services

• $10 off of microchipping your pet
• 1st Year of Membership Included
• Free paperwork processing

Comprehensive Office Visit: $15 Off

Pet Vaccines

• $15 (Lyme Vaccine is $30) – New patients Only
• $25 off total invoice – Existing Patients Only

Please give us a call at 703-549-7297 to reserve your pet’s space. If your pet requires additional services please call for pricing.

Thursday, October 27 · 6:00pm – 9:00pm

Paws Purrs & Exotics Animal Hospital
133 South Peyton Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

Dress up your pet (and yourself if you like) and come ready to strut your stuff.

Every participant will receive a Trick-or-Treat bag, and the winner of the costume contest will receive a Basket of Goodies!

There will be refreshments available for our two-legged friends and treats for the four-legged ones.

Please RSVP by October 25th to
info@pawspurrsandexotics.com

Puppy Preschool ($165)

Course Duration: 5 weeks, August 3 – August 31

Day & Time: Wednesday’s from 6:30PM ~ 7:30PM

Location:
Paws, Purrs & Exotics Animal Hospital
133 S. Peyton Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

Requirements:
For puppies 10 weeks to 11 months of age.
Your pup also needs to have the 1st & 2nd distemper and bordetella vaccinations so check with your vet before registering.

Description:
Get your puppy off on the right paw with Puppy Preschool.  This course will include introduction to basic cues (sit, sit-stay, down, down-stay, leave it, and settle/”go to your bed”), relationship-forming games, socialization with people and other dogs, and housebreaking.

NOTE: This is a 5-week program.  Your puppy must be registered by the start of the first class on August 3^rd in order to attend the sessions.

Fun with Agility ($250)

Course Duration: 7 weeks, August 17 – September 28

Day & Time: Wednesday’s from 7:30PM ~ 8:30PM

Location:
Paws, Purrs & Exotics Animal Hospital
133 S. Peyton Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

Requirements:
Your dog(s) must be at least 11 months of age.

Description:
This fun filled class is approximately 60 minutes in length with time dedicated to both basic training and agility training. Your dog will be introduced to agility equipment and practice negotiating obstacles.

NOTE: This is a 7-week program.  Your dog must be registered by the start of the first class on August 17th in order to attend the sessions.

Register for Classes!

To register for a class, please fill out a group class agreement and email it to tonia@anytimecanine.com.
You can pay for the class via Paypal directly from the AnytimeK9 website.
Once AnytimeK9 receives your agreement and payment, you are secured a spot.

If you have further questions about classes or register, please contact Toni at AnyTime K9.

Lavern J. Chatman, president and CEO, Northern Virginia Urban League; The Honorable William D. Euille, mayor of Alexandria, Virginia; Honoree Nia Perkins, owner of Paws, Purrs & Exotics Animal Hospital; Honoree Erick King, co-founder and executive director of Capital Youth Empowerment Program, Inc.; and Pamela Perkins, president, Northern Virginia Urban League Young Professionals Network

By Tracey

Northern Virginia Urban League Young Professionals Network Hosts Black Opal Gala Supporting Scholarship and Community Empowerment Programs

Alexandria, VA – April 27, 2011 – Last month, young professionals from Northern Virginia and the greater Washington, DC area gathered for Black Opal: Celebrating the Next Generation of Leaders, a fundraising gala hosted by the Northern Virginia Urban League Young Professionals Network (YPN). More than 200 guests dined and danced at the historic George Washington Masonic Memorial in Old Town Alexandria. YPN honored two young professionals who have reached exemplary heights in their fields and have been of service to Northern Virginia. The honorees included:

Nia Malika Perkins, DVM, owner of Paws, Purrs & Exotics Animal Hospital, the first African-American owned veterinary hospital in Alexandria. Recently, Perkins hosted Paws for the Cause 2010, a project where she asked the public to bring donations for rescue organizations with whom her practice works closely. Two human service organizations were recognized, The Christ House in DC and Community Lodgings in Alexandria.

Erick King, co-founder and executive director of Capital Youth Empowerment Program, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing the Northern Virginia area with a Fatherhood and Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program.

