| Caring for People Who Care for Pets |
April 2010 | |
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 Greetings!
There's a lot of discussion these days about the loss of 'civility' in our society. You know what I'm talking about...the TV rants from shouting political pundits, taunts from US Representatives who ought to know better and, my personal favorite, loud cell phone conversations in stores and restaurants.
Recently, I've heard from another segment of society about their growing annoyance with pet parents like you and me. It seems we are becoming another "self-serving sub-set" of America who are "imposing" our love for animals on them in ways they feel are irresponsible and intrusive.
The people I've talked with say they don't want smelly dog parks located across the street from their homes and don't want to spend tax money on them either! They don't want service dogs snoring beside them in conference rooms and absolutely don't want pet obituaries on the same page as their human loved ones in their local papers!
I have some empathy for these folks. When you have no interest in a trend that seems to be sweeping the nation, it's often difficult to understand why so many resources are targeted toward it. I've been there with many issues. In fact, I feel a bit like that about technology. I resent having to deal with Ipods, camera phones, and blue-tooths every where I go. And I didn't understand how the government could "order" me to buy a brand new television just because my old model was incapable of receiving some fancy new broadcast signal. Frankly, I'd rather sit next to a panting dog...
Still, whatever our differences, we need to step back, honor our differences, and just get along.
Maybe observing National Pet Week, which is May 2-8, as part of your business promotions can help educate people about the benefits of living with companion animals. This year, the theme is "Pets and People Healthy Together". Learn more at http://petweek.org and see this year's winning poster. And, during your promotions, feel free to use our ever-popular Veterinary Wisdom® for Pet Parents handout called " 50 Ways to Build the Bond With Your Pet" with your clients and customers.
With civility and respect,
Laurel
P.S. If you're running a promotion or offering special services during National Pet Week, don't forget that our Pocket Paw Print Stones are an easy, inexpensive way to commemorate the human-animal bond! Be sure to buy early so your order arrives before May 2. |
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Words of Wisdom From You, Our Readers
 "I wish I would have had your wisdom when my dear late Kitty-Boy was sick with cancer. All the things you say in last month's "Animal Cancer Care and Animal Behavior" newsletter article just ring so true. This article is very pertinent and filled with to-the-point information. I know others will surely benefit from it, as you point out the things we can do as well as the signs we should recognize, but often miss." --Midge Ruhl, Pet Parent
"Your 'Wednesday Wisdom' entry of March 24th was a great reminder of me petting my dirty little urchin, Buddy (left), whom I have come to love so fiercely after Kitty-Boy's death. Ignoring Buddy at his worst would have never challenged me to change, both in myself and to help him to a better life, off the streets.
Here is a photo of Buddy in all his magnificent Lion King Self. Thank you again for always sending words that have meaning to me!" --Midge Ruhl, Pet Parent
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50 Ways to Build the Bond
With Your Pet
by Laurel Lagoni, MS
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Ask a friend to videotape you and your pet doing ordinary, everyday things -- playing, cuddling, taking a walk, sharing some quiet time in the evening.
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Take pictures of your pet in a favorite place -- asleep on the window seat, sitting near the back door, waiting in the yard for your children to come home after school.
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Set your alarm clock ten minutes earlier than usual and spend the extra time with your pet.
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Make a plan to cover the costs of health care for your pet -- apply for pet insurance, set up a dedicated savings account, or acquire a credit card and use it just for your pet's needs and health care. (Learn about CareCredit at www.carecredit.com). -
Hire an experienced trainer to ensure your pet is a well-behaved addition to family events.
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Include your pet in family routines and celebrations.
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Take a family vacation to a pet-friendly destination.
Read the rest of the 50 ways here...
If you'd like to discuss this article or other issues related to the family-pet bond, come blog with us at www.vetwisdomcafe.com
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We showed you our new accessory kits last month, but thought we'd bring them to you again! Using these kits to decorate a ClayPaws® print for your clients would be a great way to celebrate National Pet Week!  We have new accessory kits to help you use ClayPaws® prints for new clients, to help welcome them to your clinic. Help create loyalty with your new clients by offering them this gift as they get to know you and your clinic. New Patient Accessory Kits are available in red with custom-designed ribbon that says "My Vet Loves Me".
 Or make a print of a new puppy or kitten as a memory of how small they once were using one of our puppy/kitten accessory kits! Making a print of a puppy or kitten when they are in your clinic for spay or neuter can be a great gift to offer a new pet parent! New Puppy/Kitten Accessory Kits are available in Pink or Blue, with custom-designed ribbon that says "My Vet Loves Me" Each of these accessory kits contain 12 lengths of ribbon and 12 hearts to decorate ClayPaws® kits for any occasion! (ClayPaws® kits are sold separately.) | |
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| Celebrate National Pet Week!
 Pocket Paw Print Stones are a fun way to celebrate the bond you have with animals. Give one to each client that comes in during National Pet Week. Or have them available for clients to purchase as they are leaving your clinic!
Stones are sold individually for $1.95 each. Or buy them in packages of 12 for only $19.95 each. | |
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Business Our mission at World by the Tail, Inc., is to "care for people who care for pets." This newsletter is a small part of our outreach efforts. If it's helpful to you, please use the link below to forward it on to your friends, family, and colleagues. Help us "care for people who care for pets" by building an ever-widening 'bond-centered circle' of support!
I write this newsletter with a sincere desire to help you--a compassionate pet care provider--deal more effectively with the human side of living and working with companion animals. I want you to feel confident as you face the emotional situations that arise as you care for ill, injured, or aging pets AND the people who love them. For more information about me or my company, read my bio Laurel Lagoni or visit the About Us page at www.veterinarywisdom.com
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