Off to see the Dr.

Having a vet (or even several vets) that you trust is essential.  Whether you are responsible for several dogs (like we are) or you have just one, that dog's health and well being are in your care.  Unless you are vet trained yourself, it is unlikely that you are equipped to take care of all of the routine health care needs of your pet and certainly not the more complex needs.  I've commented before that it is important to be able to communicate well with your chosen vet and trust that she or he has the animal's best health interest at heart.

This morning we are off to visit our favorite doctors (who are also family members).  The trip is about a 2 hour drive each way.  We are quite sure that we drive past several very competant vets between our farm and Dr. Will's hospital.  The family connection is certainly a strong pull for us but we are so impressed with Dr. Will and Dr. Tara's willingness to carefully explain all they do to us that we would likely choose to drive that far for their services even if they weren't family.  (They have animals that they care for that are brought from much greater distances than we travel too!)

[I guess it's important to note here that we also use another great vet hospital that is MUCH closer than Dr. Will's for many needs.  In part, we feel it is important to have someone close that is aware of what we are doing so that should a critical emergency arise with one of our fine dogs that we could get attention quickly by competant doctors that we know and have confidence in.]

This morning's trip to the animal hospital in Norris, TN is for x-ray picture of Tacie and her pups in preparation fror next week's whelping. We do this for each mother dog several days before we expect her to whelp.  Getting to see the pups (and count them) helps us prepare for the birthing ordeal to come.  Knowing how many and what size they are gives us a hint about possible difficulties we may encounter. On occaision we make a decision to leave the mother at the hospital for a 'c-section' delivery if we and the doctors feel like it is in the best interest for the mother and pups. 

We may post the x-ray photo on our Facebook Page later today (if it's clear enough.) and give you an update of what we expect from Tacie . . . stand by for PUPPIES!

ps . . .  just arrived home . . .  xray shows 6 BIG pups. Dr. Will jokingly said they look as big as full grown Yorkies    ; - )


 . . . until next time . . .  Eliot   https://www.facebook.com/RosehallLargeGermanShepherds