FOR SMOKEY

Pet Vaccinations Make The TODAY SHOW

2008-05-16T19:50:00.003-04:00

There is still conflicting information regarding the frequency of vaccinating our pets and veterinarians agree and disagree on the topic but there is the beginning of national awareness and that is key.
Always for you Smokey.

Is Money Worth A Beautiful Animal's Life

2008-05-15T02:46:00.008-04:00

Three year old filly, Eight Belles'(February 23, 2005 – May 3, 2008) makes her debut in the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby.

Eight Belles places second after Derby winner Big Brown.

Eight Belles collapses during her cool-down on the backstretch after breaking both her front legs.

In severe pain, Eight Belles is held down by track stewards.

After consultation with Derby on call veterinarian, Dr. Larry Bramlage a track side veterinarian administers an injection to euthanize Eight Belles.

Canine Sarcoma

2008-02-05T16:53:00.000-05:00

This picture is of a female dog with genital sarcoma. If you can imagine this growing at the site of your pets repeated vaccinations. Our pets live short lives. Are we really making our pets healthier by what we do or their lives even shorter?

2008-02-05T16:45:00.000-05:00

Canine Injection-Site Sarcoma: So Rare, Your Vet Won't Believe You
The Story of Duke, the Rare Wonder Dog

Duke is a young male boxer dog who proved his veterinarian wrong when he was diagnosed with a malignant injection-site sarcoma (ISS). Duke was born in a February litter of AKC registered boxer puppies in 2004. He received his first Rabies vaccination upon reaching the age of three months, as most dogs do.

Duke rebounded from the sharp sting of the vaccination needle and continued to play, as puppies love to do. He didn't seem to notice the small lump which appeared within a couple of days of the vaccination and which continued to linger for several weeks. Duke's family noticed though and returned to the Vet's office, where the lump was explained away as a possible allergic reaction to the shot, or as a small buildup of tissue under the skin that was considered a normal to an injection.

As the months passed, the lump continued to worry Duke's family; it was subcutaneous (under the skin) and seemed to be growing. Duke made a few more trips to the vet for this and that, and each trip, his human family would ask the vet to look at his lump again. Each time they were told not to worry about it, that "Boxers are notorious for tumor growths," and that "The odds of a cancerous tumor in a puppy this young are negligible."

Learn more about canine injection site sarcoma and Duke's story here.

Where Do You Want Your Clean Drinking Water To Go?

2008-02-05T14:25:00.001-05:00

Low water at Lake Chesdin, Sept. 10, 2007. Mindy Perkinson and Matthew Williams from Dinwiddie, walk out several hundred yards on the low water mud flat at Cozy Cove where the water would normally be over their heads. (Don Long / Times-Dispatch).

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, VA—Due to severe drought conditions, the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors approved a declaration of mandatory water-use restrictions at their Oct. 10 meeting. These restrictions will take effect on Monday, Oct. 15. (more…)

WATER-USE RESTRICTIONS APPLY TO ALL COUNTY WATER CUSTOMERS

(c) Swimming pools — Limit to filling and replenishing to maintain health and safety. All other uses are prohibited.

Plenty Of Room Left At This Resort

2008-02-05T13:22:00.000-05:00

Homeless dogs in Bangkok, Thailand

You're Welcome To Spend The Night Here, Rooms Are Cheap

Pet Paradise: Animal clinic incorporates luxurious animal resort; The new facility, to be titled the West Chester Pet Resort.

"This will be a resort, but not your typical dog kennel, and there is nothing like it here," says Dr. Lyne.

"When people take a vacation, their pet can vacation, too," says Lyne. "We think that the resort will be a vacation destination and we will market to those outside the area to those who may traveling through here, as well as to local pet owners."

Vacation (per night)
LUXURY SUITES for dogs $25.00
2nd family dog (same suite)
$18.00+
Additional family dog (same suite) $12.50+
PRESIDENTIAL/FAMILY SUITES for dogs
$50.00
For 2 or more dogs sharing the same suite $10.00+
Exit baths are required for all dogs at an additional charge

Canine Boarding Bathes

This is strictly a bath and brushing. This is not recommended for the finicky owner or prissy pet. This is best for shorthaired and the in-between groom pets who just need a little freshening up.
Pet Size Short hair Long Hair
X-Small (<10 lbs)
$18.00 $22.00
Small (11-19 lbs) $24.00 $28.00
Medium (20-49 lbs)
$27.00 $33.00
Large (50-75 lbs) $30.00 $40.00
X-Large (76+ lbs)
$35.00 $45.00

Concierge services
Web Cam 1 - 3 days $10.00
Web Cam 4 - 7 days
$15.00
Group Play or Swim (per 30 minutes) $6.00
Individual Walks or Cuddles (per 30 minutes)
$12.00
Only available in select suites and condos.

