Veterinarians play an important role in the lives of our pets, and the North American Pet Health Insurance Association celebrates veterinarians and veterinary practitioners during National Pet Health Insurance Month.
NAPHIA invites pet owners to nominate their favorite veterinarian by telling, in their own words, why their vet deserves this honor. Here is a sampling of submissions received to date:
Dr. Wayne Ingmire, Mokena Animal Clinic, Mokena, IL
My nominee for "Favorite Veterinarian" hands down would be, Dr. Wayne Ingmire of Mokena Animal Clinic. "Doc" as most of his patients parents call him, has been our veterinarian since 1982 when he opened his clinic. I have never met a more caring person. He truly loves his job and his patients. I have said many times that Doc has a better bedside manner than my kid's pediatrician. (And I love my kid's pediatrician) And over all the years, I have never felt rushed or just pushed through an appointment. From the moment Dr. Wayne walks through the door he gives our dogs his full attention. He has actually gotten on the floor the greet our dogs. Then he brings out the treats! I have so many wonderful stories I could share about Doc, but here are a few that really touch my heart......
In June 1996, our German Short-haired Pointer, Joshua was having a difficult time walking We thought he might of had a bone spur. Our appointment with Doc turned out to be one of the worst days of my life - Joshua had cancer. I broke down in tears right there in the exam room. My Joshua, who just turned 7 years old had cancer! Right away, Doc began to comfort me. I remember asking Doc to call my Dad and tell him the terrible news. Doc made that phone call while I sat weeping. We went home that day with medicine to help control Joshua's pain. Then on July 3, 1996, we had to put Joshua down. Doc was so wonderful that day. He explained to us everything that would happen and then said goodbye to Joshua. He then left the room to allow us to say goodbye. After Joshua was gone Doc has expressed his sympathies and told us to take all the time we needed. I stayed with Joshua for a long time - it was to hard to leave him. (In fact, I am crying as I type this e-mail) As we left, Doc assured me that Joshua would be handled with the up most dignity. We had Joshua cremated. A few days later we received a very touching sympathy card from Doc. After losing Josh, I didn't think I could ever walk thru the clinic doors again - it would be too painful. But I realized I had to, since that's where Dr. Wayne was. I just never went back into the exam room where we put Joshua down. Joshua loved Doc, but our other German Short-haired Pointer, Zachary that was another story. His first year was fine, but when he came back the second year Zach went to bite Doc. From that point on, Zachary had to be muzzled & sometimes sedated before Doc even came into the exam room. Believe or not Doc never held that against Zachary. Thank goodness, Zachary was a healthy dog. In Zachary's senior years, he had problems with arthritis. Doc made sure we kept him comfortable. I remember receiving several phone calls from Doc himself, checking on Zach. Once Doc left a message on our answering machine - it went something like this . . . Hi Zach, this is Doc. I am just calling to check with your Mom to see how your feeling. There were only two times in Zachary's 14-1/2 years that Doc was unavailable and that is when Doc's wife had cancer. The other veterinarians we saw at the clinic took good care of Zachary. On November 1, 2007, we had to put Zachary down. A few days earlier, he had taken a turn for the worst. He wasn't able to get up and walk. His liver was shutting down. Once again, we received the same love and care from Doc as we did with Joshua. A few days later, I received a sympathy card from Doc with wonderful things he wrote about Zachary - this meant the world to me. I also, received a dog angel pin which I treasure. After losing Zachary, I decided I couldn't go through losing another dog. It just hurts too much!
A few months later, I had a change of heart. Coming home to an empty house was even worse. In March 2007, our family grew by four paws - another German Short-haired Pointer named, Sage. Unlike Zachary, Sage loves Doc. Last year, at his yearly check-up Sage was kissing Doc's head as Doc was giving him his shots. In July 2008, Doc saved Sage's life. My niece & nephew were spending the weekend at our house. Their suitcases were on the living room floor. Sage, being the curious pup that he was went into Joey's suitcase. No one saw Sage get into the suitcase, but I noticed Sage in his kennel chewing on something. I walked over to the kennel and I saw he had a pill bottle and it was empty! Sage had gotten into my nephews chocolate flavored over-the-counter lactose pills. I freaked out. I had not idea what effect this would have on Sage. I called the phone number on the bottle and the company was closed. Next, I called poison control. Meanwhile my husband got on the internet and started to research the ingredients of the pills. The first ingredient was Zylitol and it can be deadly to dogs. My husband told me to go the pharmacy and get ipecac syrup so we could make Sage to vomit. As I drove to the pharmacy I was crying and thinking there is no way I could lose another dog. I called my Aunt Colleen, who is good friends with Doc. I frantically told her the story. She hung up with me and called Doc at home. Within a couple minutes Doc called me on my cell phone. Doc realized right away Sage was in real danger. He told us to get a turkey baster, peroxide and honey. We had to get 2 turkey basters full of peroxide down Sage's throat - in turn this would make him vomit. Within five minutes it began to work - Sage began to vomit pieces of pills up. This was a good thing, but we were not out of the woods yet. For the next two hours, every 15 minutes I had to rub honey all over Sage's gums to keep his blood sugar up. Zylitol can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar that causes weakness, loss of coordination, collapse and seizures. Thanks to Docs quick thinking, Sage never experienced any of those symptoms. Doc saved Sage's life and we are forever grateful! Today, we laugh about who was more emotional on the phone with Doc, my Aunt Colleen or I. The bottom line is Dr. Wayne Ingmire is the BEST VET ever!!! I truly believe he deserves this honor. My sister drives 90 miles each way to bring her dog, Lucy to see Doc. Lucy cries with such excitement when she sees him - Lucy loves Doc! I know I speak for my sister and myself when I say there is no one more caring and compassionate as Dr. Wayne. And we don't even want to think about what we will do when he retires.
