THE TENNIS BALLS

Racquet Corner is a tennis shop right next door to Gentle Doctor at 120th and Blondo.

One day, one of the owners of Racquet Corner came over with a bag of tennis balls. "Would any of the dogs like these?" he asked.

Our eyes lit up as if we were the dogs receiving such a gift, and together we said, "Yes! Thank you!"

Now the couple who owns Racquet Corner bring once-used tennis balls for all the dogs. Any dog who wants one (or two) can have them. We have not run out in months.

It has changed so many dogs' experiences from a little bit scary to very fun.

The tiny Italian Greyhound chased his ball around the exam room for a while. If it stopped bouncing against the walls, he would hit it with his paw so it would start again and then tear after it, never himself hitting a wall. We all gathered to watch him. He didn't notice. He was having so much fun!

We gave a ball to a Boxer who did not want a treat. He looked like the proudest dog in the world carrying his ball in his mouth out to the car.

"You were very brave. Would you like a ball?" we said to the nervous Golden who had been such a good sport about all of the medical care. She jumped up, laughed with her eyes as Goldens will do and grabbed the ball. For the first time we had seen over her years as our patient, her tail started wagging furiously.

Nigel and Abe play with tennis balls while they are there with their Moms for the day.

Groomer Amy's Nigel showing off his tennis ball

They keep them safe in different corners of the office and treatment room.

Nigel asks, "Excuse me Kelly, have you seen my tennis ball?"

I used Nigel and Abe's tennis balls to show Kelly and Jen how I can juggle (5 seconds! Woo!)

You may have thought you were just dropping off tennis balls, but you have changed the atmosphere of the office from awesome to super awesome. We love seeing our patients so happy. Thank you Racquet Corner!

VET ER! WHAT'S YOUR EMERGENCY?

This is one strip of a series I created called, "When I Grow Up, I Want to be a Vet" from 2011 - 2012. You've asked if I am going to draw the comic again, and I loved doing it, so maybe. I started the comic to process difficult things in my career, and thankfully, I have not had so much to process once I got this all into comic form!

The entire series can be found at When I Grow Up I Want to be a Vet.

My first job, I worked day time and overnights. No one was there to help, and I often called Russ in to restrain pets who needed fluids or other care. (Team, have I told you lately that I love you? AND YOU RUSS) I loved the cool cases I saw on emergency, but I hated answering the phone!

ONE YEAR AGO

THE KURTENBACH SERIES, PART 4 - THE FLOWERS

TWO YEARS AGO

I SAW A KITTEN FOR THE FIRST TIME! AGAIN!

RING!

ONE YEAR AGO

MY RAT WUZZY, PART 2

TWO YEARS AGO

ARE YOU OKAY WITH NEEDLES?

RICCO AND REGGIE

Ricco is an adorable Yorkie.

He has been through a lot in his tiny/giant life.

His osteoarthritis and neurological issues have affected his mobility to the point he has almost no use of his left front leg. He has learned to swing that leg forward and land his little paw right side up and use that limb like a tiny little cane to help him take the next step.

And he always takes the next step.

As amazing as Ricco is, he accomplishes all he does thanks to his equally amazing Mom who is right by him every step of the way. His helper. His encourager. His medicine giver and vet visit partner.

Also, he accomplishes all he does thanks to his friend Reggie the Cat.

Reggie has her own health challenges. She is diabetic, on insulin and special food and has frequent visits to her vet tech friend Kelly. (That part is not a challenge. Everyone loves Kelly. But Reggie does get stressed.)

With all of her challenges, Reggie still looks out for Ricco. She sticks close and meows if she is concerned so Mom can come help. If Ricco falls, Reggie yowls until someone has come to help Ricco. Without Reggie, Ricco would not live as well as he does - or at all.I love these two and their family. I love their special friendship most of all.

Good girl Reggie.

RIP Reggie - November 2017

RIP Ricco - January 2018

ONE YEAR AGO

MY RAT WUZZY, PART 1

TWO YEARS AGO

SOMETIMES MY FRIENDS SPEND TIME WITH ME BECAUSE IT IS REQUIRED BY THEIR JOB DESCRIPTION

AFTER CHRISTMAS AT NEBRASKA HUMANE SOCIETY

Abby and friends made sure all the dogs and cats had a gift to open Christmas morning! Abby said it matched the picture in her head perfectly.

Thank you from Abby to...

