So, did everyone jump back on the New Years Resolution bandwagon this year?  And the more important question—have you fallen off yet?  Resolutions are fabulous and when we it's really important—like I quit smoking 2 years ago—we can stick to them. This holds true for our pets as well!  If you didn't add "getting weight off my fat cat" to your list of resolutions, don't worry!  There is still time, and here  is a good place to start!
Good luck!
Jess Braun, DVM ... << MORE >>

We have all wondered at times what to feed our dogs. Which food is best and will keep them the healthiest?  It can be difficult to know with all the conflicting ads for competing brands. The article  I have linked to here can  help you discover what those confusing dog food labels mean and help you find the most nutritious food for you four legged friend!
Happy Holidays!
Dr. Braun

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This holiday season, please don't forget the most vulnerable residents of our area. While we are toasting our mittens by the fire, thousands of homeless cats and dogs in our area will be cold and hungry. << MORE >>

Everybody loves baby animals—we love to hold them, to look at them, to help them. Sometimes,our idea of ‘helping’ can actually be harmful to the animal and even to ourselves! Here are some really good guidelines to follow in any encounters you may have with a baby critter. ... << MORE >>

Two local Hays children decided this year for their birthday they were going to have their friends make donations to Western Plains Animal Refuge instead of get gifts for themselves. Myranda and Matthew had their party in the lawn at the refuge, which was followed by a tour given by Dr. Jessica Braun. The children ... ... << MORE >>

Having been a veterinarian for, well, let's just say a long time, I have had the mixed blessing of seeing many very loved pets breathe their final breath. It is never an easy situation for the people in the animal's life. In fact, it's heartbreaking to watch, but a gift to be a part of.

Our pets become so much a part of our lives. Yes, they are a responsibility, but pets love us unconditionally and add something to our lives like nothing else can.

When my dog Stoupie ... << MORE >>

This squirrel was found in a garage in Hays, Kansas. The squirrel was not active and seemed to have either fallen from a tree or been attacked. The little guy was very shook up for hours. The homeowners placed him in a box for safe keeping and brought him to Western Plains Animal Refuge ... ... << MORE >>

A great horned owl was saved on Easter Sunday While many people were in church or enjoying Easter brunch, we had our own little version of a resurrection this Easter Sunday. ... << MORE >>

Spay Day USA Tuesday, February 23 is the 16th Annual Spay Day USA. This is an annual campaign by The Humane Society of the United States to highlight the importance of saving animals’ lives by spaying and neutering. This year, Western Plains Animal Refuge, The Animal Health Center of Hays, and Colorado Animal Rescue Express are teaming up to provide a “Pay What You Can” spay/neuter event ... ... << MORE >>

Our video is complete! Special thanks to our Facebook fans who donated their personal pet photos for this video. How wonderful to see how much your pets are loved! Please remember those dogs and cats who do not yet have a home. And, as always, don't buy ... ADOPT! For more information on us, or to see how you can help, please visit us at www.westernplainsanimalrefuge.org ... << MORE >>