Nominated by Charlene Tabler
Dr. Fred Pike, Veterinary Specialty Hospital, San Diego, CA
Fenton Acres' Sweet Paw'Tater and Dr. Fred Pike
Tater is a chocolate lab. As with all labs, he is mandated by his genes to have fun and retrieve anything you throw. Unfortunately, to his breed detriment, he ignores pain. We had owned a lab before and this time around, as Tater was enjoying puppyhood, we decided to purchase pet insurance. Little did we know how important this choice would become to Tater.
When we noticed the limp in our chocolate whirlwind of enthusiasm, we were beside ourselves. His lameness became worse. We sought the opinion of the best orthopedic veterinarian specialist we knew, Dr. Fred Pike, of the Veterinary Specialty Hospital in San Diego. Dr. Pike performed TPLO surgery on the blown knee of our previous chocolate Labrador, Java Bean. She was 11 years old and had a smattering of old-age issues but she recovered quickly and completely. Dr. Pike has performed similar surgeries on most all of the clinic's staff's dogs. As one technician told us when we took Tater into have a foxtail removed from his nose (puppies, what are ya gonna do?), "Dr. Pike is great! I'd let him operate on my mom!"
We were nervous if we could afford the procedures Dr. Pike suggested, not knowing if Tater would be covered by our insurance or if the dog with a passion for scouting birds in a field would be able to romp and traverse the backcountry again... or if surgery would destroy Tater's excitement for his "job" and us. The simple diagnosis was an uneven growth of the ulna and the radius in both front legs which has caused a type of elbow dysplasia.
Tater is now recovering from a dynamic ulnar ostecotomy on his right leg. The left leg received the same surgery more than two months ago and healed perfectly. He can't yet be completely off leash, but it's hard to tell Tater that because he is ready to GO!!
We credit his recovery to having the pet insurance and being able to allow a great surgeon, Dr. Pike do what he felt was best for Tater. Without the insurance, we do not know what we would have done, or what kind of life our 75-pound, year-old puppy would have had. Statistically speaking, without treatment, this type of condition would lead to premature euthanasia due to extreme lameness and arthritis.
So now we have a chocolate lab with a reputation. His name at VSH is "the wild man" because he goes bezerk with happiness when he sees the staff. And while all the other dogs are shivering, wide eyed and crouching with nervousness about being at the vet, Tater sweeps magazines off the rack with his Labrador waggin' tail and licks off the facial hair of anyone he can (not easy to control even with his leg in splint).
The techs told me that they like walking past Tater in his kennel because he is always wagging his tail. Even Dr. Pike, who sees hundreds of dogs each week, always smiles and laughs when Tater sneaks a quick lick to his face. He once stopped mid-diagnosis-explanation to say "this dog has a great demeanor."
We would like to nominate Dr. Fred Pike and his staff for the NAPHIA educational grant and plaque of excellence. The hours he keeps amaze us. The man never seems to sleep. His communication is consistent, thorough and reassuring. He genuinely cares about the welfare of his clients, regardless of age or type. He and his staff made this experience bearable and at times enjoyable, by their veterinary skills and loving care for our Wild Man.
