Veterinary Wisdom® Café

Walgreens or an Animal Shelter?

Okay so this is not a real shocker...but the American Medical Association has officially prescribed "walking a dog" as a treatment for seniors with physical limitations, depression, and even boredom. We all know that animals can help improve our lives. This most recent recommendation from the AMA just convinces me more.

A study conducted at the University of Mississippi tested 87 seniors who reported having "mild health problems." Half of the seniors were given weekly counseling sessions with a nutritionist and a physical therapist while the other half took a dog for a walk every day. The results showed that those seniors who walked dogs had significantly less physical problems and lower depression rates. (I read about this study in my local newspaper, the Colorado Springs Gazette.)

Although this is just one study and the methodology is unclear, this finding only reinforces my belief that pets enrich our lives on multiple levels. They comfort us, offer unconditional love, and help us get the most of life. One of the researchers doing the study theorizes that seniors benefit physically because they are exercising every day and tend to walk longer and faster when walking with a dog than when walking by themselves.

Another wonderful outcome of this study is that all the dogs taken for daily walks were living in animal shelters. By taking them for a regular outings, their quality of life also improved and there was a decrease in their anxious behaviors such as whining, scratching, and crying. Wouldn't it be great if every animal shelter in the country partnered with senior centers for a project like this? What are your thoughts?

--Dana

California Taking the Lead

Well it looks like the state of California will score yet another victory for animal welfare! As of January 1st, 2010, tail docking of dairy cattle is banned (Journal of American Veterinary Association, Dec. 2009). Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the bill on October 11th with the full support of the California section of the ASPCA. This new law bans a tail docking of dairy cows unless "the procedure will save the cow's life or relieve pain." That's fairly progressive legislation in my mind. As you may recall, the latest legislative efforts to ban all declawing of cats also originated in California. Since then, several other states have taken up the mantle.

Why do you think California is such a leader in animal welfare? What do Californians do (or have) that set them apart from other states? Your thoughts?

--Dana

Sick As A Dog

Well, we knew it would happen eventually... my morning newspaper (The Colorado Springs Gazette) says that a 13 year-old mixed breed dog is the first confirmed case of a dog with the H1N1 Flu. This dog in White Plains, New York is recovering well but apparently caught the virus from his owner. Dr. Anne Schuchat of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirms that dogs can carry and spread viruses, but such cases are extremely rare and should not make people afraid of their pets (just as they said with cats and ferrets).

The dog... suffering from breathing problems, was taken to the Katonah Bedford Veterinary Center in Bedford Hills, New York on Dec. 13th. The dog was tested for H1N1 because it's owner previously had the virus. They expect the dog to make a complete recovery and be "back to his old self" very soon.

Have any of you heard about any other dogs with H1N1? If we become ill with H1N1 ourselves...I'm wondering how we can prevent giving this virus to our pets? Your thoughts?

--Dana

Santa Claus And Lots of Paws

If you think that the department store Santa's have it tough with sneezing and crying children...you ought to see what it's like for Santa when the "children" are barking, nipping, and sometimes even peeing! This past week-end, the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region held their annual "Santa Paws" event in which people donate money to have their pets pose for a picture with Santa Claus (this year Santa was Steve Dudek--an El Paso County Sheriff's Deputy). 

There was Conan, "a rambunctious black Labrador puppy who loved to jump up, refused to sit down, and spit up on the floor. Twice. There were four mammoth-size dogs who tried to make a run for it while Santa was holding their leashes. "They made a sleigh out of me" Dudek laughed. Overall, this Santa was happy to volunteer his time and reveled in the joy that animals bring to our lives (see story at Gazette.com) - photos included!)

I love to read stories like these...how about any of you? Have you ever had your pet pose for a picture with Santa or posed for any other special holiday? What about birthdays? Do you celebrate them and if so...how? I'm interested in hearing your stories! (photo is of Laurel's dog, Bear)

--Dana

AARP & Hero Pets

I want to alert you all to another great article in a popular magazine about the People-Pet bond...

