It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see.

Lucas in my mind's eye

Lucas had an annual physical exam with Dr. F today. We also needed a prescription refill for his preventative meds (heartworm and flea/tick). Lucas was okay at the vet – timid but cooperative. I had plenty of treats & praise. Unfortunately, the vet barely conducted a health examination. She listened to his heart, drew a little blood for a heartworm test and ran her hands over his back and sides. She asked me how he was doing. I responded, “Oh, he’s been doing fine.” That was pretty much it. $80.00 later I felt dissatisfied with Dr. F. I’ve always liked her for the way she’s been patient with my dogs, how well she handles them. Her staff is awesome, too – they are always on top of it.

Yet, there is something nagging me. What is it? I’m looking for something more and Dr. F is not that something more. As I continue to read about over-vaccinating and holistic care for dogs, I want to be comfortable engaging in conversations with a vet who is knowledgeable in these areas. I want to be a better advocate for my dog's health. I want to be able to ask questions and know the vet is going to respond with an open mind. I can’t ask Dr. F about grain-free dry foods, raw food diets, supplements, acupressure, acupuncture and canine arthritis etc. She’s just not that kind of vet.

For now, I want to do everything possible to keep my border collies out of the vet’s office. We’ll still need Dr. F but I clearly see that we have to find a new veterinarian. 2011 will be the year to do it. I remember The Whole Dog Journal wrote about what to do when you receive the postcard from the vet office (August 2010, Volume 13, Number 8). It is time to re-read that issue and learn from today's experience.

I paint objects as I think them, not as I see them.

A few years ago, I made this art piece to say Thank You to our dog walker.

She walked our border collies five days a week for three years. 

First she walked Sam & Josey; and later, Josey & Lucas.

It was a luxury having a dog walker for mid-day breaks.

They loved it and she was awesome with them.

Lucas & Josey in mixed media

It's different now. I work from home so I can walk the dogs mid-day.

They love it more because each outing is a different place.

Though some days I wonder if they miss their original dog walker.

An artist's only concern is to shoot for some kind of perfection, and on his own term, not anyone else's.

We enjoy art.

We love the way art makes us feel. 

We love what the images tell us.

Each encounter is a different experience.

This art piece was a gift from dogzoomies. 

It makes my heart melt.

It captures Lucas' playfulness.

Art is awesome.

Lucas finds the portrait a good likeness [of himself].