Map of rabies infections in Austin, Texas 2010

September is rabies prevention month.

The state of Texas requires that dogs and cats be vaccinated against rabies by 4 months of age and on a 1 year or 3 year basis thereafter depending on the type of vaccine used.* Additionally, when traveling with a dog or cat, have in your possession a rabies vaccination certificate that was signed by a veterinarian. Check with your veterinarian about other vaccines that are available for a wide range of diseases.

All dogs and cats over 3 months of age that are being transported into Texas must have been vaccinated against rabies within the last 12 or 36 months depending on the type of vaccine used.*

Although not required by law, it is recommended that livestock (especially those that have frequent contact with humans), domestic ferrets, and wolf-dog hybrids should be vaccinated against rabies. Again, check with your veterinarian about other available vaccines for these animals.

For an animal to be considered currently vaccinated against rabies, at least 30 days must have elapsed since the initial vaccination and not more than 12 or 36 months (depending on the vaccine used)* can have elapsed since the last vaccination.

* All dogs and cats must receive a second rabies vaccination within one year of receiving their first vaccination, regardless of the type of vaccine used or the age at which the animal was initially vaccinated.

Click here or click the image below to visit our Facebook page and join our friends list.

Click image to see our Facebook page.

Joe David hanging out with his favorite toy.

Joe David, was rescued by a stream in Marble Falls, Texas where he had been abandoned when he was just 8 weeks old. He is “mostly Lab” and in September celebrates his 13^th birthday and four years as a bone cancer survivor. His left hind leg was amputated four years ago and his surgeon said he would probably live ONE year, but Joe David didn’t listen to the prognosis. He began 12 months of chemo, and his oncologist gave him six months. Once again, Joe David didn’t buy the prognosis.

He adjusted to his new lifestyle learning to hop-walk and hop-run. He has defied all odds.

His reason for living, other than the love and attention of his family, is TREATS! He knows the word, even if you spell it T-R-E-A-T-S. He knows they are in the pantry, so he sits by the door and barks until he gets his treats. He loves stuffed toys, and when you say “football” he goes to his toy basket and gets his little UT football. When it is tossed in the air, and you say “touchdown Joe David” he catches it in mid air. We all cheer and clap and his tail wags incessantly.

Joe David loves going to the Gaddis’ Double Heart Ranch. In earlier days, he would run as fast as Jordan Shipley and  bark at the Longhorn cattle and woodland creatures—now he rides in  a jeep.

He has two friends, Emma and Cleo, both rescued dogs. They both know that Mr. JD is TOP DOG.

He is an inspiration and joy to his family and many friends. His three legs are weak, bowed and overworked and he sleeps most of the time. He has an adorable and happy personality, and is a little clown that makes us laugh out loud at his antics. I bet he will make it to 14!

They don't call me "Sassy" for nothing!

Hi, my name is Sassy, and it is hard to believe that I am turning sixteen years old.  I take a few more “preventative” meds and have a few less teeth, but I am still maintaining my girlish chihuahua figure at 3 1/2 pounds!

Although napping is one of my favorite pastimes, when the mood hits me, I am just as fast as ever… a regular Speedy Gonzales!

Last week, I had visitors, two chihuahua puppies, Carmela and Muchacha.  Well, let me tell you, it took me two days to shape them up.  You know, when and where they could sleep, when and what they could eat or play with and… no more whining!

My best efforts to teach them how to do “figure eights” came to naught, even when I bribed them with treats.  Those youngsters can really wear a girl out, but we did have a good time.

So, Happy Birthday to me, and I will check back with you next year!

Here's looking at you!

Meet Binx, he is one of our latest, newest patients that is so adorable!  When you meet Binx, you will just want to smother him with big cuddles, fluff him up a bit, and lay with him as if he were your big feathered pillow.

Binx and all of his 30 pounds of fluff is very much loved by us at the Clinic!

