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Webvet People & Pets Feed http://www.webvet.com/main/showArticles/page/11 This feed contains articles about People & Pets en-us Copyright 2010 Webvet, LLC 2010-03-01T21:35-05:00 advertise@webvet.com advertise@webvet.com People & Pets hourly Valentine's Day survey results: more "quality time" is the greatest gift we can give our pets http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2167 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2167">Valentine's Day survey results: more "quality time" is the greatest gift we can give our pets</a> With <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/2163" target="_blank" title="Valentine's Day">Valentine’s Day</a> fast approaching, we’d like to share the results of our survey in which we asked participants to give us their nominations for the “top-10” Valentine’s Day pet gifts. The results surprised and delighted us and we want to share them with you. As you would expect, the list - see below - includes <a href="http://www.tailsandcompany.com/store/default.aspx?departmentid=228" target="_blank" title="gift items">gift items</a> that you can buy in a store and carry in your pocket (or car trunk). But as much as people want to express their love by giving their pets tangible gifts, the gift they most favor is the one that has no price tag on it. The simple truth is that when all is said and done, it is the only gift whose price cannot be measured in dollars: ‘quality time.’Here are the results, in order:                #10    A new sweater or coat                 #9     Enrollment in doggy daycare                 #8     A Valentine’s card                 #7     A sibling (dog/cat/other)                 #6     A new dog bed                 #5     Prepare their favorite meal                 #4     More trips to the park                 #3     A stuffed animal                 #2     Special dog treats                 #1     More quality time together “Quality time”: what does it mean?It’s a phrase we often hear, but what does “quality time” mean when we’re talking about our pets? WebVet wanted to know. We invited survey respondents to be interviewed so that we could understand just what quality time means for different people and different pets. We were delighted by the number of enthusiastic responders - so much so, that choosing a representative sample was no easy task.The WebVet community is a diverse one, encompassing pet lovers from around the world. We are dog and cat and bird owners, single and multiple pet households, in cities big and small, suburbs and rural towns. This writer had the distinct pleasure of talking to a number of survey respondents, and here is some of what I learned. Who: Linda & Eric KutcheWhere: Flower Mound, TXFor Linda and Eric, the love and companionship of their six-year-old <a href="http://webvet.com/breeds/show/id/263" target="_blank" title="chocolate lab">chocolate Lab </a>(Bailey) and their ten-year-old<a href="http://webvet.com/breeds/show/id/177" target="_blank" title="Beagle"> Beagle</a> (Ginger) are gifts without price: “They bring me a lot of peace; some days it’s laughter, other days, it’s calm,” Linda said. “It would be unthinkable not to have them.” She wishes that she could “bottle up their unconditional love and passion for life.”  As Linda explained, quality time may be something as simple as a long <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1392" target="_blank" title="walk in the park">walk in the park</a> with Bailey and Ginger, filled with play, instead of just the ordinary “walk around the block” to take care of business. Or, it might be rolling around on the floor with each of them, followed by a long back-scratch for Ginger and a game of Frisbee with Bailey. The dogs appreciate and respond enthusiastically to these seemingly small gestures. Linda reminds us of something that we sometimes forget: “Dogs define unconditional love. Everything that happened yesterday is wiped clean. They have a short memory for any act of unkindness they may have experienced. Every day is a new day.”  Who: Kristin CanonacoWhere: Huntington Valley, PAWhen Kristin Canonoco found an abandoned Tabby kitten, about two weeks old, in a dumpster in Philadelphia, he was so “cool and calm” that she decided to name him “Fonz”, after the “cool cat” played by the actor Henry Winkler in the old TV show Happy Days. At first, she had to bottle-feed him every three or four hours. But in spite of his tough start on the mean streets of Philadelphia, Fonz - now 5 ½ - has thrived under her care and, like his TV namesake, never loses his cool.A busy travel agent who often has to travel herself on business, Kristin hates being away from Fonz and calls her sister when she’s away to find out “how’s Fonz?” He can sense when Kristin is approaching the front door and greets her upon her return, something he doesn’t do for anyone else. “Whether you’re in the worst mood or the best, it doesn’t matter to a cat; they’re just the opposite of people.”Kristin acknowledges “it’s a little tougher to get quality time with cats than with dogs. Dogs will play whenever; cats are a little harder to play with.” But for her, “anytime I’m focused on him the most is quality time.” Kristin works with Fonz’s natural playfulness and affection, letting him flop down across her laptop or book when she’s trying to work or read and giving him the attention he’s looking for, even though it may mean deferring her own needs to respond to his.  