The November-December 2009 issue of the AARP magazine has a lengthy article about the lengths some pets have gone to protect or even save their owners' lives.  There is a most touching story about a military dog who now lives with the mother of the man he served with in Iraq...I won't tell you the details because the article expresses the story so well.

I urge you to read this issue on newstands now...I like to support the mainstream media when they give prominence to stories like these about the significant roles of animals in our lives.  I think it helps awaken us to the importance of pets in our lives and helps everyone realize that we must do a better job of caring for them and supporting animal causes.

Read about Lex and let me know what you think...

--Laurel

Tokyo's Calico Cat Cafe

Have you heard about the new trend in Japanese tea houses?  They're called cat cafés.  For just $10.00 an hour, patrons can sip tea and pet or play with one of the twenty or so resident cats who inhabit the establishment.  A different kind of 'cat house' than those we have here in the States, huh?

However, there's nothing shameful about the Calico cat café and other places like it.  It truly seems to serve a purpose in that country.  Many Japanese people work long hours, travel often on business, and live in small apartments that don't allow pets.  Animal companionship is hard to come by, so cafés have begun to offer this small comfort of home.  The article I read about the phenomena (in United Airline's October issue of Hemispheres) said Calico was often booked solid on the weekends and that the trend is growing.  A bunny café recently opened in Tokyo. (photo from Japan Times Online)

--Laurel

Viral Vexations

Ah yes...the H1N1 Flu virus...a topic that is practically impossible to ignore. No matter where you look, everyone and every place is concerned about it. Well, we now need to add veterinary medicine in the group. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) confirmed that last week, a cat in Iowa tested positive for the H1N1 virus. While it's been known that the virus can live in other animals like pigs, birds, and ferrets, this is the first anyone has heard of a cat being afflicted. Supposedly, the cat is doing well and the prognosis is excellent, but the story is creating a bit of a panic (as this virus tends to do).

Kimberly May, (DMV, MS, DACVS) at the AVMA has confirmed "it is possible for the virus to spread to other animals and possibly to other people." However, she encourages people to "not panic" since it's still much more more likely to contract the virus from another person rather than from an animal.

Has anyone else heard about other animals (such as dogs) having the virus? What do you think this means for us pet lovers? Let's talk!

--Dana

P.S. I've also heard that some ferrets in Oregon have tested positive for H1N1 this week. So, stay away from the ferrets in your neighborhood Tammy!

Safety Versus Freedom

Snakes are in the news! Is it a crime to own a dangerous reptile or poisonous snake? The October online edition of the American Animal Hospital Association's Newstat says that this could soon be the case. A new proposal is being sent to congress to ban the ownership of "venomous reptiles and other animals of concern" (such as snakes).

Personally, I believe that animals like rattlesnakes, cobras, and poisonous salamanders should NOT be living in someone's home anyway. Over the years, we've had a few people call our hospital wanting us to treat their rattlesnakes and other poisonous pets (one man even wanted us to examine his scorpion). We always refer these people to a veterinary zoologist, but I worry about their safety in having such a pet in the first place.

What do you all think? Should people be forbidden to own dangerous animals and if so, is it appropriate for the the government to make it a crime? What about the people who own wolf hybrids? What are your thoughts about the line between freedom of choice and public safety?

--Dana

Paw Power

The latest edition of Veterinary Practice News contained an article about a new group called The Paw Project.  Apparently, the group was formed by people who believe that de-clawing cats is inhumane. One of their new billboards reads, "If You're for De-clawing Cats, Raise Your Hand" and depicts a human hand with each finger severed at the last joint.

I've written about de-clawing before...but it is a topic in veterinary medicine that is overflowing with controversy. Is it inhuman to do this? If de-claws become illegal, what will happen to the cats that are relinquished from damaging furniture and other household possessions? Already, the procedure is illegal in West Hollywood and it looks like San Francisco will be joining in the ban.

