Who is the Expert?

Toffee & Beignet, Yin and Yang

written by Carol A. Smock, Founder

Something happened in my family recently that had me asking, "so who is the expert anyway?"  I was diagnosed with Valley Fever and worried that if I had contracted it, my dogs may also have been exposed and could be dealing with this horrible disease.  So, off to the Veterinarian we go...

I love my Clinic.  Dr. Tenney SAVED my Toffee Nut's life last year by amputating one of his toes that had a spindle cell carcinoma attached.  They suggested radiation afterward to be sure we got it all, but after careful consideration, I opted *not* to put him through it.  I met a new doctor on Saturday who would draw their blood - she's lovely too.  Well educated. Well spoken.  Kind and compassionate.

We talked at great length about the fact that I refuse to give Heartguard, Frontline or Vaccinations.  I explained that I've lost two already to cancer and I want to try this Holistic approach to see if it makes a difference.  I explained that while I don't pump their bodies full of poisons and toxins anymore, I still have them tested for Heartworms and other diseases on a regular basis, often performing a full panel of bloodwork annually.  I give essential oil supplements and feed the highest quality food I can buy.  I also explained how I've read extensively about this chosen lifestyle and I've consulted many who could be deemed experts in arriving at my decision.

She was respectful, although I could see she was cautious.  And, I DO respect that.  My dogs' bloodwork came back...  the 10 1/2 year old who just had a battle with cancer last  year - PERFECT!  And, while he showed exposure to Valley Fever, he does not have active infection.  The 4 year old was negative for Valley Fever.

So, this begs the question, just who is the expert when it comes to our pets?  While I would never suggest that Veterinarians are not the most educated and knowledgeable, sometimes, there are experts out there who didn't go to school for their degree.  Sometimes, an expert can be someone whose lifetime has been spent learning by doing (as John Lloyd Wright suggested is the best method of learning), taking chances and risks and studying the results.

I trust my doctors.  I really do.  But, they believe in Western Medicine and I'm learning that I believe in an Integrated Approach.  I'm thankful that they respect me enough as a pet owner to "learn by doing".  They are there to warn me of possible impending doom and to make sure we are testing my pets along the way to insure their safety.

I want to call your attention to a Special Newsprint Section that published in the Washington Post yesterday. It was titled Pet Wellness and the website is http://www.petcarenews.com/.  I encourage you to take a look at what this special section has to offer - good information about nutrition, behavior and general health & wellness.  There are also some great articles on Rescue and Adoption.  A word of warning, it's not all written by veterinarians...  but there is great information in it for you to digest and discuss with your doctor.

Brown Dog Foundation LOVES pets.  We respect the doctors who study for years to save them.  But we also know that often times, "experts" walk among us.  And sometimes, the expert may be us.  After all, who knows your pets' behavior and patterns better than you?

Care Credit: Just in Case

What is it?

Care Credit is a healthcare spending account that can be used both for humans and pets. Whether it is for a basic doctor’s visit or an emergency situation, Care Credit can be used to help your beloved animal friend.

Benefits

Care Credit offers special financing options for purchases over $200. These options include no interest for 6, 12, 18, or 24 months depending upon the amount of purchase. There is no catch to this special. It is included in the terms when signing up and as long as minimum monthly payments are on time and the account is paid in full by the end of the promotional period, there is $0 in interest.

How Do I Apply

An online application can be completed at www.carecredit.com. The process is very simple and takes about 5 minutes to complete. If you don’t wish to apply at this time, Care Credit applications can also be processed at most animal clinic and hospital locations.  Phone applications can also be completed by calling (800) 677-0718.

Uses:

-         Routine check-ups

-         Supplies purchased at veterinarian office

-         Unexpected doctor’s visit

-         Emergency procedure/ assistance

  

Care Credit Success Story

Feisty, a 4 month old English bulldog was attacked by another dog while playing outside. Immediately, she collapsed in a puddle of blood. Feisty’s owner rushed the small bulldog to a local animal hospital to receive assistance. They quickly took the dog to the back to analyze the damage. The owner was called to the front desk and advised that treatment would be over $800 a day. Desperate to save the dog’s life, the owner pleaded with the secretaries. Care credit was suggested as a way to finance the hospital stay. The owner filled out an application and was approved instantly (even at 11pm). The bulldog was able to get the necessary help and left the hospital 3 days later.

Without Care Credit, the owner would not have been able to finance the bulldog’s hospital admittance. In an emergency situation, there is not always time to get a loan or financial assistance. Care Credit makes it possible for pet owners to get the financial help they need now.       

This is a photo of Jake and his siblings.  Jake's life was in immediate danger, and while the family qualified for Care Credit, they fell short on the total cost of care.  Thanks to the generosity of Brown Dog Foundation donors, we were able to "bridge the gap" and save Jake's life and keep him alive and his family together!  Read Jake's story here:  http://www.browndogfoundation.org/jake-pa-2012

Pet Insurance

Written by Andy Chmiel, VP of Business Development at Medicare.com
Brown Dog Foundation, National Board Officer (Treasurer)

It seems these days you can insure anything. Your hands... if you are a surgeon, your voice... if you’re a singer, and even your back side... if you’re Jennifer (J-Lo) Lopez. As a licensed Insurance agent I was intrigued when this product hit the main stream market a few years back – Pet insurance. A unique way for people to make sure no medical surprise disrupts their pet’s everyday life.

My team of agents reviewed the products and found out that this all started in England with a company named Veterinary Pet Insurance or VPI. Their first pet insurance policy was sold back in 1947. While Pet insurance has been around for quite some time, less than 1% of Americans have taken advantage of this opportunity. As more and more Americans choose to pursue their careers, they want to share their success with a devoted and loyal companion. No, not always a spouse, but four legged and feathered friends too. More and more empty nesters are adopting ‘loved ones’ to care for in their golden years. Americans have never been more poised to spend more time with their beloved pets then right now. These Insurance plans are just what the public needs.

The policies begin at $10-15 a month for a basic plan and grow to $60-80 a month for plans which cover medications, well checks, and surgeries. Monthly premiums will depend on the age, breed and general health of the pet. Some employer groups have offered pet insurance as part of their employee benefit package and a greater number of folks are saying ‘yes’.

Getting a plan might be as easy as calling your current insurance agent but may require getting online and doing some research. Find a plan that will fit your life style and budget but most importantly the needs of your pet.

Your ultimate goal is the health and well being of your family’s best little friend. As a person that plans everything out I am sure that when the right little furry friend enters my life I will weigh the pros and cons and do my own research on insurance. It just makes sense to be a responsible pet owner who prepares for the financial surprises of being a pet owner.