The Honorable William D. Euille, Mayor of Alexandria, praised YPN for its service to the Northern Virginia community and acknowledged the historic nature of the evening. “For many years, African Americans could not enter the George Washington Masonic Memorial,” said Euille. “So it is remarkable that this evening we are gathered here to recognize the Young Professionals Network for their decade of service to the community.”

Lavern J. Chatman, president and CEO of the Northern Virginia Urban League, spoke about service to the community. “YPN is an organization that brings much pride to the Northern Virginia Urban League and the entire community,” said Chatman. “And as each of you continue to advance and enjoy success, keep in mind the importance of empowering others through service.”

Black Opal attendee Laurie Rowe; Barton J. Taylor, national president, Urban League Young Professionals; Pamela Perkins, president, YPN; and Black Opal guest Carla Howard

“This is what we do,” said Pamela Perkins, president of YPN. “YPN makes an indelible mark on Northern Virginia by taking part in a movement that pushes the African-American community towards social and economic empowerment.  And this event moves us a step further to accomplishing that goal.”

“The Northern Virginia Urban League YPN is definitely a model for other young professional groups within the Urban League’s movement,” commented Barton J. Taylor, national president, Urban League Young Professionals. “Northern Virginia continues to raise the bar and events like Black Opal are a testament to their spirit of excellence and service to the community.”

Guests enjoy an evening of dancing with DJ Blaze

About The Northern Virginia Urban League Young Professionals Network (YPN)
The Northern Virginia Urban League Young Professionals Network (YPN) is an auxiliary organization of the Northern Virginia Urban League. YPN was founded in 1999 as a way to identify and develop future leaders of the community. Through a variety of programs and community service initiatives, YPN supports the mission of the Northern Virginia Urban League and fosters young professional development, social consciousness and civic involvement.

Photo Credit: Karima Evans Photography
Source: BlackGivesBack.com

The Paws, Purrs, & Exotics family cordially invites you to our 1^st Annual Friendraiser on December 18 from Noon to 5:00 p.m.; at our animal hospital, 133 Peyton Street in Old Town Alexandria. 

During the holidays we like to give, especially in these tough economic times. In keeping with that spirit, we want to give back and give back generously. Our main goal is to encourage you to donate items needed by our pet partner organizations. And, we don’t want to forget those deserving families in our network. We will accept coats and toys, which will be distributed to local shelters.

 We will also accept monetary donations, which will be distributed to our pet partner organizations. Some of those organizations include:

•  The Washington Humane Society
• Animal Welfare League of Arlington
• Tails High, Inc.
• Italian Greyhound Rescue

 Think of this unique event as a 3-Ring Circus without the elephants.

 Between Noon & 3:00 in Ring #1 we will feature our client partners selling new or gently used Pet Friendly and Child Friendly items; including pet supplies, pet and children’s clothing, and toys for both.

And in Ring #2, also between Noon & 3:00 p.m. local Pet friendly and People Friendly businesses will offer informative mini-workshops. Don’t miss out on these free sessions:

• 12pm: Toni Woods with Anytime K9
• 12:30pm: Dr. Farzana Kennedy with Alexandria Medical Arts Pharmacy
• 1pm: Dr. Elton Vyfhuis with Paws, Purrs & Exotics Animal Hospital
• 1:30pm: ER Tech with VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital and Emergency
• 2pm: Lisa Tudor with KissAble Canine
• 2:30pm: Chef Chad Radecker, Executive Chef at the Pentagon Dining Room

And in Ring #3 we will feature the Indoor Doggy Park.  Expert trainers will share their inside information, making the holidays and the days afterward, a good time for all in your household.

Do something different this holiday season by putting a smile on the face of a stranger, pet or that special child. For more information; email events@pawspurrsandexotics.com. We can also be reached at (703) 549-7297.

Come join AnytimeK9 and Paws Purrs & Exotics Animal Hospital as we celebrate Howl-oween!

This year we are pulling out all the stops and hosting a costume contest that will have your paws tingling.  Dress up your pet and yourself if you like and come ready to strut your stuff.  The winner of the contest will receive a $50 gift certificate from Wagtime Pet Spa and Boutique.

We will also hold a raffle to benefit The Animal Welfare League of Arlington’s low cost spaying and neutering program offered by Paws Purrs & Exotics Animal Hospital.  The grand prize is a Kindle reading device! 

There will be refreshments available for our two-legged friends and treats for the four-legged ones.  Please RSVP by October 26th!

