April Employee of the Month
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Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Amanda, and I’m one of the newer receptionists at FAMC. I grew up on a farm in California and over the years helped my family raise chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, rabbits, sheep, goats, and horses. Dogs and cats were always part of the mix as well. Since I was still fortunate enough to live on that farm as my daughter and nieces were growing up, I was able to share my love of animals with them and help them explore the wonderful world of animal husbandry…where there’s never a dull moment! What is your favorite part about working for Fidalgo Animal? Working for FAMC is like coming home every day. The culture is so much like family, and I feel that way not only through the people I work with every day but also through the many long-time clients and patients. I really enjoy and appreciate the opportunity to work for and with so many great people and pets. If you could pick one theme for Fidalgo Animal to turn into a book about the company, what would it be? The Humanity of Animal Care – Nothing makes you feel like a good human more than being able to be a part of helping sick or injured animals feel better. Whether you’re there for their first vet appointments, their final goodbyes, or somewhere in between, it makes you feel like part of something special when animals are getting the care they need. Every one of the hardworking staff members at FAMC excel at this, and it’s amazing to be a part of such a caring team. |
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What would you most like to tell yourself at age 13?
Yeah, girl….you may like and enjoy cooking, but stick with your love of animals and get into veterinary care. You won’t be sorry! Also, you are more capable than you think…and not everyone is as capable as you think they are.
What would people never guess you do in your role?
Free hugs! Overjoyed that your fur baby just came through a stressful injury or illness? Need someone to hold on to because it’s time to say goodbye? I’m your girl! I try to read the room, but don’t be shy about asking. Hugs are not passed around nearly enough.
What one food do you wish had zero calories?
Kettle Chips – Once I get started, I can’t stop!
What do you like most about your job?
Kittens. It’s always the kittens. What I like least is that on a daily basis I have to talk myself out of needing another kitten.
What is on your bucket list?
Taking a trip to Thailand with my daughter and having a big house with the majority of the space remodeled for many active and adventurous kittens.
Yeah, girl….you may like and enjoy cooking, but stick with your love of animals and get into veterinary care. You won’t be sorry! Also, you are more capable than you think…and not everyone is as capable as you think they are.
What would people never guess you do in your role?
Free hugs! Overjoyed that your fur baby just came through a stressful injury or illness? Need someone to hold on to because it’s time to say goodbye? I’m your girl! I try to read the room, but don’t be shy about asking. Hugs are not passed around nearly enough.
What one food do you wish had zero calories?
Kettle Chips – Once I get started, I can’t stop!
What do you like most about your job?
Kittens. It’s always the kittens. What I like least is that on a daily basis I have to talk myself out of needing another kitten.
What is on your bucket list?
Taking a trip to Thailand with my daughter and having a big house with the majority of the space remodeled for many active and adventurous kittens.
March Employee of the Month
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Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Sienna, and I’m one of the licensed veterinary technicians here at FAMC. I’ve been working with animals since I was 14, starting out as a farm hand for my neighbors. I’ve always had a strong passion for working with animals. In fact, the only job I’ve ever had that wasn’t animal-focused was at 19, when I worked at Bed Bath & Beyond, and I only lasted a month before finding my way back to animals as a dog trainer and animal care associate at Petco. If you could instantly master one skill, what would it be? Surfing! I have gone one time and had a total blast even though I could barely stay standing on the board. How is being a veterinary technician different from being a veterinary assistant, and what was it like to transition into this new role? Great question! I really enjoyed my time as an assistant, but I love my role as a technician. As a technician I have new responsibilities such as running anesthesia, performing dental cleanings, and caring for some of our more critical patients. Some people are surprised to learn that to become a technician you have to get an associate’s degree and pass a national licensing exam. All the hard work I put toward this goal was difficult but totally worth it! |
Any random facts you could share with us?
I have a ferret named Bojangles, who loves to terrorize my German Shepherd and Cattle Dog.
If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be?
When I was a little kid, I really wanted to become a chef when I grew up. It could be fun to try living out my childhood dream for a day. That or if someone every creates a “professional napper” career, I’d be open to that too.
What kinds of hobbies and interests do you have outside of work?
