Protecting your pets with Beesley Animal Clinic is urgent this summer as tick populations spike, bringing a deadly wave of Bobcat Fever that is actively threatening community cats. Dawn Roberts from the Beesley Animal Clinic and Foundation joins the show to discuss why skipping even a single month of preventative care puts your animals at severe risk. She breaks down the critical danger posed by the Lone Star tick and explains why annual veterinary exams are necessary to secure highly effective, prescription-strength protection against Lyme disease, Ehrlichia, and heartworms.

The Beesley Animal Clinic is also navigating a major season of transition. After an incredible 21-year tenure and approximately 50,000 lifesaving surgeries, the beloved Dr. Donna Stewart is officially retiring this summer. Learn how the clinic is managing these growing pains under the leadership of supervising veterinarian Dr. Rexing, welcoming new staff like Dr. Masters, and continuing to expand vital outreach initiatives—including the Kind News educational program in 200 local schools and the upcoming "Barks and Bourbon" fundraiser.

Key Takeaways:

• The Reality of Bobcat Fever: This fatal, tick-spread disease carried by the Lone Star tick is a severe danger to outdoor and indoor cats alike, making strict prevention vital.

• Prescription vs. Over-the-Counter: True protection against summer pests requires an annual veterinary exam to prescribe clinical-grade, reliable preventatives.

• Honoring Dr. Donna Stewart: Celebrating Dr. Stewart's legacy of performing an estimated 50,000 surgeries over a 21-year career at Beesley as she prepares for her retirement.

• Barks and Bourbon 2026: Save the date for September 17th at Bell Meadows Farm in Lascassas for Beesley's premier annual fundraising event featuring local bourbon tasting.

  

• Beesley's Community Lifeline: How Beesley combats inflation through quarterly pet food distributions, classroom education, and emergency veterinary aid partnerships.