Veterinary Appreciation Day #veterinarylove

Veterinary Appreciation Day™ was created by Trupanion in 2015 (Trupanion happens to be the company we have pet insurance with but this is NOT a sponsored post, nor was I required to blog about it). This special day was founded to recognize veterinary professionals and the wonderful work they do. From the front desk to the exam room, veterinary teams offer compassion, advice and care for our furry family members.

“Our hope is that pet owners will thank their veterinary team throughout the year,” said Darryl Rawlings, Trupanion founder and CEO. “But Veterinary Appreciation Day offers the animal-loving community the opportunity to come together on a single day to show their appreciation to the compassionate veterinary professionals dedicated to helping their pets live the happiest, healthiest lives possible."

This year, Trupanion has  partnered with MightyVet, a non-profit providing continuing education, mentorship and other resources to support veterinarians in their career and well-being. Together, Trupanion and MightyVet are honoring veterinary team members in celebration of this special day.

MY REVIEW  OF DEPORRE ON GOOGLE:

Caren Gittleman

3 reviews

3 weeks ago-Edit

I would never, ever switch to another Veterinary practice. I have been taking my pets to DePorre probably since around 2002 or so? I took my first cat there not long after I first moved to Michigan. Back then we saw Dr.Jules whom we loved! In later years, we started seeing Dr.Lewis, who is our primary "go to" at DePorre. That being said EVERYONE at DePorre is professional, considerate, loving to our pets, knowledgeable and truly caring. Their level of professionalism is unsurpassed. Dr.Lewis is beyond dedicated, never makes me feel rushed, answers all of our questions and is always putting the best interest of our pets first. The reception staff is kind and patient, they are also professionals. I know that working at a Veterinary Practice is NOT easy, and we appreciate all of the love, care and professionalism that is exhibited towards our pets. 

UPDATED MAY 27TH 2019....recently I brought Dakota in and he was diagnosed with hypertension. I was beside myself. I had called in to have some receipts sent to Trupanion and spoke with Kimberly Meldrum on the phone. I was crying about Dakota and the kindness that Kimberly displayed was beyond touching. She listened and TRULY cared. She even followed up with me on the weekend checking to see how Dakota was doing (because he had vomited the first day of taking his meds). THAT is true caring........Kimberly, Dr.Lewis and the staff at DePorre LOVE our pets as if they were their own. That's not easy to find.

Logo Courtesy of Trupanion

I try to make it a point to somehow show appreciation for our Vet throughout the year. Appreciation doesn't always have to be shown by giving gifts,
(but you most certainly can give one!)

Ways to show appreciation:

• arriving for your appointments on time or early
• making sure your cat is in a carrier and your dog is leashed
• showing consideration for the Veterinary staff, their job is NOT easy
• if you have to cancel an appointment, try to cancel in a timely manner, (well, if you have a cat and can't find them, that plan may be shot to hell)
• Show respect for your Veterinarian by respecting their knowledge and trusting their opinion. If you do not trust their opinion or knowledge, find yourself another Vet!
• Send a gift of food for the entire office at the holidays or during the year
• I recently gave some cat toys that Cody isn't using to Kimberly who works at the front desk for her kitties to enjoy.
• Make donations of newspapers, towels etc., as you would for your favorite shelter.

HOW DO YOU SHOW APPRECIATION FOR YOUR VET AND THEIR STAFF?
Let us know below!

Pet owners everywhere can show their appreciation by posting photos and stories about their veterinary team on Twitter and Instagram, including the hashtag #veterinarylove.

I mentioned above that I have had pet insurance with Trupanion since the boys were approximately two years old, this is NOT a sponsored post and I pay a monthly premium for both of my boys

 I AM NOT REQUIRED TO WRITE ABOUT THEM AT ALL. In my opinion, good Veterinary care also involves having pet insurance with a company that you truly believe in. I could not be happier with the experience I have had with Trupanion. A few years ago we had to file a claim for Cody and the response time was quick and everything was processed in a timely manner.

