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My Diary

Tips for vet visits.

Meowmie sent this to her kitty clubs. I thought it might be helpful here too.

I found this letter in a Dear Abby column. I though it might be something
useful for rescuers to give to new pet owners. I've typed it just as it was in
the column.

Dear Abby: I work for a veterinarian and I would appreciate it if you would
please print some tips for pet owners.

1. When you call for an appointment, please give us your name. Do not say,
"This is Fluffy's mother." because we care for 23 cute, cuddly cats named
Fluffy and also a couple of Pomeranians.

2. Always have your dog on a leash and your cat in a carrier. If you don't own
one, place him/her in a cardboard box taped firmly shut. Cats are more secure
in an enclosed space, so it will be calmer during the visit. Loose cats can
bolt at the sight of a strange person or pet.

3. Please do not bring your other pets along "for company". It's distracting
for you and also for the pet being seen.

4. Please do not offer advice to others who are waiting.

5. Do ask us about anything you're curious or worried about. WE have heard it
all and won't be shocked, embarrassed or think you are "dumb". It is our job to
make sure you are comfortable and knowledgeable about your pet.

Front Desk Lady.

I've added a couple of suggestions I've collected as well and one or two from
personal experience.

1. If your cat or dog is in a carrier, face the front of the carrier away from
other animals if you can. This will hopefully keep your pet calmer and other
animals calmer as well.

2. Keep your dog on a short leash even if they're antsy about it. Any size dog can be a hazard in a waiting room which is often small.

3. If your cat doesn't like carriers and you use an open basket or other item
to carry them, keep a harness and leash on them. A blanket over the top is
handy for keeping them out of sight of other animals if need be.

4. Toys may distract your pet while waiting but they also excite, you're better
off talking to your pet rather then using a distraction like a toy which may
cause your pet to get in the way of someone else.

5. Same as with a strange animal, always talk to the owner first before talking
to or petting another animal in a vet's office. A pet may not be friendly, or
sick with something contagious.

6. Do not let small children try and help calm a pet on the examination table. A pet who might not normally bite may out of stress or fear.

7. If a vet is agreeable, ask them to explain to small children what they are doing during a check up or other visit. Many vets are willing to do this. This helps a child understand their pet better.

8. Keep your method of payment close at hand rather then having to dig through a purse or pockets for it. The quicker you can pay, the less time your pet has to spend in the vet.

I saw a fellow Catster mentioned in the paper.

Meowmie a passionate archivist was going thru a stack of San Francisco Chronicles, she let get away from her and found a mention of Guido in the "gossip" column of Leah Garchik. She thought it funny as she night not have noticed at first if she hadn't been going to read Daddy the Jon Carroll column right next to it. She reads all the columns he writes about cats out loud. Fur our benefit too. Now we're all with Guido that none of Contech's products exactly appeal fur use (well maybe that slug one) but still contest winners deserve a happy dance!

I'm now a strolling kitty

Yesterday I joined the ranks of Strolling kitties. Meowmie put my folding kennel on her folding luggage cart, strapped it down and took me fur a walk up and down the road. She hopes to do this every day it's not raining. I really liked the smells and the new sights.