Dr. Stacy Rourke, DVM at Guardian Animal Clinic

09/13/2025

😊

Wednesday, September 17, at 12:00 pm

09/11/2025

On September 11, 2001, as chaos unfolded in the North Tower of the World Trade Center, a guide dog named Roselle became an unexpected hero. She calmly led her blind owner, Michael Hingson, and a group of over 30 people down 78 flights of stairs to safety. Despite the smoke, noise, and confusion, Roselle remained focused and composed, helping others stay calm simply by her presence.

During the descent, Roselle paused only once, to comfort a woman having a panic attack. She gently nuzzled and kissed her, offering reassurance in the most human way a dog could. Her quiet strength and unwavering loyalty helped transform fear into courage, allowing the group to continue their escape even as the building trembled around them.

Roselle’s actions that day became a symbol of trust, training, and the extraordinary bond between guide dogs and their handlers. She continued to serve until 2007 and passed away in 2011, but her legacy lives on as a reminder that heroism can come on four paws, with a wagging tail and a heart full of love.

09/09/2025

I NEED TO BE NOSY!

There are so many benefits in creating activities that allow dogs to use their strongest sense – the sense of scent or smell.

Although dogs have an incredible ability to scent, so many dogs are never given the opportunity to use this sense in a way that’s meaningful to them.

We often expect our dogs to conform to our very visual and verbal human world, neglecting the fact that they largely perceive the world through scent.

The picture in this post is my eldest Schnauzer, Sophie. At 12-years-old, one of her favourite things to do is to find hidden treasures in empty boxes stuffed with balls of paper containing tiny treats. She will then proceed to shred the box into pieces, just in case she missed anything!

Yes, it makes a mess and has to be cleaned up, but being able to watch her sense of enjoyment, purpose, achievement and the calmness and relaxation she feels afterwards, is priceless.

I believe that scenting activities for dogs should be considered an essential need. It really doesn’t have to be difficult, time consuming or expensive.

Scent work is especially beneficial to dogs that may be nervous, fearful, lack confidence, are reactive, have big feelings or are high energy. It gives them a “job” to do in a world where they often have no outlets to fulfil this very natural, biological need.

Provide opportunities for your dog to be “nosy”, it really will make a difference to their wellbeing.

08/30/2025

Please share

☠️ Please Report Dead or Sick Deer 🚨
⭐ Our agency is seeking reports of dead/sick deer suffering from Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) to help us track potential disease outbreaks. If you find a deer that has died or observe a deer that is behaving abnormally, please report your observations online.
🔗 https://ow.ly/h6Ue50WIcZk

🔖 General EHD information:
⏺️ Virus does not affect humans
⏺️ Caused by the bite of an infected midge (small fly)
⏺️ Transmission of EHD ceases with the first frost which kills the midge and interrupts the disease cycle.
⏺️ One of the most common diseases of white-tailed deer in the United States

🤒 Symptoms
⏺️ Symptoms vary and usually develop about seven days after exposure.
⏺️ Deer may appear disoriented and show little or no fear of humans.
⏺️ Affected animals experience high fevers may appear feverish and are often found in or near water in attempt to cool themselves.
⏺️ Pronounced swelling of head, neck, tongue and eyelids
⏺️ May have respiratory distress.

08/28/2025

🐶🐱 HOLIDAY WEEKEND HOURS🐶🐱

CLOSED - Friday, August 29 through Monday, August 1.

We will return at 9 AM, Tuesday, August 2.

In case of emergency, please contact Diley Hill Animal Emergency Center at 614-829-6444, 9695 Basil Western Rd. Canal Wi******er.

08/26/2025

Happy International Dog Day! Share photos of yours with us!

08/20/2025

Please share!

☠️ Please Report Dead or Sick Deer 🚨
⭐ Our agency is seeking reports of dead/sick deer suffering from Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) to help us track potential disease outbreaks. If you find a deer that has died or observe a deer that is behaving abnormally, please report your observations online.
🔗 https://ow.ly/h6Ue50WIcZk

🔖 General EHD information:
⏺️ Virus does not affect humans
⏺️ Caused by the bite of an infected midge (small fly)
⏺️ Transmission of EHD ceases with the first frost which kills the midge and interrupts the disease cycle.
⏺️ One of the most common diseases of white-tailed deer in the United States

🤒 Symptoms
⏺️ Symptoms vary and usually develop about seven days after exposure.
⏺️ Deer may appear disoriented and show little or no fear of humans.
⏺️ Affected animals experience high fevers may appear feverish and are often found in or near water in attempt to cool themselves.
⏺️ Pronounced swelling of head, neck, tongue and eyelids
⏺️ May have respiratory distress.

08/08/2025

It’s normal to struggle with end-of-life decisions involving your pet and to grieve after a loss. Learn more from a veterinary social worker at the .

08/06/2025

Let it be okay... 🐾❤️

07/30/2025

Show us your friends!

Today is the International Day of Friendship! Friendship between people (and animals!) fosters understanding, appreciation, and happiness.

Be sure to let a friend know you're thinking of them today!