Home Together Veterinary Services

29/08/2024

Handsome NaKi’o, relaxing after his therapeutic laser session 🐈‍⬛💕

12/08/2024

🐾 August Senior Spotlight: Graham Cracker! 🐾

🐾 Born in August 2011 on the streets of Salida, Graham Cracker found his way to our family through Mountain Mutts in Gunnison.

🐾 Graham’s excitement for adventure has made us smile since he was a young pup. Camping, biking, hiking, car rides, and horseback trail rides were his passions. His keen sense of adventure earned him the nickname “Detective,” as he diligently ensured his family stayed safe, inspecting everything and making sure everyone was accounted for and chipmunks knew their place.

🐾 In 2017, Graham moved to a small ranch with his family and sidekick, Sage (The Cat, can be found in photo number 2). Ranching supervision took a toll on his body, and Graham underwent two knee surgeries, but didn’t let that hold him back. He continued his ranching and detective work with enthusiasm. To keep him young, he was soon assigned a young pup named Max S’mores (also found in photo number 2) to mentor. Graham has taught Max everything from detective work and proper trail ride etiquette to keeping the family safe at the ranch.

🐾 Some of Graham Cracker's favorite things in life are: meat bones, watching sunsets from the picnic table, long walks, barking at the horses to behave, playing with Max S'mores and snuggling with his best friend, Sage the cat. Graham makes our lives better and filled with happiness.

🐾 Thanks to Dr. Ashley and Angela, Graham Cracker has regained his energy and excitement for life, and he now acts like a 9-year-old pup again. My heart is full knowing that he’s happy and comfortable in his golden years, thanks to their exceptional care.

08/07/2024

🐾 🐱 July Senior Spotlight 🐱🐾

🐾 Meet our ‘ol man Ace Of Spades. He was my daughter’s and husband’s “grocery” shopping surprise June 2006 at 8 weeks old. Ace came from the Norberg family’s litter born April 2006 in Gunnison. It is our understanding Ace is the last surviving kitty of the litter. At the age of 18 years, he is still pretty active; demanding his meals twice a day and swatting the younger kitties reminding them- he’s still King.

🐾 He spends most of his day lounging around his sunroom amongst various pet friendly flowering plants enjoying his pension; gazing out the window watching the flocks of birds, dreaming of his younger glory days when he was a whopping 18 lbs of muscle, as the mighty hunter leaving his trophies at the front door for us.

🐾 Ace is very unique with the longest canines on a cat seen by most vets! They all would comment; “He’s a black panther!” His favorite food is a can of tuna “With the juice please” he commands. Now, in his golden years, he enjoys sitting on my lap having his chin continuously rubbed, while he drools and looks sheepishly up at me.

05/07/2024

You know it’s summertime in Gunnison when….

05/06/2024

🐾🌞 June Senior Spotlight: Benny!🌞🐾

🐾🌞 Read about Benny here:

🐾 We got Benny when he was “just a little puppy” - he was only 5 weeks old (or so). We got him at The Boulder Humane Society. They said he was a lab/boxer mix. . . but upon his first visit to the vet they said “ohhh, what a cute little pitty!” Benny has been the sweetest, most loving dog we have ever had!

🐾 He grew up in Boulder in the mountains. My daughter, Molly, has a horse named Kamungee and Benny would go to the barn every day to “help” with the horses. He loves horses and especially Kamungee! Benny’s favorite things to do are chase and retrieve tennis balls, go for walks, and lay on the couch. He loves people!!! He does not like all dogs, (just a few special ones!)

🐾 Benny moved to Gunnison 3 years ago. He is so happy he is living his senior years here because he has met the best vets EVER here, Dr. Ashley and Angela!!

29/05/2024

🐾 💊 Can we get a HECK YEAH for palliative care!? 💊 🐾

💊 Meet Frances! This lovely girl was recently our patient for palliative care, to help fuel her recovery from severe frostbite and liver injury. Frances was found in a barn in the dead of winter, covered with frostbite and infection. Soon after, she developed inflammation of the liver and became very ill. Her family jumped into action and got her immediate, life-saving intervention at a local clinic. After a few hospital stays for intensive care, she was released home, but she was still struggling to eat and thrive. In comes palliative care! With the extra support of in-home fluid therapy, anti-nausea medications, and wound management, we were able to help Frances fully recover. She is now bouncy, bubbly, sassy, and ready for the world!

🐾 Frances is a wonderful example of how palliative care can provide the extra support needed for animals to recover from or live well with illness. The focus of palliative care is comfort, rather than cure, aiming to manage symptoms and relieve pain and discomfort. While palliative care is part of a hospice care plan for patients with a terminal illness, it can also be used for patients who are expected to recover and just need a little additional support to do so. This type of care can happen at any stage of illness or injury and is often used alongside curative care or care that prolongs life.