Nominated by Brad, Caroline and Tater Fenton
Dr. Kris Mahaffey, Pet Vet Animal Hospital, Vestavia Hills, AL
I was thrilled to learn of the opportunity to nominate an outstanding veterinarian during National Pet Health Care Insurance Month. I am nominating Dr. Kris Mahaffey of Pet Vet Animal Hospital in Vestavia Hills, Alabama. She has been my vet for eight years, I have many animals of my own (six dogs, two cats), and Dr. Mahaffey has always provided expert care. An animal lover all my life, I have visited countless vets over the past thirty years, and none holds a candle to Kris. Like many of the vets nominated on your website, she goes far beyond "routine care". She was there for me every step of the way when my beloved dog Ginger, who lived almost 16 years, began her inevitable decline in health. Kris went all the way for Ginger, even had her wear a heart monitor for a couple of days to make sure her heartbeat was normal. And, like many of the vets whose stories I've read on your site, Kris will sit down with you for an hour to go over your pet's health problems, will show you every X-ray and patiently explain why this or that is happening. I can't tell you the hours she spent talking with me about Ginger. Once, after Ginger had surgery, Kris let me come after the office closed, and she and I stayed with Ginger in the recovery room as Ginger came around after the anesthesia wore off. She promised to stay with Ginger when I had to leave, and she did, for hours. She even went back to the clinic to check on her late in the night. Several years later, when Ginger's time came, two of Dr. Mahaffey's staff came to my house and helped Ginger cross the "Rainbow Bridge", in our home, in her bed, surrounded by all who loved her so desperately. We all cried as Ginger passed peacefully, including the vet techs who had come to love her, too. I can feel tears coming to my eyes as I write this. But this is actually not the sole reason I am nominating Dr. Mahaffey. Many vets get close to their clients, many vets develop a special bond, Kris is no exception. But she actually goes far beyond that. Here is why I believe she is so worthy of your prestigious award:
Off and on over the years, my husband and I have rescued a number of puppies, dogs, cats, and Kris has always invited us to bring these castaways to her. PetVet Animal Hospital has even gone so far as to find loving homes for them---Kris didn't blink an eye when we brought her Bandit and Bear, two emaciated, worm filled puppies who were covered in lice. She took over, thanked us for saving them, got them healthy, and found them homes. Every time you drive up to her practice, there is inevitably a sign out front that reads "kittens and puppies for adoption!" Unlike some vets I have known, Kris cares for ALL animals, not just those of paying clients. Some time ago, my husband and I decided to begin our own formal nonprofit rescue, Last Chance Dog Rescue Alabama, and Kris has been an invaluable part of that organization. We pull dogs off death row at area animal shelters, and as you might imagine, many of them have serious health issues, ranging from mange to bordatella to horrible infections. Since May, we've rescued 44 dogs (and, unexpectedly, one cat!). Kris is there for us, and because she knows dog rescue is extremely expensive (and rescuers rarely have much money, it literally "goes to the dogs") she charges us only a nominal fee for what she calls "foundlings" or rescue cases.
In July, a dog named Shelby, who we rescued from what is perhaps the worst animal shelter in Alabama, began going downhill fast. She had been spayed at the shelter when she had pneumonia. Of course I rushed her to Kris. She kept Shelby for over a week and saved her life. When I told Kris I had found Shelby a potential new owner, everyone at PetVet went ALL OUT for Shelby: they groomed her, trimmed her nails, gave her a beautiful "hairdo", and even donated a matching collar and leash. When I went to pick Shelby up, I was amazed. As I left, Kris was stuffing rawhides and dog toys into my bag so that Shelby would have toys to take with her on her visit to her potential home. As I drove Shelby to that visit, I kept thinking of how, over the years, Kris has been not only an incredible vet, but a guardian angel for all animals, even those society tosses onto the street or into a shelter. She believes in the inherent value of every dog, cat, bird, and yes, reptile. As I arrived at Shelby's potential new home, I knew that if Shelby did indeed get adopted, it would be not simply because I pulled her from the shelter, it would be because Kris saved her life and then did everything she could, short of teaching Shelby how to tap dance, to get her a new home. I am proud to tell you the family fell in love with Shelby immediately, and I got an email from them just today, thanking me for saving Shelby because she is now such an important, beloved member of their family. I forwarded the email to Kris, because this happy ending belongs to HER.
That's just one story----I could tell you about how she counseled me to do a slow heartworm treatment for Merlot, an abused pit bull who is in our care, or how she helped me save Ernest, a stray polydactyl kitten who she treated for earmites and an infection last week. The list is endless. In terms of expertise, knowledge, and compassion for her clients and their pets, Dr. Mahaffey is unbeatable. In terms of serving the thousands of homeless animals that roam in our society, she stands head and shoulders above the rest.
Oh, and one more thing. Prominently displayed on the receptionist's desk at PetVet Animal Hospital is a large placard filled with brochures promoting the purchase of pet health care insurance. The companies whose brochures have filled that placard have changed over the years, but Dr. Kris Mahaffey's commitment to promoting such a critical service has never wavered.
For all these reasons (and 44 other rescue stories I could share with you), I nominate Dr. Kris Mahaffey.
Nominated by Rhonda Parker
Ronald A. Bickley, DVM, Decatur, GA
Our vet for over 23 years, he is an animal advocate that cares about pets and their environment. Always willing to educate owners on what they need to do for their pets, he is a tireless investigator when looking for a solution. He puts the animal first and is understanding and patient with those in financial difficulty so they can keep their pets and look after them even when times are hard.
He is always concerned about your pet and whatever problems they might have, but he is also concerned about you as the pet owner and makes sure that you understand all that is going on each step of the way. When that time comes to tell your pet goodbye, he is there for you because he understands the love between an animal and human.
