I was in need of a new veterinarian when Dr. Laurie retired from her practice in Benicia. This search reminded me of my parents attitude to medical doctors.  They had little trust for these able practitioners,  They believed they were all about the money.

When I began my search, the first veterinarian approached me with a dental bill of a thousand dollars to remove teeth and take care of Marshmallow’s problem.  I didn’t see the vet involved with my dog. I regressed to my parents state of mind thinking the money was the focus.  I found a teeth cleaning for Marshmallow for $200 dollars and moved on.

The second vet noted that Marshmallow, who is now 10 years old, had what might be a fatty deposit.  He wanted to do a biopsy and operate to remove the deposit saying it might hinder his walking at some time and could be cancerous.  Once again I saw the agenda.  This was about making money.

The third vet was a keeper. Dr. Shelby Riddle not only made contact with Marshmallow, but spent much time with me and my need for some educating about nutrition, his care and his particular needs. Yes, he needed some teeth removed.  The price was explained and seemed fair.  Yes, he had a fatty deposit which is common in dogs and didn’t need to be removed.  Yes, the doctor had ideas for his health that were holistic.  And yes Dr. Riddle graduated from Cornell which is the East coast equivalent of Davis and a difficult school in which to gain acceptance.  Needless to say she gained my trust and I am recommending her to my friends. She is located on Fifth Street in Benicia.

Just recently, I went with Megan and her dog Kayly as the dog is having liver problems.  After an hour of reviewing Kayly’s chart, Dr. Riddle led us through her thinking about the alternatives.
These alternatives were all about quality of life. She is about what works to find that balance between end of life and comfort for the animal.  Several actions were brought forth and the Shelty is happier with end stage liver disease.

All of these veterinarians were correct in their assessments.  But what was in the forefront for me was they didn’t seem to realize they need to have the pet owner’s trust.

It is the same issue for me whether it is a medical doctor, a dentist, or a car mechanic.  The professional may know their job but for me they have to form a relationship with me before I turn over my body, my teeth, my pet or my automobile.

Ellen Blaufarb is a Marraige, Family Therapist.

Low fat/high protein dog food recipe

Ingredients:

* 8oz. Chicken (1/2 lb., 1 cup)–canned or freshly cooked (Do not pour off the fat).A10 ounce. can of 98 perent chicken contains 8 ounces of chicken)
* 1 cup carrots, cooked– fresh or frozen
* 1 cup raw oatmeal, cooked with 2 cups of water– quick or old fashioned
* 1 1/2 level teaspoons of bone meal powder (not fertilizer grade)

Directions:

1. Cook all ingredients separately.

2. Mix together. (A potato masher works well.)

3. Mix half and half with old food for five to seven days.

4. Give a vitamin and mineral supplement daily (Vetri-Science or Pet Tab Brand)

This recipe is equal to 11 half cups of senior dry dog food.