If you're interested in this topic, just visit www.PawProject.org. There's as much information as you could want on the topic. What about you? How do you feel about de-clawing? Is the drastic nature of the procedure justified by the end result of less cats in animal shelters? What do all you cat lovers think?

--Dana

Pets and Children

The October- 2009 issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) calls for research proposals in the veterinary world. Specifically, it appears that the National Institutes of Health, along with Mars Inc. are looking for studies that examine human-animal interactions and their effect on child health and development. According to the article, there is 2 million dollars in funding over the next four-year period.

The very fact that people want to study how animals affect children shows how far our world has come in the human-animal bond. Many studies over the years have shown how human-animal interactions can improve the health of seniors with medical problems. It only makes sense that they would want to look at the role of animals in the physical and psychological treatment of children.

What if you were a researcher? If you were writing a grant for this topic, what would you want to study? What issues around children and animals are most interesting to you?

--Dana

October is adopt-a-dog month

If you are considering adopting a dog, October is the month to do so! American Humane is promoting October as the time to save a homeless dog. "Rescue a shelter dog... and get a loyal sidekick for all of life's adventures".

Shelters always have many dogs who need to find homes. Especially now, during a time when people are having money difficulties, many pets wind up in shelters. These dogs (and cats!) need to find their own homes and families to love.

Even if you aren't in a place to adopt a dog in October, there are other ways to help your local shelters. They always need donations - money and time! Most shelters have webpages these days, and they often post wish-lists of things they need for the animals.

Our local shelter here in Oregon, is in trouble. They don't have the funding to continue to stay open and help homeless animas. We have found that the communities around here are doing a lot to try and help. Many local restaurants donate portions of their proceeds to the shelter. We have learned which do this, and we will do our part by patronizing the ones that do.

Would you ever consider adopting a dog from a shelter? Or have you already? I know that, for me, if or when Mike and I decide to adopt a dog (WAY down the road), we will certainly adopt a dog from a shelter. I can't think of all those pups (and older dogs too) needing homes and think of any other way to get a dog! 

--Tammy

Atheists to care for Christians' pets

Now, I am not sure how to approach this story without offending someone, but I'm going to try!

I came across a very interesting (strange?!) idea a couple of weeks ago. It seems that there is a group of Atheists who have realized that Christians who believe in the Rapture have a problem. What will happen to their pets if they are raptured and taken to heaven? I think that many Christians may not believe that pets will go to heaven. So, what is to become of Fluffy and Fido if they just *poof*, disappear?

Eternal Earth-Bound Pets, USA has a solution. Their tag-line - "The next best thing to pet salvation in a post-Rapture world". They bill themselves as a "group of dedicated animal-lovers, and atheists." They are basically saying to Christians who believe in the Rapture, that they WILL still be here on Earth after the Rapture happens to take care of pets left behind.

My first thought when I saw this article, was "Is this a joke?" I thought maybe it was a post by the satirical "news" source, The Onion. Nope - it's real. Actually, the very first FAQ on the Eternal site is that very thing - "Is this a joke?" They assure people visiting their site that they are quite serious about their mission, and fully intend to help pets left behind after Rapture. Currently, they have active representatives in 22 states. You can sign up for the service by sending an application form, and payment. $110 will guarantee someone to care for your pet if you're raptured within 10 years of the contract. An additional $15 per pet covers the rest of your furry family.

What do you think of a service like this? Scam, or needed service? My personal beliefs aside, I have to admit that I actually find this rather hilarious. But, it's also pretty enterprising. These atheists are making a business by capitalizing on beliefs that they don't share! Would you ever consider using a service such as this if you believe in the Rapture?

--Tammy

Calming Canines

Yesterday, I heard about a growing problem that affects service dogs and their owners. It appears that the some of the public school districts in Chicago, California, and Pennsylvania are refusing to allow autistic children to bring their dogs to school with them (they worry about other children who may be afraid of dogs).  Like seeing-eye dogs for the blind or deaf, trained dogs are now used to help autistic children deal with their disabilities (such as repetitive movements, violent outbursts, and problems communicating). The dogs are trained to be a calming influence and provide the child with constancy between home, school, and other places.