I’ve recently gotten really into baking sour dough! It’s a great hobby during these chilly months. Once it starts to warm back up, I will be spending most of my free time camping, hiking, paddle boarding, or playing corn hole in my backyard.
What would you like to be famous for?
I don’t want to be famous. I would be much happier as an average person living in a cabin in the mountains.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years, I hope to either have my specialty in anesthesia/analgesia or working toward it. Outside of that I am happy to go with the flow and end up wherever I am supposed to.
I have a ferret named Bojangles, who loves to terrorize my German Shepherd and Cattle Dog.
If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be?
When I was a little kid, I really wanted to become a chef when I grew up. It could be fun to try living out my childhood dream for a day. That or if someone every creates a “professional napper” career, I’d be open to that too.
What kinds of hobbies and interests do you have outside of work?
I’ve recently gotten really into baking sour dough! It’s a great hobby during these chilly months. Once it starts to warm back up, I will be spending most of my free time camping, hiking, paddle boarding, or playing corn hole in my backyard.
What would you like to be famous for?
I don’t want to be famous. I would be much happier as an average person living in a cabin in the mountains.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years, I hope to either have my specialty in anesthesia/analgesia or working toward it. Outside of that I am happy to go with the flow and end up wherever I am supposed to.
Welcome Dr. Joanna Sell
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Fidalgo Animal Medical Center is thrilled to welcome Dr. Joanna Sell to our veterinary team! With a remarkable blend of academic excellence and heartfelt dedication, she brings both expertise and compassion to our practice.
Dr. Sell earned her PhD in Immunology from the University of Washington before pursuing her VMD at the University of Pennsylvania, where she also completed an intensive internship in small animal medicine and surgery. She is an active member of both the Washington State Veterinary Medical Association (WSVMA) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). After serving as a relief veterinarian at FAMC, Dr. Sell was drawn to the clinic’s high standards in medicine and surgery, as well as the deep compassion demonstrated by the team. Inspired by the values modeled by Dr. Bezzola and Dr. Marshall, she’s proud to now call FAMC home. Dr. Sell thrives on the complexity of veterinary medicine—from working across species and systems to the “detective work” involved in diagnosing each unique case. Most of all, she cherishes the opportunity to witness the human–animal bond in action every day. Outside of work, Dr. Sell enjoys a rich and active life in the Pacific Northwest with her longtime partner, Leo. She is the proud mother of four adult children and grandmother to two human grandkids—as well as a joyful crew of grand-dogs and grand-cats. Her hobbies include hiking, yoga, bird watching, nature photography, traveling, knitting, and crocheting. If she weren’t a veterinarian, she says she might have become a nature photographer…or a detective! We’re excited to have Dr. Sell join our Fidalgo family and look forward to the knowledge, warmth, and spirit she brings to our community. |
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2024 Avian Influenza Update
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By now most of you have heard about a recent bird flu outbreak and, if you haven't, you will soon. We at Fidalgo Animal wanted to provide you with a brief breakdown of facts and risks so you can make the most informed decision regarding you and your pet's health.
As of yet, no people have reported illnesses with this recent outbreak. People can get sick from it though we're not as likely to get seriously ill. The CDC recommends to practice good hand hygiene and to avoid eating raw/undercooked poultry and consuming raw/un-pasteurized dairy products. |
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There have been reports in the news regarding a big cat sanctuary losing a large number of their felines. There's also a current recall regarding a specific food brand, Northwest Naturals, in which a domestic cat has passed away due to this virus after consuming a frozen raw duck diet. Because cats are susceptible and commonly eat poultry either through raw food or, in the case of the big cats, catching and eating wild birds, the CDC recommends to be sure their food, like ours, is cooked and pasteurized. Avoid feeding any diet marketed as raw or uncooked to reduce the risk of contamination. Keep cats indoors to reduce the risk of them coming into contact with wild birds.
If you have a flock of poultry at home, do your best to keep them separated from the wild birds roaming around outside. Monitor their symptoms and immediately separate any that appear ill. For more information, refer to the included links.
Just like with any illness, the key is to catch signs early. If you suspect your pet is showing any signs of illness, let us know. If you come across a wild bird that appears to be unwell, contact Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center before bringing it in to see their recommendation.