Grandma Finch

Grandma Nelson

Jaime Williams and Ross Nelson

Dr. Adrienne Kanne

Penny and Scott Bell

Kathi Ortmeier

Dr. Pete Bashara

Racquet Corner

ONE YEAR AGO

SOPHIE IN THE SNOW

TWO YEARS AGO

ABBY AND ALLY ARE FRIENDS

CHEWY DOT COM - HILL'S SCIENCE DIET CRUNCHY FRUIT SNACKS

I LOVE Hill's Science Diet.

Good girl Frankie!

So it was very fun to receive Hill's Science Diet Crunchy Fruit Snacks from Chewy.com to review.

Hill's Science Diet Crunchy Fruit Snacks

Luna wasn’t feeling great (she is all better now!), and Joy could not have the treats because she is allergic to chicken. Having just publicly declared my love for Hill's, I feel it is fair to ask, Why is there chicken in a fruit snack?

I brought the treats to work, and my friends helped me gather data.

The subjects:

Whitney's Odin the Goldendoodle Puppy

Yes please!

Jenny's Frankie the Frenchie Puppy

I AM excited.

and Erika's Tiny Taffi Dog

I would love a yum.

The snacks were an overwhelming hit! My favorite reaction was Odin's. He hid the snack under his paws, seemed to forget where he had put it, lifted his paws and jumped for joy. He chewed his treat a bit and repeated the game. Eventually he ate it, but I think he got a good ten minutes of play out of it first!

Oh! There you are!

Oh! There you are again!

Frankie, you are too cute!

Oh my gosh! That face! Frankie may have gotten more than one treat.

This strange thing is delicious!

All princesses like their treats pre-smashed if they have Tiny Taffy mouths! She ate the WHOLE thing.

Thank you Chewy.com! Thank you Hill's Science Diet! Thank you friends and pups!

This was a fun one : )

ONE YEAR AGO

BEUTHANASIA PINK

TWO YEARS AGO

HE IS BEAUTIFUL

YOU ARE NEW!

You Are New! - Guest Colorer!  Emily T. Ramey

ONE YEAR AGO

PEEK-A-BOO

TWO YEARS AGO

I AM VERY BUSY

SHADOWS END - A VAMPIRE STORY

A new veterinary assistant, J.J. Freeman, had started at Gentle Doctor Animal Hospitals.

On the first day I worked with him, he told us his first book of a vampire trilogy was coming out soon.

We were all so impressed!

I have a soft spot for entrepreneurs, especially new authors. I came home and ordered the book online.

On the second day I worked with J.J., I brought the finished book to pass along and told him he is a very good writer.

He asked to hold the book. He had not seen it in Real Life. I might have teared up a little. Maybe.

On the third day I was supposed to work with J.J., they said he had quit by no-call-no-showing. I was perplexed and a little sad.

I hope he is well. I hope he keeps writing. I hope he really exists. Maybe? Probably.

I wish I had been able to work with him long term. I am glad I got to meet him.

ONE YEAR AGO

BRUCE WAYNE, BAT PUG

TWO YEARS AGO

I CANNOT OVERSTATE HOW MUCH I LOVE OFFICE SUPPLIES

CHEWY DOT COM - RACHAEL RAY NUTRISH BEEF SOUP BONES

One of the products I received from Chewy.com to review was a bag of Rachael Ray Nutrish Beef Soup Bones.

10/10 - would order again.

I appreciate a chewy treat that is not made of real bone. Luna loved it, and I love Rachael Ray.*

*I don't actually know Rachael Ray.

The only improvement I would suggest is including only beef. The ingredient list included chicken, which Joy, with her chicken allergies, could not eat. Do not fear! I got her other treats while Luna was eating her soup bone!

Luna is intrigued, willing to keep an open mind.

Luna gets a smell and is all in.

These are good sized treats!

Luna chews her treat on her elephant bed.

Luna makes cute faces while chewing her treat.

Both Luna and Joy would like a soup bone. Luna, you have had enough for one night! And Joy, you got ALL the other treats!

ONE YEAR AGO

JACK BAUER

TWO YEARS AGO

IDEAL RETURN

SHADOWING DR. ETHICS - CASE 3

ONE YEAR AGO

DEAD BUGS DON'T MUTATE

TWO YEARS AGO

MY LITTLE SCIENTIST

REVIEWS DOT COM - DETERMINING THE BEST CAT FOOD

Reviews.com recently researched and published a list of recommended cat foods.

Reviews.com - The Best Cat Food: Safe and Healthy Formulas for Your Feline Friend

As you can probably guess, I have a lot of nutrition related opinions!

What I appreciate about this research project is the vast number of companies and cat foods that were considered, the criteria of having high quality ingredients and the focus on cats' well being. A large amount of time and effort was put into this project!

I would love to hear your opinions! What do you consider when feeding your cat (or dog)? Who do you go to for advice? What is most important to you?

