posted 04-01-2003 02:09 PM           

My most recent articles/columns are listed below.

"Six Biggest Mistakes Bird Owners Make"
Bird Times magazine
April 2003 issue (current issue)

"Complementary Therapies at Work"
Dog & Kennel magazine
April 2003 issue (current issue)

"In or Out - Is One Choice Right for Everyone?"
Cats & Kittens magazine
May 2003 issue (upcoming issue)

I am currently working on an article about how to select the best canine veterinarian for your dog.

I am looking for a few succinct, informative quotes from caring dog owners to use in the piece. I believe dog owners have important insight to offer to this piece.

Any information you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Please just be sure to include your full name and location (city and state or just state is fine - no addresses, please), so I can credit you properly if I use your response. (Just copy and paste the following questions with your answers into an e-mail to the below address.)

1. What is the name, breed, and age of your dog(s)?

2. What do you think are the most important factors when choosing a veterinarian for your dog?

3. What questions do you / have you ask a potential veterinarian?

4. How important have you found word-of-mouth recommendations?

5. What red flags - or warning signs - do you think an owner should look for?

6. How important are the following factors:

Location/proximity?

Rapport with the animal?

Rapport with the owner?

Support staff - quality & quantity?

7. How important is it to you that the veterinarian offers alternative modalities in addition to conventional veterinary medicine (i.e. acupuncture, homepathy, etc.)?

8. What do you think makes some veterinarians better than others? Or a better fit for a particular dog/owner?

9. Have you ever changed veterinarians because you weren't satsfied with the care your animal was receiving?

10. Is there anything else you would like to add about selecting the right veterinarian for your dog?

Thank you for your input. I look forward to reading your responses.

Tammy Gagne
tammyg@maine.rr.com