Fetching Tag's Jen Cleere summarizes what so many of us who have dealt with pets with cancer have had to face: When is the treatment worse than the problem? My dog Ruth’s 1st round of cancer at age 7 seemed to be easily dispatched. A little surgery to excise the grade 2 mast cell tumor on her side and a change in diet from kibble to raw, and she was soon thriving. For a month or three I had felt sure that this was the tragic end to her young life, but doom took the back burner when she ... Read more »
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Bailey’s Grace- tips for a nonprofit starter?
Lisa has been one of my most loyal readers and supporters since I started pawcurious. We bonded last year over the losses that ripped out our hearts- my Emmett and her Bailey. Read on to find out what amazing idea has come out of her grief and sadness. You remember Bailey and Lisa, right? I bet you do. Here's what she wrote me: The first thing I did after Bailey left was to get a tattoo -- a heart with a pawprint on it, later with her name added. Then, a couple of weeks later, I attended ... Read more »
Epilepsy Awareness- how much do you know?
Since this is Epilepsy Awareness month as well as a fundraiser for a little boy with epilepsy, Bradyn's mom Elizabeth has provided a guest post talking about some of the misconceptions surrounding the condition. Would you know how to help? The more I talk about Bradyn and Epilepsy the more apparent it becomes that there is a serious lack of information out there. So it’s time for B’s Mama to do some educating. Epilepsy is not: 1 - Epilepsy is NOT contagious. 2 - Epilepsy is NOT ... Read more »
Giveaway: Peekeeper
Have you ever heard of a fashionable diaper? Me neither. There is a reason they are not considered haute couture. Nonetheless, there is a time and place for everything, and our canine friends may sometimes find themselves in need of one as well. Incontinent dogs, submissive urinators who sprinkle everywhere, and dogs in heat are just a couple examples of the type of dog who might find themselves bundled up in doggie depends. Dog diapers, in addition to being just silly looking, are a bit ... Read more »
Fear of flying
Caroline from Ezri Dog shares her experience with the hassle of trying to bring a pet into the UK. After dealing with this a few times myself- it's a nightmare! I have only this to say: Pay one of those services that will help you get organized, or commit to doing a ton of research. They are very, very particular. Thank you to Caroline for this great post and good luck to you both with the move! In just 3 1/2 weeks, I have to put my puppy on a plane. In cargo. Before we decided to get a ... Read more »
Your Questions Answered: Part 2
Most difficult class in vet school?That's a toss-up. Clinical pathology was a bear, but so was neurology. The first because of the topic, the second because of the teacher. Did the dogs get any of the cat litter chicken breast? Nope. It was immediately tossed, much to Koa's chagrin. She really wanted it (as you could see, I didn't realize until watching the video that she was pacing like Jaws!) What was the biggest animal you have treated & what for? And the smallest & what ... Read more »
This one’s for the kitties
As many of you know, although I like cats, I have an extra special soft spot for the black cats, or jungle ocelots as I prefer to refer to them as. Sally Bahner from Exclusively Cats shares a wonderful post about my favorite feline topic. No other kind of cat, whether purebred or moggie, is more steeped in myth and mystery than the black cat. From the basic good luck-bad luck premise to elaborate symbolism associated with different countries, black cats have been a part of the cultural ... Read more »
On being bit
"Oh, he's just a teddy bear," says the client as the big huge Rottweiler lifts his head and looks at me. What I say and do next will color their impression of me for the rest of our relationship. Am I scared of big dogs? Not unless they give me a reason to be. Do I exercise reasonable caution with them? I sure do, just like I do with all animals. I approach a big dog, the kind who sometimes have a reputation for being aggressive, the same way I do all pets. Respectfully. I am ... Read more »
This is why
I am a vet and not a botanist. Par for the course in my house. ... Read more »
Doctor….Do Dead Pets Watch Over Us?
Grief counselor Dana Durrance asks a good question for a late night discussion: do you believe departed pets come back to visit? And is this a discussion you would even want to have with your vet? I've been reading a terrific book by a famous and well-known medium named Concetta Bertoldi (she consults regularly with members of Britain's royal family as well as with American celebrities and politicians). Her book, "Do Dead People Watch You Shower?" is a fascinating compilation of all the ... Read more »