A while back, I was invited by Petfinder to write a guest post on arthritis in pets. I happily accepted- even though I tend to the more chatty around here, I can write something useful when necessary. Jane just let me know the post is live today! How to help pets with arthritis stay comfortable during cold winter months This makes me feel better about the fact that I did not write a single medical post during the blogathon. :) ... Read more »
Blogathon 2010
After the marathon
There's no real primer out there for how to recover after a blogathon, so I looked up the next best thing. I don't know if an actual marathon is the best analogy, because after I ran Rock and Roll in 2001 I hobbled home, hung my shoes up and swore NEVER AGAIN. But much of it is still applicable: rest, take it easy, don't jump right on into another race, etc. But then I saw this: The Day After the Race Post race depression is quite common. You usually feel a real "high" after finishing ... Read more »
Epilogue: The quiet heroes
When I was at the telethon yesterday, I asked Mike Arms how he was doing. "I just got back from Prague," he said, "where I was asked to give a keynote address to an international assembly of animal rescuers from 50 countries." He told me he doesn't write his remarks ahead of time. I guess that is something you just learn how to do over time. If I got up there I would have just stammered for a few minutes and then resorted to knock knock jokes. But I digress. I asked him what he said, and ... Read more »
Down to the wire: This experience in interpretive blogging
Tired ... Read more »
Final Biscuits by Lambchop Giveaway!
This is your last chance to earn some delicious, yummy Biscuits By Lambchop! Biscuits by Lambchop™ dog treats are free of gluten, soy, corn, rice, dairy, eggs, nuts, animal proteins and preservatives and are low in fat, sodium and phosphorus to accommodate the needs of dogs who have these restrictions in their diet, such as those with some types of kidney, liver and pancreas problems. Please check out this wonderful post from our friends at Dogster about how dogs help people with ... Read more »
Giveaway: Dog Angel Jewelry
And the winner, courtesty of random.org is...drumroll please.....comment #8, Laura Z! Congratulations! I will catch up with you after the blogathon and get you set. This is a really special giveaway from Amy Valentine at Dog Angel Jewelry. I was fortunate enough to be gifted with one of her Best Dog Ever cuff bracelets in honor of Emmett and I wear it all the time. Dog Angel Jewelry was founded by veterinarian and jewelry artist, Amy Valentine, following the loss of her beloved dogs, ... Read more »
Following your pet’s heart
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 »
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 »
Here’s a little late night Easter egg for ya
It may or may not remain up. :D In the interest of fairness, this was only an actual conversation up to the last sentence. ... Read more »
Calming Collars Giveaway Number Two!
Due to the overwhelming response to the earlier post about Calming Collars, Deb has agreed make a $5 donation to “the puppy for Bradyn” for each Calming Collar purchase this month that mentions Dr. V or Pawcurious or even Blogathon2010 (there is a “how we heard about you” box in checkout). Thank you Deb! This is your second chance to win the item of your choice from Calming Collars. Let's make this one a happy post. Despite your pet's anxiety issues (else you wouldn't be commenting to ... Read more »