💊 We are so happy to see Frances thriving! The deep love and care of her family, skill of her local clinic veterinarian, and in-home support from our team, all came together for a truly wonderful outcome.

20/05/2024

🐾✨Memorial Monday✨🐾

❤️ Inca (first photo): Big sister to Loki and the love of our family. She loved to swim, chase and retrieve toys and snuggle in bed. Never an “early morning“ girl, but always ready for a walk.

❤️ Loki (second photo): Sister,
side-kick, and constant companion to Inca. Always happy, loving, and ready to make us smile. The consummate hunter of critters large and small.

Both born in Riverland just outside of CB and lived their best lives on Red Mountain Ranch. Forever in our hearts.

🐾✨ Be sure to check out these lovely memorials and more at www.hometogethervet.com

🌈

17/05/2024

🐾 TGIF! Who else is ready for some well earned rest this weekend?!

Here is Benny to remind you that it's never a bad time to take a nap, or give yourself a break. 😴

Happy weekend, everyone! 🐕💕

15/05/2024

🐾 Can you tell how excited Penny is about getting her laser therapy this week?!

🐾 This is her "I just got laser therapy" (and a yummy snack) face!

🐾 Call or email to find out more about our laser therapy offerings, and the benefits/treatments available with our high power laser!

13/05/2024

🐾 Some of you may remember Nugget from a previous senior spotlight - well here she is again celebrating her 20th BIRTHDAY! (That's 96 years old in human years!!!) Help us by wishing little Nugget the happiest of 20th revolution around the sun! 🎂🥳

Nugget's theme for her party was Platinum Anniversary and was based around platinum songs from the music industry - and what's a party without a custom made velvet cape shipped from England (probably from the Queen herself)!

HAPPY 20th, NUGGET! Long live the Queen!

06/05/2024

🐱🐾 Senior Spotlight: Na K'io 🐾🐱

For some of us, it may be all about the benjamins, but for others it's all about the food, baby. Na Ki'o (nuh-KEY-oh), which is Hawai'ian for "puddle," loves food, food and more food. Cat food, dog food, people food -- he's on the prowl for any and all of it. Sure, a warm lap is nice, or a nap in the sun, or chewing on either his friend Marrakesh or the dinosaur he stole from TL, but can any of those really compare to the siren call of food?

Which may be why Ki'o likes his laser treatments from Dr. Portmann and Angela so much. They make him feel better, but there is food involved, so win-win, right?

Ki'o, a GVAWL ward for nearly a year before Lynn and TL took him home almost 10 years ago (we think he's 16), came with diabetes and pancreatitis, plus he's added asthma and some serious cataracts along the way. But none of this has stopped this plucky fellow, who gets along quite amiably with everyone and everything except the vacuum (and even that's not so scary anymore). He's happy to run across the room if there's food in it for him; otherwise you might just find him tucked into his new heated bed, probably dreaming about cream puffs and other delectable snacks.

29/04/2024

🐾❤️ Memorial Monday ❤️🐾

Today we take a moment to remember two lovely kitties named Jack (second picture) and Pearl (first picture).

Jack and Pearl were two of our frequent fliers, as they required a lot of support in their old age! Thanks to the help of their owners and all they were willing to do for them, they were able to live out their lives full of fun, compassion, and love. ❤️

22/04/2024

🐶🐾 April Senior Spotlight: Josey! 🐾🐶

Hi, my name is The Outlaw Josey Wales, but you can call me Josey! I’m a Red Merle Australian Shepherd and I came to live with Scott and Sandy in May of 2009. In September of that year we found my best buddy, Ojo (that's him in the third picture in our heyday). Together we loved to go on walks, camping trips and we loved rolling in the snow! I also love sleeping on the couch - couches are made for dogs, right? Every year we would go Christmas tree hunting, we always found the best one. The one thing I really don’t like is water, so don’t take me to the lake.

I just had my 15th birthday! 🎉 Dr. Ashley and Angela have been helping me stay healthy, they’re the best.

02/04/2024

Sweet Bondi, waiting for treats after her laser therapy session 🐾💕🦴

26/03/2024

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16/03/2024

This month's Senior Spotlight is Grey!

Grey, formerly a manager at Pawsitively Native, is enjoying retirement after his involvement in a crime spree at the shop, involving a number of torn kibble bags. While all signs pointed to him, this could not be proven in court. Despite this, he now happily lives in lovely Crested Butte with Whitney, enjoying all of the spoils of his alleged crimes.

Alongside his sister Moira, Grey was brought to Pawsitively Native by Joan (Hewitt) Farrell after he and several other cats were seized from a hoarding situation in Hotchkiss, Colorado. He quickly became a fan favorite– and it isn’t hard to see why; he is an affectionate cat whose only true flaw is the extent to which he loves food. Grey now can enjoy a warm lap, some catnip, and quality time with the people he loves, while enjoying his new role as a retiree.

