Caring for Skylar

I am currently staying with one ordained human - Ani Alyce Louise - and her three animal friends - Skylar (Lhasa Apso), Zoe (Golden Retriever mix) and Norbu - Le Chat (Heniz 55 squared) - all rescues in some way, shape or form. Skylar is the 'top dog' and is 15 years old - and Zoe and Norbu are 7 years old. Skylar was recently diagnosed with cancer so it's off to the vet we go in this blog-post for Skylar's first day of active treatment for cancer. Skylar's Vet is a Nun (Ani) from our community, Dr. Pema Mallu, who along with her colleague Dr Kitty Raichura and there support crew of Julie, Angela, John and Ben, run a wonderful holistic service called Holistic Veterinary Healing in a place called Germantown near an Amish supermarket that has great food!

This veterinary service is remarkable on a number of fronts - the main one being the holistic compassionate care model they operate within which includes 'the whole animal — body, mind, spirit, and emotions — in the quest for optimal health and wellness'. One dimension of this model is the atmosphere. For instance the environment/interior design of the open waiting area felt relaxing and calming including an aquarium. There's also a whiteboard if you have the need for personal expression.  Another dimension of this model of care that I experienced was being present during Skylar's transfusion procedure. In most traditional vets Alyce Louise and I would be in the waiting room. I found it very uplifting to see how Alyce-Louise could be there calming and reassuring Skylar during his procedure - while I was there to support Alyce-Louise when I wasn't taking pictures!

Here are some photos from our visit to Dr Pema for Skylar's first day of active treatment for cancer which includes pictures of Janelle,  Dr Pema's beloved furry crew-member, sporting Fairy Gucci fashion for Valentine's Day.

"I don't want to go to the Vet" look by Skylar.

En-route!

Arriving

Angela - vet assistant - with Skylar - Alyce Louise and Dr Pema.

"Glad that bit's over", says Skylar!

Ben - receptionist/technician - calming presence.

An back home. Phewwwww. I shouldn't leave this blog post without pictures of Zoe and Norbu - Skylar's support crew - although Skylar would argue the toss about whether he would consider Norbu support crew.

Rest in furry peace. Noses are, I believe pointing east - towards the kitchen and food!