While there's little research out there on how these dogs affect autistic kids,  many families with autistic children claim that the dogs are "amazingly helpful" in keeping their child calm and focused. Recently, two autistic elementary school students won court orders in Illinois to allow their dogs to accompany them to school. Similar lawsuits are being filed by other autistic children in California and Pennsylvania. It seems that these children and their families have absolutely no doubts about the importance of these special dogs.

What are your thoughts about this? Should assistance dogs be allowed in schools to help autistic children? Should it matter that there is little scientific proof of the benefits of these dogs? Let's hear your thoughts. (photo from bigstockphoto.com)

--Dana

Would You Sue Your Vet?

Several states are considering laws about whether or not to grant emotional damages along with compensation for medical expenses and the basic cost of an animal in regards to lawsuits over the death of a pet.  Most lawsuits concerning pets are filed citing damages for emotional distress and loss of companionship.  In several recent cases, however, judges have declined to grant damages on these grounds.

Most of the leading law schools now have courses on animal law.  Veterinarians are being sued by clients more and more frequently.  To cover the expense of malpractice insurance, the cost of veterinary care will surely continue to rise, especially if lawsuits continue to become more acceptable.

What do you think?  Would you ever sue your veterinarian?  How bad would the circumstances have to be for you to hire an attorney?

I've heard many, many horror stories during my career about the insensitivity of groomers, kennel owners, and yes even veterinarians, but very few stories where it really seemed like mistakes or negligence were involved.

I have a former client who just contacted me asking if I would serve as an expert witness in a lawsuit she is considering against her veterinarian.  I declined, for many reasons, but the biggest one is that I think we should have less legal action in our country, not more...and I certainly don't want to support this model within veterinary medicine.

I realize there are times when legal action is truly warranted and probably should be taken.  Where do we draw that line?

I assume this issue is going to come up more and more for those of us connected to the profession, so I'm interested in what you all think about it...

--Laurel

Computerized Co-Workers

Today's technology...it changes so fast now that you could upgrade your computer (iPhone, Blackberry, etc) on a weekly basis. It's wonderful, efficient, sophisticated, and very polished. Yet, as amazing as new technology is, I sometimes worry about it's effect on human interactions. We're all probably familiar with the joke about 2 teenagers who are texting each other and "conversing" electronically while they are sitting right next to each other. It's funny, but in a way, kind of sad. Are we so seduced by shiny electronic things that we fail to even acknowledge the people sitting right in front of us? I wonder sometimes.

My job as a consultant requires me to do the bulk of my work via computer. There's no doubt that it's more convenient and probably more efficient, but there are days when I really miss the company of another co-worker. One benefit of having a job is the relationships and friendships that you build at that particular job. With co-workers, you feel companionship, camaraderie, and you can easily identify the humorous aspects of your work. Co-workers also help you when you have a difficult or stressful day. For my work, I find that it's really hard to make friends with or build camaraderie with an e-mail account. Establishing a solid relationship with someone whom you've never met, or even talked to is challenging. I try as best as I can to infuse "humanity" into my e-mails, but at the end of the day, I'm still sitting in front of my computer with not another person in sight. It can be lonely, isolating, and unfulfilling from an interpersonal standpoint.

I'm probably biased because I'm trained in communication and that is my specialty, but I think it's an important point. At our pet hospital, we see more and more veterinary software that allows clients to check in or consult with their veterinarian via a website or e-mail address. Sure it's convenient, but does that mean it's better? Is the quality of the interaction as good or as satisfying? Maybe I'm just from an older generation, but I prefer to actually interact with my doctors every once and awhile (at the very least by phone).