Local Human Accommodations, Amenities And Rates
1 Queen Bed Room Best Available Rate
1 Queen Bed/Non Smoking/ Micro/Fridge/HBO/Wireless Internet/ Handicap Access/Coffee Maker
Per Room/Night
1 Queen Bed Room Non-smoking
Thu. 12/06/07 USD 68.75

MY STATEMENT OF OPINION

2008-02-04T21:29:00.000-05:00

POSTER POWER

Speak the Truth

Whether you are writing your government representative or speaking on an issue of public importance, always make sure your statements are factually correct. If your letters, reports, pamphlets, or other written documents are accurate, there will be no factual disputes later on. You may want to keep copies of all background materials and note sources of facts and figures quoted so that you can show where you obtained the information.

Understand that there are differences between statements of fact and statements of opinion. You may be legitimately sued for false statements of fact, but not for statements of opinion. Be careful. You will not be protected for stating, "In my opinion, Senator Squelch is a liar and a thief," unless, of course, your statement is entirely true. If your words contain an assertion of fact that is capable of being proven true or false -- i.e., that Squelch is or is not a liar and a thief -- you can be sued if it is shown that your statement is false, even though you tried to qualify the statement as "opinion."

k.b.: The county I live in is HUGE! but I have a lot of time and a lot of paper.

Dog Beach Boogie

2008-01-07T13:04:00.000-05:00

On a much lighter note, video brought to you by:
Bark ' N Blog....nuttin' but the dog in me
See Dr. Kim Bloomer and her dog Shadrach the Neo Mastiff in my LINKS

Different Veterinarian's Vaccine Protocol May Harm Your Pet

2008-01-07T12:19:00.000-05:00

Differences in veterinarian's vaccine protocol endanger your pets. For example, I took my dog Choo Choo a tiny Shih Tzu to the vet in April 2006. She was given a Distemper Parvo booster vaccine that was good for three years. I, at the time, didn't know there was a three year vaccine. I assumed (bad) that Choo Choo was due for her booster in the spring of 2007. We moved to a new area in February so that meant a new vet. I had her vaccine records but neither I, the vet tech or the vet questioned whether Choo Choo should receive another vaccine. Over vaccination and money spent.

Rabies is a THREE year vaccine.
Ask for a Distemper/Parvo THREE year vaccine
Ask to have your dog given a vaccine for Bordetella/Kennel Cough, if needed, intra-nasally.
Do not get your dog a Canine Coronavirus vaccine.

Ask your veterinarian questions. Learn about what diseases your pet is exposed to and when.
Again, I've said this before, it's your pet's health and your money being spent. Your veterinarian works for you.

I realize I've bee referring to canines in my posts. I will get to felines soon.

Veterinarians Want It Both Ways: Your Dog Is One Of The Family If Staying With Us

2008-01-05T14:10:00.000-05:00

Yet worth nothing more than the value of it's replacement if injured or killed. I just love how veterinarians want to have their cake and eat it too.

California dog owner awarded $39,000 in veterinary malpractice suit. Jurors find dog's special value far exceeds $10 market value.

"This is just an emotional, (meaning:frivolous) verdict, rather than one based on the realities of the facts as they were demonstrated, " said R.Q. Shupe, who represented Drs. Bergstrom and Rooks, (the all knowing veterinarians), in the civil trial. Shupe isn't filing an appeal right away. Instead, he plans on asking for a review of the verdict by the judge to clarify the "conflicting" values assigned to Shane (the worthless mutt) by the jury.

The AVMA policy on this issue states the AVMA "recognizes and supports the legal concept of animals as property" (what, like a car). However, the AVMA also recognizes that some animals (some animals, police dogs?, service dogs?, mutts?, or stray cats?) have value to their owners that may exceed the animal's market value. (check the want ads)

"In determining the real monetary value of the animal, the AVMA believes the purchase price, age (depreciating value) and health (depreciating value) of the animal, breeding status, pedigree, special training, and any particular utility the animal has to the owner should be considered" (see JAVMA, July 1, 2003, pg. 15).

