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Vida Miller
Everyone has heard of Vida – our puppy rearing foster mum.
In Vida’s busy working life she always manages to find time for the unweaned
and sickly puppies that keep arriving on her doorstep in Rendezvous. Jas, Brandon and Bizzy are her own dogs who willingly accept into their “home” the waifs and strays of Barbados .
Dr Alan Storey’s clinic is Vida’s second home, there are always puppies that need veterinary attention – de-lousing, de-worming and inoculations and all in need of a loving home. Speaking with Vida she explains that her ‘new’ puppies are “really nice, but need to be fattened up”.
Wandering “community” dogs get spayed, because it’s upsetting to Vida to see females with hanging teats from producing litter after litter, or male dogs in need of attention! Vida’s photo album is a shoebox and it is full of pictures of the animals that have passed through her hands over the years.
It’s almost overflowing and she has promised to take some time out to put them in an album!!!!
Margaret Deutsch
Our talented artist member had paintings in an exhibition showing earlier this month at the Waterfront Café. An ardent animal lover, Margaret paints water colours of animal subjects and was hailed in the Nation newspaper as one of the ‘Light Fantastics’ – together with Patsy Edghill and Dall Wilson. It was a “must see” exhibition. Well done Margaret.
Coping with the loss of your pet Written by Maureen Burk Hron |
One of the most painful and difficult decisions a pet owner must face is the death of a pet. Your veterinarian is the best judge of your pet's physical condition; you are the best judge of the everyday quality of his life. You should be able to tell if he is still finding pleasure in life.
If your pet is ill and undergoing stressful treatments or is in constant pain from suffering an injury, you may wish to consult with your veterinarian. Together, evaluate your pet's health, unselfishly. Your decision - not an easy one - to end your companion's suffering, often is the final act of love you can show him.
Euthanasia by injection, although gentle in letting your pet pass away peacefully, can be traumatic and leave you with feelings of guilt and depression. If you feel your emotions will not be under control, you will be more likely to upset the animal than comfort him. Some veterinarians are willing to euthanize at your home. Discuss the options with your vet.
A show of emotion is no cause for shame. No matter how long or brief the relationship, your pet was always ready to give you love, comfort and companionship.
Reminisce with family and friends about the good times with your beloved pet and the pleasure of his company. Do whatever helps you the most. The happiness our pets give us is always balanced by the sorrow we feel at their passing.
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