Sherry’s Corner

Lessons Learned

Don’t Wait to Call Your Vet: A gastrointestinal illness knocked the irrepressible Bacall for a real loop. And, then the economy factored in and we both had lessons to learn. I waited too long before taking Bacall to the vet hospital. I guess I thought Athis would pass@–along with the vomit and diarrhea–and it didn=t. No savings. So probably what could have been diagnosed and handled on Friday took until Tuesday at a higher cost. Since Bacall has her records and history with the hospital it was easier to diagnose. Moral: Stay with the hospital and veterinarian who knows your dog, has his/her records, and knows you. (This isn=t a place or time to economize.) I like my dogs to recuperate at home and so the staff cooperated and we made daily trips. I felt better and I think Bacall did too. No matter how dedicated the staff is, at night they can=t go happily sleepless as an owner. A plus and a first in this unfortunate health crisis was GASTRI CALM. Made by DVM, this supplement, a chewable tablet, was part of Bacall=s treatment. This was the first time any veterinarian had suggested a supplement rather than medication only.

Hopefully More “Ask Your” Columns Next Year: The columns AASK YOUR VET@ and AASK YOUR TRAINER@ have been suspended until 2009. I learned a great deal from writing them and talking to some very talented and caring people. I am sorry not to be able to share columns by Marjean Krech and Ray Ramos as well as insights from Bob Witmer. Hopefully, the column by Nichole Laracco, the PSPCA director of training and behavior, will be published. She agrees with Witmer that most behavior problems are just the bad manners of unruly, untrained dogs. (If you can,  get a copy of Carol Lea Benjamin=s ASurviving Your Dog=s Adolescence”.) I asked Nicole if the Adesigner dogs@ from the Lehigh puppy mill would have any special training needs. Unfortunately, the column was terminated before we could get an answer but if and when I do I will share it with you

Aftermath of Passing of Dog Law: Even though the dog law has passed there is still much to do. The most important task ahead of us is monitoring the proposed regulations, which are the real substance of the law in action. The second most important task is the enforcement of the law. And of importance to all of us is the flood of dogs in Pennsylvania in need of homes–not just from individual homes but from the closed puppy mills. For example, when the Almost Heaven puppy mill was closed by the Pennsylvania SPCA over 800 dogs needed vet care, shelter and food, and will need new homes! This is probably not only a huge shelter problem, but a huge training need. Training is bonding and placing these dogs in Aforever homes@ will necessitate training.

An Election Note: The Presidential Pet Museum is anticipating the arrival of new pets in the White House. They believe that if Obama is elected he will choose a Poodle as a pet for his daughters. However, they also believe a Bulldog would be a better choice–or a Pit Bull! On the other hand, they say the McCain family already has a half dozen assorted pets. Apparently, these have not been allowed on the campaign trail to track votes. I would like to know who these family members are–wouldn’t you?