He is compassionate and caring. He is our vet, our pet's champion and our friend.
Nominated by Patricia Lee Eidson
Mt. Brydges Animal Clinic, ON, Canada
I would like to nominate Mt. Brydges Animal Clinic as an extraordinary veterinary clinic. Dr. Jamey Osmond owns the clinic now, and in fact, did some of his training there as well. Every person who works there truly cares above and beyond the basics. Dr. Osmond always explains everything that is going on from the testing through to the diagnosis in complete detail for me. He offers whatever choices are available for my sweet pets, and helps me come to a decision on the action necessary. He is extremely thorough.
All of his staff have helped me through the last 16 years of working with this clinic, from the day I first showed up as a new client with a new little puppy through two litters, and then with two dogs in my home. They truly understand how I feel about my dogs, and were so caring and concerned when I eventually lost my sweet Stella last September 5th. Now that I only have one little dog, Roxie, now almost 15 herself, who was Stella's daughter, they seem to understand how precious she is to me.
Their medical expertise is unparalled and their compassion is endless. I believe Dr. Osmond is an excellent teacher both for future veterinarians and clients alike.
Nominated by Barbara & Ben Lanthier
Amanda Booth of Saseenos Veterinary Services
This is to state that in my opinion no one could do better as a caring and compassionate vet than Luna's (my standard poodle) -- Amanda Booth of Saseenos Veterinary Services (1997) Ltd. She is totally dedicated to serving the animals in her care and their humans and making us all comfortable and at ease, even at difficult times, when the health of the pet is compromised in some way. We have been so impressed with the superb standard of Dr. Booth's care that my husband and I wish that she would be our doctor as well as Luna's!
Dr. Booth has taken Luna through all sorts of little crises -- from ear infections to diarrhea to her spaying operation. Her care of Luna has been gentle, caring and professional. Amanda, we love you!
Nominated by Elizabeth Johnson
Dr. Anna Moss, Argyll Veterinary Services, Georgetown, ON, Canada
Bob, Cindy, Miss Madigan, Macomb and Miss Cheyenne nominate Dr Anna Moss to receive an educational grant and a plaque of excellence. Dr Anna is a natural, with a love for all animals that transcends any veterinarian we have encountered to date. Dr Anna comes to our home to alleviate any and all anxiety in our four legged companions. Dr Anna is the ideal veterinarian and sets a standard that exceeds our expectations. She provides options for the best results based on what is best for them, not strictly based on profit.
Our three bullmastiffs are all certified St John Ambulance therapy dogs who serve their community. Dr Anna coached us as we nursed our eldest girl, Miss Madigan, through canine lymphoma and was there with us at home when the time came to send her off to the rainbow bridge in our arms with all the respect due a faithful companion deserves. Dr Anna continues to take care of our adopted boy Macomb who has debilitating allergies, sight and hearing disabilities. Macomb is the only boy in her practice to be on Atopica and it has been a godsend. Dr Anna has treated our newest addition, Miss Cheyenne, with all the practical care with a touch of honey since we adopted her from terrible circumstances. Dr Anna is an angel to her patients.
We trust Dr Anna implicitly and consider her part of our extended family and feel this would be a small token to bestow upon such a wonderful individual.
Nominated by Bob & Cindy Rutledge, Miss Madigan, Macomb and Miss Cheyenne
Dr. Andrew Sparling DVM, ON, Canada
I would like to nominate Dr. Andrew Sparling DVM for the veterinarians award. I believe Dr. Sparling deserves this honour because he is a caring, compassionate man who taught me a lot in my 2 month veterinary externship this summer about the value of practicing high quality medicine. Whilst practicing high quality medicine he never made people feel ashamed of their inability of funds to pay for these services. Dr. Sparling always is a big supporter of pet insurance as it allows him to practice high quality medicine via a medium the owners can afford.
Nominated by Reannon Marcelissen {Rea}, BScH, MSc, DVM (Candidate) Ontario Veterinary College
Dr Paul Boutet, Dieppe Animal Hospital, Dieppe, New Brunswick, Canada
Dr Francis Arsenault, Riverview Animal Hospital, Riverview, New Brunswick, Canada
I would like to submit the a names of 2 very dedicated professionals, Dr Paul Boutet from the Dieppe Animal Hospital in Dieppe, New Brunswick, Canada and Dr Francis Arsenault from Riverview Animal Hospital, in Riverview, New Brunswick, Canada.
When we bought our first dog, a 3 month old miniature Australian Shepherd - "Rontu", friends of ours recommended Dr Boutet. Although, we don't live in Dieppe, we decided to go on their recommendation. I am so happy that we did. Rontu's first 11 months with us was a major challenge for us as new dog owners, and Dr Paul helped us so much. As it turned out Rontu was sick with diarrhoea when we purchased him, and Dr Paul helped us to persevere over the first 5 weeks to make him well. The support and care that we received from all staff at the Dieppe clinic was wonderful, especially when we questioned the wisdom of getting a puppy in the first place. Dr Paul encouraged us to continue our care of Rontu and that he would grow to be a wonderful dog.