Who: Leslie WallaceWhere: Staten Island, NYLeslie Wallace, a “semi-retired” professional pet-sitter, dog-walker, and bird groomer shares her home with – are you ready? – four dogs, three <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/1510" target="_blank" title="canaries">canaries</a> (with their own room), and four other exotic birds. The dogs were all rescued as strays, some abused, and the cause of abandoned and abused animals is one that Leslie is passionate about. With so many pets, Leslie’s dance card is quite full: “I don’t do anything for myself until they’re taken care of,” she says. Although her routine day begins at around 5:30 a.m. with walks for the dogs (“on their schedules, not mine”), for Leslie, quality time is more than just hours spent: “I devote time to each as an individual, rather than as a group.” As is the case for Linda Kutche, the unconditional love of a dog is worth all of the effort: “They accept you for who you are with all your infirmities.” Who: Louise RubinoWhere: Coconut Creek, FLFor Louise Rubino, the devoted owner of one dog – a 100 lb. Mastiff/Boxer mix named “Chopper”, - and four cats, quality time has a special meaning. She adopted Chopper as a six-month-old stray who was little more than skin and bones. After a year, he developed Myasthenia Gravis, an immune system disorder that requires a lot of special care: “We try to give him a good life because we don’t know what tomorrow will bring. When he has a bad spell, we try to keep him as comfortable as possible.” In spite of his size, Chopper “thinks he’s a lap dog” and plays gently with Louise’s four cats. They walk between his huge paws without any fear, knowing how gentle he is. Not only that, it was Chopper who discovered one of the kittens himself and led Louise to him. Louise recalled the saying that “Dogs are not your whole life, but they make your life whole.” How true. Who: Debbie DetzelWhere: Bright, INAfter working in construction and as a bartender, Debbie Detzel has recently started a new business, training people how to walk their dogs and interact with them in healthy ways. With years of experience raising her mother-daughter pair of Boston Terriers - Luna and Oregano - and her American Bulldog, Bella, Debbie knows a great deal about what dogs need to be happy and well adjusted. For Debbie, knowing each dog’s particular personality is key to spending quality time: “Luna is laid back, a sleeper, and the last one to come when called. Oregano is the clown and will do anything for a laugh. Bella is the most trusting.” Debbie stresses the importance of spending time one-on-one with her dogs, and emphasizes the importance of understanding the particular needs and personalities of each dog. “Just sitting and watching TV with your dog at your feet is not quality time,” she said. By “training” her human clients to understand the individuality of each dog, Debbie teaches them to end the “vicious cycle” of “no attention = bad behavior = no attention”, etc.Oh, did I mention that she also has two cats?  The key: make time for quality timeOur survey has hit upon a rule that devoted pet owners have always known: don’t try to “find” quality time for your pet; make quality time. You’ll be rewarded with a happier, more well-adjusted animal, and your pet will be rewarded with a happier, more well-adjusted human companion. Then every day will be Valentine’s Day – for both of you.  By Peter Lopatin for WebVet By Peter Lopatin for WebVet People & Pets Stump the Sussex Spaniel Takes Top Prize at Westminster http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2169 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2169">Stump the Sussex Spaniel Takes Top Prize at Westminster</a> <div>Stump is the <a href="http://webvet.com/breeds/show/id/333" target="_blank" title="sussex spaniel">Sussex Spaniel </a>that won Best in Show at the 2009 Westminster Dog Show.  He's like the Obama of dogs, reminding us that if he, a ten-year-old <a href="http://webvet.com/breeds/show/id/333" target="_blank" title="sussex spaniel">Sussex Spaniel </a>can win best in show -- anyone can. You gotta love him. After rebounding from a near-death experience in 2004, Stump has spent the past five years like most dogs. As his owner, Scott Sommer, told USA, Today, "He's just been hanging out at home and being a pet and sleeping on the bed and doing whatever he wants to do."</div><div>Yet unlike most pets, Stump defeated 2,500 of the world's top show dogs to win the sport's highest honor. It came down to a <a href="http://webvet.com/breeds/show/id/298" target="_blank" title="standard poodle">Standard Poodle</a>, a <a href="http://webvet.com/breeds/show/id/239" target="_blank" title="giant schanauzer">Giant Schnauzer,</a> a <a href="http://webvet.com/breeds/show/id/312" target="_blank" title="scottish deerhound">Scottish Deerhound</a>, a <a href="http://webvet.com/breeds/show/id/301" target="_blank" title="Puli">Puli</a>, a <a href="http://webvet.com/breeds/show/id/314" target="_blank" title="Scottish Terrier">Scottish Terrier</a>, a <a href="http://webvet.com/breeds/show/id/198" target="_blank" title="Brussels Griffon">Brussels Griffon</a>, and Stump  - the <a href="http://webvet.com/breeds/show/id/333" target="_blank" title="Sussex Spaniel">Sussex Spaniel - in the final competition </a>for the ultimate honor.  