Banfield Pet Hospital® Launches First-Ever Children's Book, Educating Children On The Importance Of Preventive Care

PORTLAND, Ore., Oct. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Banfield Pet Hospital^® and Quvenzhane Wallis, pet lover and star of the upcoming musical film, "Annie," announce a new chapter together with the release of a children's book titled, "My Very, Very Busy Day!" The book is written to entertain and educate children by focusing on what it means to be a responsible pet owner, including the importance of pets receiving regular preventive veterinary care in order to be happy, healthy and of course, very, very busy. Quvenzhane Wallis contributed the book's foreword, sharing with readers the love she has for her two dogs, Sammie and Shuga, as well as her future aspiration of becoming a veterinarian. 

"Just like my own dogs, the pets in this book are very, very busy, and they count on their owners to take really good care of them," said Quvenzhane Wallis. "I've always loved animals and dream of becoming a veterinarian when I grow up, so I'm very excited for this opportunity to help teach kids about what pets need to be happy and healthy!"

Each Page Turned is a Lesson Learned
The book follows a day in the life of two four-legged friends, Captain Noodles, a feisty, energetic dog and Kitty, a very wise cat as they spend their day doing what they love the most—eating, playing and sleeping. Captain Noodles and Kitty also visit the veterinarian for their six-month check-up, where the vet listens to their heart, checks their eyes, ears and teeth and makes sure they are free of fleas and ticks. Each activity is intended to amuse the reader, while also providing education, illustrating what it takes to be a responsible pet owner and the importance of pets receiving regular preventive veterinary care.

"My Very, Very Busy Day!" also features Banfield's "Best Friend Promise" for children, which includes a list of actions children can do to help care for their pet. Activities such as providing fresh water, regular exercise and proper identification, among others, are all important components of being a responsible pet owner. The promise also includes a place for children to sign their name, signifying their understanding of what is needed to keep pets happy and healthy.  

Banfield recruited two of its veterinarians, Dr. Ari Zabell, director of client advocate support in Portland, Ore. and Dr. Jessica Trice, chief of staff in one of Banfield's Chicago hospitals, to provide medical expertise for the book.

"Responsible pet ownership and the importance of preventive veterinary care are learned through education—it is never too soon to teach children the importance of properly caring for a pet," said Dr. Ari Zabell. "In addition to being great friends and loving companions, pets can teach children valuable lessons when it comes to responsibility. No matter how young a child is, they play a significant role in the family and in the life of a family pet—it's important they build good habits at an early age when it comes to providing the best care possible for a pet. My three children truly enjoy taking an active role in caring for our two dogs—I'm really proud of how they've taken to heart what I've taught them about loving and caring for animals."

"My Very, Very Busy Day!" is written and illustrated by Ray Nelson, a Portland, Ore. based artist, in partnership with Banfield Pet Hospital. To further Banfield's commitment to making a better world for pets, the book will be available for a suggested donation of $10 to Banfield Charitable Trust, to provide preventive care to pets in need.

STORY TIME IN THE BIG APPLE
To celebrate the book's launch, Banfield Pet Hospital and Quvenzhane Wallis will host a reading and book signing today, Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2014 beginning at 11 a.m. at the Children's Museum of Manhattan, located at 212 W. 83rd St. in Manhattan's Upper West Side. Children from The Museum Magnet School (P.S. 191) and NYC-area families will be among the first to hear "My Very, Very Busy Day!" read by Wallis with the help of her "Annie" co-star, Sandy.

As the world's largest veterinary practice, Banfield Pet Hospital's philosophy on pet health care is built on the foundation of preventive medicine with a focus on proper vaccines, dental care, parasite control (i.e. heartworm, flea and tick control), good nutrition and behavior training. Banfield is the leader in preventive pet health care delivered through its signature Optimum Wellness Plans^®, packages of veterinary services that provide pet owners with year-round preventive care, including unlimited free office visits, comprehensive physical examinations, routinely recommended vaccines and early screenings for serious illness.

For more information about Banfield Pet Hospital and its children's book, visit www.banfield.com/myveryverybusyday or visit your local Banfield.

About Banfield Pet Hospital^®
Founded in Portland, Ore., in 1955, Banfield is the largest general veterinary practice in the world. In 2007, Banfield joined the Mars, Inc. family of businesses, and today it is more than 880 hospitals strong in neighborhoods across the United States and Puerto Rico. More than 2,900 veterinarians at Banfield are committed to giving pets the highest quality of veterinary care. Banfield hospitals offer a full range of comprehensive medical services, computerized medical records, preventive care plans for pets and extended operating hours. Banfield Pet Hospital provides preventive care for millions of pets each year through Optimum Wellness Plans^®. For journalists seeking more information, visit www.banfield.com or contact the Media Hotline at 888-355-0595.

SOURCE Banfield Pet Hospital

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