‘I’ll take a vet over an MD any day. They gotta be able to cure a lizard, a chicken, a pig, a frog – all on the same day. ‘
~ Kramer
Summertime is for swimming. My legs have been a little sore lately from chasing my sister Olive around and swimming has been great rehab. I’ve been visiting Donner Lake and Prosser on a regular basis these days. I even like to go kayaking. There is nothing better than going for a swim and then sprawling out on the couch soaking wet for an afternoon nap.
This month I swam, ok we drove, over to visit my friends the Bucktons. Dr. Brian Buckton has been one of my favorite vets since he moved to the Tahoe-Truckee area in 2001. He lives in Glenshire with his wife Lisa, sons Rory (3 and a half) and Kyler (6 months) and their two dogs (both from shelters)Winterbelle and Brandywine. Brian was a veterinarian at Sierra Pet Clinic from August 2001 until May 2008 with a short stint in Idaho mixed in the middle somewhere. We dined on Thai food and talked about the Buckton’s new venture, Burton Creek Veterinary Clinic.
From the time he was a boy, Dr. Buckton has always loved animals. Growing up in Porterville, Calif. he remembers having cats, dogs, reptiles, turtles, salamanders and birds. That love led him to study veterinary medicine. He received his Bachelor of Science from UC San Diego before getting his Doctorate of Veterinary medicine from UC Davis. Two memorable education experiences were summers spent in Bali and Costa Rica. There he got a chance to work hands on with animals and hone his skills. In Costa Rica Brian worked at a wildlife shelter treating a diverse group of animals including monkeys, sloths, scarlet macaws and iguanas. One of his highlights from Costa Rica was working with squirrel monkeys. Treating and releasing into the wild five squirrel monkeys is an experience he won’t forget. I heard he did some surfing too. In Bali he performed some of his first spay and neuter surgeries on feral dogs doing as many as three or four in a day, a learning experience he didn’t have in school. Most importantly he spayed my sister Olive. One Olive is enough for all of us.
Brian has been a skier since he was 3 years old and is proud to say he started snowboarding before it was even allowed at most resorts. He has always had a love of the mountains and wildlife. This naturally led him to Lake Tahoe. When the opportunity to own his own practice came up it was something the Bucktons couldn’t pass up.
Formally North Lake Veterinary Clinic, Brian wants the community to know that the staff and local service will remain the same. It is important to mention that Jo Jo the cat will be staying on full time providing night security and keeping everyone in line. Dr. Buckton has been working hard this month updating the appearance with new floors, paint and exam tables. Expect to see state of the art monitoring equipment and a new computer system. They will also continue to have on site grooming. Burton Creek’s focus will be personal service. Dr. Buckton will be the only vet and is looking forward to getting to know all his clients. He is also open to working with the different shelter and wildlife organizations in the area.
Burton Creek Veterinary Clinic opens July 14 and is located on Lake Forest Road in Tahoe City just a short walk from Skylandia Park and one of the nicest beaches on Tahoe. Did I mention I like to swim? For an appointment call 530-583-8587. Have great month.
Mural for Animal Kennel
The Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe (HSTT) commissioned a group of second- and fifth-graders from Glenshire Elementary School to paint a mural, which will be on permanent display and can be viewed during HSTT’s Adoption Day every Saturday between noon and 2 p.m. Gary Wood, HSTT board member and volunteer dog photographer, came up with the idea to have a more colorful and attractive backdrop at the kennel, with a secondary purpose of educating students about HSTT and its mission and role in the community. ‘The theme of the project was ‘dreams.’ Picture an animal in the shelter looking out the window, and paint what they are daydreaming about,’ Wood said.
Truckee-Tahoe Lumber donated the plywood, and Wood donated the paint, brushes, and additional supplies. Teachers and students did the rest.
YAPPY HOUR
Every Friday through Labor Day weekend
Tails by the Lake will host Yappy Hour at the Village at Squaw from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30. Bring your dog to the village where you’ll enjoy live music, receive a free doggie ice cream from Tails by the Lake (Mint, Banana & Peanut Butter or Carob Chip) and a glass a wine from Mutt Lynch Winery Vineyards with a donation to The Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe. Pups will also receive a sample of beer for dogs. Non-alcoholic and non-carbonated, Happy Tail Ale is the ultimate liquid refreshment for your best friend. The brew is made with choice malted barley and filtered water, featuring all-natural beef flavorings. Plus, it’s fortified with Glucosamine and Vitamin E. tailsbythelake.com, 530-412-1732.