Every time I have ever contacted Trupanion I have been treated with kindness, professionalism, friendliness and caring. In reference to Dakota's recent diagnosis of hypertension one employee in particular went above and beyond. I will be posting about that on Dakota's blog this Thursday. Stay tuned!

My Cat Is a "Mischief Manager"

I have had pet insurance with Trupanion for a number of years now and I also subscribe to their emails. Last Thursday they sent a super fun quiz where you answered questions and then received a description of your pet. I answered the questions based on Cody and they could not have been more spot on!!! Here is the result of my quiz:

I used an old meme I had created and I actually don't care that part of Cody's face was cut off because to me, the expression in his eyes says it ALL!!

Here is the description that Trupanion included:

Your pet deserves the mischief manager badge for their resourcefulness and playful nature. 

Your pet is the perfect combination of brains and a sense of humor. Whether they’re snagging your socks or sneaking a taste of your dinner, your pet has an uncanny way of making you laugh.

You know you secretly love their antics and wouldn't have it any other way. You'll never be able to predict the hijinks they'll pull next, so it doesn't hurt to prepare yourself.

That could not be more accurate! Not sure if this will work for you but click here and see if you are able to take the quiz.

FYI: I was not compensated for sharing this. I pay a monthly fee for my pet insurance policy with Trupanion. We could NOT be happier with them! 

We LOVE Our Vet! #ThankAVeterinarian Veterinarian Appreciation Day™

From Cat Chat With Caren and Cody: This post first appeared on June 18th, 2016. Along with today being Father's Day, it is also Veterinarian Appreciation Day! Please enjoy our post from last year!

Hi all it's Cody! Today is a special day!! Today is the day I get to say "Thank You" to my Veterinarian, better known as "Dr.Smiley!"

Yeah, yeah, I know what you are thinking, "How in the world is this guy actually THANKING the Vet for the torture that they put us through?"

A Veterinarian's work is super hard, especially for MY Vet. Above all else, he has to put up with my babbling Mom. I know "Dr.Smiley" is thrilled when my Dad takes Dakota to the Vet and Mom doesn't come, because when I go to the Vet, Mom is there EVERY TIME and NEVER stops talking!

Don't get me wrong my furiends, I don't like being poked and jabbed either, but when I am home and stop to think about it, I know it is all for my own good. Dakota seems to LOVE going to the Vet as evidenced by the photo below (it's an old one, I don't use that carrier anymore, I have a nice new one!).

 I guess what Dakota loves about Dr.Smiley is the fact that he is kind, compassionate and caring, I have to admit, I love that about him too. Even if I don't look like I do!

He always gives my Mom good and honest advice.  There are MANY, MANY times that he has gone above and beyond, returning Mom's frantic calls,  even when he was on vacation.

I don't adore going to the Vet the way Dakota does, but I know it is for my own good, so, I want to take a moment and say THANK YOU "Dr.Smiley" WE LOVE YOU!!!

If you aren't as lucky to have a fabulous Veterinarian as we are, check out the  Four Tips To Find The Perfect Veterinarian . 

Love, Cody

10 Common and Expensive Cat and Dog Injuries and Illnesses

Click the image to see the larger version!

Infographic created by Trupanion

Loving and Living With Hearing-Impaired Cats-A Guest Blog By Heather Kalinowski of Trupanion Insurance

Heather Kalinowski is a pet lover and new mom who spends her days helping other pet owners protect their pets with dog and cat insurance. Trupanion offers 90% coverage for diagnostic tests, surgeries, and medications if a pet becomes sick or injured.

Just like people or other pets, cats can be born deaf or can lose their hearing due to chronic ear infections, ear mites, injuries, or from genetics. Deafness due to aging is called presbycusis and is the most common type of hearing loss in cats.   While hearing loss due to aging or genetics cannot be prevented, there are opportunities to lesson your cat’s chance of losing their hearing from other causes.

Manny, a deaf cat who lives at The Family Pet Hospital in 
Ashland, MA. 

