My Kindle Book: I did it!

http://www.amazon.com/The-Animal-Advocate-ebook/dp/B0045OUK9S

Well, here is the link to my labor of love (probably more like childbirth as it was such a pain). But, other than a couple of minor formatting errors I found in the preview, I think it turned out damned well for someone who learned it all from the ground up.

Anyway, I have no clue if you own a Kindle or any other e-reader but I do know you can download Kindle to PC (free), then I assume order the book (not free; it's a whopping $3.49). But, whatever, PLEASE DO pass this link along to any and all you know who might be interested in reading my pet columns. Or paste in on Facebook. Or Tweet it. Or stand on the street corner and shout, "Extra! Extra! Read all about it!"

Seriously, I'm starting my "marketing" campaign with family, close friends, and those who have followed the column for years.....after that, it's going to be a crapshoot of linking, posting on forums, submitting to local papers, etc.

I appreciate anything you can do because if just one person along the way buys the book and learns something to help our precious animals - or is simply entertained by it - then it will indeed have been a labor of love.

Is There a Doctor in the House?

Recently, three people in one day asked me about the criteria I use in choosing a vet. One was seeking a second opinion about their dog who’d been diagnosed with bone cancer; another was worried about a new vet taking over her long-time doctor’s practice; one was asking about a vet who would show the utmost compassion when performing euthanasia.

Over the years, I’ve seen my fair share of veterinarians. Some I’ve loved dearly; others, I wouldn’t step through their door again if they paid me. But, for the most part, my decision to see a certain vet depended on the animal that I had at the time. And that decision was admittedly made through trial and error.

For example: My dog is a handful. She is highly intelligent yet also extremely high-strung. Although 12-years-old, she’s still skittish as hell when it comes to going to the vet‘s office. Consequently, I had to visit three different vets before I found the one I consider to be the best animal doctor on God’s green earth.

However - be it time, finances, or not too many to choose from - I realize that not everyone has the option of being so "picky." Yet, if you do, here are some things I’ve learned:

Number One: When contacting a new vet for any reason, pay very close attention to that initial phone call. Are you put on hold for "ever"? Does the staff member respond to your questions with knowledge? With patience? Is their attitude one of sincere concern? Or one of "hurry up and hang up"?Understandably, vet’s offices can be very busy places. However, that should not preclude the fact that you are a pet owner who needs help. In other words, if you are shuffled off to Muzak-land or barked at like you’re the dog, let your fingers do the walking and call someone else.

Number Two: Okay. So you’ve made it past the front door and are waiting to see the doctor. Are you twiddling your thumbs in the examining room for another "forever" while your pet becomes increasingly agitated? Is the vet tech who comes in to do the preliminary vitals in a speed race to get to the next patient, leaving you to anxiously twiddle some more?

Number Three: The vet. Is he/she loving, patient, compassionate no matter if your stressed-out dog is a clawing maniac or your scared cat is a hissing witch? Or are they a "wham, bam, thank-you, ma’am" who keeps watching their watch?

Bottom line: The vet I see now is a wonder, most definitely to the profession born. So is her staff. If you can’t say the same, I hope you have the wherewithal to keep searching. For my Maggie’s sake - and my sanity - I’m so glad I did.

Lost!! Found??

They've already started.....the boom, boom, crackle, pop of neighborhood fireworks. The attraction of such block parties are beyond me but, then again, so is the Daytona Firecracker 400 (yeah, I know they renamed it but that's beside the point)...

The point being: Today's festivities will cause a lot of grief tomorrow for some if they don't take proactive "pet precautions" by paying serious attention to their dogs/cats during this long holiday weekend.

July 4th is well-known for producing a plethora of lost pets. And not only during evening hours, folks. Last year, a neighbor found a shaking, quaking elderly dog who had actually climbed the chainlink fence surrounding his yard and ran like a bat out of hell until this good Samaritan stopped him in his tracks and kept him till his owner was located. This all happened around noon...

I cannot emphasize enough how you must ensure your pets are safely ensconced inside your home to prevent escape.....preferably you'll be there with them as some dogs have been known to bust out of windows trying to "avoid" the noise.

Yes, it's a holiday. Yes, some of the fireworks are quite pretty. Yes, you want to have some fun. All well and good. However, if your precious pet suffers - or worse - while you're watching these artificial northern lights.....well, all I can say is, you've been warned.

And, believe me, if your pet gets lost due to their terrified "flight" response, the odds of locating them nearby aren't all that great as they run and run and run.....or hide.

Hopefully, you get the message. What you do with it is up to you. And, by the way, not only have the fireworks already started on my block, it's also getting ready to storm.....and it's only 3:30 in the afternoon. Talk about a recipe for a "disappearing pet" disaster. Please don't let it happen to you and yours...

P.S. Needless to say: IDs on all pets...

Fireworks and Pets

Just a reminder to all those who have pets and live near "firecracker happy" neighbors like we do: Please don't leave your animals alone - and definitely not outside - to weather this very noisy July 4th storm. As you know, their hearing is much more acute than ours. Therefore, if it drives you nuts, imagine how they feel.....

So, stay with them, stay calm, talk soothingly, cuddle a lot, and fervently pray you don't have to listen to this crap all weekend. Which in my case is, unfortunately, a basically wasted prayer.....