The most important things to me in determining a cat food for a specific cat are nutritional needs of cats, nutritional needs of the individual cat, nutrients in the cat food (not necessarily ingredients) and how good it tastes to the cat. I gravitate towards companies that put their resources into longevity, nutritional and palatability (taste) studies and have well grounded scientific studies. I pay attention to food recalls and records of success over time.

My favorite brands of cat food are Hill's Science Diet and Royal Canin, followed by Iams/Eukanuba and Purina. I have occassional use for Fancy Feast and other foods. The list from Reviews.com has given me several other foods to look into that I know have high quality ingredients and have been well researched. 

Thank you to Reviews.com for this excellent project!

ONE YEAR AGO

PETER THE DACHSHUND

TWO YEARS AGO

HOW GORGEOUS IS THIS CAT?

SHADOWING DR. ETHICS, CASE #2

Shadowing Dr. Ethics, Case #2

ONE YEAR AGO

WOULD YOU USE TELEMEDICINE?

TWO YEARS AGO

THE STORY OF THE DAY I MET MY FIRST IBIZAN HOUND

THE PITBULL ATE MY SHOE

I looked for my favorite red shoes in my closet. They would go well with my outfit. Then I remembered and smiled.

The pitbull came into the treatment room with his ears down and tail tucked. I asked him to sit for his heartworm test, and he promptly peed on my foot. My shoe, sock and foot were soaked. My shoes were made of some fakey suede material - whatever it was, it could not be washed. I took my shoe and sock off and washed my foot.

Pitbull was sitting obediently, but still so nervous.

I came over to him and pet him under the chin and sighed. I am so sad when dogs are so nervous. The tip of his tail wagged. He really was trying.

I smiled and held up my other shoe. "Would you like this Pitty?" I asked. His eyes lit up and he jumped up to wait for the shoe. I put it in his mouth and his whole demeanor changed. He had never been offered such a gift! We finished his heartworm test and I found a different pair of shoes and we walked him back up front, red shoe in his mouth and tail wagging.

I loved those shoes. I love this memory a thousand times more.

ONE YEAR AGO

THESE DOGS

(RIP Shelby Girl)

TWO YEARS AGO

PARK THE CAR

KNEE SURGERY

I called the family to tell them their puppy’s neuter surgery had gone perfectly.

“He’s waking up, and all went well!” I told Dad.

“So his knee replacement went well?” he asked.

I asked him to hold on. I speed-read through the surgery authorization form. I came back and said, “I...no...he was neutered, oh no! I...” in my typical elegant prose. 

He was laughing. He was laughing! 

I picked myself up off of the floor. “He has fewer parts, not more!” I said just a titch angrily, relieved as I’ve ever been.

What was I thinking? We don’t do knee replacements! I knew through five different fail safes that this puppy was here for neuter surgery. It was the surprise of the statement. It totally threw me off balance, as he knew it would.

“Be careful what you say to a lawyer!” he said.

“You really got me Sir,” I answered, which made him laugh harder.

I am thankful it was a phone conversation, because when it started dawning on me I’d been had, for a brief second I was in a face punching mood.

I would have hated to have hit my now newest favorite client.

ONE YEAR AGO

DOTS AND CRIMINAL MINDS

TWO YEARS AGO

I WAS LISTENING MR. BIGA

SHADOWING DR. ETHICS, CASE 1

From the comic, When I Grow Up, I Want to be a Vet

ONE YEAR AGO

THIS PLANT

TWO YEARS AGO

CHARLIE STOLE MY HEART

ROVER DOT COM

Rover.com is a pet sitting service that allows you to choose from a list of local pet sitters to watch your pets.

Even though Rover.com paid our pet sitting fee in exchange for a review of their services, I thought their prices were very reasonable. 

We went on an “Omaha vacation” for three days over Christmastime.

We stayed at the Embassy Suites downtown. It was beautiful!

We spent an entire day at The Zoo. This bird came right up to Abby in the jungle!

Our sitter charged $25 per dog per night (a bit more than she usually would have because it was a holiday) and fed the fishes for freebies! 

The sitters set their own prices and seem to raise them as they gather more experience.

Our pet sitter’s name was Kelsey, and she was wonderful. She came over a few days early to meet the dogs (and fish). Joy loved her and Luna warmed up to her over her stay, both huge compliments from trustworthy sources.

Kelsey fed and medicated and walked both dogs and most importantly kept them company. She sent us text updates and left us a Christmas card.

Rover.com and especially Kelsey of Rover.com: 10/10, would hire again. We were very pleased and knew our pets were in capable and loving hands.