The rousing cheers in Madison Square Garden made it obvious that judge Sari Tietjen had made the right choice. </div><div><div>"I didn't know who he was or how old he was," Tietjen told the New York Times. "He's just everything that you'd want in the breed, and I couldn't say no to him." True to the breed description, Stump does boast a perfect "rich golden liver color," long body, somber face and cheerful disposition. But sandwiched in the ring by trots and struts, Stump's lackadaisical plodding was clearly welcomed by the thousands of ordinary dog lovers who came to witness the prestigious event that normally bears a total air of pomp, primp and circumstance. </div><div> </div><div>The X-Factor</div><div>Maybe the hard knocks of the his life radiated through his <a href="http://www.akc.org/breeds/sussex_spaniel/" target="_blank" title="breed standard">breed-standard </a>hazel eyes, or maybe he was more relaxed than most, not having had to stress about the competition like his opponents, who were informed more than a week ago about their prime-time duties. Like Tietjen said, "there's just something about him that won't let you say no." </div><div>Stump, however, can say no to you. When asked if his dog would replicate the globe-trotting year that 2008 champion Uno the Beagle is now putting behind him, Sommer told the Times, "Stump's going to travel back to Houston and kind of stay there. He doesn't travel that much." But being the equivalent of 70 human years old, can you really blame him?</div><div> </div><div>A Champion for the Ages</div></div><div>Never before had a <a href="http://webvet.com/breeds/show/id/333" target="_blank" title="Sussex Spaniel">Sussex Spaniel</a> won the nation's top pooch show, nor had any canine so old. The oldest previous winner was a sprite eight. Uno, sorry buddy, but you're not number one any more. 2009 belongs to everyman's dog, to everyone who looks at their pet every day and knows he or she is the best one in the world. Stump is proof that you're right. </div> By Barbara Sharnack for WebVet By Barbara Sharnack for WebVet People & Pets Veterinary specialist practices: A growing trend http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2176 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2176">Veterinary specialist practices: A growing trend</a> If you think of the wide variety of veterinary medical services that a typical general practice veterinarian provides, you'll surely agree that the breadth of knowledge and expertise of veterinary practitioners is quite amazing. In the course of a vet's week, she or he will likely a) provide well-pet care to scores of dogs and cats, b) perform <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=92&med=1" target="_blank">spay-neuter</a> procedures, and c) handle a variety of medical emergencies ranging from scrapes and bruises to life-threatening injuries, not to mention treating orthopedic, dermatological, endocrine, and other conditions. Animal medicine is no less complex than human medicine, so it should come as no surprise that there are more and more <a href="http://avma.org/education/abvs/default.asp" target="_blank">veterinary specialists</a> to whom the pet owner can turn when a problem arises that calls for special care.While veterinary specialization is not a new phenomenon, what is new is the appearance on the scene in recent years of large veterinary practices staffed by highly trained and qualified specialists in a variety of practice areas. These specialized veterinary practices provide only specialized care, usually on a referral-only basis from a general practice veterinarian.<h4>Top-quality specialized veterinary care comes to the Bay State</h4>An example of such a practice is the <a href="http://www.vescone.com" target="_blank">Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center of New England</a>(VESCONE), in Waltham, MA. Co-founded by Amy A. Shroff, DVM, who serves as VESCONE's Chief of Staff, VESCONE employs Board-certified specialists in the areas of Emergency and Critical Care, Surgery, Internal Medicine, Ophthalmology, Radiology, <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1586" target="_blank">Acupuncture</a>, and Cardiology. VESCONE's 18,000-sq. ft. facility is equipped with three surgery suites, two radiology suites, six exam rooms, as well as an isolation suite, and a fully equipped laboratory to perform all necessary blood tests in-house. In addition, through an affiliation with the <a href="http://www.nevog.com" target="_blank">New England Veterinary Oncology Group</a>, located in the same building, VESCONE offers complete cancer diagnosis and treatment services. A graduate of the <a href="http://www.vet.upenn.edu" target="_blank">University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine</a>, Shroff points out that "veterinary medicine has grown in leaps and bounds, as in human medicine, but that there has not been a lot of outreach to the general public to inform them of the availability of specialized care.'' VESCONE's Emergency & Critical Care facility is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is headed by a veterinarian certified by the  <a href="http://www.acvecc.org" target="_blank">American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care</a>. As is the case with most specialty veterinary practices, except for emergency admissions, patients must be referred to VESCONE by a veterinarian who has determined that specialist care is necessary. This underscores an important point: specialty practices such as VESCONE are not a substitute for the care of the general practice vet. As Shroff is eager to emphasize, "We work in tandem with GPs''.