26/02/2024

🐾❤ Memorial Monday ❤🐾

Today, we are remembering sweet and handsome Chaz.

"The Chazy, Chazy man, drew attention wherever he went. He would sit by the road in the sunshine and wait for a random, Hi! or and ear scratching from the neighbors. Oh, and don’t stop the scratching, because he would give you “woof” warning. Everyday he made our sun rise, sprinkled with dew and mixed it with love. He was a miracle of sorts at somewhere upwards of 13. We hope you’re enjoying laying in the sunshine because you can."

To view Chaz and our other pet tributes, see our Memorials Page:
https://www.hometogethervet.com/memorials

07/02/2024

February's Senior Spotlight is PUMBA!
Read more about this special boy below:

Pumba is the sweetest old man! We adopted him when he was 14.5 years old thinking he would only live six months tops as he is a big guy, but two years later and he is still going strong. Pumbie’s favorite things include all foods and treats, neck scratches from dad, snuggles, eating snow, rolling around in the grass, chasing Sharon (a cat) away from his food or the bedroom, and following mom everywhere. He is not a subtle dog as you can hear his nails clacking on the floor, constant panting, old man hacking, or snoring pretty much all the time. He has definitely made his spot in the family and we love him!

06/02/2024

Our cute patient, Grey, flirting after his laser treatment ♥️🐾

03/02/2024

Come see us today at GVAWL’s Pet Expo!!!
Fred Field Center, from 10-2.

There is also face painting, and pony rides for the little ones :-)

31/01/2024

I've been trying to decide how/if to put something out into the world, so I'm just gonna go for it...

I (Dr. Ashley) was recently a guest on the phenomenal podcast ADHD for Smart Ass Women!!!

Since being diagnosed with ADHD as an almost-40-yr-old, this podcast has been a true source of inspiration and information, and it was such a cool experience to be on the other side of it! We talked about the changes that come with diagnosis, the challenges of being neurodiverse in life and in vet med, the strengths that come with ADHD, and how a career pivot has been incredibly helpful to keep me feeling happy and fulfilled in this profession that I just could not bear to leave.

If you have any interest, please take a listen.
If you're a neurospicy vet, I'd love to chat anytime!!!

https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/epi-264

16/01/2024

January's Senior Spotlight is Nugget!
Read about this sweet girl below:

Nugget was born in Ault, CO in 2004 where she spent the first 7 years of her life before we adopted her from the Boulder Humane Society. She has been called an Arctic Chihuahua because of her unusual affinity for snow and was a fantastic backpacking dog for her size, churning out 5-6 trail miles a day. When still spry she competed in several Cinco de Mayo Chihuahua races in Denver but has settled into “retired” life for the past few years.

Despite losing her vision and all of her teeth she voraciously enjoys pulverized Belvita breaksfast biscuits and demands daily spoonfuls of peanut butter at mealtime. Standing 8” at the shoulder and presently weighing 4.5 pounds, she has always considered herself a human and prefers two-legged company over four. Nugget hopes to proudly celebrate her 20th birthday in April with the fanfare of a live mariachi band.

11/12/2023

December's Senior Spotlight is Mr. Peanut Butter!

Come check out this handsome guy in our holiday window, and look for him in this week's edition of Gunnison Country Times

A little about Peanut:

Mr. Peanut Butter (Peanut) is a goofy yellow lab, born in Livingston, Montana. For his first few years he resided in Bozeman, Montana where he learned to love snow, water, and everything outdoors. Near the end of his time in Montana he was diagnosed with cancer but fought through and is now healthy again. Four years ago, Peanut made his way down to Gunnison. He quickly found himself at home running at Hartman’s, skiing Snodgrass, belly flopping into the Blue Mesa, and making friends on the Van Tuyl loop. Peanut lives to eat and would do anything for the next scrap that falls on the floor during dinner preparations. Additionally, when out on trails he can be found always carrying a stick that is over half his size!

Last year, Peanut started losing some muscle mass and was diagnosed with a hereditary spinal issue, arthritis in his hip and knee joint as well as two ACL tears. For the past 6 months he has been working hard to recover from surgeries and doing rehab. Dr. Ashley and team have been instrumental in his recovery and long term health. He loves when they come and visit! He is now happily working his way back up sets of stairs and enjoying the new ramps that have been built around the house for him to get on the bed and couch. Although, he has developed a tendency to get grumpy around bedtime if anyone is making noise that prevents him from peacefully sleeping upstairs! He is glad to be back at Hartman’s doing short off leash hikes again and finding extra large sticks to carry.

24/10/2023

Meet Penny, our newest Senior Spotlight!