By Sandy Levitz Lunner

On the second Sunday of every month, a group of dedicated animal lovers sets out traps throughout the Greater Metropolitan area, including Alexandria, Arlington, Mount Vernon, Manassas and Fairfax County.

Although it doesn’t sound like something an animal lover would do, it truly is an act of love according to Alyson Burgess of the Humane Society of Washington, D.C. Burgess is the director of the Cat Neighborhood Partnership Program or CatNiPP.

“We’re trying to help neighborhoods and property owners face the problems with feral cats,” Burgess said, “all while treating the cats in a humane and ethical manner.”

The program is for strays and feral cats only. A feral cat is one that was born in the wild and is usually a generation away from being a domestic, Burgess said.

The Humane Society of Washington, D.C. developed the program in 2006 based on similar programs in other areas known as Trap, Neuter, Release or TNR. But there are two striking differences between TNR and the version developed by CatNiPP.

“First,” Burgess said, “we trap, neuter and return the cats to their neighborhood colony rather than release them in the wild. And, we’ve added an ‘M’ to the end for ‘Management.’

“So, we’re actually a ‘TNRM’ program. We make sure the cats continue to be fed and cared for.”

And, it works, according to Burgess, because it addresses the root of the problem — the breeding.

“Through CatNiPP,” she said, “the cats are humanely trapped and brought to our clinic where they are neutered, vaccinated and generally examined.”

During surgery, the cats are also eartipped, a procedure that clips just the tip of one ear. That’s a signal to animal control officers and future trappers that the cats have been treated by a veterinarian and are part of a planned colony.

One of the volunteer veterinarians is Dr. Elton Vyfhuis who, together with Dr. Nia Perkins, owns and operates Paws, Purrs and Exotics Animal Hospital in Old Town, Alexandria. In addition to helping with surgeries and treating for parasites and other diseases, Vyfhuis helps set traps as well.

“We caught 90 cats just this month — mostly in Fairfax and Manassas. One of my technicians came with us and it was a good learning experience,” Vyfhuis said.

“It’s my give-back to society.” Sometimes the traps have a surprise occupant, according to Vyfhuis.

“We get wild animals in the traps — including snakes. That’s how I got my current pet snake,” he said.

“It’s a lavender snake we found in a trap that was placed at 21st and Connecticut Streets in the District.”

Vyfhuis had some theories about how a snake ended up taking a stroll on Connecticut Avenue in the District. Although he agreed that the snake might have escaped from a cage, he said it was more likely that someone let it go after realizing they weren’t up to caring for it.

“Maybe when it came time to feed their new pet,” he offered, “they realized feeding a live mouse to a snake wasn’t something they could actually do — even though that’s what the snake needs.

“Some snakes are herbivores, but others need live meat, and if you don’t feed it right, it will end up having health problems.”

Burgess said she’s also heard tales of surprise guests in the CatNiPP traps, although she wasn’t familiar with the doctor’s snake.

“Sometimes a neighbor’s pet cat wanders in. Sometimes a raccoon, opossum or even a stray dog gets in the trap and, of course, the volunteer has to let them go,” Burgess said. “Sometimes, depending on what kind of animal they get, they might have to have animal control release it.

“That’s why,” added Burgess, “you can’t just set the trap and then go out to dinner and a movie. The process has to be managed.”

According to Burgess, the whole process works best if the volunteers who set the traps are able to work with the person in the neighborhood who is feeding the cats since that’s what draws them to an area in the first place. For the trapping to work, the feeder has to start feeding once a day at the same time every day for several days. The night or day before the scheduled trapping, the feeder must withhold the food. If the person feeds the cats the day the trappings are scheduled to happen, the mission will be unsuccessful.

“Food is what gets the cats in the traps,” Burgess said. “If they’re not hungry, it won’t work.” Next trapping is in early August.

To volunteer, contact: aburgess@washhumane.org

Source: Alexandria Gazette Packet – July 29, 2010

By Sandy Levitz Lunner

Over the years, Dr. Elton Vyfhuis acquired a menagerie of furry, feathery and cold-blooded pets. From childhood to now, his animal friends have included a mischievous kitty, unpredictable dog, hamster, a type of bird known as budgerigar, five chickens, two rabbits, two more cats, nine more dogs and several snakes.