It seemed that the end of our troubles weren't over. Rontu, being the curious puppy, climbed up and "stole" some over the counter medicine that was on a shelf. So, it was call the vet and see what can be done. We were advised to take Rontu to the companion clinic, Riverveiw Animal Hospital.. so off we went. We were uncertain how much, if any, he had ingested of the medicine, but Dr Francis Arsenault treated him for poisoning. so once again after a few days we thought we were out of the wood.
Next came Rontu's neuter operation.. That fortunately went off without a hitch.. Dr Paul was very kind and caring and Rontu was a happy camper as he used the cone to push & throw the first snowfall whenever he was out walking.
We thought we were on the road to having a very healthy pet at last. Until.. his second day of doggie daycare.. I picked him up and took him home which took about 25 minutes. Once we were home, my son noticed that Rontu was walking very carefully.. he would stop and not move as if saying "maybe if I don't move it won't hurt". We laid him on the sofa and started to check him over.. his legs were out straight and very stiff as if taking a breath hurt too much. So I started dialling the clinic, at the same time, Kevin arrived home. Usually, Rontu would be running for the door and just vibrating because the master was home, but all he could do was barely lift his head and wag his short little tail. We had just missed Dr Paul, so we were told to go to the Riverview clinic and they would call ahead to let them know we were bring Rontu in.
Kevin picked up Rontu and carried him to the truck and got in back with him, while I drove. Rontu hardly moved, which just showed how badly he was suffering. We saw Dr Francis within minutes of arriving, and he noticed right away that Rontu didn't seem like the same dog he saw before. After checking Rontu over, there was no apparent problem; but we all agreed that something wasn't right. So we decided to have some chest xrays done. Within a few minutes, they were completed, and surprising to us all, there was a definite shadow over his lungs. There was an injury of some kind, but we had no idea what. So Dr Francis scheduled a scope to be done the next day. It was a day I'll not forget in a hurry.. Rontu stayed the day with Dr Francis & his staff, and they realized that Rontu is a handful even when not feeling good. When I went to pick up Rontu, Dr Francis showed me all the x-rays and explained all the things they found. Basically, Rontu punctured his oesophagus, with a stick we think, and had hemorrhaged into the oesophagus and allowing air to become trapped between the tissues of his neck and chest wall. After medication, Rontu recovered, but I know without the prompt care and action by Francis and his staff it could have turned out so differently.
Out of the woods... not yet! We move on to the summer and the dog park. Rontu, by nature loves to run and doesn't always take notice of where he's putting his paws. He tripped a couple of times, and went for a tumble. We didn't think too much of it at the time, but eventually we noticed that he was limping after a long run. So back to Dr Paul, and a check up. He looked Rontu over, but decided to send him to Dr Francis, since he is considered a bone specialist. So over to the Riverview clinic. Dr Francis examined Rontu, and did see the limp; so there was more x-rays, tests and another day at the clinic for Rontu. Well, it appears that Rontu has some extra movement in his front legs and will cause him to limp if he doesn't rest after running for periods up to an hour. So we started a change in his routine, a 10 minute rest for every hour of play/running. Now, Rontu is at the point where he rest himself; he can be running all over the dog park and then suddenly he will stop and flop down for a rest. So he's learned to pace himself, and he's just 14 months old.
I know that I speak for my entire family, including Rontu, that without the care, attention to detail, advise, kindness and support of Dr Paul Boutet and Dr Francis Arsenault and their staff we may have not made it through our first puppy year. They truly show what being a vet s all about, and make it a pleasure to visit the vet's office. Rontu even does the hind quarter wiggle and wag when he sees his special vets.
Nominated by Peggy, Kevin, and Lawrence Jordan and Rontu
Dr. Cindy Zikes, Cascade Veterinary Referral Clinic, Tigard, OR
I met Dr. Zikes in 1998, on one of the worst days a pet parent can have. My cat Lucky had recently completed a course of chemo for Stage V lymphoma, and after a very brief remission he had given me an emphatic "no" to any further treatments. He'd even begun refusing any form of fluids or food administration and was asking me to let him go. Our regular vet was out of town, so I made an appointment for a euthanasia consult with Dr. Zikes who was at that time doing her Internal Medicine residency with him. I'd spoken to Dr. Zikes briefly once and had seen her often at the clinic while I was in with Lucky, so I felt some comfort in not having to see a complete stranger. There was something about her - she had a vibe of "goodness" and trustworthiness about her. I was not expecting just how much goodness she really had, however, and was taken aback by how calmly, professionally, and compassionately she handled the visit. I almost never trust people, especially with my cats, but for some reason I trusted her easily.
