Your Vet, your dogs second best friend.

Are you on a first-name basis with your dogs Doctor? We are. I don't know that our dogs have been sick or hurt more than others, more unlucky perhaps. My point is, we have a relationship with our Vet(s). They know us, we know them. More importantly, our Vet knows our dogs and the dogs trust the Vet.

Why do I think this is important? Because our Vets know at what level they can speak to us and know that we will understand what they are trying to tell us. Veterinarians are Doctors. That means they speak "doctor" English, not "people" English. If I don't understand something the Vet is explaining, I may not make the proper decision for my pet. Our Vets know they can speak to us a certain way and we will not have any confusion. That knowledge of each other and the comfort level that knowledge creates makes the decision making process clearer. Maybe not easier, but one based on understanding the issues the dog is facing.

It's so nice knowing that our girls go into the Vets' office with tails wagging, as opposed to pulling the lead in the opposite direction! We absolutely trust our Vets. We know that they will make decisions and provide care that is thorough and compassionate. I don't believe that our dogs get better care because we have a relationship with our Vet. I do believe that we understand the care they get better. Knowledge is power. I believe that we are empowered to provide the best possible care for our pets because we don't have any ambiguity about what is wrong. We agonize over the health of our girls, buy we don't lose sleep wondering if we are doing all we can for them.

We would never leave our own Doctor's office not knowing exactly what is wrong with our health. We don't want to leave the Vet wondering about one of our dogs. I would never take a prescribed medication not understanding what it is for and how often I should take it. My dogs deserve the same consideration.

If you don't already have a "first name" relationship with your Vet, please try to build one. It will be the best medicine you can give your dog.