Notice no confirmation or mention of emotional value by the AVMA only by the trial lawyer who places no meaning on that. Oh and look who Mr. Shupe wants to decide your pet's value in cold hard cash. The very doctors that may have done the damage in the first place.

In his opinion,(the lawyer) organized veterinary medicine (the doctors your supposed to trust) must take the lead by identifying which animals should be recognized as having intrinsic value, to avoid bigger legal headaches (being sued - loss of reputation or money) in the days ahead.
Yes, have your veterinarian decide that the pet that keeps you company when you're alone, comforts you when you're sad or makes your children happy, has no value.

The AVMA really wants juries to think of dogs and cats as replaceable items like your broken glass coffee pot. Yet veterinarians and business owners all across the country want you to believe you owe it to the furry "member of your family" to spare no expense when you leave them in their care. You're going to be asked to sign a "Release Of Liability" form stating that no matter what happens to your pet on the caretaker's premises be it injury or even death no one is monetarily responsible but you. We all want our pets taken care of safely and responsibly but do we need the liability of putting them in danger so that they can have extravagant forms of "fun" as well.
Italics Mine

My Girls

2008-01-04T11:56:00.000-05:00

Choo Choo and Katie are two very important reasons why I'll get in your face when it concerns the health and welfare of our pets.

I have the memory of an elephant and the stubbornness of a mule. Those are not the pictures that I want you to take away of me but you get the message. Let's say the message might also be "You may have crossed the wrong person, this time." I'm a very nice person but I stay "on message". When a cause is important to me I'll stick with it and use every means I can, within reason, to bring about change.
You can find out more about me at my personal blog: monkeywrench

Your Concerns Matter

2008-01-02T09:59:00.001-05:00

How do you spell “Love”? We spell it “L-O-H-V”
Endorsing ~ Campaigning ~ Getting out the Vote ~ Lobbying

LOHV DELIVERS THE VOTE

Mission of LOHV – LEAGUE OF HUMANE VOTERS

LOHV recognizes that animal protection requires laws and enforcement. Animal exploitation is a political issue and not just a moral one, we intend to make animal rights a mainstream political issue by building support among citizens, activists, political parties, candidates and elected representatives.

Those who hold elective office can pass and enforce laws to protect animals. After careful interviews, LOHV endorses candidates and then campaigns for their election to public office. We then get out the vote and deliver it for our candidates. Once in office, we lobby the office-holders we helped to get elected to help us enact animal protective legislation. .

LOHV Chapters are independently operating entities. Unlike many animal rights organizations, which are established with the IRS as 501©3 organizations, contributions to LOHV are not tax-deductible because of our work to influence the political process. For our existing chapters click on Contact Us on the menu.

LOHV believes that the animal rights movement needs to establish its political influence first by developing grassroots movements and influence at the local level. While we occasionally support the election of candidates for federal office, our primary focus is on the state, county and municipal levels of government. We believe that our methods can be replicated in throughout the country, and are interested in advising people all across the country in developing animal political advocacy groups.

LOHV is a strictly non-partisan organization, and has endorsed candidates running on the Democratic, Republican, Green, and Working Families Party lines. We endorse candidates strictly on their expressed commitment to work with us on passing legislation to protect animals and on the strength of their electoral campaigns.

Vaccination 101: Part 1 - Where Do Vaccines Come From

2008-01-01T20:29:00.000-05:00

First in line to provide your pet with it's vaccinations is the vaccine maker, the pharmaceutical company. They set the dosage and the frequency of the vaccine for the veterinarian and a base price for the veterinary supply company.

VANGUARD PLUS 5(5 WAY VACCINE)(Pfizer) aids in the prevention of Canine Distemper, Adenovirus Type 1 and 2, Parainfluenza And Parvovirus.
Give 1 ml dose SQ or IM at 6 weeks of age and 2 more doses 3 weeks apart. Annual single dose booster reccomended.

Next is the veterinary supply company. They supply the vaccine to your veterinarian and of course add to the price.