What are your thoughts about this? Do you think veterinary medicine is losing it's personal touch from all this fancy technology? Where do you all see the profession going towards? What do you think about our society in general? Let me know your ideas! (photo from istockphoto.com)

--Dana

Dual Obligations

The August 2009 issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) contains an ethical discussion about the use of non-human primates in biomedical research. In particular, the article quotes several veterinarians who specialize in caring for research animals. These veterinarians are stuck in the middle between dual obligations. Veterinarians have sworn an oath to protect animal health and relieve suffering in their patients. At the same time however, they are equally committed to promoting public health and advancing medical knowledge that could potentially save lives.

There's no escaping the fact that biomedical research data collected from primates (instead of mice) is significantly more accurate in determining a drug's potential for helping people. Non-human primates (especially chimpanzees) share almost 99% of the same genetic material as people. So, in some cases and with some human diseases, the question about using primates literally becomes a matter of life and death.

What would you do if you were a veterinarian charged to protect the animals used in research situations? How would you handle it and how would you see your role? Do you think veterinarians who oversee medical research on animals are "betraying" the very population they're sworn to protect? I'm interested in your thoughts.

--Dana

Support for wildfire victims

As you probably know, there are wildfires burning in California. What we may not consider, or hear reported on the news, is what happens to animals that are in the danger area!

In searching around the Internet, I found that there are a lot of people and organizations who are stepping up to the plate to help animals (and their owners) during this crisis.

VCA hospitals in the affected areas have offered free boarding for pets who are affected by the fires. This extends to families who have been evacuated or displaced by the Station Wild Fire (north of Los Angeles, CA). The comment from VCA headquarters, "As people are being evacuated to shelters or facing the loss of their homes, VCA is committed to assist them by offering free boarding for pets so they can focus on the critical issues with their families and homes." They will take pets on a space available basis. 

Other organizations are helping out as well. The LA Zoo is taking in exotic animals from the Wildlife Waystation near the fires. Budweiser even helped in this situation by loaning a truck to help transport the wild animals.

There are many others who are helping out too. If you need help because you are in the fire zone, contact your local shelters to find out who can help you with your pets. Most of all, be safe!

Have you ever been affected by a dangerous situation such as a wild fire and had to evacuate? Do you know what you would do with your pets if this happened? It is something to think about and prepare for ahead of time! I personally have not had to evacuate, but a few years ago there was a wildfire in the foothills near my home. I lived on a farm, and we took in some horses that needed a place to be safe from the fires. It was really great to be able to help someone in a scary time!

--Tammy

A Few "Mistakes?"

Well...if I'm to believe my local sports newscaster, it looks like former NFL Quarterback Michael Vick has been hired by the Philadelphia Eagles now that he has completed his jail sentence for organizing an illegal dog-fighting ring and for brutal acts against pit-bull dogs. On sports networks like ESPN, I keep hearing people talk about how he has "made a few mistakes" but should be forgiven and allowed to re-enter the NFL.

I guess that I have a different definition of the word "mistake." To me, a mistake is doing something bad or wrong unintentionally or accidentally. With mistakes, there is no malice or forethought involved. However, what Michael Vick did to these dogs was no accident. He purposely, willfully, and intentionally set out to abuse, exploit, terrorize, beat, torture, and kill these dogs. If this is a mere "mistake," then I seriously worry about our morals as a society.

Eyewitness testimony that lead to Vick's arrest and conviction included details about how Vick would beat to death the pit-bulls who didn't perform well in the fighting ring (or he would drown them). He could have chosen to kill these dogs humanely by having a veterinarian use a euthanasia solution. Instead, he chose to be malicious and brutal about it plain and simple.

Now that Michael Vick has been hired by the Philadelphia Eagles, I worry about what kind of a message this sends. Should we excuse purposeful and sadistic acts of cruelty toward other living beings simply because the brutality was directed towards dogs and not human beings? I would like to think that people (even those who have never owned or loved dogs) would be appalled by this behavior; but obviously this is not the case. Of course, there are other football players who have done terrible things and are still playing in the NFL (such as Leonard Little who killed Susan Gutweiler while driving drunk in 1998). So maybe this is just more of the same blind tolerance. In the pantheon of evil, are Vick's actions more excusable since it involved only animals? Should this really make such a difference? What are your opinions?