<h4>Specialist care in the 'Big Apple'</h4>Most people are unaware that New York City is a town of pet lovers. Whether it's a cat living in a Brooklyn studio apartment, a Lab romping in Central Park, or a Cockatiel on Fifth Avenue, New Yorkers are crazy about their pets and expect specialized veterinary care on par with the medical care offered by New York's well-known human hospitals.Fortunately, in addition to the many highly qualified general practice vets in the city, New York is also the home of <a href="http://www.nyc-vs.com" target="_blank">NYC Veterinary Specialists</a>, a specialty and emergency veterinary care facility with offices on Manhattan's west side as well as in the borough of Queens. NYC-VS is affiliated with <a href="http://www.floridaveterinaryspecialists.com" target="_blank">Florida Veterinary Specialists & Cancer Treatment Center</a>, which provides comparable services in the Tampa Bay area. In a recent conversation with WebVet, NYC-VS Medical Director Neil Shaw, DVM, ACVIM -- who also founded the Florida practice more than 12 years ago -- explained that "the specialized veterinary practices provide the best treatment options for a wide variety of conditions.'' He points out that veterinary knowledge has expanded exponentially and that the general practitioner simply cannot know everything. "A specialty practice forms a needed hub for veterinary practice in the area it serves by providing back-up and educational support to general practice vets,'' he said. With almost 40 Board-certified veterinarians on staff, NYC-VS provides comprehensive veterinary care across all the major specialties, including Behavioral Medicine, Internal Medicine, Oncology, and Emergency/Critical Care, among others. The practice is fully equipped with all of the most up-to-date diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, enabling its veterinarians to treat the widest possible variety of conditions.A very partial list of the procedures performed at NYC-VS includes:<ul><li>Laser Glaucoma surgery</li><li>Corneal and lens transplants</li><li>Radiation and Chemotherapy for <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=15&med=1" target="_blank">cancer</a> treatment</li><li>Tumor biopsies</li><li>Cryotherapy</li><li>Bone Marrow biopsies</li><li>Ligament repair surgery</li><li><a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=55&med=1" target="_blank">Hip dysplasia</a> repair</li><li>Plastic and reconstructive surgery</li></ul>Like VESCONE, NYC-VS maintains a fully equipped emergency/critical care facility 24/7/365. Non-emergency admissions are by referral only from the primary care vet.<h4>What the future holds</h4>Asked whether he thinks that in the future, veterinary specialty practices will supplant the general veterinary practitioner, Shaw's opinion mirrored that of his colleague from Massachusetts, Dr. Shroff, when he said emphatically that the general practitioner will remain the primary source of veterinary services: "The development of specialized practices will be a very strong resource for pet owners and veterinarians,'' he said. "While vet specialty practices will be completely separate from those of the general practitioners, there will be a close working relationship between the two.''<h4>Demand on the rise</h4>How many specialty practices are ultimately established is anyone's guess, but clearly the demand for more such facilities is on the rise. Evidence of this is the establishment, in 1999, of the <a href="http://www.specialtyvets.com" target="_blank">Veterinary Specialty Practice Alliance</a>, a not-for-profit association representing approximately 20 veterinary specialty clinics throughout the United States. In fact, the VSPA plans to begin a private Residency and Intern program in July of this year at multiple locations within the United States.<h4>For the pet owner</h4>The proliferation of specialty veterinary practices may leave you wondering, "Where do I go first?'' The answer is simple: your general practice "family'' vet should be the first resource you turn to for your pet's care. Discuss with her or him whether your pet's particular treatment needs might best be served by referral to a specialty practice for the limited purpose of treating a specific condition. Also, keep in mind that although specialty practices usually only see patients who are referred by a general practitioner, those that maintain Emergency/Critical Care facilities will see any patient in need of immediate care. So, make a note of the location of the nearest emergency veterinary facility in your area just in case the need should arise. By Peter Lopatin for WebVet By Peter Lopatin for WebVet People & Pets Canines inspire pet lovers to donate http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2269 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2269">Canines inspire pet lovers to donate</a> While the idea of funding future cures appeals to many people, pet lovers are actively pursuing implementation through grassroots fundraising efforts that support medical breakthroughs.A unique component of these efforts is that they harness the canine's innate ability to inspire and warm the hearts of strangers. From <a href="http://www.netopthedog.com/" target="_blank">Netop the painting dog</a> whose work benefits his canine brethren to <a href="http://www.webvet.com/breeds/show/id/245" target="_blank">Great Pyrenees </a>walking from Austin to Boston to raise awareness of <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=15&med=1" target="_blank">canine cancer</a>, animal health messages are being conveyed in effective-albeit nonconventional ways. "We are surrounded by dedicated pet owners who want to make the world a better place for current family members and future generations," said Dr. Patricia Olson, president and CEO of <a href="http://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/" target="_blank">Morris Animal