VetsOne Hastings

25/05/2026

Mr Pumpernickle’s Weekly Whisker Report

"New Staff, Bin Betrayal, Snuggle Season… and Glowing Cats Incoming"

This week has been a whirlwind at VetsOne, and I, Mr Pumpernickle, have been very busy managing the arrival of two new Veterinarians — Natasha and Madhuri! I love when we get new staff. Fresh humans to train. Fresh hands to pat me. Fresh pockets that may or may not contain snacks.

I have already begun teaching them the important clinic rules:
1. I get attention first.
2. I get attention second.
3. And if unsure, refer back to rules one and two.

They’re learning quickly.

Then came Tuesday — cold, miserable, and entirely unacceptable. I demanded to be snuggled into the weekly meeting, wrapped up like a ginger kitty burrito. The staff complied, as they should. I sat through the whole meeting tucked in and warm, offering moral support and occasional look just to check everyone was doing their best.

However, my week took a dark turn when one of the nurses decided it would be hilarious to place me in the freebie bin “just to see what I’d look like.”
I’ll tell you what I looked like....... "Unamused".

A king does not belong in a bargain bin.
I have made a mental note of this betrayal.

To end this week we have a new round of I‑131 radioactive iodine patients come into Vetsone from other clinics far and wide — we provide life‑altering treatment for hyperthyroid cats. It’s incredible medicine… and also means we will temporarily have glowing cats in the building.

Not literally glowing (I asked), but still — radioactive patients?

Very exciting.
I will be monitoring them from a safe distance, mostly because I am not interested in sharing my spotlight with semi nuclear felines.

All in all, a week of new recruits, bin‑related indignities, snuggle emergencies, and the anticipation of mildly radioactive visitors.
I remain your loyal, dramatic, and highly pampered clinic cat.

– Mr Pumpernickle

23/05/2026

Creating a truly cat‑friendly home goes far beyond food and cuddles — it’s about meeting your feline friend’s instinctive needs.

The five pillars of a healthy feline environment help reduce stress, prevent behaviour issues, and support long‑term wellbeing.

Cats thrive when they have a safe place to retreat to, whether that’s a cosy hideaway, a high perch, or a quiet room away from household chaos. They also need multiple, well‑placed resources — separate areas for food, water, litter trays, scratching posts, resting spots, and play zones — so they never feel forced to compete or compromise.

Daily play and mental stimulation are essential too, giving them an outlet for natural hunting behaviours and keeping boredom at bay. Positive, predictable human interaction helps build trust, but always on the cat’s terms, allowing them to choose when and how they engage.

And finally, a healthy feline environment includes opportunities to express normal behaviours like scratching, climbing, exploring, and scent‑marking.

When all five pillars are supported, cats feel safer, happier, and more confident — and that leads to healthier, more harmonious homes for everyone.

21/05/2026

Many dogs benefit from gentle background sound to help reduce stress, especially during alone‑time or busy household moments.

Relax My Dog on Spotify offers soothing, dog‑friendly music created to support relaxation and lower anxiety.

If your pet struggles with noise sensitivity, separation stress, or just needs help winding down, this can be a helpful tool alongside behaviour and veterinary support.

A calmer dog = a happier home.

18/05/2026

Check out this cute website we just found Cuteness.com!

Cuteness is here to connect you with the content you need to be the best pet parent.

17/05/2026

New on Our Website: Useful Articles for Pet Owners!

We’re excited to share a brand‑new section on our VetsOne website — our Useful Articles library!It’s designed to make caring for your pets easier, clearer, and more accessible, any time you need it.

Got a question about your pet’s health?
You can now search by species, topic, or simply type in a keyword to find trusted, vet‑written information.

Want quick answers?
Our website chatbot can help filter articles and even give you short summaries.

From everyday care to trickier health concerns, this library is like having one of our vets available 24/7 — perfect for those “Is this normal?” moments.

As always, these articles are for general guidance only. If your pet is unwell or you’re unsure, please call our friendly team on (06)878 8666 so we can help.

Check it out here: vetsone.co.nz/useful-article

15/05/2026

Mr Pumpernickle’s Weekly Whisker Report!

Food Testing, Flea Slander & Staff‑Room Sabotage

This week’s report is late because my scribe abandoned me again, but fear not — I have kept detailed mental notes of my greatness.

Let’s begin with my newest and self appointed role: Unofficial Clinic Food Tester. I have taken it upon myself to wander into the shop and personally inspect anything that looks edible.

My greatest achievement so far?

A probiotic sachet that I tore open and devoured.

10/10. Highly recommended.

If it’s good enough for me, it’s good enough for every feline in Hawke’s Bay.

Unfortunately, my week took a dark turn when the vet nurses attempted to start a flea scandal. They told everyone I had fleas. Me. A clean, well‑groomed, highly respected clinic cat. I was outraged. I considered legal action. I settled for dramatic staring.

