Ms. B is writing a book for people whose pets are seriously ill. It offers solace and advice. It is also a special gift to give someone whose pet is ill. (Read book's introduction below)
The
book focuses on:
1. Believing in powers greater than yourself
2. Observing your pet for clues to causes and cures
3. Getting an accurate diagnosis, finding the best treatment, and paying
for it (in creative ways)
4. Researching the illness extensively
5. Uncovering the latest alternative treatments
6. Finding or establishing clinical trials (animal and/or human)
7. Regaining control of your pet’s care
8. Taking care of yourself
9. Maintaining a great relationship with your pet and making it even
better (there are blessings to be found)
10. Finding peace if it's time to say goodbye
The
book will contain a CD with links to all the resources you find on this
website and more.
Proceeds from the book will benefit sick animals.
If you would like to publish this book or be notified when the book is published, please email Ms. B
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Book's Introduction |
Cancer, dysplasia, accidents -- when a beloved pet faces serious illness, it is stressful for both of you.
After all, you love your pet and you have done your best to give it the finest care possible. So when something goes wrong, it is easy to wonder what you did wrong. Seeing (or imagining) suffering in your pet’s eyes adds to your guilt and frustration. If only your pet could talk. If only you had known; if only, if only, if only….
First of all, let the guilt go. It is self-imposed by you onto you. Your pet is not making that connection. In fact, your pet is pretty much living in the moment.
If your pet just had a restful nap, or ate a good meal, or took a normal poop, it’s a good day. If you smile at your pet or offer a comforting touch, it’s a good day.
You will do your pet more good by focusing on the positive. What can you learn, how can you maintain your gentle smile? Your pet picks up cues from you. If you are stressed, if your face appears to be frowning -- you may be worried, but your pet may sense disapproval -- you are losing command of the positive realm.
Right now, one of my dogs is outside howling in delight at a passing siren. This has always been one of his favorite activities – have fire truck, will howl. This dog is also partially paralyzed – the result of an inoperable spinal tumor. He cannot walk without falling down, but he can still howl with utter happy abandon at that passing fire truck. For him, it’s a pretty good day. He’s propped up wagging his tail. The sun is shining warmly on his golden coat and he ate a full breakfast. He's not in pain. Life doesn’t get much better than it is at this moment.
More about Smedley later (and other dogs my husband and I rescued over the years.) The point is that it would be easy to see a paralyzed dog suffering, rather than a dog sitting comfortably in the sun howling happily and enjoying the moment.
Our pets are pretty good at appreciating all the good moments life offers in a day. Are we?
We humans need to tailor our perspectives toward the positive as much as possible. In fact, having a pet with an illness can be a litmus test for how we view the world. Do we focus on the bad news? Do we fret and stew? Are we blame machines?
Or can we say, “My dog can’t walk, but I know he is happy with everything he can do and be right now.”
Sounds great,
yet how can we know we aren’t deluding ourselves?
1. Keep the faith.
2. Learn everything possible about the “Enemy.”
Our pet’s illness is our mutual enemy. We can fight the enemy together and become closer friends. Even saying goodbye, when that painful time comes, can be spiritually and emotionally uplifting.
We want to stay positive. We want to believe that our pet can be happy, even facing a life-threatening situation. But how can we be sure?
It is easy to feel like everything is out of control. But it isn’t. Here, we will explore how to take back control and turn the crisis into a journey of learning, friendship, new memories, and personal growth.
So let’s get started...
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| Smedley is a 7 year-old Chow/Golden Retriever mix who lives with Ms. B. He is battling a type of tumor that impacts pets and children. Ms. B chronicles his journey here.This journal is meant for informational purposes only. Always consult medical professionals before beginning any treatment regimen. Check these sections frequently for updates: (latest items posted May 8, 2006 -- one year after Smedley's tumor was first diagnosed.) (All external sites open in their own window. Close windows to return here) Surgery New
Treatment Strategy Alternative
Medicine and Diet
Physical Therapy and Exercise Coming soon! New section on maintaining a positive attitude. Our
Favorite Helpful Links!
(new section!) |
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About Smedley and his family Like all our dogs, Smedley found us. We were on our way home from a San Francisco Giants game when we spotted a puppy on the side of the highway. Hubby Bob leaped from the car after pulling over to the side of the road, and dodged traffic to scoop up the straggly, mangy (really) little golden retriever/chow mix. Once inside the car, this weird looking, bigheaded puppy sneezed on Bob and fell asleep. We tried in vain to find an owner, then deduced the three month old puppy had been dumped. We treated his mange (and our own for awhile, unfortunately) and he's been with us ever since. Shortly after, we acquired Smooch from neighbors. While running in a pasture, he stepped on old rusty fencing and got lockjaw! But he survived with the help of Dr. Vince Pedroia and Bob (who slept with Smooch for a month on the floor, helping him through each seizure.) All I can say after witnessing lockjaw is get your tetanus shots! And don't let your dogs play in pastures where livestock grazes. This increases the odds of lockjaw. Now gone to that big dog mansion in the sky are our other canine friends: Dewie, a Yorkie who had Addison's Disease; Toonie, a Bichon we found who had been hit by a car and had a crushed pelvis; Millie, a rescued Sheltie who lived to be 20 and spent her final years blind (but got around fine thanks to her Angel Vest and the fact that we never moved the furniture); Custer, a Schnoodle we found who had also been hit by a car; Kirby, a terrier mix who was scheduled for euthanasia at the pound right before we got her out of there; and Ernie T. who was born with serious heart problems. Our "newest" dog is 13 year-old Mindy, a toy fox terrier. She was my mom's best friend and we inherited her last year after Mom passed on. My book details life with all these dear creatures and how we tackled their medical (and in some cases emotional) problems. We value all we gave and got. Now we are treasuring our time with Smedley, Smooch, and Mindy. And Boo, our 19 year-old "token" cat. And our box turtle, cockatiel, sheep, rooster... When we aren't involved with our critters, we are running a charity that helps traumatized kids and other critters. If you'd like to help us help them, please visit Operation TeddyCare and lend support to our pet toy store. |