Foundation (MAF)</a>. "It is rewarding to see our mission-to treat, cure and protect animals-championed by the very people whose lives are enriched by these animals." Though their activities differ, pet owners around the country are united in their goal to cure canine cancer, a disease that kills 1 in 4 dogs. While these personal stories will tug at your heart strings, the overture to eradicate cancer through science is empowering. April 17, 2010 marks the third anniversary of the MAF <a href="http://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/special-campaigns/ccc/" target="_blank">Canine Cancer Campaign</a>, an unprecedented effort to find a cure. With pet owners and medical experts aggressively pursuing the issue our prospects for success improve dramatically. "We've known about cancer for over half a century and that we still don't know these answers [is] unacceptable to me," writes Luke Robinson, a pet owner who took to the streets in 2008 to raise awareness about the disease after his cherished pet died of <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=107&med=1" target="_blank">Osteosarcoma</a>. In a quest coined <a href="http://www.2dogs2000miles.org/" target="_blank">2 Dogs, 2,000 Miles</a>, Robinson and dogs Hudson and Murphy seek to rid the world of cancer one city at a time. His personal and touching story is published <a href="http://www.2dogs2000miles.org/Inspiration.html" target="_blank">online</a>. The genesis for the <a href="http://www.mdt-agilityability.com/pepper.htm" target="_blank">Pepper Memorial Cancer Fund</a>, which began in 2001, is similar. The annual agility event celebrates the life of Pepper, who died of <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/276/med/1" target="_blank">lymphoma</a>. It attracts a growing number of human and canine cancer survivors who recognize the need to band together; that there is power in numbers. In Kansas, several pet owners created a non-profit group known as <a href="http://www.greylong.org/about/about.htm" target="_blank">GREYlong</a> after their pets died from diseases that have no known cure. Because the goal is "to make a difference in the lives of our companion pets today and tomorrow," GREYlong sponsors MAF health studies. The organization's name is a nod to graying dogs and the hope that pets will live long, healthful lives; an objective supported through partnerships with M&M Designs. In North Carolina, a small dog named Netop and his owner channel their artistic energies into whimsical artwork, paintings and note cards that support MAF-funded research, local humane organizations and North Carolina firefighters who used their share of the proceeds to purchase pet oxygen masks for their trucks. Birds, bears and a variety of other animals take shape among Netop's brightly-colored broad-brush strokes. Muse and mentor Jacqueline Karch describes the work as impressionist, or perhaps minimalist, and says that while Netop enjoys painting she has learned to recognize when his artistic inclination has passed. "He paints the same spot on the canvas, usually the corner and drops the brush," she said. To paint, Netop uses a two-sided plastic tool, which grips a brush previously dipped into non-toxic food colors by Jacqueline and fits into his mouth. Sessions last anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes and are followed by treats and verbal praise for the dog whose work helps countless canines thrive and survive. "He brings a lot of joy to a lot of people," said Jacqueline, a visual artist and sculptor who taught Netop to paint using "touch" training techniques. "If I had been a musician I probably would have taught him to play the piano. Netop could do anything." Indeed, his fundraising and artistic feats are impressive. Across the country, grassroots efforts - from artistic endeavors to physical feats - are raising awareness about canine cancer and funding future cures through MAF. We applaud these initiatives and encourage pet owners to participate in the ongoing effort to find a cure.     By Heather Grimshaw for WebVet By Heather Grimshaw for WebVet People & Pets Pet insurance: Covering cancer in pets http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2147 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2147">Pet insurance: Covering cancer in pets</a> <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2109" target="_blank">Pet insurance</a> can play an important role in providing treatment for animals diagnosed with <a href="http://webvet.com/main/article?id=15&med=1" target="_blank">cancer</a>. While there is hope for dogs and cats suffering from the disease, diagnosis and treatment for cancer in animals comes at a high cost.<h4>Unaware of the cost</h4>“Most pet owners don’t realize just how expensive cancer is in cats and dogs,” said Darren Defeo, senior vice president of <a href="http://www.trupanionpetinsurance.com/" target="_blank">Trupanion</a>, a pet insurance company. “The bill, if the pet is put through extensive treatment, can run upwards of $10,000.”A cancer diagnosis in a pet, especially in today’s economic climate, can create a financial strain that forces uninsured pet owners into the difficult decision of whether to pay for high-priced treatment or euthanize their animal. It’s a decision that no pet owner wants to face. “Unfortunately, at this point, many people can’t afford treatment and are forced to put the animal down,” Defeo said. “It the pet owner had opted to get insurance before their pet got sick, they would be more likely to afford treatment.”