18TH ANNUAL TASTE OF BONITA COMING TO RIVERSIDE PARK

NEWS RELEASE

November 4, 2011 – For immediate release

Re:  18^th Annual Taste of Bonita

Contact:  Mary Shallies 239-331-1432

18^TH ANNUAL TASTE OF BONITA coming to riverside park

The 18^th Annual Taste of Bonita, presented by The Rotary Club of Bonita Springs Noon, takes place Saturday and Sunday, November 19^th and 20th at Riverside Park on Old 41 in Bonita Springs. 

The weekend event kicks off with a free concert on Saturday, featuring Jimmy Buffet Tribute band, The Caribbean Chillers, from 5:30 to 9:00 pm.  Food and drinks will be available for sale the night of the concert. Concert goers are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs, but coolers and pets are not allowed.

On Sunday, approximately twenty seven area restaurants will offer a wide array of dishes from pizza to wings and pasta to seafood.  Current restaurants participating include  Survey Café, Fitzgerald’s, Cirella’s, The Fish House, Ted’s Montana Grill, Royal Scoop, Tony Sacco’s, Johnny Malloys, Randy’s  Fish Market Restaurant, Paradise Shrimp, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Daniela’s, For Heaven Shakes, Coconut Jacks, The Stage,  Pett-zza’s, Carrabba’s, Outback Steak House, Big Hickory Grill, and First Watch.  Most dishes range from 3 to 5 tickets per serving and tickets cost $1.00 a piece.  Beer, Naked Grape wine, margaritas, soda and water will also be available for sale.

New to this year’s Taste is a silent auction.  Included in the auction is a one year boat club membership to Baywater Boat Exclusive Boat Club in Bonita Springs. The membership is valued at $6,000.00.  Minimum bid will start at $2,500.00. Other auction items include jewelry, spa and beauty packages, hotel stays, a sunset cruise, restaurant certificates, and golf.  Winning bids will be collected and announced at 4 p.m.  Winners not in attendance at the announcement time will be notified by phone.  “We have worked hard to assemble auction packages that will include a wide variety of highly desirable products and services for men and women and provide a great value to the winning bidder,” says auction chair, Kim Pitts. “We anticipate the annual boat club membership will be one of the most sought after items!”

Additional highlights of the event include live music throughout the day by The Manipulators, Southwest Florida based band that play a wide genre of cover songs, from rock to blues to pop. “We really enjoy playing the Taste of Bonita. It’s got a friendly, hometown vibe that few other events can match,” says Manipulators drummer, Dan Odem.  

Laura Bruenig, whose company, Florida Veterinary Referral Center, is sponsoring the kids play area, offers her reasons for supporting Taste of Bonita: “This is a local event that raises money for great causes and we are glad to be a part of it.”  The children’s play area will feature games and activities, including a bounce house, rock climbing wall, laser tag and face painting. Golden Retriever Rescue of Southwest Florida will have pets available for adoption under the Florida Veterinary Referral Center tent as well. “Events like Taste of Bonita are ideal for us,” says, GRRSW President, Alesia Mata. “They allow potential foster parents and those interested in adoption to experience the dogs up close and kids really love it!”

Lee Memorial Health Systems, a VIP sponsor of Taste, will be providing free health screenings under their tent and the Blood Mobile will be on hand for those that wish to donate.  “Good food, good times, good cause,” says Mary Briggs, spokesperson for Lee Memorial Health System and a Taste of Bonita sponsor. “It looks like the planning committee has gone all out again this year to arrange an enjoyable event that benefits the community. We are anticipating good participation at our bloodmobile and at our health screenings tent.”

 “Every year The Taste of Bonita garners larger crowds and overwhelming support of not only residents, but also visitors to our area. This year, with the addition of the free kick off concert the night prior, silent auction, bloodmobile and health screenings, we believe the event will surpass previous years in the amount of money raised to support our club’s charitable giving, and provide a higher level of satisfaction for those attending,” said Taste chairperson, Tony Valego.

Admission and parking for the kick off concert and Taste of Bonita are free.    Major support for Taste of Bonita has also been provided by The Ronto Group and Gulf Coast Coin and Jewelry.

The Rotary Club of Bonita Springs Noon was chartered in 1992. It currently has 52 members and meets Thursday’s at noon at The Spanish Wells clubhouse. The club also organizes and hosts an International Beer & Wine Tasting in April at Mercado in Naples. Events such as these provide the funding to support the club’s charitable giving throughout the year.