I'm very much a 'question-asker', and I need to cover all the bases before making any important decisions, let alone one so important as the life of my beloved Lucky who had been with me for 13 years, including through some horrific family tragedies. He and my other two cats were the most important 'anything' in my life. My other male cat had died from cancer shortly before Lucky was diagnosed with cancer - neither of us had even had time to grieve. Lucky was one of the small percentage of cats who do not do well with chemo - he was sick during most of the course, but he accepted all treatments, syringe-feedings, sub-cutaneous fluids, etc., so I continued with them until he decided enough was enough. This was 'only' my second cat death, and I didn't know much about what to expect. Dr. Zikes allowed me as much time as I wanted with questions, decision making, and for saying my last words to Lucky. Even as we heard, over and over, calls on the intercom telling her that her next patient was waiting, she said I did not need to be concerned with them, and that I should take my time, and she asked them to stop making the annoucements. She then answered some more questions, explained the procedure and gently helped my Lucky go.
Not long afterwards, my one remaining cat, Otter, began having signs of something-just-not-being-right, and I took her to see Dr. Zikes. She loved Dr. Zikes! Otter wasn't very interested in anyone besides me, but she responded to Dr. Zikes in a very interesting way. Even when I'd be on the phone with Dr. Zikes, if I was questioning a potential route the Dr. was suggesting, Otter would start jumping on me and meowing. I didn't have a speakerphone, so I don't know how she even knew what was being said - she wouldn't have understood the complicated human language interaction, but somehow she understood the 'meaning' of what was being said. At first I thought her reactions were funny and charming, but came to realize that she really did seem to understand, and I started agreeing to whatever Dr. Zikes suggested if Otter started jumping on me - and it always turned out she was right!
The story of Dr. Zikes, my cats, and me, is very long...so I'll try to be brief and jump from that point to my cat Casper. I adopted Casper because he reminded me so much of my first cat who'd died of cancer, and we bonded very quickly. Casper was a long-haired Manx, a Cymric, and their temperaments are similar to dogs' - they're outgoing and loyal, and very friendly. Casper loved nearly every human he ever met! Even when he was very sick, he would be so happy to see a human...one time even shoving his way out of his carrier in the middle of a vet waiting room to greet a complete stranger with a kiss.
And of course, we all loved Casper...he was the most loving and sweet cat...and the vet clinic personnel had plenty of time to love him up because he was plagued with serious health issues. They began with allergies, both food and airborne, noticed after I adopted him. The allergies became more severe and we discovered he had inflammatory bowel disease with frequent liver involvement, which worsened over time. And he developed heart disease, which worsened over time to the point where he was in severe heart failure.
During this time, Dr. Zikes was with us at every turn, and every step that we took was taken "with" her. Casper's medication monitoring was a challenge in itself, considering his multiple concurrent disease processes, but the fact that they were all worsening made everything much more of a challenge. It wasn't uncommon for Casper to be in the clinic once a week or more, during the last several years of his six years with me. He had so many gastroinestinal problems it was hard to comprehend for a human...the bravest among us would have crumbled. Yet Casper would sit at the front of his kennel at the vet clinic and talk to everyone as they walked by, sticking his foot or nose through the cage door for a pet or a kiss.
When Casper's heart disease progressed to severe heart failure, neither Dr. Zikes nor the cardiologist gave me dire expectations, but they did explain what they could...cardiology is very complicated. Although at the stage Casper was, it was a matter of weeks, days, or even moments before he would die from it. A couple of months would have been very lucky for us. During that period, Casper sometimes looked very ill indeed, and many mornings I would take him to Dr. Zike's clinic when I went to work because he could go into distress at any time and I was working long hours. But I discovered that some of those times, he was "faking" just so he could spend the day with Dr. Zikes and her wonderful nurses! One morning he looked especially bad, and I was shaking as I called the clinic to tell them I'd be bringing him in for the day. I hung up the phone, got his carrier and unzipped the flap - and he perked up, and then jumped into the carrier...and sat there looking at me, very bright eyed, waiting for his trip to his favorite doctor! Dr. Zikes and her staff told me that he was fine the entire day in the clinic, and didn't seem to feel ill at all...which we were all very glad was the case, but it was quite funny.
We were very fortunate that Casper made it to his next cardiac checkup...in fact, he seemed to be feeling better by then. I'd asked both Dr. Zikes and the cardiologist early on what affect his heart medications would have - if they could 'make him better'. The answer was no...the best we could hope for is a slowing of the progression of the disease. An extremely rare thing happened - after the cardiologist completed his exam and diagnostics, the results showed that Casper's heart failure had reversed itself...he was no longer in severe heart failure. His heart had done something that almost never happens.
