Archive for April, 2010

Love is the Best Medicine – recommended book!

Monday, April 26th, 2010

love-is-the-best-med-2I became a fan of Dr. Nick Trout, a veterinary surgeon at Angell Animal Medical Center near Boston, when I read his first book, Tell Me Where it Hurts. His new book, Love is the Best Medicine – What Two Dogs Taught One Veterinarian About Hope, Humility, and Everyday Miracles (Broadway Books, 2010) is one of the best dog books I have read in a long time. Dr. Trout juxtaposes the stories of two dogs, an elderly Cocker Spaniel named Helen, and a young Min-Pin named Cleo, who became his patients under unusual circumstances. Without giving the story away, suffice it to say that these two cases and their unexpected outcomes  provide a riveting account of the human-animal bond and the spiritual dimension of healing. This book is about what it means to love a dog, and the lengths we will go to save them as well as how we come to terms with their loss. Dr. Trout is as skilled a writer as he is a surgeon,  writing with humor, honesty, and compassion. The result is much more than a book of animal hospital anecdotes; it explores a deeper dimension of medical miracles, and it is a book that stays with you long after you put it down.

This week’s update on Molly the Springer

Thursday, April 22nd, 2010

Molly continues to improve every day even though her incision is still not healing. She was sedated yesterday to evaluate the problem and it was determined that a bleeding mammary vein was the cause. That vein has now been ligated, and we are hoping that Molly’s body will respond positively and heal in that particular area. She has come so far, and while this seems like a minor concern, she still needs our continued support and prayers. We are hoping that our next update on Molly’s recovery will be the best yet!

Another update on Molly, the miracle dog

Saturday, April 10th, 2010

molly_homeMolly, the rescue springer spaniel who suffered life-threatening complications from spay surgery, is out of the hospital and into her new foster home!

The official statement from her new foster family: “Molly is all settled in and doing awesome! We love her!“

Applause to all who have followed Molly’s saga and helped to make this chapter a hopeful one.

Update on Molly, the rescue Springer

Wednesday, April 7th, 2010

molly_e-collar3Molly, the Springer spaniel with a rare blood clotting problem, is doing better! It appears that her new treatment is working and if she continues to improve, she will be able to return to her dedicated and caring foster parents soon. Please continue to send healing thoughts her way.

The amazing story of Molly, a rescue Springer

Monday, April 5th, 2010

Although I’m not in the market for another dog just yet, I frequently check out the available dogs on the English Springer Rescue site. I greatly admire the folks who provide foster care, and I love the stories they write about each dog, so that the prospective adopter can find the perfect match. Recently, a beautiful black and white springer named Molly caught my eye, as she resembles my Emily. After a few weeks getting acclimated in her foster home, Molly was spayed. Shortly thereafter, her foster parents noticed bleeding around the incision. What followed is completely harrowing, but shows the power of a caring group of volunteers and veterinary staff, working hard to save Molly. (more…)

Happy Easter!

Sunday, April 4th, 2010
Where's my Easter basket?

Where's my Easter basket?

After a winter of nearly continuous snow since before Christmas, this spring is particularly welcome! Sunshine, daffodils, and warm weather promise a perfect Easter Sunday. May it be filled with  spiritual renewal and thankfulness for the love and blessings that pets bring into our lives.