VANGUARD PLUS 5 (5-WAY VACCINE)(Pfizer)
25 SINGLE DOSES, PROVIDES IMMUNITY AGAINST CANINE DISTEMPER, ADENOVIRUS TYPE 1 AND 2, PARAINFLUENZA AND PARVOVIRUS
Our price 58.79

Vanguard CV is for vaccination of healthy dogs 6 weeks of age or older as an aid in preventing canine coronaviral gastroenteritis caused by canine coronavirus (CCV).
Vanguard CV, 50x1ML tray
$125.00

Now lets bring in your veterinarian who charges for his or her time and a host of office expenses.

1-Office Visit $35.00
1-DHPP/Corona-Yearly Vaccine $21.42
1-Hazardous Waste Disposal Fee $ 2.50
Total $58.92

That doesn't seem like a huge amount for a visit till you add on the very important yearly tests.
Bloodwork to detect heartworm and tick borne illnesses. $38.50
A fecal test to detect parasites. $12.40
Heartworm and flea prevention medication. $45.00
Then your veterinarian may encourage you to have your dog vaccinated every six months to prevent kennel cough. $14.00
Now we're talking $168.82
Plus return in 6 months for part 2 of the kennel cough vaccine $49.00

The total cost of the distemper-parvo and canine corona vaccines is $5.25 (+-) add for needle and syringe. That's a 300% mark up and the vaccine can now be given every three years instead of annually.

Now I know veterinarians have a lot of expenses and liabilities such as employees and insurance. I'm not saying that veterinarians are out there pricing so they can retire in the Bahamas but there is incentive to vaccinate your pet on a yearly basis.

I'm saying that as a pet owner and consumer you should know what you are paying for and how often it's really required for the wellness and long life of your pet.

Teach Kindness And Compassion

2007-12-31T00:25:00.001-05:00

If our children are not learning it at home maybe you can help. Click on the banner and visit TeachKind.org

The Easiest And Most Important Holiday Gift of Wellness You Can give

2007-12-15T20:41:00.000-05:00

There's nothing more special that you can give your pet for Christmas than the gift of good health.
They don't need a stocking stuffed with Milk Bones, a new squeaky toy or a rhinestone encrusted collar.

The money you spend on extras year round for your pet could be spent on a one time upgrade of their nutrition by way of providing quality food.

Do you remember the horrible outcome this year of the pet food recall. Dogs and cats dying from kidney failure. What I noticed was that the cause, the recalled ingredient wheat gluten, was added to numerous brands of food no matter what they cost. Name brands such as Iams and Eukanuba were as affected as the local grocery store brand kibble.

When our little beagle Shiloh developed kidney failure from a tick borne illness the first thing I did was jump on the computer in research mode. In the process of reading about strengthening the immune system I came across the importance of providing your pet good nutrition. Unfortunately it was too late to help Shiloh with just a switch in pet food but we could help our Shih Tzu Choo Choo and our cat Smokey.

That was when I decided that just like one of the family Choo Choo and Smokey would eat the best food that we could provide. I chose Innova by Natura. Innova is just one of Natura's brands of dog and cat food. Because of the trust I place in Natura's food manufacturing process I never had to worry about the wrong ingredient being added. The company gives assurances that they know where every ingredient in their food comes from and they have their own food plants that they inspect. In regards to the recall the president of the company put out a video statement on their web site.

There are other brands on the market that provide the same assurances but you won't find them in your grocery pet food isle, Petsmart or Petco. Most companies web sites will provide a store locater to help you find the closest store that carries their food.

Some of the brands include:
Wellness by Old Mother Hubbard
Solid Gold
Halo's Holistic
Or look at many brands at the Only Natural Pet Store.

If you really think of your dog or cat as a member of the family then take the time to do a search on the internet for the best food that you can provide. If you have a new puppy or kitty now is the time to start on their road to good health.
It's never too late to change just don't wait until a pet gets sick to find out like I did.

Christmas Stockings Make Me Blue

2007-12-10T11:53:00.000-05:00

I was hanging Christmas stockings on the mantle this morning and had to move around Smokey's picture and his little box of ashes. It made me sad. I still miss him.

Rabies Vaccine Research Study Started

2007-12-06T21:31:00.000-05:00

Nine Month Growth Of A Fibrosarcoma Associated With A Rabies Vaccine

One of the most important vaccine research studies in veterinary medicine is underway at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine in Madison.
Dr. Ronald Schultz, a leading authority on veterinary vaccines and Chair of the Department of Pathobiological Sciences, has begun concurrent 5 and 7 year challenge studies to determine the long-term duration of immunity of the canine rabies vaccine, *with the goal of extending the state-mandated interval for boosters*. These will be the first long-term challenge studies on the canine rabies vaccine to be published in the United States.