The early years helped set him on his career path. While studying veterinary medicine in the mid1990s at Tuskegee University in Alabama, hands-on clinical experience with a variety of animal species helped define his philosophy of veterinary care.

“Dogs, cats, birds, snakes — yes there are slight differences,” he explained. “But, an animal is an animal, and if I can help one, I can help them all.”

“Dr. V,” as he’s known by his staff and many of his clients, was perched on a tall stool in one of the colorful exam rooms at Paws, Purrs and Exotics, a veterinary clinic and hospital he opened in Old Town a year ago with fellow Tuskegee grad Nia Perkins, DVM. He shared that growing up, animals were respected, but they weren’t really considered part of the family. “My parents are from Guyana where they were accustomed to animals walking the street and you just fed them and gave them water,” he said.

That view changed after his aunt asked him to take care of her beloved Chow mix while she was on vacation.

“House dogs were a new thing to my parents,” Vyfhuis said. “Now, my parents think of animals as part of the family.

“So over the years we had parakeets, rabbits, hamsters, chickens, snakes — and all of that supported my desire to learn how to treat these types of animals”

He also thinks it may be in his genes.

“My grandfather used to import exotic birds and now I take care of them,” he added, flashing a warm smile.

One of the doctor’s bird clients is Alexandria resident John Ampela, proud papa of a parrot. His love of birds goes back to growing up with a variety of feathered pets, starting with a parakeet.

“I was smitten from the beginning,” he said.

Next was a cockatiel, and finally a larger Blue Fronted Amazon, considered a midsized parrot. Ampela loved each one of the birds he grew up with, but went for many years without. He missed having one around. That is until Duster arrived on the scene.

“Duster — nickname “Bubba” — is a Senegal parrot, a smaller variety,” Ampela said, “but not small in spirit.”

Ampela noted that parrots are very social creatures, used to being part of a flock, and from those characteristics stem some of the joys of having a Duster as a pet.

“We eat together, watch TV together, and he screams in protest when I leave the house,” he said. “Duster always wants to be around because that’s how he’s wired.

“We’ve gone on nine-hour car rides to visit friends and family. He’s a real trooper.”

According to Ampela, Duster enjoys individualized attention and often sits on Ampela’s stomach, “so I can pet him. He’s sort of like a ‘lap bird.’ He even likes to take showers.”

Despite the delights of living with Duster, Ampela admits there are some challenges to having a bird as a pet.

“Cleaning the cage is a constant battle,” he said. “Then there are the days I come home and he’s gotten into something and chewed it to smithereens! Cost me 100 bucks once for a laptop cable, but I was just glad he was OK.

“And there’s the unsolicited bite every now and then,” Ampela added. “Duster is, after all, a wild animal brought into captivity but still driven by instinct.” Birds can also be demanding pets due to their need for social interaction and attention, according to Ampela. He cautions potential parrot owners not to underestimate the responsibility and social demands that birds require.

“Going on vacation means you either bring them along or have a trusted friend or boarding facility take proper care of them.”

Another consideration for would-be parrot parents, according to Vyfhuis, is that birds can be among the most challenging pets to treat.

“They’re very sensitive and nervous. I keep a mirror next to the examination table because it can help calm a bird down — it’s like seeing another bird,” he said; it works as long as the bird does not feel the need to dominate.

Still, he says, some treatment is usually better than none at all.

“Someone brought a bird in with a hole in its chest — probably from a second aggressive bird the owner had. It couldn’t breathe,” Vyfhuis said.

“There really wasn’t much I could do but recommend minimal treatment with mostly over-the-counter medications. Amazingly the bird is doing OK.”

Vhyfuis encourages people to do a lot of research before they buy a pet so they have a realistic picture of what they’re getting into and what will be required of them to keep that animal happy and healthy.

He’s also on a personal mission to clear up the misconception that snakes are slimy. They are not.

“We have relationships with a couple of the schools around here — Jefferson Houston Elementary and T.C. Williams High,” the doctor said. “I like to bring snakes to the kids so they can touch them and see what they’re really like. And I teach them they have to wash their hands after touching reptiles because of things like salmonella.”

Some things with exotics are similar to traditional pets, but there are also differences. According to Vyfhuis, they have some of the same organs, but the organs don’t necessarily work the same way.

