We our honored to present Misty Mayer as the Companion Animal of the Month for May 2007. Misty is a 12 year old brown Miniature Poodle, who is the devoted and affectionate companion animal to Ms.Carol Mayer. Misty was adopted by Ms. Mayer when she was 3 years old from a neighbor's breeder who did not want to breed her anymore. Misty's original name was Kiss, and at first glance she was very scared and not well groomed . Misty had spent most of her life up to that point in a kennel so she was very nervous and anxious when Ms. Mayer first brought her home. Misty was quickly renamed and grew fond of her new luxurious and pampered life style
At home, Misty has a whole basket of toys that she absolutely loves to play with, her two favorite toys include a stuffed blue cow and a stuffed elephant. Some of Misty's favorite past times include taking car rides to the beach with Ms. Mayer and to sit on the couch and watch television. She also likes to wait for the UPS delivery man. She will sit and wait patently when he is in the neighborhood for a treat. When Misty is not at the beach or waiting on a package, you can usually find her lounging around the pool. Misty is known to also enjoy floating in the pool on her very own float! Misty enjoys snacking on carrot slices, peanut butter, greenies treats, and has been known to sneak off with Ms. Mayer's sandwiches when she steps out of the room.
Misty
has been a patient at Atlantic Animal Hospital since 1998. She suffers
from chronic environment allergies and pulmonary disease. Her diagnostic
testing included Serum Allergy Screening, Complete Blood Counts, Serum
Chemistries, Urinalysis', chest and abdominal radiographs, and radiologist
consultation. The tentative diagnoses include Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary
Disease (COPD), and allergies. Her symptoms include a constant dry hacking
cough, itching, dry skin, and recurrent skin infections. These are being
controlled by long term antihistamines, bronchodilators, anti-tussives,
antibiotics as indicated, and rarely oral steroids. To complicate things,
the Mayer family had a scare earlier this year when they realized that Misty had
been exposed to one of the over the counter recalled dog foods. Her
lab-work showed mild renal insufficiency, which fortunately seems to be
resolving.
Misty has forever changed the life of Ms. Mayer, who has said that rescuing Misty is the best decision that she has ever made. Through Misty's numerous health problems, the staff at Atlantic Animal Hospital have been there every step of the way to make sure that Misty has the best chance to overcome every obstacle. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to witness such an example of the human-animal bond, care for such a patient, and fun loving companion animal as Misty Mayer.