During these few months with the heart failure & impending death probability, Casper's inflammatory bowel disease and liver disease were worsening. Dr. Zikes had her hands full with a full Internal Medicine practice, yet she spent tireless hours with me on the phone and in person, and she monitored Casper closely in the clinic, any time and every time I needed or asked for it (which was quite frequently). I sent her 1-2 page single-space faxes frequently, sometimes daily, for years, to relate all relevant and potentially relevant information to her. Casper's health problems were so complex that it took the two of us with a metaphorical microscope, working very closely together, to stay on top of his diseases, and to anticipate what would likely be a result of some new treatment approach, also working to head-off any possible negative reactions. With the severity of his IBD & allergies, this was a constant challenge.
Casper developed a cyst on his liver which morphed from a simple, fluid-filled cyst to a fibrous, chambered, bloodied 'something'. The pathology report was unsure of what it even was. I saw it cut open when it was removed, and it actually looked like a cutaway of an organ. Because of the rapid changes and very rapid growth, there was no choice but to remove it. With Casper's heart disease having improved, surgery was less risky, though it was still quite risky. Since we had no choice, we scheduled surgery, but at the time the cyst was merely "fibrous". The morning surgery was scheduled I was holding Casper at the clinic and he was shivering...this was not a good sign. I'd always had a very close instinctual bond with my cats, and this surgery never "felt" right - it was an intellectual decision, made because he would die if he did not have the surgery. Casper seemed tense and very scared to me - something I had never seen in him before. I told Dr. Zikes I thought he was afraid and that he was shivering...she told me we should not do anything we weren't comfortable with, so we canceled surgery and I took him home.
Dr. Zikes was scheduled for a volunteer spay/neuter/health check trip out of the country in a few weeks. Casper's cyst was growing and quickly had evolved into the chambered, thick-walled 'something' I described earlier. He might not have lived if we'd waited for Dr. Zikes to return from her trip, so we scheduled surgery for the day before she was to leave. The surgery went well...but Dr. Zikes was out of town and Casper was not monitored properly after the surgery. He died after two days of suffering in a terrifying agony that I can only imagine...and yet I try not to. Had I known what he was going through I would have ended it for him, but his care was so poor that he was not even monitored, so I did not even know what was happening. They kept telling me he was fine, and brushing me off, even though I begged to take him to consult with another vet. By the time they agreed to help me with the consult, it was far too late for him. All of that time, despite all the odds against him, he was happy and content while he was in Dr. Zikes' hands. Without her, everything came crashing down like panes o f glass.
After Casper died, I adopted Daemon and asked Dr. Zikes to do a "very thorough exam", which she was more than willing to do. Alas, that very-thorough-exam revealed a heart murmur. Off to the cardiologist we went, only to find that Daemon had heart disease...we had so hoped the murmur would prove to be harmless. Daemon's heart disease was from a different cause than Casper's, though, and his was not expected to progress in the same manner. Not surprisingly, Daemon soon proved to also have gastrointestinal problems with pancreatic involvement - likely inflammatory bowel disease. Dr. Zikes and I were very reluctant to have him undergo anesthesia for diagnostics, so we treated with medication and diet. It took quite a while for things to settle down.
During this time I adopted a kitten whom I named Zuzu, who I think was the sweetest kitten I'd ever met. She was so happy and playful, and easygoing, loving, and trusting. Less than two months after I adopted her, she had some strange gastroinstestinal symptoms, so I took her to see Dr. Zikes. Dr. Zikes ran every test that could reasonably be expected to identify what was going on, because of course she knew my cats' histories...mine seem to have strange and serious health problems...they don't even bother with run-of-the-mill illnesses. Zuzu had a high fever, too. I did not know at the time how significant that factor was.
At this time I was again faxing long reports on both of my cats' progress and spending a lot of time in the clinic, and many phone calls with Dr. Zikes. This was becoming something of a habit, one might say. Her devotion to my cats and to me has been unparalleled, and she never allowed personal feelings to interfere with doing the right thing in terms of medical care and advice. This series of events was not easy for her, and yet she gave us the best possible patient and client care that I could have asked for. And believe me, I can ask for a lot!
Over the next 7-8 months and several hospitalizations for Zuzu, it became inevitable that we had to accept the likelihood that Zuzu had the dry form of FIP. We did exploratory/diagnostic surgery because if she had cancer we needed to start treating right away; if she had FIP, we had to know what she was headed for even though she had the dry form. Just as Zuzu started recovering from the surgery and the test results came back, her FIP turned to the wet form and within a couple of days we euthanized her.
I could not have survived this time psychologically without Dr. Zikes, nor perhaps live with myself in the coming years with the guilt over not having helped my cats to feel as well as I possibly could while they were on this Earth with me. She helped me to help my cats to a level that is unprecedented...she is an Internal Medicine specialist so she has high-level knowledge and training, and I can't express the importance of that. So many diagnostics and treatments can be done quickly and efficiently, all of which reduce the time my cats were feeling sick or otherwise suffering. She spent countless hours talking me through every single thing I've ever asked her for - that is no small feat for any person, let alone an incredibly busy veterinarian. She helped me to understand all that was going on with my cats, and to understand diagnostics and treatments. These were severe, prolonged illnesses - this was not something she was able to "be done with" in a month or two. She stuck with us through every single health issue that came up, and every single health question I came up with.
