Client Feedback - Sirius the Cat Star

There are some pretty wonderful things about being a veterinarian - puppies and kittens, great owners and fantastic pets that you get to know over the years, just to name a couple. Unfortunately, though, conversations about the end of life stages for beloved pets is a reality that owners and  veterinarians face nearly every day. It is never easy. So, we do the best we can to make those decisions as comfortable for the owner and for the pet, but we don't always know how that is received by you, our clients.

A little while ago we received an email from a client who is new to our practice here at GLVH, but who wanted to share his thoughts with us and specifically asked us to make sure that we let you see it, too.

Thank you, Francois, for your kind words. We look forward to seeing you and your other feline family members under healthier circumstances.

The email, in its entirety, is posted here.

::  ::  ::

Sent: Tuesday May 26, 2015
Pet's Name: Sirius the Cat Star
Subject: Exceptional Support and Service from the Staff at Guelph Lake VH

My wife, Carolyn, and I would like to express our sincerest thanks to Dr. Gardiner and the staff of the Guelph Lake Veterinary Hospital. We recently moved to Guelph and have found a sympathetic, understanding and truly supportive team of professionals. We brought our cat, Sirius, in for an assessment and treatment. 

The entire team from beginning to end provided support and assistance in determining what was troubling our feline family member. Everyone took time to explain exactly what was happening to our "boy" and what we needed to try to bring him back to health. 

Despite all attempts, Sirius did not improve after the first week or so of treatment. Tonight, we called after hours and Dr. Gardiner, who was still in the hospital, answered the phone. He remained after hours to help us ease the passing of our little boy. 

We wish to express our sincerest gratitude to Dr. Gardiner for his sympathy and kindness. You can be sure that if you need help with your animal companion, that the staff of the Guelph Lake Veterinary Hospital will provide unparalleled service.

January is Walk Your Pet Month!

View fullsize

January is national Walk Your Pet Month.  I know, cruel isn’t it?  Why January instead of say May, June even October??  With a little planning, though, January in Guelph can be just as enjoyable a time of year to walk your dog as any other month.  There are a couple of important things to consider when planning a walk in the middle of the winter – the cold, the ice, the salt and the lighting.

Oooooo it’s COLD out there!  But, don’t let that stop you from enjoying the fresh air.  I am sure I do not need to tell you how to dress yourself, but I may surprise you by telling you to dress your pooch as well.  Dog breeds that are meant to work in colder climates generally can tolerate a 30 minute walk in January, think Husky or Malamute; however, most short haired breeds will require an extra layer.  Dogs that are close to the ground will also appreciate a coat as they are more likely to get damp from the snow touching their belly.

Sidewalks can get pretty treacherous in the winter and to combat this people tend to use a lot of salt.  Both ice and salt can prove hazardous in the winter.  Like most winter hazards, a little planning will help you stay safe on your January walk.  Various types of shoe grips exist that can be easily attached to the bottom of your boots to prevent you from slipping while walking Fido.  Most dogs can get fairly good purchase on the sidewalk or they walk on the grass/snow so they do not require extra footing.  What will cause grief to our four legged friends is the salt.  Road salt and sidewalk salt are extremely irritating to the tender tissue between the pads of our dogs’ feet.  To protect your pet from irritating salt outfit them with a set of winter booties.  You can also encourage those in your neighbourhood to use a pet friendly salt product.

The final hazard to consider is the lighting, or lack thereof.  The days are quite short during the winter and most of us pet owners are not out for our walk until we return from work.  By the time we head out the door there is often no daylight to be seen.  It is very important to make sure that both you and your dog are visible.  Purchase collars with reflective strips or LED lights.  When choosing a coat for your dog, choose one with reflective strips.  For yourself consider a lighter coloured jacket that will be easily visible to drivers or reflective arm bands that can be worn over your jacket.

So now that you are all prepared, get out there and enjoy the winter wonderland!  I know I will be!

::  ::  ::

Thanks to Dr. Cirinna for this blog post - and it's true, she and her dogs are out walking every day, even in these January cold snaps!

** also posted at Woodlawn Veterinary Hospital blog **