<h4>Types of cancer</h4>Just as with humans, the likelihood of a dog or cat getting cancer increases with age. There are no cures for the disease, although some forms of cancer can be prevented from spreading with the proper treatment. One of the most common forms of the disease found in dogs is lymphoma. Treatment may include chemotherapy, which can slow the rate of remissions and possibly prolong the dog’s life. But, as with any type of treatment, there is no guarantee of success and the cost can easily exceed $8,000 over a six-month period.<a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=107&med=1" target="_blank">Bone</a> and skin cancer, as well as <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=27&med=1" target="_blank">oral cancer</a>, are also prevalent in dogs. Removing a tumor can run anywhere from $500 to $3,000, depending on the size and breed of the dog. The cost of radiation therapy, which can also be effective in managing the disease, can range from $2,000 to $6,000 during the course of a few months.<h4>Co-pays</h4>Depending on the pet insurance company and the policy, sometimes up to 80 to 90 percent of diagnosis and treatment for cancer and other serious illnesses in pets is covered. As with any type of insurance, though, there are pre-set limits, and annual and lifetime maximums.Due to the costs involved, some pet insurance companies charge a higher premium for policies that include cancer treatment.<h4>Other considerations</h4>Although treating cancer in pets is now a viable option, some pet owners are still reticent to opt for chemotherapy or radiation – with or without pet insurance.Saor Stetler considers himself a responsible pet owner who has, and continues to, “self insure” his dogs and cats. When his beloved Labrador retriever, Oso, needed surgery to remove tumors in his leg, Stetler did not hesitate to pay for two surgeries that totaled $1,000. He contends that prolonging a dog’s life with costly treatment should depend, among other things, on the age of the animal. Another factor is the pet’s comfort level when enduring treatment at such an advanced age.“If Oso had required more expensive care like chemo, we would have had to think about that…I would factor in his age and then determine if it is reasonable to extend his life.”<h4>Weighing your options</h4>There are obviously many things to factor in when deciding on treatment options for your pet with cancer. Working with your vet, you can decide what route is best for your pet. If an expensive treatment option is decided upon, pet insurance can help ease the financial burden so that you’re free to give your undivided attention to your pet, when they need it the most. By Tom Kent for WebVet By Tom Kent for WebVet People & Pets Pet mediators put animal interests first during divorces http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2133 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2133">Pet mediators put animal interests first during divorces</a> As a pet owner himself, Charles Regal knows that animals are much more than the property they are treated as in <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1919" target="_blank">divorce</a> court. That is why – armed with a master’s degree in social work and mediation training certification – he began a specialized practice in pet custody mediation, where separating couples can pursue mutually satisfactory custody agreements for their dog, cat, bird or small animal. <h4>Choosing a mediator over a lawyer</h4>In addition to potentially astronomical legal fees and long waiting period a former couple could face by going to court to determine custody of a shared pet, the U.S. legal system treats animals no differently than a piece of furniture. According to StraightDivorce.com, such a determination is made after examining receipts indicating which partner had been the functional owner of the pet, by way of expenses for medical treatments, training, nutrition and grooming. Regal, on the other hand, does not produce a legally binding arrangement, but facilitates an agreement between the people in question, who are unable to arrive at one on their own. <h4>The results</h4>“One that sticks out in my memory is a parting couple who was so resentful toward each other, I didn't think they'd stay in the same room together for very long,” recalls Regal. “Their whole demeanor changed when one of them mentioned their dog [was] acting lethargic and not having a good appetite lately. When asked if it was possible that the tension from their separation was affecting the dog, they both said they believed it was and wanted to do whatever was possible to help their dog through this transition. They were considerate to each other and listened respectfully to each others’ suggestions. Their love for their dog enabled them to rise above their negative feelings and create a plan that both were satisfied with.”<h4>Who they are</h4>There’s no clear-cut path to becoming a mediator. While some private organizations provide mediation training and offer what they designate as certification, no state has enacted laws regulating the private practice of mediation or established state-wide requirements for mediators as they do for other professions. Arguably, the best mediators are compassionate yet fair, with a history of thoughtful conflict resolution. <h4>How it works</h4>Getting the facts: In Regal’s case, he begins by talking to each person privately and confidentially, usually by phone. “Aside from getting all the pertinent information, I give each person a chance to vent their feelings about the situation they are going through.” <ul><li>Establishing ground rules: “I let people know what kind of process I have, and what kind of process it is not,” Regal said. “I want them to know they are not visiting me to prove a case or have me referee a fight. My focus is not on who is right or wrong, but on deeper understanding on how each person is experiencing the situation – without any judgment.” The goal is to get separating pet owners to work as a team to do what is best for their pets, and themselves.”