“A snake’s liver is different from other animals, and I can’t give it antibiotics for an infection,” he said as an example. “But, a snake won’t have a limpy leg that I have to try to diagnose with cats or dogs. They have no ears, so we don’t have to worry about ear infections. They have limited eye issues. Birds don’t have teeth so there are no dental issues. So, there’s just a minimal amount I have to treat to get exotic pets to optimal shape.”

Exams for exotics can be a little more expensive than those for more traditional pets. That’s because it takes more time to do the exam, but Vyfhuis also spends time educating his clients about their new pets. “A lot of potential problems can be nipped in the bud when they learn about proper care and signs than can show something is wrong.”

And, he encourages clients to e-mail him with symptoms their pets seem to be experiencing. He is often able to suggest treatments in a return e-mail or ask them follow- up questions to help determine if the pet needs to be seen.

“It’s not really about the money,” he added, “but, I hope they will still bring the animal back annually for an exam. As long as the pet is healthy, that’s what matters most. It makes for a happy household.” He also likes to make sure that the pet you have doesn’t carry other pets, meaning parasites.

“People need to know they can get sick from some animal fecal or intestinal parasites and bacteria,” he said. “An annual stool sample can identify problems, and once treated, those pesky parasites can be eliminated.”

He says it’s a good idea to take a new pet to a veterinarian for a wellness check because pet stores often don’t fully examine an animal before they hand it over to its new owner.

“You think you’re getting a healthy animal, and then something doesn’t seem quite right,” Vyfhuis said. “Soon you notice your new rabbit isn’t chewing or passing stools or urine. Now you may have a serious problem. A trip to the vet first might have picked up the problem before it became serious.”

This summer, Paws, Purrs and Exotics is boarding Petrie, a gecko that belongs to one of their clients, Leslie Marcus, a science teacher at F.C. Hammond Middle School in Alexandria. She purchased the gecko for her classroom, in part because they are low maintenance. Marcus, who is traveling during her summer break, talked during a telephone interview about Petrie’s contribution to her classroom.

“The students love him,” she said. “Sometimes they come in the classroom and rush to the back instead of going to their seats. They are fascinated by him.”

Marcus feels having Petrie in her classroom is a way to teach students about the importance of animal care. She notes that many students don’t have pets at home, so this at least gives them some exposure. She’s able to use Petrie as a live example of animal adaptations and habits. And, she even sometimes lets students help feed Petrie his live mealworms and crickets.

Although Petrie was purchased with education in mind, Marcus admits to having developed affection for him over the past three years. “I would say I’m attached to him,” she admitted with a laugh. “The kids are, too. Some are a bit squeamish. But one girl remarked he looked like a sleeping baby curled up with his eyes closed.”

Vyfhuis says he thinks that animals find their human caretaker rather than the other way around. “Sometimes they pick you, and that ends up being the best situation for both.”

SIDEBAR

Some Advice

Dr. Elton Vyfhuis comments on multi-species households.

Are there any special considerations multi-species households need to keep in mind in terms of behavior?

Vyfhuis: Be careful with the various species. Some dogs attack cats. Some cats don’t get along with dogs. Some cats will eat birds. Also, many parasites can go from one species to another, and not all pets show symptoms when infected with some parasites — or other conditions for that matter.

Usually, there are species that don’t get together, such as cats and birds. However, I do have several clients that may beg to differ. One owner in particular has over 20 birds and one cat who she swears co-habitats with the birds even to the point of going in their cages.

Training has a lot to do with things as well. Animals can be trained to live together.

How about healthwise? Can they give each other diseases?

Vyfhuis: There are many health factors to consider with inter-species co-habitation. Parasites — both internal and external. Infectious, respiratory ailments can be passed across species. Then there are the zoonotic conditions, meaning they can be spread to one of the most developed animals on the planet — human beings. Examples of such conditions include rabies, and lyme disease, even though it is the tick that actually spreads it.

Are there any species that shouldn’t live together?

Vyfhuis: Greyhounds and cats notoriously don’t do well in the same living quarters. Predator and prey usually can’t live together, such as snakes and rodents. Then there is the whole vaccination issue to consider to prevent conditions from traveling from one pet to the other. For example, a dog can carry and succumb to Distemper. Likewise, a ferret can carry and succumb to Distemper. Vaccinations to both can prevent both from getting the condition and possibly passing to the other species.