Since it has been far too cold to go outside, I have been spending my time helping the customer care team with their incoming orders and computer tasks. By “helping,” I mean sitting on the desk, walking across keyboards, napping on the mouse and supervising from extremely inconvenient angles.

They say I’m a distraction. I say I’m essential.

And lastly — the betrayal of the week.
The bosses’ cats were in the staff room, lounging near the kitchen… my favourite place. I was not impressed. I glared. I paced. I made my displeasure known. The audacity of them entering my territory without permission will not be forgotten.

Another week of culinary excellence, workplace drama, and territorial disputes. I remain your loyal, dramatic, and deeply misunderstood clinic cat.

– Mr Pumpernickle

13/05/2026

Why do we want to do Dental Xrays?

Well most of your pet’s tooth is actually hidden below the gumline — around two‑thirds of the entire structure — which means the part you can see is only a small fraction of what’s really going on.

The roots, supporting bone, and internal structures are where the most serious dental problems begin, and this is exactly why dental X‑rays are considered the gold standard in veterinary dentistry.

A tooth can look clean and healthy on the surface while the root is dissolving underneath, especially in cases like feline resorptive lesions, where a cat’s tooth may appear almost normal during a visual exam but looks completely moth‑eaten on X‑ray. These lesions are extremely painful, and without imaging, they can easily be missed.

Dental X‑rays allow us to see the full tooth — not just the crown — so we can detect hidden disease, identify painful conditions early, plan safe extractions, and ensure your pet receives the highest standard of care.

If you would like our Consultation Veterinary Nurse to check the health of your pets teeth. Call to book in for our complementary dental check.

06/05/2026

Have you heard of DOGTV ?
Here’s why we love it for your pets!

At VetsOne, we’re always looking for ways to help keep your pets happy, relaxed, and mentally stimulated — even when you can’t be at home with them.
One resource we’re excited to share with our clients is DogTV.com, a streaming service designed specifically for dogs.

What makes DogTV different?
- Scientifically designed programming
The colours, sounds, and pacing are created to support canine vision and behaviour.

-Helps reduce stress and separation anxiety
Calming segments can help soothe dogs who struggle when left alone.

- Keeps their minds busy
Stimulation content provides gentle enrichment to prevent boredom (and the mischief that sometimes comes with it).

- Great for dogs of all ages
From energetic youngsters to senior pets who enjoy a peaceful day, there’s something for every dog.

Whether you’re at work, running errands, or just want to give your dog a little extra comfort, DogTV can be a helpful tool to support their wellbeing.

If you’d like to learn more, check out DogTV.com — and feel free to ask our team if you’re wondering whether it might be a good fit for your pet.

Supporting happy, healthy pets is what we’re all about.

https://www.dogtv.com/

05/05/2026

Exciting News: VetsOne and CHB Vets are coming Together for Animal Health – Same Great Care, Bigger Reach!

We are thrilled to share some exciting news with our valued clients and community.

VetsOne is joining forces with CHB Vets in Waipukurau – a clinic that shares our deep commitment to personalised, relationship-centred veterinary care. This is a natural partnership between two practices that have always put clients and their animals first, and we couldn't be more excited about what this means for the Hawke's Bay and Central Hawke's Bay region.

For our loyal clients, please be assured: nothing is changing about the VetsOne you know and trust. You will still receive the same warm, personalised service from the same dedicated team you've come to rely on. This merger is simply about growth – bringing together two clinics under one banner so that we can better serve farmers, pet owners, and rural communities across a wider area, with the same heart and expertise you've always experienced with us. This growth will ensure the sustainability of VetsOne in Hawkes Bay, into the future.

Together as VetsOne, we will be better placed than ever to support companion animal and production animal clients throughout Hawke's Bay and Central Hawke's Bay. We are growing our family – and that means more resources, more expertise, and an even greater ability to be there when you need us most. Comhla Vets Ltd ( a larger NZ owned rural based practice) will also be part of this new partnership, further strengthening what we can offer across the region.

We are grateful for the trust you have placed in us over the years, and we look forward to continuing to earn it every single day.

Sharon, Jason and Mike and the Team and VetsOne, and with Karen and the team at CHB Vets.

23/04/2026

It’s Veterinary Receptionist Week — and we want to celebrate our incredible Customer Care Team!

They are the first friendly faces you see, the calm voices on the phone, the organisers of chaos, the treat‑dispensers, the appointment jugglers, the problem‑solvers, and the heartbeat of our clinic.

Our Customer Care Team keeps everything running smoothly so our vets and nurses can focus on caring for your pets — and they do it all with patience, kindness, and a whole lot of heart.

This week, we’d love your help to show them how appreciated they truly are.

💬 Leave a shout‑out in the comments
🐾 Share a moment when they made your visit easier
❤️ Tell us who brightened your day at the front desk