</li><li>Leave the pet at home: “I don't like the pet to be present at the mediation because it would be too stressful for them. But I do ask for a photograph of the pet to be present to help us re-focus our attention if we get distracted.”</li><li>Put the choice in their hands:  “I make sure that any solution that comes from the meeting totally belongs to them,” concludes Regal. “Mutually acceptable resolutions resulting from the peoples' own ideas and desires are far more viable and solid than ones that are imposed or coerced.” </li></ul> By Barbara Sharnak for WebVet By Barbara Sharnak for WebVet People & Pets Adopt a Greyhound: Save a life! http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2265 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2265">Adopt a Greyhound: Save a life!</a> Hoover and Kelly Gresser were considering adopting a dog, and they had heard Dairyland Greyhound Park was contemplating closing.Little did they know as they drove up to Kenosha from Kankakee, Ill., on Wednesday, that the decision to shutter the track was already made, shipping hundreds of greyhounds out to the adoption market in the coming months."We just kind of came up here to see the puppies, talk to the adoption people," said Hoover, who viewed a passel of greyhounds through a window before racing began Wednesday.Roughly 850 to 900 greyhounds reside in Dairyland's 12 kennels. About 25 to 30 percent of them - the top racers - will move on to other tracks, while the rest will be "petted out" to adoption agencies, said Silverhawk Kennel owner Tom Thomas."No dog will be left out," Thomas said.<h4>Residents can help </h4>There's plenty that local residents can do to help with greyhound adoptions, said Ellen Paulus, president of Greyhound Pets of America-Wisconsin:<ul><li>Promote greyhounds as good pets.</li></ul><ul><li>Urge friends and family who have expressed interest to consider it further.</li></ul><ul><li>Donate cash, dog food and gas cards to pay for shipping the animals, cleaning supplies, paper towels and other pet-related supplies.</li></ul><ul><li>Volunteer to process adoption applications, transport dogs to other agencies, take on other responsibilties. </li></ul><ul><li>House a greyhound temporarily, which might require additional training.</li></ul>"There might be education on how to handle a greyhound because you can't put them off a leash in a yard without a fence," Paulus said. "When they're running as fast as 40 mph, good luck in catching them."Paulus said there will be more details at www.gpawisconsin.org, including adoption applications. She anticipated some special events would be arranged in the Kenosha area related to greyhound adoption. Paulus estimated her group could receive 25 to 30 dogs when the track closes. The others would be shipped to adoption agencies across the country.She chuckled when asked what she'd do if the Dairyland pack overwhelmed her organization's resources."It's always overwhelming here," Paulus said. "There's always more dogs than what we have places for. We just keep focused on getting one dog placed at a time, and if it means there's 100 or 500 dogs from Dairyland to deal with, the goal is still the same." Reprinted from Kenosha News Reprinted from Kenosha News People & Pets Service dogs help heal military veterans http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2121 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2121">Service dogs help heal military veterans</a> The wounds of war are not always physical. Battle anxiety leaves many soldiers emotionally scarred with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can lead to lifelong disability if inadequately treated. Coming to the rescue is the Paws for Purple Hearts program, with dogs trained to assist veterans with emotional and physical disabilities. The concept of <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/1469/med/0" target="_blank">service dogs</a>, trained to assist people with mobility or other impairments, originated in 1975 at the Bergin University of Canine Studies, Santa Rosa, Calif. The concept has now been expanded for an innovative program designed for wounded veterans. In January the first group of dogs selected from the pilot program of Paws for Purple Hearts will report for duty at the Walter Reed Warrior Transition Unit in Washington, D.C. Veterans suffering from PTSD will train these dogs to become companions for other soldiers returning home with physical disabilities."The experience of losing a close friend and feeling helpless leaves a scar,'' said Rick Yount, director of Paws for Purple Hearts. "It's very important to address it and come to some type of understanding of what they could and couldn't do in the situation.'' <h4>Unconditional love</h4>In the first part of the program, the unconditional love of the golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers in the program is part of a trauma-recovery team for incoming veterans suffering from PTSD. Emotional affection is needed to praise the service dog, an empathic quality needed for veterans to recover. "Dogs won't let you isolate,'' Yount said, adding that they serve as grounding and help the