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In March of 2025, I signed my dog Rylee up for St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog program. She went through a behavioral evaluation and passed! We have been to nursing homes, hospitals, day programs, and more. I knew that our pets were so important for our mental health and well-being, however I never expected the amazing response a 1-hour visit would bring to people. Have you ever looked at your pet and felt your heart swell with love? Do you leave events early or rush home from work just to hang out with them? There have been studies that show owning a pet is associated with better mental health, including lowering anxiety, and depression. Pets provide companionship, unconditional love, and a sense of purpose. Interacting with them can trigger the release of mood-boosting hormones like serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin. Regular activity, such as walking a dog or riding a horse, also contributes to improved physical and mental well-being. Cuddling with your cat can literally lower cortisol levels, reduce blood pressure, and promote relaxation. The rhythmic sound and sensation of their purring and heartbeat can help with things like chronic pain, anxiety, and depression. Our pets have superpowers!

When I adopted my first Duck Toller, Indy, back in 2008, I had big dreams for the two of us. I had always wanted to compete in Obedience, and Indy and I were going to do just that. Over our two years of training and competition, Indy and I brought home a few ribbons and titles, and I have always been immensely proud of

Have you ever seen a cat that looks like they have extra large paws, like they are wearing boxing gloves? You may have been meeting a polydactyl cat – a feline with a genetic mutation that gives them extra toes. Poly meaning many and dactyl meaning finger or toe. Most cats have a total of 18 toes.

Do you test your dog for heartworm and intestinal parasites? Is your dog or cat on heartworm prevention? They should be! In April of 2022, we had a group of rescue dogs arrive in Canada from San Pedro, Belize. At the sight of one, originally named Miss Gina, I fell in love. I offered a place in my home for Miss Gina

As many of you know, Dr. Heather and I travel to Belize twice a year to volunteer at Saga Humane Society. Dr. Heather was first introduced to Saga 6 years ago now, which is crazy to think we’ve been so many times! Although we are used to the differences between Glanbrook and Saga now, I thought I could share some more

I have been very blessed to have had many experiences with showing a variety of animals, including horses, sheep, beef cattle and of course dogs. Showing dogs being the most amount of work, but the most rewarding.

When I was 13, I began volunteering at Glanbrook. I was a dog-lover through and through, and I wanted to become a vet. We had been taking our Brittany spaniel,, Tilly to Glanbrook for a couple of years, and I thought it would be wise to understand the behind-the-scenes workings of a vet clinic to decide if it would be

I’m Dr. Marissa, one of the associate vets here at Glanbrook Vet Services, and I absolutely love what I do. I get to have hands-on interactions with so many amazing and wonderful pets every single day. In the 20-30 minutes that I see each pet, my job is to use all of my training to integrate the information that my tea