Are there any additional considerations to bringing additional species of pets into the household?

Vyfhuis: People often like to keep animals that they rescue from the wild as pets. I had a client that rescued two pigeons which are really kind of like rats with wings. We did a stool sample, found a number of parasites. This client didn’t have other animals in his house, but there would have been health issues if he had. And he could have contracted some diseases himself. Now he’s learned how to take care of them and he brings them in for check-ups from time to time.

But it’s really best not to bring animals in from the wild.

Why?

Vyfhuis: First of all, the animal may not be legal to have in your state. Before someone makes a wild animal their pet, they really should make sure it’s legal. If not and you’ve made that animal your pet, it’s too tame to release and illegal to have. Now look what you’ve done. It will not be a good outcome for you or the pet.

If someone is determined to keep a found animal, what should they do?

Vyfhuis: If it’s a pet and it’s legal in their state and it can fit through the front door, I will examine and treat them.

Elton G. Vyfhuis, DVM earned his degree in veterinary medicine from Tuskegee University in Alabama in 1998. He is co-owner with fellow Tuskegee graduate Dr. Nia Perkins of Paws, Purrs and Exotics Animal Hospital at 133 South Peyton St. in Old Town. For more information, visit the website at: www.pawspurrsandexotics.com.

— Sandy Levitz Lunner 

Over the years, Dr. Elton Vyfhuis acquired a menagerie of furry, feathery and cold-blooded pets. From childhood to now, his animal friends have included a mischievous kitty, unpredictable dog, hamster, a type of bird known as budgerigar, five chickens, two rabbits, two more cats, nine more dogs and several snakes.

The early years helped set him on his career path. While studying veterinary medicine in the mid1990s at Tuskegee University in Alabama, hands-on clinical experience with a variety of animal species helped define his philosophy of veterinary care.

“Dogs, cats, birds, snakes — yes there are slight differences,” he explained. “But, an animal is an animal, and if I can help one, I can help them all.”

“Dr. V,” as he’s known by his staff and many of his clients, was perched on a tall stool in one of the colorful exam rooms at Paws, Purrs and Exotics, a veterinary clinic and hospital he opened in Old Town a year ago with fellow Tuskegee grad Nia Perkins, DVM. He shared that growing up, animals were respected, but they weren’t really considered part of the family. “My parents are from Guyana where they were accustomed to animals walking the street and you just fed them and gave them water,” he said.

That view changed after his aunt asked him to take care of her beloved Chow mix while she was on vacation.

“House dogs were a new thing to my parents,” Vyfhuis said. “Now, my parents think of animals as part of the family.

“So over the years we had parakeets, rabbits, hamsters, chickens, snakes — and all of that supported my desire to learn how to treat these types of animals”

He also thinks it may be in his genes.

“My grandfather used to import exotic birds and now I take care of them,” he added, flashing a warm smile.

One of the doctor’s bird clients is Alexandria resident John Ampela, proud papa of a parrot. His love of birds goes back to growing up with a variety of feathered pets, starting with a parakeet.

“I was smitten from the beginning,” he said.

Next was a cockatiel, and finally a larger Blue Fronted Amazon, considered a midsized parrot. Ampela loved each one of the birds he grew up with, but went for many years without. He missed having one around. That is until Duster arrived on the scene.

“Duster — nickname “Bubba” — is a Senegal parrot, a smaller variety,” Ampela said, “but not small in spirit.”

Ampela noted that parrots are very social creatures, used to being part of a flock, and from those characteristics stem some of the joys of having a Duster as a pet.

“We eat together, watch TV together, and he screams in protest when I leave the house,” he said. “Duster always wants to be around because that’s how he’s wired.

“We’ve gone on nine-hour car rides to visit friends and family. He’s a real trooper.”

According to Ampela, Duster enjoys individualized attention and often sits on Ampela’s stomach, “so I can pet him. He’s sort of like a ‘lap bird.’ He even likes to take showers.”

Despite the delights of living with Duster, Ampela admits there are some challenges to having a bird as a pet.