We have had the pleasure of working with this sweet and social girl for the past few years. She is always so charming and does great for laser therapy sessions. We sure have loved seeing her thrive ❤

Penny's owner says:
"This is Penny. She is a very sweet, spunky snuggle kitty who just had her 11th birthday! Her favorite daily activities include: sleeping under the covers, talking to people, sleeping in her heated bed, rolling in the sunlight, laying in front of the fire, purring, telling owners it is time for food, telling owners it is time to snuggle, yelling at owners it is time for bed. Occasional activities include: zoomies, playing with small toys, and randomly attacking owners.

She is an indoor kitty and is happy to be. Both she and her owners agree that it’s too scary outside for a Penny kitty.

To help with nerve issues in her back, Penny gets laser therapy and pain management from Dr. Ashley and Angela. She adores these visits and runs out of her sleeping spot whenever she hears their voices. She loves the Dr. Ashley Laser Session, Churu treats, and Angela After-Therapy Play Time."

18/10/2023

It's National Veterinary Technician Week!!!

Today we are celebrating Angela, our stellar veterinary nurse! Those of you that have met her will know that she is caring, helpful, energetic, hilarious and truly loves our patients. She helps make Home Together Vet what it is, and we are so grateful to have her! If you see her, be sure to wish her Happy Vet Tech Week :)

Read more about Angela below:
Angela has been in the veterinary field for 7 years and has worked with everything from dogs and cats, to birds of prey and giraffes. She has chosen to work in the veterinary industry because simply stated - she loves all creatures great and small. She looks to work on her toes and likes to work in an ever-changing environment where she is constantly forced to think on her feet, learn new things, and is encouraged to never settle for anything less than the most excellent care. She wants to continue expanding her knowledge and practicing what she loves for the rest of her life, and this industry provides and feeds that need. Angela grew up in the Gunnison Valley and is excited to have found her way back and be able to provide the utmost excellent service for the community and their companions with Dr. Portmann and the Home Together team.

15/09/2023

This month's Senior Spotlight is shared by two cuties from the same household!

🐾 ANTOSH: Antosh is a 12 year old Rocky Mountain Dingo (aka mutt). After spending all of his young life romping around the Gunnison Valley and taking care of his mom, he is thoroughly enjoying retirement and taking leisurely scent tours amongst the wildflowers. Antosh (Tosh) was diagnosed with a nasal tumor in 2021 and received radiation treatment in spring of 2022 at the CSU Flint Animal Cancer Center. Now over a year out, he is living his best old man life! He loves food and making sure the floors are clean. Tosh basically does whatever he wants now, like pooping in the middle of the road and using his selective hearing. He can give high fives but his best trick is just being alive and amazing.

When Tosh met Tina, a Husky mix turning 11 this year, at Oh Be Dogful Rescue & Sanctuary, it was love at first sight!

🐾 TINA: When Tina first joined the pack she was incredibly fearful and a flight risk. With some time, love and patience, she blossomed into an adventurous mountain woman that let her freak flag fly. This year Tina was scheduled for a salivary gland removal but it turned out to be a large, inoperable tumor. Her mom decided that daily visits to the hospital for radiation therapy weren't in her best interest, so thanks to Dr. Ashley she's on the perfect concoction of pills that keep her pain-free and happy. Despite her swollen eye and snorting, Tina is still raging and taking advantage of each day. She loves hunting, getting belly rubs and talking with her favorite people. She is a constant reminder that having love and the freedom to be yourself is key to growth.

08/09/2023

If you haven’t seen it yet, check out the article about senior pet care in this week’s edition of Gunnison Country Times! Thanks to Abby for a great story, highlighting what we do and why. We sure do love our patients and their people!

The oldest of the Gunnison Valley’s dogs and cats may be the most stubborn of the bunch. Like all creatures, with age comes a semblance of wisdom but mostly, an immovable sense of self-confidence and headstrong personality. For Ashley Portmann, Gunnison’s traveling senior vet, it’s one of the ...

21/06/2023

It’s apparently. Who are you taking a selfie with today? 🐾♥️

25/05/2023

Great intro article about animal hospice and palliative care!

Early adoption of palliative strategies can not only improve quality of life, but in many cases also gives better quantity of life.
Who doesn't want more quality time with their pets?

https://www.aaha.org/publications/newstat/articles/2023-5/palliative-care-the-missing-piece-of-chronic-disease-management/?fbclid=IwAR00Ae8z3tRRZ8lYngHqD3iCyP98XhMDAExVICDVCslY3y5qbkmXY_VZI3k

Rethinking what many veterinarians are taught, palliative care is an intentional way to improve life—whether the patient recovers or not. Kate...

03/02/2023

Mornings with pets are the best!

Who is helping you start the day??