If you have any other questions, give us a call at 360-293-2186
Clickable Link for the FDA published article
Clickable Link for an AVMA published article
Northwest Naturals Cat Food Recall
If you have a flock of poultry at home, do your best to keep them separated from the wild birds roaming around outside. Monitor their symptoms and immediately separate any that appear ill. For more information, refer to the included links.
Just like with any illness, the key is to catch signs early. If you suspect your pet is showing any signs of illness, let us know. If you come across a wild bird that appears to be unwell, contact Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center before bringing it in to see their recommendation.
If you have any other questions, give us a call at 360-293-2186
Clickable Link for the FDA published article
Clickable Link for an AVMA published article
Northwest Naturals Cat Food Recall
May 2024 Update🌹💐🌼🌷
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Happy Spring Everyone!
As we all warm up and become busier, we wanted to let everyone know about an update to scheduling at FAMC. In this 2024 world, we are having more people cancelling at the very last minute or not showing up at all! We take our job of caring for your pet very seriously. We make sure every patient has the medical team they need and when people cancel at the last minute or do not show up, that team goes unused. We are now requiring deposits to be made to schedule any anesthetic procedure (dentals, surgery, sedation), any routine appointment scheduled for 3 or more pets, and for any new client exams. This new policy does not change the price of any service; all deposits will be applied to the final bill. We will give full refunds for cancellations or rescheduled appointments 48 hours before anesthetic procedures and 24 hours before appointments. We are still the same family-owned practice, and we know that there are last-minute emergencies in life and will always do what we can to help when these events happen. If you have any questions about this new policy, please give us a call 360-293-2186. |
Canine Respiratory Update 11/30/2023
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Our staff attended a webinar about the new canine respiratory disease. Dr. Knutzen put together this wonderful synopsis.
Hi folks, The recording for this webinar is available to watch after the fact at k9illness.trupanion.com. I have summarized some take away points: At this time, a new disease has not been identified.
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It was noted that for the first time, a brachycephalic breed is the most common dog breed (french bulldogs), which are higher risk for respiratory disease due to conformation.
Dogs who are more at risk for severe disease should be vaccinated for Parainfluenza, Bordetella, and Influenza should be considered.
If a pet is sick, owners should consider if they would take themselves to urgent care or the ER if they were feeling the way their dog looks.
Testing
Dogs who are more at risk for severe disease should be vaccinated for Parainfluenza, Bordetella, and Influenza should be considered.
- At risk dogs include, but are not limited to the following:
- Senior dogs
- Brachycephalic dogs
- Breeding dogs
- Dogs on chemotherapy
- Dogs with chronic diseases
- Dogs with other pre-existing respiratory disease
- Dogs with higher risk life-styles, or who interact with dogs with higher risk life-styles
- daycare
- grooming
- boarding
- dog parks
- travel
- dog shows or trials.
- Owners should consider risk vs benefit of activities with their dog.
- For instance- a dog park may not be the best place to take a senior dog
- A brachycephalic with short hair (pug, frenchy) may not need to go to the groomer for bathing
- A brachycephalic with hair prone to mats may still need to be groomed, and appropriate precautions such as vaccination
- Some dogs have to go to daycare or boarding- they should stay up to date on vaccinations
- Common sense precautions should be taken
- Avoid taking a sick pet in public whenever possible
- Wash hands after touching an unknown dog
- vaccinate dogs for known respiratory diseases
If a pet is sick, owners should consider if they would take themselves to urgent care or the ER if they were feeling the way their dog looks.
- A dog with mild symptoms likely does not need emergency care, and can be monitored at home in most cases
- coughing
- sneezing
- mild lethargy, but still eating, drinking, breathing and playing fairly normally
- A dog with more severe symptoms may need urgent care
- lethargy
- fever
- inappetence
- increased respiratory rate or open mouth breathing at rest (not after activity or excitement)
Testing
- There is no test for 'does my dog have the mystery illness'
- In a perfect world, a PCR respiratory panel on every coughing dog would be great to identify which dogs have known diseases
- This testing should ideally be done early and before antibiotics
- In reality, dogs who are eating, drinking, and playing normally will likely recover without identification of the cause of their symptoms
- Testing is not perfect; tests can be negative if they are run too late in the infection
