Ames Pet Hospital

I just started a new book, "Tell Me Where it Hurts" by Dr. Nick Trout. I have to say I am loving this book!  Dr. Trout is an orthopedic veterinary surgeon and writes about his experiences and some of the patient cases he has had. 

I am a big animal lover.  At times I feel it is a good characteristic to have, and other times I think not so much.  Every sad doggy story I read or hear leaves me feeling I am not doing enough for all the homeless animals out there.   

I have always had great respect for those in the veterinary line of work, not just the vets, but everyone in the office.  As much as I love animals I could not do their job - at times it would be just too difficult and I'm sure dealing with us pet owners can be trying at times.

What this book reminded me of, and what makes me respect veterinarians the most, is that they are caring for patients who can't tell them what is wrong.  They rely on what information we as owners give them and what they notice on a physical examination and/or tests. In addition, it is difficult for our pet's doctors to treat and heal, when we are at times restricted on what we are able to spend. In a perfect world money would be no problem and we would all be able to tell the vet "do whatever it takes", but we don't have the same health care system for pets that we do for humans. There is no small copay to cover larger office visits, so restrictions come into play.   There is a fine line that veterinarians walk between trying to give us answers as to what is wrong with our pets yet trying to keep the cost of testing, treatment, etc., in line with what each person is capable of spending.  It has to be frustrating for them as well to know that they are able to help, but if owners cannot afford the treatment, their hands are tied and they see an animal go without the care it needs.

With our previous basset Abby, she had a form of cancer which we treated with surgery, however, due to the location of the cancer they were not able to get all the cancerous cells.  We decided to proceed with chemotherapy treatment.  Of course we were worried about the cost, but felt we needed to try it to give her the best possible outcome.  Shortly after beginning treatment she became very ill, similar to what I had seen prior to another dog passing away, so we decided to discontinue the treatment and our goal went from quantity of life to quality of life.  That cancer never recurred.  It was a different form, an inoperable cancer in a different location, which eventually led to us losing Abby.

When the time came we had to make that difficult decision to let Abby go, Dr. Mack and one of the vet techs came to our home.  That was such a difficult day.  You know you are doing the right thing for your pet, but you feel guilty and you don't want to let go.  Being able to be at home made it more comforting, if that is possible.  It allowed our final moments with Abby to be in an environment she knew and loved, and it allowed us privacy. 

Dr. Trout's book has many sad moments, but many humorous moments as well - most involving over obsessive pet owners. I have to admit that some of the stories leave me wondering how we would rank on the helicopter parent scale with our vet and her staff. 

We are so fortunate to have such great people to care for Belle. Luckily most of our trips to the "spa" are mundane - monthly nail trims, and to pick up Frontline and Heartgaard.  I look forward to those visits simply because everyone is so friendly - it is really a social visit for me.  Belle would really rather not have her nails trimmed, thank you very much, but the treats Dr. Mack gives her at the end of the process and the loving she gets from the office staff are the pay-off for tolerating it.

Our vet and her staff have been there for us during some very routine times in the lives of our dogs, and in some very difficult times.  There is no other staff I would rather have be there for us.  They loved Abby  and now they love Belle almost as much as we do (I say almost because - well, we ARE her "parents").  In fact at her last visit for a toenail trim some of the girls stopped in the exam room just to say "hi" to Belle, because they heard she was in.  Another staff member told me that she now owns a basset because of Belle. 


How awesome is that?

The hard part of pet ownership is going into it knowing that you are going to lose your pet at some point. 

I can't imagine life without Belle. I'm hoping there are many MANY years with her, and many quick trips to Dr. Mack for toenail trims and socializing. 

But when the time does come that we need help with more than routine health maintenance, we couldn't ask for better people to be part of our lives.


Thank you all for EVERYTHING you do for us.