Dr. Schultz comments that:"We are all very excited to start this study that will hopefully demonstrate that rabies vaccines can provide a minimum of 7 years of immunity." This research is being financed by The Rabies Challenge Fund, a charitable trust founded by pet vaccine disclosure advocate Kris L.Christine of Maine, who serves as Co-Trustee with world-renowned veterinary research scientist and practicing clinician, Dr. W. Jean Dodds of Hemopet in California. The Rabies Challenge Fund recently met its goal of $177,000 to fund the studies’ first year budget with contributions from dog owners, canine groups, trainers, veterinarians,and small businesses. Annual budget goals of $150,000 for the studies must be met in the future.

Dr. Jean Dodds, DVM states: "This is the first time in my 43 years of involvement in veterinary issues that what started as a grass-roots effort to change an outmoded regulation affecting animals will be addressed scientifically by an acknowledged expert to benefit all canines in the future." Scientific data published in 1992 by Michel Aubert and his research team demonstrated that dogs were immune to a rabies challenge 5 years after vaccination, while Dr. Schultz’s serological studies documented antibody titer counts at levels known to confer immunity to rabies 7 years post-vaccination. This data strongly suggests that state laws requiring annual or triennial rabies boosters for dogs are redundant. Because the rabies vaccine is the most potent of the veterinary vaccines and associated with significant adverse reactions, it should not be
given more often than is necessary to maintain immunity. Adverse reactions such autoimmune diseases affecting the thyroid, joints, blood, eyes, skin, kidney, liver, bowel and central nervous system; anaphylactic shock; aggression; seizures; epilepsy; and fibrosarcomas at injection sites are linked to rabies vaccinations.

Study co-trustee Kris Christine adds: “Because the USDA does not require vaccine manufacturers to provide long-term duration of immunity studies documenting maximum effectiveness when licensing their products, concerned dog owners have contributed the money to fund this research themselves. We want to ensure that rabies immunization laws are based upon independent, long-term scientific data.”

More information and regular updates on The Rabies Challenge Fund and the concurrent 5 and 7 year challenge studies and it's financing can be found at the fund’s website www.RabiesChallengeFund.org

Is Your Pet Safe At The Vet?

2007-12-06T12:26:00.001-05:00

In Memory Of Toonces 1989-2006
Toonces died June 22,2006 in his owner's arms after two years of living with the brain damage he suffered while in the care of his doctor.
Some veterinarians are negligent while others can just be cocky.
Regardless of the degree of offense, as pet owners, you should know that there are actions you can take to protect yours and other's loved pets.

I was surprised to find out that a Chesterfield County veterinarian I know, has a violation on file with the Commonwealth of Virginia's Department of Heath Professions.

This was found thanks to:
The Toonces Project: A website for individuals who believe their pets have become victims of veterinary malfeasance, malpractice, negligence, or abuse . .

More and more owners are filing lawsuits because they are concerned their pets are being treated as just property in the eyes of the law. To protect their reputations and their businesses monetarily several veterinarians are filing counter suits against their clients. You can read about it at: Veterinary Abuse Network.
Pet owners do have the rights and resources to fight back and this information is provided by: The First Amendment.org.

As I said in my post dated November 11, 2007 you are the owner, the client and you pay the bills. Whoever you choose as a doctor for your pet, works for you. You have the right to receive detailed information about your pets examination and the right to quality care for your pet. If your companion animal is that important to you then please don't settle for anything less.

Helping Natures Creatures - Live With Less, Help With More

2007-12-05T14:13:00.000-05:00

If you haven't already noticed, my posts have taken on a bit of a theme this month. I was so touched by my new Flickr contact's images from Bangkok, Thailand, plus all the articles I've been reading about how to holiday shop for our families, friends, co-workers and now even our dogs and cats. It brought me to wonder how much more can we spend and on what before we have nothing left to give to those who truly are in need. Where does it end.

I know some of us have thoughts of a perfect Norman Rockwell or Currier and Ives or even a Thomas Kinkade Christmas. Others have small children that they can't let down. We'll also be hearing numerous sermons in our places of worship, of giving and receiving, all which lead up to our own expectations for the day.

