Pet of the week | Veterinarian Frederick MD

The pet of the week this week is Jefferson Veterinary Hospital veterinarian, Dr. Ahalt's dog, Chug!  Chug is a samoyed, which is a high energy breed, intelligent breed of dog and a member of the spitz family.   Samoyeds were bred to pull sleds, but had to have a good temperament and were often considered extended members of the family.  Samoyeds are famous not only for their beautiful full white coats of fur, but the sammy smile, a natural expression that looks like the dog is sat happily smiling.  

As this is a high energy breed, they require a lot of exercise, and their intelligence means that they also need to have things to stay occupied.   As with most breeds, a bored samoyed is a destructive samoyed, and they will entertain themselves by chewing up whatever might be nearby.   Negative aspects of the breed include a penchant for landscaping, which verges on borderline excavation.  Their coat requires constant maintenance and "blows" out twice yearly, leaving enough fur behind to easily make two more dogs.  This undercoat can be spun into yarn, but Mrs. Dr. A puts some of it outside and the birds find it and use it to line their nests.  They are good alert dogs and will bark when someone comes onto what they perceive to be their territory, which isn't so good if you live in a house with a sidewalk that is used in front. 

Overall, samoyeds are a loving breed, and Mrs. Dr. A is very taken by them.        

Caption This! | Frederick MD Veterinarians

The veterinary technicians and receptionists at Jefferson Veterinary Hospital have some great helpers.   We have been having fun with this image of Malinda and her dog over on the Veterinary Hospital's Facebook page.  

Here are a few of our favorite captions: 

Renee: I'll keep an eye out for the doc....you go ahead and change that word "neuter" to "cuddles & treats!"

Martha: No, no, not the kibble! Order the Beggin' Strips! I'd do it myself but I don't have thumbs!

Christa: If you could get those TPS reports to me that would be just great.

Donna: No no no, you add 6 and carry the 1.

Dana: "Your total today comes to six dog treats. No, don't give them to Malinda, I'll take them."

Robert: "What time is Susie's appointment? I don't want to miss her this time like I did the last!"

Pet of the Week - Jackson the Jack Russell Terrier\Parson Russell Terrier | Frederick MD Veterinarian

Our first pet of the week at Jefferson Veterinary Hospital is owned and loved by our very own Veterinary Technician, Brandy!  He is Jackson, the Jack Russell Terrier.  Jack Russells' were bred as a working dog, and that working instinct and ethic has remained with them today.  They have a voracious appetite for exercise and activity.  If left to their own devices, they will create their own activity, many have been known to take up interior design, and they have a unique style which is generally not in keeping with their owners.  

Brandy tells us that Jackson's favourite activities are walking with his Gram and his Aubrey around Jefferson, MD (say hi if you see them!) as well as lazing on on the sofa.  Rumour has it that Jackson is very in touch with his feminine side and if you peruse Jefferson Veterinary Hospital's facebook page you may come across an image of Jackson laying on his back after having his nails done.  

The Jack Russell Terrier Club has put together a handy little test to see if a Jack Russell Terrier would be a good and happy addition to your family.   If you have any questions about this breed, or would like to hear information from our veterinarians about adding another member to your family, please do not hesitate to contact us.  We would love to help you! 

View fullsize