Binx has been with our Clinic since January 2010 and has recently moved to a new home with a BIG back yard!  Now is the time to get those legs moving and see what’s out there!

A very Happy Birthday SMILE from Jay!

Birthday wishes spoken from his family…

Jay came into our family over the Thanksgiving weekend 11 years ago.  We were shopping at North Park Mall and there happened to be an adoption clinic taking place.  We walked around the cages and saw Jay.  He was the only dog not barking and he looked at us as if saying “You’re going to take me home with you.  I belong with your family.”  And that is exactly what we did!

He was the perfect addition.  Jay is always so happy that he taught himself how to show it with a smile.  He greets everyone he likes with beautiful white grin!  He is energetic and loves to walk around Town Lake and even though he is 11 years old, he still looks and acts like a puppy.  He is also very protective and has never taken a bite out of anyone!!

When we brought Riley, our cat home, Jay took care of him as though he were Riley’s mother and today if anyone tries to bark at or chase Riley, Jay steps between them and protects him.

He is now the alpha dog to a new puppy and is teaching Kemper the right way to behave.  He is the best, most loyal and loving animal anyone could ever have!  I wish I could clone him!

In real life, "Bambam" is not ugly, he's cute ugly!

“Bambam” was well noted as the “Ugliest Dog in Austin!”

He was born in February 2002 and has been coming to our Clinic since 2003.  “Bambam” is the sweetest dog you will ever meet!

While Bambam only won the local contest there is also a “World’s Ugliest Dog” contest. World’s Ugliest Dog Contest Petaluma, CA, as part of the is an annual contest held in Sonoma-Marin Fair, to decide which of the dogs entered in the contest is the ugliest. Along with the title of “The World’s Ugliest Dog,” the winner’s owner gets $1,000.

Abby won the title of World's Ugliest Dog 2010.

Cash prizes for the winner however are just a part of the booty taken home by the winner…. but the real prize is that the dog and owner are launched into worldwide fame, appearing on talk shows and newspapers around the world.

Dogs come from across the United States generally but are welcome to enter from around the world. The 2002 winner and now a “Ring of Champions” holder is Rascal, owned by actor Dane Andrew of Sunnyvale, California.

Visit the Wikipedia page for more info.

Always in training! Always in training! "Falco" digging into the bite! "Falco" has retired from the Unit and is now living comfortably with his handler.

"Ryker" w/ his handler, Deputy Carson: "Ryker" is 6 years old and has been coming to our Clinic since January 2008.

"Meliton" - this is one sharp looking K-9! "Meliton" has been coming to our Clinic since 2007! His handler, Deputy Hernandez, has been coming here since 2001. He handled "Cir" at that time who has, unfortunately, since passed away.

Here at West Lynn Veterinary Clinic we pride ourselves on getting to know each and every pet or working dog that visits our clinic. We also believe that preventive health measures are extremely important and that’s why we help our patients keep track of routine checkup and annual health exams.

We understand that life can get busy and sometimes it is hard to keep track of these things. Become a part of the West Lynn family and let us help you keep your loved one live the healthiest life possible. Visit our Pet Tips section to find out more about health issues that face your pets in today’s world.

Here are a couple more of Austin’s Finest Dogs that we’re proud to serve.

Duke is a real charmer.

Branko is one tough dog.

They say that sometimes an owner looks like his or her pet…What do you think?

Ginger and...

..."Kitty"!

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

..."D.D."!

Dr. Hanks and...

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Berni and...

..."Emeril"!

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

..."George"!

Linda and...

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Victor and...

..."Daisy"!

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

..."Kitty"!

Michelle and...

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

..."Dixie"!

Joe and...

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

...his friend "Orange"!

George and...

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

A survivor!

Rattlesnake bite!  This happened to one of our patients just playing in the backyard.  If you have an active pet that likes to roam around and is very mischievous in its surroundings, you may want to consider the rattlesnake vaccine.  “Rayli” survived, but it was a painful healing process.