When I moved to Virginia in 1991 to a house and outbuildings on three acres, it seems my outlook towards the Holiday really changed. Maybe it was the stillness outside of a barn full of Angora goats. Or the peace of a few lights twinkling in the windows of a farmhouse. Or the crisp breath of a baby calf as she drinks her formula from the pail. Maybe it was just the likeness to the original manger scene of Christ's birth that filled me with a longing for a simplicity of the season.

I live away from that farmhouse now but my love for animals hasn't changed. Maybe my holiday themed posts will help me nurture that longing for simplicity and remind me of what I can do in my life to live with less and help with more.

Photo courtesy of Mistifarang @ Flickr
Thank you, Toni.

Shelter, Clean Food And Water, And Love

2007-12-05T00:20:00.001-05:00

Soi (street in Thailand) dogs looking for a meal in Bangkok.

What disparity between the way we can indulge ourselves in the United States by the way we treat our pets and the way animals are treated in other countries.

Pet Paradise: Animal clinic incorporates luxurious animal resort.

Lounging by the pool, taking a dip when the sun gets too hot, taking a stroll just to relax: it sounds like a great vacation. The only catch to receiving this pampered R&R?

You have to be a dog.

56 kennel spaces, 26 of which will be luxury garden view indoor/outdoor canine suites for boarding pets. Four of those will be considered executive luxury poolside indoor/outdoor suites, and will be set up much like the pet’s own living room, complete with an easy chair and television. Pets will be able to stay long-term, or just for the day.

Pets that have the luxury of staying at one of the new kennels with a view will be required to be up-to-date on their shots, as well as pass an obedience test, as they will be unleashed in the exercise areas so they can play.

Although the guinea pigs, ferrets and cats that Lynn Animal Hospitals treat will probably not enjoy the bone shaped swimming pool when it’s completed, most dogs will find their vacation one that their owners may want to stay at the resort and enjoy with their pet.
© Copyright by Village Publishing

Christian Community And Social Justice - Part 2

2007-12-04T23:26:00.000-05:00

Images of suffering animals are very hard for me to look at and when you include poor begging children it makes it all the more difficult. I have decided that because this sermon includes people that are the poor, the handicapped and the homeless, I would like to continue it on my monkeywrench blog.

Photos used courtesy of Mistifarang @ Flickr Thank you, Toni

Food For Thought At This Holiday Season-Part 1

2007-12-03T08:50:00.001-05:00

I'll be the first to admit, I'm not as religious as I used to be. I was raised Roman Catholic and their teachings have still left me with a thirst for compassion and social justice. I haven't given up saying "I want this or need that." but it makes me understand the need for moderation in what I consume. Some call this "sharing the wealth" others call it charity.

At this harsh economic time in our nation's history with food, utilities and gas prices so high and our sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, wives and husbands away fighting and dying, I thought this text was appropriate to bring us back to the truest meaning of the holiday season. For Americans it's a time of plenty for some, yet still a need for so many. This poor little dog, like so many around the world, homeless and lacking care in Bangkok, Thailand, represents one part in the disparity, not only in how we treat our animals, but in our care of our brothers and sisters as well.

"The greatness of a nation and it's moral progress can be judged by the way it's animals are treated." Mahatma Ghandi

Christian Community and Social Justice
Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost*

Amos 6:1, 4-7, 1Timothy 6:6-19, Luke 16:19-31
I was only half-heartedly thinking about these scripture texts the other day as I was reading an article on the rising number of health spas for dogs, where with compatible companions, dogs could get a complete makeover - haircut, shampoo and pedicure - topped off by a dose of aromatherapy. I was jolted back to these thoughts the other evening as I was having dinner with some friends and the conversation got around to the topic of obesity in pets and how our house pets continue to get more obese, and how we need to put our cats and dogs on more regimented work-out programs.

While pet spas may sound a bit humorous to some, they are but a symptom of the growing massive disparity in wealth in our country, the richest country in the world, with one of the highest rates of children living in poverty. Bring back Amos thundering against the complacent in Zion for their conspicuous consumption and regal living! Bring back the Psalmist who sings: "The Lord...brings justice to the oppressed." Give us the vision that the rich man in the Gospel lacked until it was too late, to see Lazarus and to know how we might best respond!