veterans develop patience. During a three-month training period, the service dog is taught vital skills to aid physically disabled soldiers, including the ability to retrieve items, turn on lights, open and close doors, and push wheelchairs. Once trained, the service dogs can accomplish many tasks typically performed by family members and attendants. <h4>Second phase</h4>In the second part of the program, the service dog moves to the next level, leaving the PTSD-afflicted trainer for a new human companion. The difficulty of saying goodbye to a new friend often brings up feelings of lost comrades, but with a significant difference: A sacrifice is being made for the good of another comrade returning from combat. "Maybe they couldn't help their friend hit by an IED (improvised explosive device), but helping another veteran helps them to deal with the loss,'' Yount said.Combat veterans usually have a difficult time expressing feelings about severe wartime trauma, and initial results are positive. "The vet can be more relaxed and less hypervigilant,'' he said. <h4>Call to action</h4>The call for the Veterans Administration to provide service dogs to disabled vets was signed into law in 2002 but has yet to be fully implemented. Paws for Purple Hearts started in July of 2008 and already, Yount is flooded with calls and e-mails. There is already a great need to expand the program.Yount entered the field of animal assistance 13 years ago after spending 7 years in the social work field. "This is some of the most important social work I have ever done,'' he said. By Marilyn Soltis for WebVet By Marilyn Soltis for WebVet People & Pets What is a veterinary behaviorist? http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1568 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1568">What is a veterinary behaviorist?</a> Who you gonna call when your pet won't behave? Veterinary behaviorists help with pet aggression and behavior modification. Before calling an animal trainer, first consult your veterinarian. Depending on the problem, your vet may refer you to a board-certified veterinary behaviorist, especially if aggression is the culprit."I see aggression cases in dogs and cats primarily,'' said veterinary behaviorist Gary M. Landsberg, DVM, of the North Toronto Animal Clinic. Speaking at the American Animal Hospital Association conference in Tampa in March, he said anxiety and phobia disorders can be seen in dogs, and compulsive disorders in both dogs and cats.<h4>Ask about qualifications</h4>With animal trainers, dog whisperers and pet psychics vying for attention, it can be difficult to cut through the fog of different designations. People in "many different groups call themselves animal behaviorists,'' Landsberg said. "Some behaviorists may have one year of community college or take an online course. Others may have a Ph.D. in animal behavior.'' He advised obtaining qualifications and referrals from trusted vets.When the problem is more difficult than the vet can handle, a referral to a Vet Behaviorist may be the best answer. "We are the higher line call,'' he said. "A vet behaviorist is a board-certified specialist like any other specialist in veterinary medicine.'' As veterinarians, these behaviorists are able to distinguish the medical from the behavioral. After vet school, behaviorist training includes:<ul><li>Comparative animal behavior</li><li>Learning and behavior modification</li><li>Abnormal behavior</li><li>Psychopharmacology</li><li>Effects of disease on behavior</li><li>Drugs vs. behavior modification</li></ul>As with people, nature vs. nurture considerations apply. Behavioral problems in animals can be caused by:<ul><li>Genetic differences</li><li>Early development - nutritional and behavioral</li><li>Unstable environment</li></ul><h4>Diagnosis and treatment</h4>After a thorough assessment, the vet behaviorist will make a diagnosis and devise a treatment plan. A prognosis will help determine what might be achieved and how to accomplish it. A treatment plan might include more stimulating activities or creating a more stable environment.Sometimes the vet behaviorist will prescribe medications. "As behaviorists, we do prescribe drugs - the important thing is to diagnose and use drugs if they are necessary,'' he said.In studies conducted with a partner, Landsberg found that when cats lick off hair it can be caused by food intolerances, flea intolerances and allergies. "Over 50 percent of the cats had a medical problem,'' Landsberg said. Some cases of canine aggression may also benefit from drug therapy, he added.Unlike therapy for people, a consultation with a veterinary behaviorist may require only one to three sessions. Before a consultation, Landsberg asks the client to fill out a comprehensive form on his website about the pet's lifestyle and home life. When possible, videotaping and recording the problem can help assess the pet's problem along with the owner's interaction. <h4>Finding solutions</h4>Armed with this information, along with medical records, the vet behaviorist can zero in on causes and suggest solutions. Follow-up support on what can be done at home can be facilitated with handouts, internet site referrals and phone consultations."Who you gonna call?'' Well, it depends on the problem. In some cases, consulting an animal trainer can provide an answer. Some animal behaviors, like jumping up on people, "may be quite normal but the owner doesn't like them,'' Landsberg said. For those types of issues, a trainer is needed rather than a behaviorist. By Marilyn Soltis for WebVet By Marilyn Soltis for WebVet People & Pets