Hyde Pod's Story

Yesterday we visited a new vet, Natural Pet, (http://www.naturalpetfamily.com/)  in Bourbonnais, IL for the first time. I was recommended to check them out by my primary vet. I had anticipated our visit because the phone conversation we had about a week ago was so welcoming and open. I am thrilled to tell you that our visit went exceptionally well and the energy on the phone was the same in person. I came to the meeting with a written form that included my goal for his treatment, specific questions I had for her, a list of his current supplements and medicine, and a list of the foods he had been eating since surgery.

When Hyde walked in he went crazy with excitement. He found a vase filled with tall, stick-like, bones and poked them with his nose. (Yes I bought him one later on). He peeked in every room, smelled all the bags of food and talked with a dog who was barking at him around the counter. When we went into the room I was taken aback by the furniture. Each room had a couch and a chair. Hyde picked the red chair to wait for the doctor to come in. Him being silly Hyde started me out knowing that we were in a good place.He felt so good that while we were waiting he was even able to do a trick I thought only 4-legged Hyde would do. Check him out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrEshlrl9VE

The doctor greeted the humans with a handshake and then sat on the floor with Hyde and rubbed his belly and petted him. Hyde wagged his tail each and every time he heard how handsome he is and what a good boy he is. One of the first things the doctor said was,  “I literally read every word of his report.” Then we had a discussion of if I was questioning doing chemo/traditional treatments or if I would be interested in getting an additional blood panel done (last completed in Sept 2013 when he had ACL surgery).

My question to her regarding the blood panel was: “Would having the information from the blood panel change the way that you would approach his treatment if I’m going to only do natural remedies to support him?” Her answer was that no it wouldn’t change her approach, but it would give me a better expectation for how serious of a situation we are in…. I don’t know why I feel this way, but knowing how much time I have isn’t my concern. My concern is doing whatever I can to spend everyday knowing Hyde is happy and living a happy life. If treatment would be the same with or without that information, then I don’t need to know.

We talked about her plans for him, his diet, exercises to build his strength and when I would need to see her again. Before she left to write up the report/protocol I said I had a few specific questions for her and wondered if she would be able to take a minute. She spent several going over each question I had (regarding supplements/foods I read/researched about) and if she didn’t already have an answer she researched the item before I left and gave me an answer. I’m completely satisfied and exceptionally grateful that we were able to get an appointment at Natural Pet. The doctor was so knowledgable, obviously pet friendly and extremely open to discussing plans. I appreciate her time so much. Over the phone the receptionist said typical appointments are about 1hr. She spent 2 with us and that time is something I cannot thank her enough for.

I will be writing another post tomorrow with the specific protocol we are using. It will consist of human food (soon RAW diet) and supplements to boost his immunity.