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Oncology Case of the Quarter: Boudreaux

Boudreaux is the sweetest boy!  He is a 6 year old Scottish Terrier.  In February of this year he developed diarrhea. His signs did not improve with antibiotics and when he was rechecked, enlarged lymph nodes were felt.  The lymph nodes were sampled (aspirate) and unfortunately the cells retrieved revealed lymphoma. He was referred to FVRC for further workup and to discuss treatment.  Boudreaux's family decided to go forward with treatment and he was started on chemotherapy.  He initially was slow to repsond - but we did find the best drug for him Adriamycin (doxorubicin).  He has tolerated the treatments very well!  He is in remission and feels great.  He was given his last scheduled treatment on July 20th and now we will just monitor him monthly for problems!  His family is so happy with how he is feeling!  We are all so thankful he has responded so well!  We hope you enjoy his photos!

Sarah Kraiza, DVM, DACVIM-O

Florida Veterinary Referral Center & 24 Hour Emergency and Critical Care Receives Accreditation from Better Business Bureau

Florida Veterinary Referral Center & 24 Hour Emergency and Critical Care, Inc., an Emergency Veterinary company located at 9220 Estero Park Commons Blvd., Ste. 7 Estero, Florida 33928, announced that it has met the accreditation standards required by the Better Business Bureau for membership with the organization.

Florida Veterinary Referral Center & 24 Hour Emergency and Critical Care really wants potential customers to feel comfortable when choosing them. The BBB seal will help customers understand who they are and the core values they believe in.

BBB Accreditation means FVRC adheres to very high ethical standards. People know they can trust a company that has made the commitment to live up to the BBB Principles for Trust:

Build Trust, Advertise Honesty, Tell the Truth, Be Transparent, Honor Promises, Be Responsive, Embody Integrity, Safeguard Privacy.

Being affiliated with the BBB shows Florida Veterinary Referral Center & 24 Hour Emergency and Critical Care is one of a select group of businesses in our community that not only supports the BBB's services but also subscribes to the idea that ethical business is good business and that you "deliver trust" by treating the public in a fair and honest manner.

Media Contact:  Jessica Miller
Phone:  239-992-8878
Email:  jmiller@flvrc.com
Website:  www.flvrc.com
 

Pet First Aid Kit

-Here is a list of what you will need to be emergency ready-



Most of us already have some sort of first aid kit in our homes for our own needs. However, we should not discount our pets from their needs of a first aid kit. If your pet has special needs, you should consult with your regular veterinarian to better determine what additions should be made to your pet first aid kit.

A basic pet first aid kit should include the following:

• A current animal first aid booklet, such as "The First Aid Aid Companion For Dogs and Cats," Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook, by Amy D. Shojai
• Blanket. You will need a blanket to keep your pooch warm in case of serious injury. This will help prevent the dog from going into shock.
• Tweezers. Tweezers are great for removing stickers, splinters and ticks. There are commercial tick removers that are more efficient, but you may not have it on hand.
• Scissors. Scissors for cutting bandages that you apply to wounds or for cutting out things matted in fur, freeing your pet from entanglements.
• Muzzle. While cloth will work in a pinch, consider investing in an inexpensive muzzle for emergency transport, along with a leash. Even the most well-trained animals may bite when injured or afraid.
• Roller Gauze and Tape. If you have access to the tape that vets use, it is preferable. This tape sticks to itself and not to the animals hair. There are similar products at some drug stores.
• Gauze Pads.
• QuickClot or similar-to stop bleeding (wounds).
• Thermometer. Either a rectal or ear thermometer can be used. A dogs temperature should be between 100.5 and 102.5 F.
• Splint Materials. You can use a tongue depressor, 12-inch wooden ruler or thick magazine to make a splint. *For spinal injuries, secure your pet to a board with masking tape that will not hurt the fur or skin. Avoid placing the dog inside a crate or carrier, and call your veterinarian before heading to the hospital so the staff can prepare for your arrival.
• Latex Gloves for you to use while dressing the wound. Gloves help reduce the risk of spreading infection and just generally keep you from touching gross things your dog may have gotten into.
• Toenail Trimmer and Styptic Pencil for torn toenail. Cornstarch also works for torn nails, but not for skin wounds.
• Ice and Hot Packs cool down skin after a burn or keep an animal warm if hypothermic. Always use a cloth between the pack and skin and check frequently for redness or irritation.
• Antibiotic Ointment. Get an over-the-counter "general purpose" antibiotic ointment for light use with minor skin wounds. Not for eye use. Caution is advised for animals that may ingest by licking. The antibiotics are absorbed via the skin, remaining ointment may collect debris or actually slow healing in some cases. Use with discretion.
• Antiseptic Wash or Wipes. Look for non-stinging preparations such as chlorhexidine or betadine. Rubbing alcohol is not good for open sores or wounds.
• Benadryl Tablets at your vet's suggestions.
• Ear Syringe to flush wounds or administer fluids by mouth.
• Eye Wash. Make sure you use eye wash, not contact lens solution.
• Flashlight for obvious reasons! :)
• Peroxide and/or Activated Charcoal. These will be used if your dog ingests something harmful.
• Hydrogen peroxide can be used to induce vomiting after your dog ingests poisons. Activated Charcoal helps prevent the poison from being absorbed and can also help induce vomiting. In either case, check with your veterinarian before administering. There are some poisons that need to be treated differently and vomiting may increase the danger to your pet.
• All of your dogs medical records and pertinent info. This will include your veterinarians phone number, shot records and any medications your dog takes routinely.