Weekly Sermon by: The Rev. Michael E. Allwein, St. James Lutheran Church, Gettysburg, PA
Photo used courtesy of: Mistifarang at Flickr.com Thank you, Toni
*Readings from the Christian Liturgical Year
Cross posted at monkeywrench

This Picture Speaks For Itself

2007-12-01T10:56:00.000-05:00

This is what my poor Smokey had to endure the last few weeks of his life. The end result of a tumor that started as an inch or so bump under the skin. It grew to the size of a tennis ball that painfully pulled on the muscle of his leg and ulcerated to a dollar size draining necrotic (medical term for dying tissue) mess. The tumor first broke open to about the size of a quarter. Even though I was treating the wound with antibiotic ointment and pain medication, in the end Smokey started sleeping most of the time in the closet as a way to protect himself from further injury. He was still eating and sitting in the sun but I had to decide soon if I was controlling the pain enough and was this really quality of life. When he started hiding behind the sofa I knew it was time to take him to see the doctor for the last time.

Veterinarian's Oath

2007-11-26T10:18:00.000-05:00

Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health, the relief of animal suffering, the conservation of livestock resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.

I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity, and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics.

I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement of my professional
knowledge and competence.

Veterinarian's Oath as adopted by the American Veterinarian Medical Association July, 1969

Have A Good Veterinarian - Client Relationship

2007-11-22T03:05:00.000-05:00

Shortly after I moved to Chesterfield County my new local veterinarian, who I thought was very nice, wanted to vaccinate my dogs every six months for Infectious Tracheobronchitis or kennel cough. This vaccine is not considered a "core vaccine" or one that is medically necessary, but one for dogs at risk due to confinement with other dogs. My dogs are not boarded frequently nor do they visit the city dog park. They're a Shih Tzu and a Chinese Crested Powder Puff that went to the clinic to be groomed about every eight weeks or so. That must have put them close enough to other dogs in the clinic to justify his policy that they be so frequently vaccinated.

Repeated vaccinations over time can inflame the area where given and also cause other serious side effects. I wasn't comfortable with this approach in dealing with kennel cough and my vet, according to the American Veterinarian Medical Association , is encouraged to discuss their vaccine schedule with me and customize it based on their needs. So at Katie and Choo's next grooming appointment I wanted to discuss alternatives to these shots with him, but was instead informed by his staff that it was the doctor's policy, and that if I didn't agree to the vaccine or to pay extra for an "isolation cage" my dogs could not be groomed.

The next day I was mailed a Termination of Veterinarian-Client Relationship Letter for being "rude to staff" over the policy. More or less I asked to wait and speak privately with the doctor, was denied that opportunity, dared question policy, then was told to seek care somewhere else.
The good news is I found an excellent groomer who has the time to screen and get to know her clients and their pets.

Make sure that whatever services your Veterinary Clinic or Hospital is providing they are doing it in a professional and caring manner. Be aware of large scale operations that may come with all the bells and whistles THEY think your pet wants and needs but without the time and staff to provide good one- on- one attention to you and your pet. These places can include new high end practices with grooming spas, extravagant boarding facilities with television, pools, and dog parks. To operate these facilities what's needed is high overhead costs that you pay for. That includes staff, their pay, and benefits. Also utilities, maintenance, insurance, and much more. Don't forget the more animals your pet comes in contact with the more often they need expensive vaccinations to avoid illness. A pet "Clinic and Spa" can become a booming business for your veterinarian and a nightmare for you, your pet, and your wallet.

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Our Pets: Happy, Healthy, and Living Longer

2007-11-22T01:34:00.001-05:00

I hope this blog will help anyone who reads it keep their pet well and living a healthier, longer life. First I have to share some background as to what started my involvement in Pet Wellness Advocacy.

My cat Smokey was diagnosed with vaccine associated sarcoma or VAS in January of 2007. This is a very aggressive but preventable tumor. Smokey was given a vaccination before some minor surgery and three years later developed cancer. Certain viruses in pets can be deadly and your pet should be protected from them but there is a lot of information owners should be getting from their pet's doctor first.

The very first step on your pet's wellness path is to always find a veterinarian that will inform you of everything about treatments and educate you about wellness including the nutrition, medications, and the habitat your pet needs. Never be bullied or persuaded to have your pet given anything you're not informed about or comfortable with.

Smokey was an indoor older cat that should never been given a vaccine when his immune system would be under the stress of surgery. I think that if even just one pet can have a healthier longer life, and an owner can take their animal to the vet for the right reasons because of what I learned with Smokey and passed on here, I'll be happy.