It’s important to keep an eye on your cat’s ears for any signs of an issue -  black ear canals, reddened ear canals or yellow discharge are big warning signs. The inside of the ear should always be a pinkish color. Get regular checkups by a veterinarian to make sure infection and ear mites aren’t hanging around and stay away from “self-help” products as they could lead to more damage to the ear if administered inappropriately.

Trying to decipher true hearing loss can be tough because animals sometimes sense you’re there even if they cannot hear you. Owners should take notice after their cats do not respond to outside noises, become disoriented, or aren’t aware of your presence until you physically interact with them. It can also be a warning sign if the pet is difficult to wake up or has an “unbalanced” walk.

If you are concerned your pet may be deaf, it’s important to take them to a veterinarian to find out the extent of the problem and if the problem is caused by an underlying issue that needs to be treated. But if you find out that your cat is deaf, and will live out the rest of his life in silence, his life can still be as amazing and fulfilling as it would have been without hearing loss. It just takes a little extra effort to keep them safe and sound.

Manny, a deaf cat who lives at The Family Pet Hospital in 
Ashland, MA. 

Keeping a deaf cat inside is the best way to protect them. Hearing-impaired cats will not be able to hear outside predators or oncoming traffic. Keeping a bell attached to their collar is also helpful so if your pet does venture outside the home, you can hear where they are at all times. And be sure to always make vibrations when approaching your cat. Startling them could ruin the relationship and cause anxiety.

Deafness cannot be treated, but your cats will be able to adapt and compensate for their life’s change. With a few extra precautions and understanding, living with a deaf pet can be just as – or even more! – rewarding than living with a hearing pet. Read real stories about living with deaf cats here.

Do you have experience with a deaf pet? What is your best tip on interacting with a deaf animal?

Book Review: Pampered Pets On A Budget: Written By: Jeffrey L. Barnes And Kristen M. Levine

I was excited when I was contacted a few weeks back asking if I would like to receive a copy of Pampered Pets On A Budget by Jeffrey L. Barnes And Kristen M. Levine to read and review.

My pets, like everyone else's are pampered and since I am virtually unemployed and my husband has recently retired, the idea that I could read about how to pamper my pet and receive ideas/suggestions about how to do so AND maintain a budget had my ears perked and my tail on alert!

These are tough times in which we live. Every day people are losing jobs and struggling to make ends meet, while the prices of groceries, medical care, etc. continue to rise. Sadly, when a family experiences a financial blow one of the first casualties is often the family pet.


As pet lovers we can never have too many tools in our tool belt to help us not only care for our pets but to maintain a budget while doing so and this book sets out to do what it promises, and that is to:

"help pet parents uncover new ways to save on the products and services you need to take great care of your pets, without compromising your pet's health and wellness care or severely damaging your pocketbook."



This book is short (74 pages) but don't let that fool you. It is 74 pages that are jam-packed with must-have information for today's pet owner.

Take a look at some of the chapters:

Chapter 3-The Internet is not Always Right: this chapter was written by Jeffrey Barnes and is one  of my personal favorites. We have all fallen victim to running to the internet when our animal is ill. It can be anything from a Google search to posting a problem on Facebook and receiving 500 differing opinions. Many of those opinions include horror stories that when you are already stressed and worried, are the LAST things that you need to hear.

This chapter explains:

• How the internet is NOT a substitute for your veterinarian, your veterinarian knows YOU and your pet!
• It reinforces how when you are reading ANY information from the internet you need to look at the qualifications, licensing and formal education of the source providing that information!
• It mentions how drug and vaccine manufacturers stand behind their products ONLY when they have been purchased directly from your veterinarian.

Other great chapters in this 10 chapter book are:

Chapter 4-Trusted Online Pet Resources-

in this chapter Kristen Levine points out that there is some online information that can be trusted but that it should NEVER take the place of human professionals when it comes to your beloved pet.

