A Book You Should Read

02.03.2009

As part of my job, I read quite a few books. One has come across my desk that you absolutely must read if you live with a dog. It is called "Speaking for Spot, Be the Advocate Your Dog Needs to Live a Happy, Healthy, Longer Life" and is written by Dr. Nancy Kay, Specialist, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Below is an excerpt from Speaking for Spot that I found in the Table of Contents.

The 10 Commandments of Veterinary Office Visits:

1. Thou Shalt Push Thy Veterinarian off Her Pedestal
2. Thou Shalt be Present
3. Thou Shalt Let the Staff Know if Thy Dog is Aggressive
4. Thou Shalt Provide Information
5. Thou Shalt Confess Everything
6. Thou Shalt Pause for Confusion
7. Thou Shalt Share Thy Concerns
8. Thou Shalt Ask Questions
9. Thou Shalt Treat the Entire Staff Well
10. Thou Shalt Always Come Away with a Plan

I have not read the entire book as of yet, but I must tell you that Dr. Kay writes with a compassion, understanding and insight that I have only found in a few of the veterinarians I have been privileged to know. She truly understands the bond we humans find ourselves with when we bring a dog into our lives, and she does not belittle it or make light of it.

She addresses everything from Medical Advocacy, Medical Decisions, Finding Dr. Wonderful and Your Mutt's Mayo Clinic, Office Visits, Tests, Vaccinations, Important Questions to Ask Your Vet & How to Ask Them, Cancer, Second Opinions, Money and the really tough one Euthanasia.

She also discusses Common Symptoms, and Common Diseases and there is even a Resource Section.

God bless you Dr. Kay.