As owners of a veterinary hospital and representatives for the veterinary profession, my husband and I wrote to the NFL commissioner and the owner of the Philadelphia Eagles expressing our outrage. Personally, I feel sick over this and am so completely outraged that I want to scream. This issue also creates more profound and perhaps disturbing questions such as, "Is a dog's life less valuable than a person's? Is killing okay when it's just killing animals?" Does the brutality involved make a difference? What are your thoughts? If you were the NFL commissioner, how would you have dealt with this? How about if you owned a football team? Let's hear from you!

--Dana

Inmates Grooming Dogs

I came across this interesting story a couple weeks ago! In Illinois, there is a program for female inmates at the Decatur Correctional Center that teaches them how to groom dogs.

Kim Schwalbach had been a dog groomer for about 20 years. She was going to retire, but was invited instead to teach grooming to inmates. She established a salon in the medium security prison and called it CLIPS - Correctional Ladies Improving Pets.

She is now retiring and the facility is hoping to find a replacement so that the program will continue. Her program has helped to groom about 500 shelter dogs every year, which helps the dogs be more adoptable. Inmates who went through the program have also benefited. Several of the ladies were able to get jobs as groomers upon their release from the facility. Prison officials have also said that most of the ladies who went through the groomer program have not returned to the facility!

What a wonderfully positive program - not only for the shelter dogs who benefit from the care and grooming, but for the ladies who are in the center. They get a chance to learn a trade that may benefit them upon their release! (Full story here.)

--Tammy

Rescuing Recess

As an active board member of the PTA at my kids' elementary school, I can tell you that the last few weeks before summer break were focused on dodge ball, hot potato, and freeze tag. There is a growing trend of reducing, or even eliminating recess in many elementary schools across the country. This is in response to the increasing emphasis on standardized test scores in schools.

I think that eliminating recess is a HUGE mistake. How are children supposed to sit still and focused for hours on end without the ocassional break to go outside and blow off steam? I would think that students are likely to perform better on tests when they're allowed periodic breaks of down time. Additionally,the social, emotional, and physical benefits of recess should not be overlooked.

As a matter of fact...adults probably need recess in their places of work as well. At our pet hospital, I have experienced relief and relaxation myself just from getting out of the building for even a few minutes. I'm thinking that this inner need to "play" factors into our bond with animals. Pets after all, encourage us to take life less seriously; to be silly; and to simply play for awhile.

Can you imagine having recess at your place of work? Do your pets help you and your inner child to go out and play?

--Dana

How About Some Middle Ground?

Much has been said about the Obama's new puppy. Yes..."The First Dog" is getting as much press as the contestants on American Idol. The war of words between rescue organizations, animal rights groups, and breeders has certainly generated interest.

So what do many veterinarians think about this? Steve and I (along with many of our colleagues) believe that it's not a case of "either/or." There is room for middle ground. It's certainly true that the Obamas could have used this as an opportunity to educate Americans about the plight of many homeless animals. Yet...I don't think that adopting a pure bred dog makes the President a "traitor to the animal world" (as one rescue group said).

The sad fact is that there are a lot of backyard breeders out there who are just trying to make a fast buck and end of abusing the animals in the process. Puppy mills are a tragic reality, and as long as money can be made...animals will suffer at the hands of greedy people.

However, moving more towards the middle it's important to remember that there are also many fantastic breeders out there. These good folks genuinely adore their breed and do everything possible to promote ethical behavior. We know several breeders who not only advocate for their breed, but also donate, volunteer, and support many animal rescue groups and humane societies. While it's easy to paint breeders as the bad guy...it's just not that simple.