 This chapter talks about:
General pet information and adoption sites such as petfinder.com and catster.com
 It also mentions reputable Veterinary and Health Sites such as VeterinaryPartner.com 


Chapter 5-The Value of Your Veterinarian: as explained by Jeffrey Barnes one of my favorite points made in this chapter is "your veterinarian is your pet's medical health care captain and is the only authority on medical issues."


Chapter 7-Pet Health Insurance is discussed by Kristen Levine and is relevant to me because I am still pondering the issue as to whether or not to purchase pet insurance for Cody and Dakota. Some points that Kristen mentions that are important to consider are:

Consider Premiums, Co-Pays and Deductibles
Pick Coverage, Not Cost

This book contains so much information and delivers it in an interesting,  straight-forward, concise and  reader-friendly style.

I loved that at the end of each chapter there is a page called Chapter Highlights which is a summation of information listed in an easy to refer to bulleted format.

Pampered Pets On A Budget  will be your newest, invaluable resource to help you "properly position yourself to give your pet the best lifestyle possible."


For more information about this book please visit:
 www.PamperedPetsOnABudget.com


Pampered Pets on a Budget is available from: www.lulu.com and www.amazon.com.
Paperback · ISBN: 978-1-105-20415-9 · $15.99
Kindle · ISBN: 978-1-105-20415-9 · $9.99

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Jeffrey L. Barnes: is a business advisor, consultant, and business intermediary, who strives to give veterinarians and business owners sound business advice in their day-to-day operations and represents them when they buy or sell their practice or business. His professional experiences with such respected companies as Aventis, John Deere, Merial, and the Sandler Sales Institute has afforded him the extensive sales, client service, and marketing knowledge that he now shares with countless veterinarians, practice managers, manufacturers, distributors, local, state, and national veterinary associations. Jeffrey lives in Tampa, FL with his wife and two dogs.

Kristen M. Levine's  volunteer work led to a fifteen-year career as the Public Relations Director of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Tampa Bay, Florida, where she played a critical role in promoting pet adoption and pet lifestyle education. Kristen's knowledge of pet lifestyle concerns and family dynamics coupled with her understanding of public relations led her to found Fetching Communications, the nation’s first marketing and public relations firm wholly dedicated to serving the pet industry, in 2003. Having logged over 1,000 live national radio and television show appearances, Kristen is also a frequent contributor to pet and veterinary trade magazines nationwide. Kristen serves as Bissell Homecare’s official pet spokesperson, educating pet parents about pet clean up solutions, as well as on the Toyota Pet Expert Team (P.E.T.), where she shares her knowledge to help develop programs to teach pet parents the importance of properly protecting and securing pets in automobiles. Kristen lives in Florida with her husband, dog and a pair of miniature donkeys.

I received no compensation for this review. I received a copy of the book to read/review.

Animal Shelter Volunteering, A Guest Blog By Kevin Sloan and Marissa Rode

This post was written by our friends Kevin Sloan and Marissa Rode.  Kevin works for FindTheBest, a free online comparison website that specializes in sharing information with people so they can make informed decisions.  FindTheBest is a startup company based in Santa Barbara, CA and is rapidly growing.  They now offer over 640 comparisons on different topics ranging from cell phones to investment banks and ski resorts to obesity rates.  Kevin and Marissa both attend UCSB and both love animals.  Kevin shared his story about his two dogs on Dakota’s Den, and now Marissa is sharing her story about her two cats and working at a cat rescue organization.  Kevin worked with Marissa to help incorporate the information FindTheBest offers in her article to share the wonderful resources the website offers with all of you!  I hope you enjoy Marissa’s story.

"Spotty"

            My name is Marissa and I have two adorable cats, Skitzo and Normie, which were both strays when we found them. I couldn’t help but fall in love with the cute cats that were pawing at my door so I decided to take care of them -They haven’t left the backyard since and are now important parts of our family.