ONE YEAR AGO

PASSION PLANNER 2016

TWO YEARS AGO

PASSION PLANNER - 5 STARS!

NICE TO MEET YOU OTHER DOCTOR!

New comic every Friday!

When I Grow Up, I Want to be a Vet

ONE YEAR AGO

JEKYLL AND HYDE

TWO YEARS AGO

SINGLE TASKING AND THE REST OF LIFE

ZEUS THE RESCUE PUP

My Aunt Penny has a nephew Matt. Though we have not met, I decided that since we have the same aunt, we are cousins.

Matt and his family recently rescued this adorable puppy, Zeus. I've not met Zeus either, but I love him so much!

From Matt...

Name: Zeus Meatball Wallace

Age: 6 months

Weight: 45 lbs.

Breed: Mastiff mixed with American Staffordshire Terrier

Adopted: Nebraska Humane Society. He was fostered because he was underweight. We think there was abuse before Nebraska Humane Society because he was very shy around certain men, but he has gained a lot of confidence since then.

Training: We were definitely worried about his past and shyness catching up to him because of his big breed. We wanted him to be well socialized and confident, so we went with positive reinforcement training with a clicker right away. I learned from YouTube. He is very good at sit, lay, shake, kennel, stay and heel and knows the word "no" very well so he stays out of trouble.

Favorites: Staring out the window... 

naps in the sun... 

naps in the bed, naps in your lap... 

playing outside with his 6 year old bestie...

and cuddles with his Momma.

Sarah and I comment all the time about how we lucked out with this man Zeus. He is obviously a handsome boy, but his relaxed temperament, his sometimes playful but very lazy personality, trainability and love for sleep and the fact that he has to be touching or near you at all times fits our team perfectly.

Thank you for sharing Zeus with us, Wallace family! He is amazing!

ONE YEAR AGO

YESTERDAY WAS ROUGH

TWO YEARS AGO

SINGLE TASKING SHOULD BE A WORD

CHEWY DOT COM - HONEST KITCHEN BONE BROTH

I have started a fun project with Chewy.com. They send me a list of fun pet-related things. I choose two to review and they send me those two products at no cost.

The first product I reviewed was a Chicken Soup for the Soul book (10/10, would read again). 

The second product I am reviewing is Honest Kitchen's Bone Broth - 10/10, would order again.

Joy has chicken allergies. Luna is super picky. This broth is beef based with no chicken and, according to Joy and Luna, very tasty. So it works well for both of them, which is rare in both treats and dog food.

Joy says this is unlike anything she's ever smelled...

Luna is so picky that she often skips meals, which, like it does for every Chihuahua client I have ever had, causes endless amounts of worry to our family. Luna has had some pretty serious liver and gastrointestinal issues, so when she does not eat, we are extra concerned. This bone broth may put an end to that, the worry I mean.

Luna does not just want to smell the powder. She wants a taste!

Both dogs like the warm broth as a soup and as a gravy to their plain old boring food.

It is super easy to reconstitute (like regular chicken and beef broth) and easy to serve. We avoid canned food because, although it can be nutritious, and as a vet I am very grateful it exists, it is gross. This broth is not gross.

For natural diets of whole food and high quality ingredients, Honest Kitchen is among the best. This is the first product of theirs that I have tried, and I am very impressed.

BUNNY TRAIL!

Remember on the Riley and James website when I would get off on a tangent or two and label it a bunny trail? This is similar. Is it better because I planned it? I don't know, but it is still fun!

The broth is said to be best for Pitta dosha types. "What in the world?" I thought. On the label of the Honest Kitchen Bone Broth is this statement, "To learn more about Ayurvedic and take a fun quiz to learn which dosha your pet belongs to, visit honestkitchen.com/ayurveda."

So I did.

Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine originating in India. Anything I can learn about that can help my patients I am open to. The information on the page is fascinating.

AND Joy is a rare mixture of all three types of dosha, and Luna is a very strong (and strong willed) Pitta. Fun! If you take the quiz and find out what type your dog is or dogs are, let me know!

So this broth is supposed to be good for Joy and Luna, in Ayurveda thinking AND western medicine thinking. It has become a staple in our nutritious treats and supplements collection.

ONE YEAR AGO

MY PIT BULL - SHARPEI PATIENT, WELL, EVERY PATIENT REALLY

TWO YEARS AGO

MANAGE YOUR DAY TO DAY

VISIONS OF SUGAR PLUMS

Good night Daisy. Good night Lucy. Did you have a nice Christmas?

ONE YEAR AGO

PICTURES FROM CHRISTMAS EVE 2016

TWO YEARS AGO

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!