“Cleaning the cage is a constant battle,” he said. “Then there are the days I come home and he’s gotten into something and chewed it to smithereens! Cost me 100 bucks once for a laptop cable, but I was just glad he was OK.

“And there’s the unsolicited bite every now and then,” Ampela added. “Duster is, after all, a wild animal brought into captivity but still driven by instinct.” Birds can also be demanding pets due to their need for social interaction and attention, according to Ampela. He cautions potential parrot owners not to underestimate the responsibility and social demands that birds require.

“Going on vacation means you either bring them along or have a trusted friend or boarding facility take proper care of them.”

Another consideration for would-be parrot parents, according to Vyfhuis, is that birds can be among the most challenging pets to treat.

“They’re very sensitive and nervous. I keep a mirror next to the examination table because it can help calm a bird down — it’s like seeing another bird,” he said; it works as long as the bird does not feel the need to dominate.

Still, he says, some treatment is usually better than none at all.

“Someone brought a bird in with a hole in its chest — probably from a second aggressive bird the owner had. It couldn’t breathe,” Vyfhuis said.

“There really wasn’t much I could do but recommend minimal treatment with mostly over-the-counter medications. Amazingly the bird is doing OK.”

Vhyfuis encourages people to do a lot of research before they buy a pet so they have a realistic picture of what they’re getting into and what will be required of them to keep that animal happy and healthy.

He’s also on a personal mission to clear up the misconception that snakes are slimy. They are not.

“We have relationships with a couple of the schools around here — Jefferson Houston Elementary and T.C. Williams High,” the doctor said. “I like to bring snakes to the kids so they can touch them and see what they’re really like. And I teach them they have to wash their hands after touching reptiles because of things like salmonella.”

Some things with exotics are similar to traditional pets, but there are also differences. According to Vyfhuis, they have some of the same organs, but the organs don’t necessarily work the same way.

“A snake’s liver is different from other animals, and I can’t give it antibiotics for an infection,” he said as an example. “But, a snake won’t have a limpy leg that I have to try to diagnose with cats or dogs. They have no ears, so we don’t have to worry about ear infections. They have limited eye issues. Birds don’t have teeth so there are no dental issues. So, there’s just a minimal amount I have to treat to get exotic pets to optimal shape.”

Exams for exotics can be a little more expensive than those for more traditional pets. That’s because it takes more time to do the exam, but Vyfhuis also spends time educating his clients about their new pets. “A lot of potential problems can be nipped in the bud when they learn about proper care and signs than can show something is wrong.”

And, he encourages clients to e-mail him with symptoms their pets seem to be experiencing. He is often able to suggest treatments in a return e-mail or ask them follow- up questions to help determine if the pet needs to be seen.

“It’s not really about the money,” he added, “but, I hope they will still bring the animal back annually for an exam. As long as the pet is healthy, that’s what matters most. It makes for a happy household.” He also likes to make sure that the pet you have doesn’t carry other pets, meaning parasites.

“People need to know they can get sick from some animal fecal or intestinal parasites and bacteria,” he said. “An annual stool sample can identify problems, and once treated, those pesky parasites can be eliminated.”

He says it’s a good idea to take a new pet to a veterinarian for a wellness check because pet stores often don’t fully examine an animal before they hand it over to its new owner.

“You think you’re getting a healthy animal, and then something doesn’t seem quite right,” Vyfhuis said. “Soon you notice your new rabbit isn’t chewing or passing stools or urine. Now you may have a serious problem. A trip to the vet first might have picked up the problem before it became serious.”

This summer, Paws, Purrs and Exotics is boarding Petrie, a gecko that belongs to one of their clients, Leslie Marcus, a science teacher at F.C. Hammond Middle School in Alexandria. She purchased the gecko for her classroom, in part because they are low maintenance. Marcus, who is traveling during her summer break, talked during a telephone interview about Petrie’s contribution to her classroom.

“The students love him,” she said. “Sometimes they come in the classroom and rush to the back instead of going to their seats. They are fascinated by him.”

Marcus feels having Petrie in her classroom is a way to teach students about the importance of animal care. She notes that many students don’t have pets at home, so this at least gives them some exposure. She’s able to use Petrie as a live example of animal adaptations and habits. And, she even sometimes lets students help feed Petrie his live mealworms and crickets.

