Atlantic Animal Hospital has proudly selected Button Youngblood as December's Companion Animal of the Month! He is the companion to Jim and Joan Youngblood. Button is a fawn colored, twelve year old Lhasa Apso and Pekinese mix. Button, which you can obviously see from the picture, is definitely not camera shy. He is quite a character and a pleasure to be around. We are honored to feature him for December and share his story with you.
Answering a newspaper ad that offered a puppy for $75 brought
button to the Youngblood home twelve years ago. Joan and Jim had just lost their
dog due to old age and
were in
need of a companion to help them deal with their loss. Although Joan was the one who went and picked up Button
and brought him into the family, he quickly showed favoritism to Jim. Jim had
never had a companion animal growing up but it definitely
seemed to fit him. They have grown quite close to one another. Button can even
tell when it's time for Jim to come home. He seems to be able to hear his car
when he's blocks away. Button has truly found his place in the Youngblood
family. He's a great watch dog, very territorial and extremely protective. This
threesome is a force to be reckoned with. They have a bond of companionship that
can never be severed.
Through the years Button has been a pretty healthy dog. The Youngblood's have
always been on time with making
sure Button had his annual wellness visits and if a
problem ever occurs it's straight to Atlantic Animal Hospital. During hurricane
Charlie in 2004, Button suffered an eye injury, probably from a wind-borne
particle. This injury required some time to heal. Since then, when he rides in
the car with his head out the window, he must wear his "doggles" (as seen in the
picture) for protection. Even with his cool new look of safety, he still managed
to injure the same eye this year. With prescription medications from our
hospital and treatments done by the Youngblood's, his eye has healed. Button also suffers from allergies which seem to
bother him several times a year. However, with the proper allergy medications
they are under control. Button also has urinary stones and has been put on a special diet for
this issue and accompanying symptoms.
Button
does not any of his health problems hinder him from being frisky and playing toss. Button
is always up for an
adventure. Car rides seem to be his favorite, he's even learned how to push the
control to the window. He's been on several cross country trips and is always
the first one to jump in the car ready to go. Button has fit into this family
perfectly from morning to night he is always right in the middle of the mix.
He even makes it to bed before anyone else. He pulls the covers down and
claims his spot on Joan's pillow. Button
is one extra special dog that has definitely found his way into the hearts of
many. It is a sweet pleasure to see the interaction
between the three of them. The Youngblood's with love and pride state, " What a
prize for $75! Button is more a member of the family rather than a pet."
We at Atlantic Animal Hospital are honored to have Button Youngblood as December's Companion Animal of the Month!