I call Dr. Zikes The Goddess Of My Family. I don't think I'm the only person who thinks of her that way...I think there are many of us.
To follow up on Daemon, his gastrointestinal problems did settle down and he did okay. I took him in for exams with Dr. Zikes and the cardiologist twice a year, which was the most the cardiologist thought was necessary. I hurt my back this past Spring so I was late taking him for his May exam..he weighed over 20 lbs and I couldn't carry him. In June he suffered a saddle thrombus...fortunately, I was home when it happened so I took him to the ER clinic immediately. With his type of heart disease, clots are considered rare and the cardiologist was shocked that he had one. I was in near hysteria in the ER clinic, and asked them to call both Dr. Zikes and the cardiologist...they couldn't reach Dr. Zikes initially, but I spoke with the cardiologist and he said he'd come to the clinic. The staff then told me they had Dr. Zikes on the phone...I was incredibly relieved - I needed her so badly. Talking through everything with her calmed me considerably and allowed me to think clearly. Daemon needed me to be thinking clearly. There wasn't much she could do as this was a situation for the cardiologist, so we talked about possibly bringing Daemon to her clinic in the morning but I had to take him to the cardiologist's instead because of the diagnostics he'd be able to run (color doppler). Dr. Zikes was going to be out of town that night...I tried not to think about what that one night might mean.
Indeed, that night Daemon suffered from further clots, likely to the brain stem...it was very similar to what happened to Casper, except that I was with Daemon and knew what the symptoms meant and what to do, meaning getting him to the right specialty vets immediately. Except that Dr. Zikes was out of town. There was nothing she could have done for Daemon anyway, but there is a lot she could have done for me! Frankly, I am psychologically lost without her in times like this - she makes everything make sense, or at least as much as is possible.
In the summer of 2007, Dr. Zikes was diagnosed with breast cancer. The terror and panic that evoked didn't just sweep through me, rather it swept into me and parked itself. And it was felt not just by me but by many, many people. She is highly regarded, both professionally and personally by hundreds of people in the Portland area and beyond. Every life she touches is better for it - she has a rare combination of intellect, intuition, compassion, humor, sincerity, and professionalism, and her devotion to her patients and her clients is of the highest caliber.
Some people like myself are tormented by being unable to help their loved ones when they're sick or dying. We can't express our feelings very well, so we explain it in terms of not being able to "fix" the illness or injury. It's too difficult to go into the depths of what we really mean by that, so we simplify in that way. Likewise, on the other side of coin, when trying to comfort a friend who is going through the process of caring for a loved one suffering from a grave illness, or is grieving the loss of a loved one, people sometimes make ambiguous remarks such as, "you're not God, you can't fix everything". It's not that we think we're God nor wish we could be...for me, it's like this:
No situation is the result of an isolated circumstance - nothing jumps straight from Point A to Point Z. Everything is a result of a specific set of circumstances, any one of which, had they been different along the way, would have altered the outcome of a situation, to varying degrees. When I'm grieving, the level of suffering of my cats is of utmost importance, and all of the circumstances that my intellect and awareness allow me to comprehend are important and I think about them. If could have changed a circumstance by paying better attention, or addressing it sooner rather than waiting, then my cat would not have suffered as a result of something that could have been altered. My cat may have ultimately died anyway, but if that death is peaceful, and if my cat's life was comfortable and happy and contented, despite not feeling very well, that is the most I can possibly ask for.
If my cat dies in extreme distress, or has otherwise suffered because poor decisions were made along the way, those things matter. They matter to all of us. Another platitude that people like to say to others who are grieving is, "you did everything you could possibly do". I know from personal experience, with both my human and my cat family, that that statement is seldom true. Most often, we do things that were easiest, because we don't have the strength of the mental capacity to fight for our loved one, pet or human, while we're in the midst of crisis over their dire health, or even their death. It's rare that we have a medical professional treating our loved one who will allow us, and even help us, to genuinely do everything that we reasonably could have possibly done. And that is just what Dr. Zikes has always done for my cats and for me.
All of my cats who died with Dr. Zikes at the end, have died peacefully...and their lives were happy and content at least until their final day . The same is not true for my cats who died without Dr. Zikes at the end.
Dr. Zikes is cancer free and has run the Portland Komen Race For The Cure for the past two races. I am so thankful for her good health!! Every current and potential patient and every current and potential client is better for her being in this world. I've never known one person to personally grace the lives of so many.
I am honored to submit Dr. Zikes as a Veterinarian Practitioner nominee. I know this is a very long submission, but it is only a small part of all that she has done for my cats and for me. It was difficult keeping it this short. She is truly a Goddess.
Nominated by Liz Moore