"Skitzo"

            When I moved away for college, I missed my cats back home. To help me feel better, I immediately started volunteering at the local animal shelter. The shelter is called ASAP, which stands for Animal Shelter Assistant Program.  You can like them on Facebook to follow updates with the program.  I have been volunteering at ASAP since October of 2009. My responsibilities include cleaning the facilities, playing with the cats, and helping potential adopters find the perfect cat.  I always tell people looking for a cat to research cat breeds because choosing a cat should be about more than looks.

Cats and kittens come to the shelter for all different reasons, like being abandoned at a doorstep or lost in the city. Once a cat wandered away from its home and someone brought it to the shelter. A week later, a worried woman called saying her son’s cat was lost. We had a cat in the shelter that matched the description so I told her to come in. Later that day, the son and cat were joyfully reunited.

Kitten waiting for a home

At the shelter, we treat every cat with the best care. We make sure they receive nutritious food and proper medical treatment. For example, the shelter buys specified cat food for individual cats to help keep them happy and healthy.  We are also proud to be a no-kill shelter. In fact, when the shelter was filled to capacity we had a free adoption fair and adopted out over 75 cats! Adopters often send in pictures of their newly adopted cats and they couldn’t be happier with their decision.

Knowing these cats will be off the streets is my motivation for volunteering. The greatest part of my day is seeing the smiles on families’ faces as they walk out of the shelter with a new addition to their family, and knowing the cat has a nice home and a caring family to spoil it.

On a side note, if you decide to adopt a cat from your local animal shelter (which I strongly encourage), it is important to purchase pet insurance. Even though the shelter pays for initial procedures, vet bills are really expensive over the course of a cat’s life.

            If you have the opportunity to volunteer at an animal shelter or non-profit organization near you, I highly recommend it! It is an amazing feeling to know you are helping make a difference in the lives of people or animals. My volunteer experience has been incredible and I hope to continue to make a difference in the shelter community because every cat deserves to be happy!  If you don’t have the time to volunteer, please make a donation to your local shelter or rescue organization.  If you want to donate to ASAP, you can donate on their website.  

Grape and Raisin Toxicity, A Guest Blog By Heather Reynolds Of Trupanion Pet Insurance

Heather Reynolds is a pet lover and internet journalist at Trupanion, North America’s fastest growing pet insurance company. Trupanion offers 90% coverage of veterinary bills with no payout limits. Enrolled pets receive lifetime coverage for diagnostic tests, surgeries, and medications if they become sick or injured.

Did you know that cats should never eat grapes or raisins? Grape and raisin toxicity is a serious health condition and can occur in cats after they ingest just one grape or raisin. While it is not clearly known what makes this fruit toxic, the outcome is severe.

Because grapes and raisins are so commonly found in households, it’s important to be aware of the symptoms in case your curious little friend finds one. If the fruit is ingested, a cat will normally start showing symptoms within 48 hours, so it’s important to see a veterinarian right away. 

Symptoms include:

·        Vomiting

·        Diarrhea

·        Weakness

·        Refusal to eat

·        Increased thirst

·        Abdominal pain

Eventually, the cat will be unable to urinate and will develop acute renal failure (where the kidneys suddenly fail to do their job). It’s a very quick and sad progression.

But this condition is curable! If grape or raisin ingestion is suspected, the main goal is to prevent the toxins from being absorbed by the body. So, a veterinarian will most likely induce vomiting with the use of hydrogen peroxide or apomorphine and then use charcoal pills to prevent any remaining toxins from being absorbed. Often, intravenous fluid therapy is also needed.

The cost of treatment can range from $100 to over $1,700, depending on the severity of the condition.

Obviously, prevention is key for this condition. Make sure to keep all grapes and raisins fully out of reach of cats (remembering that cats have incredibly climbing skills and some ‘hiding spots’ like the top of the refrigerator may not be effective). Also, make sure all family members and visitors know the danger of this fruit, as well as other common foods that are toxic to cats like chocolate, onions and garlic, because if your family is anything like mine, ‘people food’ sometimes finds its way to pets from well-meaning friends who just can’t stand those sweet begging eyes.

How do you keep toxic items like this out of reach of your feline friends?