The first dog Steve and I ever had was a pure-bred Golden Retriever (purchased from one of those "good" breeders). I wouldn't trade my memories or time with Roxanne for all the tea in China. She was an amazing dog (as most Goldens are). It's true that since Roxanne, we have adopted only shelter dogs, but I DO NOT regret our decision for adopting a pure-breed. Who knows...we may even get another one some day?

So...here's the scoop. We're at the middle. Yes... we need to shut down those irresponsible and abusive animal owners out there, but we can't destroy all the good, ethical ones in the process as collateral damage. It's just not fair, and it's just not right.

What are your thoughts about this? Do you lean more towards either extreme? I'd love to hear your thoughts! (image from examiner.com)

--Dana

Marley and Me

To speak the unspeakable...it is truly hard. That's what we see at our pet hospital in our clients as well as in ourselves. It's that inevitable time when our beloved animals have become so ill or injured that we must make the decision to let them die peacefully and without pain. It sounds good in theory, but it's almost impossible to talk about. Clients don't want to say the word "euthanasia" and understandably so. As a matter of fact, WE--in the veterinary profession don't want to say the word. It evokes too much anxiety, too much social discomfort, and way too much grief.

My mother went to go see the new movie "Marley and Me" the other day. She was surprised to see that the movie actually contained a scene showing a euthanasia. Marley was in pain and was suffering, so his family made the loving decision to help him die peacefully. But to actually show the process itself on the big screen?...that's big stuff. Many people might be offended by that (I can hear the critics now..."an uneccesary manipulation of the audience's emotions.") Yet, for my part, I think that the producers of this movie are quite bold.

At our pet hospital, one of our biggest barriers to talking with clients about euthanasia is their ignorance of procedure. People have no idea what's involved, what to expect, and so they have inaccurate fears and ideas. They worry that something unexpected will happen. The truth is inescapable...what they're really afraid of deep down inside is the grief (and the fear of expressing it to everyone in the room). So let's get down to it....Yes, your loved one will die. But, HOW will that loved one die? With euthanasia, there's no struggling for breath, or writhing in agonizing pain. There's no fear that the pain won't stop and there's no loneliness. With euthanasia, the animals are comforted by being with the people who love them the most. They are sedated and therefore, not anxious. Their lives are ended in a controlled manner where pain and suffering has been eliminated and the people who love them know what to expect before it happens. 

The emotional pain that comes with euthanasia is unavoidable...but the other types of pain can be eliminated if we can understand what euthanasia is really all about. Maybe this movie will give us a nudge in the right direction. Maybe it will help us all to get more comfortable with saying the word "euthanasia" and really talking about it. It's hard enough for our employees to talk about it, so I can only imagine how difficult it is for the clients. Yet, we've got to get comfortable with it if we're going to truly help our companion animals and to eliminate unecessary suffering. For those of us in the veterinary profession, we must force ourselves to talk about it openly and as often as needed. It's the only way to give our clients the support that they deserve. We've all got to learn how to speak the unspeakable.

What do you think about the movie? How was Marley's death handled? Let's hear your thoughts!

 

--Dana

A New First-Dog

So, of course, the big news of the week - the presidential election on Tuesday. History was made!

The buzz following Barack Obama's acceptance speech on Tuesday night... what kind of dog would the Obama family be getting?!

You see - President-Elect Obama mentioned in his speech that they would be getting the promised dog before they move into the white house in January! The speculation began! Would they pick a specific breed? What breed would be best for the family? Everyone had their best suggestion! My favorite suggestions involved the family choosing a shelter dog!

And the news today - directly from Mr. Obama himself... "our preference would be to get a shelter dog". Obama also said that the dog should be a "mutt, like me". I LOVE this! I hope that they go with this and choose a mutt that needs a home! Imagine being a shelter mutt one day and a white-house resident the next! Malia and Sasha are lucky girls! And I know whatever pup they pick, it will be a lucky dog too.

What is your opinion on the dog for the white-house bound next first family? I can't wait to hear about the dog they pick, and what they name it!!