Veterinary Hospital Celebrates 5th Anniversary

Florida Veterinary Referral Center & 24-Hour Emergency and Critical Care (FVRC) hospital is celebrating their 5^th anniversary.  Their 35-member staff provides emergency and specialty medical and surgical care in Lee and Collier counties as well as Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties.

The medical staff at FVRC specializes in emergency and critical care medicine, surgery, orthopedics, neurosurgery and soft tissue surgery as well as internal medicine, radiology and oncology.  It should be noted that the hospital has on staff the only board certified veterinary reproductive specialist in the entire state of Florida. 

In addition, Dr. Joshua Parra, FVRC’s Medical Director states “Through an internship program, we provide advanced training in small animal medicine and surgery for veterinarians from all over the country.  In today’s economy, we are proud to say that FVRC continues to create new jobs in Lee and Collier counties.”

Dr. Parra, who is currently the Vice President of the Caloosa Veterinary Medical Society, attributes the success of FVRC to the hospital’s highly skilled medical, technical, and administrative staff and the support of veterinary community.  In addition, he expresses his gratitude to the thousands of clients who have entrusted their beloved pets’ care and convalescence to FVRC. 

Plans are now underway at FVRC to establish a residency training program for veterinarians wanting to specialize.  “New medical services and treatments are also being reviewed for implementation to better serve the region’s veterinarians and our clients who are in need of specialized or emergency care” according to Dr. Parra.

As a part of their 5^th anniversary celebration, FVRC is scheduling public tours of their state-of-the-art facility located in the Estero Park Commons.  Appointments for these tours can be made through the hospital’s reception office.

You can find FVRC on the web at http://www.flvrc.com/ or call (239 )992-8878

Update on Brahman

*UPDATE*
After the condo fire in early December, Brahman was sent to Florida Veterinary Referral Center for treatment.  The owner of Brahman was injured in the fire and was recovering in the hospital for some time...Brahman was such a good boy at FVRC and everyone fell in love with him-he became a part of the staff. A wonderful thing happened at Florida Veterinary Referral Center last week-Brahman was reunited with his Mom and WENT HOME!!! It was such a great reunion and joyous time for the family, bittersweet for the hospital to see Brahman go...but definitely for the best for him! So happy for Brahman to be healthy and happy, as well as his mom!!!

Such a happy ending!!!

Your Pet Deserves...

When you are in a crunch, not sure where to go for the best care, compassion, and quality-Florida Veterinary Referral Center is there for your pet and you. Centrally located in Estero, Florida serving the Southwest Florida region, FVRC is open 24/7/365 for veterinary emergency & critical care. FVRC also has specialty services available 24/7/365 should the need arise for your pet. Specialists are available for consultations Monday-Thursday by appointment and a referral from your regular veterinarian. If you feel that your pet may need to see a specialist, please do not ever hesitate to call Florida Veterinary Referral Center as a staff member will answer your call & questions 24/7/365.

Your pet deserves Florida Veterinary Referral Center. With a state-of-the-art medical facility, FVRC can handle any advanced veterinary condition. If you care about the well-being of your family pet, Florida Veterinary Referral Center is the place for you.

Florida Veterinary Referral Center
9220 Estero Park Commons Blvd. #7
Estero, Florida 33928

239-992-8878 
http://www.flvrc.com/

New Flea Control Just for Cats!

"Elanco Launches Flea Control Product Just for Cats

Posted: January 4, 2011, 4:10 p.m., EDT

Elanco Companion Animal Health has launched Assurity, a topical flea treatment developed specifically for cats. Most other feline flea treatments share canine formulations, according to the Indianapolis-based company.
The active ingredient is spinetoram, registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2007 for use on a variety of fruits and tree nuts. In regards to agricultural use, spinetoram has a lower environmental impact than many current insecticides because both its use rate and toxicity to non-target species are low, according to Elanco.
Assurity is said to be the first flea control product using this active ingredient.
Elanco reported that Assurity kills 98 percent to 100 percent of fleas within 12 hours, killing fleas before they can lay eggs. It is 100 percent effective for a full month, according to the company.
The product, only available through licensed veterinarians, comes in a six-dose package and a single-dose package. One dose treats all sizes of cats and kittens, eight weeks of age and older, according to Elanco.
“To reinforce dispensing within the context of a valid veterinarian/client/patient relationship, all boxes and cartons of Assurity contain a unique product tracking code,” said Steve Connell, DVM, director of technical, academic and consumer services for Companion Animal Health at Elanco. “This code helps ensure product quality and integrity.”
Elanco encourages pet owners to always read, understand and follow label and use directions."

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