Although Petrie was purchased with education in mind, Marcus admits to having developed affection for him over the past three years. “I would say I’m attached to him,” she admitted with a laugh. “The kids are, too. Some are a bit squeamish. But one girl remarked he looked like a sleeping baby curled up with his eyes closed.”

Vyfhuis says he thinks that animals find their human caretaker rather than the other way around. “Sometimes they pick you, and that ends up being the best situation for both.”

SIDEBAR

Some Advice

Dr. Elton Vyfhuis comments on multi-species households.

Are there any special considerations multi-species households need to keep in mind in terms of behavior?

Vyfhuis: Be careful with the various species. Some dogs attack cats. Some cats don’t get along with dogs. Some cats will eat birds. Also, many parasites can go from one species to another, and not all pets show symptoms when infected with some parasites — or other conditions for that matter.

Usually, there are species that don’t get together, such as cats and birds. However, I do have several clients that may beg to differ. One owner in particular has over 20 birds and one cat who she swears co-habitats with the birds even to the point of going in their cages.

Training has a lot to do with things as well. Animals can be trained to live together.

How about healthwise? Can they give each other diseases?

Vyfhuis: There are many health factors to consider with inter-species co-habitation. Parasites — both internal and external. Infectious, respiratory ailments can be passed across species. Then there are the zoonotic conditions, meaning they can be spread to one of the most developed animals on the planet — human beings. Examples of such conditions include rabies, and lyme disease, even though it is the tick that actually spreads it.

Are there any species that shouldn’t live together?

Vyfhuis: Greyhounds and cats notoriously don’t do well in the same living quarters. Predator and prey usually can’t live together, such as snakes and rodents. Then there is the whole vaccination issue to consider to prevent conditions from traveling from one pet to the other. For example, a dog can carry and succumb to Distemper. Likewise, a ferret can carry and succumb to Distemper. Vaccinations to both can prevent both from getting the condition and possibly passing to the other species.

Are there any additional considerations to bringing additional species of pets into the household?

Vyfhuis: People often like to keep animals that they rescue from the wild as pets. I had a client that rescued two pigeons which are really kind of like rats with wings. We did a stool sample, found a number of parasites. This client didn’t have other animals in his house, but there would have been health issues if he had. And he could have contracted some diseases himself. Now he’s learned how to take care of them and he brings them in for check-ups from time to time.

But it’s really best not to bring animals in from the wild.

Why?

Vyfhuis: First of all, the animal may not be legal to have in your state. Before someone makes a wild animal their pet, they really should make sure it’s legal. If not and you’ve made that animal your pet, it’s too tame to release and illegal to have. Now look what you’ve done. It will not be a good outcome for you or the pet.

If someone is determined to keep a found animal, what should they do?

Vyfhuis: If it’s a pet and it’s legal in their state and it can fit through the front door, I will examine and treat them.

Elton G. Vyfhuis, DVM earned his degree in veterinary medicine from Tuskegee University in Alabama in 1998. He is co-owner with fellow Tuskegee graduate Dr. Nia Perkins of Paws, Purrs and Exotics Animal Hospital at 133 South Peyton St. in Old Town. For more information, visit the website at: www.pawspurrsandexotics.com.

— Sandy Levitz Lunner

Source: Alexandria Gazette Packet – July 29, 2010

Hello all and Happy Earth Day! So the question for the day is, what are you doing to make this a greener place to live?

We at Paws, Purrs & Exotics are trying to do our part by recycling our plastic and glass bottles; we utilize a paperless system so all of our records are electronic; when we do use paper, we shred it and use it as kitty litter.

If you think you are not contributing, you’re wrong because every little bit helps. So do your part today, and don’t just stop there, make that change a part of your daily routine. Until next time!

Dr. P.

Hello friends and Happy Tax Day (or not so happy)! Well we are nearing the end of our featured deals on www.buywithme.com. The promotion ends early monday morning. If you have not already, please sign up so that you can take advantage of some great deals for your pet. We are offering $25 healthy pet exams, $35 bath and nail trim, and professional training with Anytime K9.

You can also donate a certificate to one of three rescue organizations we work with, The Washington Humane Society, Tails High, Inc, and The Italian Greyhound Rescue. They would surely appreciate the help.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office and we hope to get the chance to meet you very soon. Until next time!

Dr. P