Dogs

My father was a veterinarian. One benefit of having a veterinarian as a parent is that you can pretty much have any pet you want as long as you are able to take care of it. I was fortunate to have many pets growing up. Some odd pets like a Crow, and more normal pets such as cats, dogs and rabbits. We had the odd snake or turtle for a brief period when we were able to catch them as well. My favorite pets have always been my dogs. Had I never been a dog owner I would not know the meaning of unconditional love.

As a clinician, being a dog owner is a way to bond with my dog-owning patients. When dog owners are recovering from surgery, dogs are a source of motivation, activity, love, and exercise. My dogs have always been the same for me.

I have now had 2 dogs in my adult life. They were both amazing creatures. We recently had to put down my 9-year-old golden retriever due to cancer. He had a common cancer found in Labrador and golden retrievers. He was euthanized at home in his own bed. It was a peaceful end for an amazing dog. He truly changed my family's life. Rest in peace, Riley. You are greatly missed.