Choosing the right family pet can result in many years of happiness for pets and people. But sometimes things don’t work out as we expect, with tragic consequences for the animal. An example of this is the high percentage of puppies bought and then returned to breeders within the first year of their lives. Or they are abandoned, dropped off at a shelter or euthanized. This senseless loss of life could be avoided if prospective pet owners asked themselves some serious questions before buying a pet. Questions such as, "Can we afford to look after the pet properly? "Are we prepared to invest time in training?" " Are we home enough to ensure the pet doesn’t get lonely and destructive as a result?"

Veterinarian Dr. John Cruickshank of Park Gate Animal and Bird Hospital in North Vancouver, says compatibility is a major issue in choosing a pet. "If the family is an active and outdoorsy group, then a dog that loves hiking is a good choice. For people with a less active lifestyle, an inside cat that is relatively low-maintenance is more practical."

In short, the pet must match the family lifestyle and the family lifestyle must match the pet.

Space and environment are considerations, too. A hulking Newfoundland dog would not be a good choice for a tiny studio apartment.

"People should be aware that they are embarking on a responsibility", says Dr. Cruickshank. " Pets are a luxury. You are taking on the guardianship of an animal, and it’s not enough to put down a food dish and assume everything will look after itself."

U.B.C. researcher and authority of dog intelligence, Dr. Stanley Coren, says we make many mistakes in choosing dogs. Coren, author of "The Intelligence of Dogs" and "Why We Love the Dogs We Do" says, " We expect our dogs to be ‘Lassie’. We must remember they have the brainpower of perhaps a 2-year old child. We tend to mistake their athleticism for intelligence."

Movies and television have a powerful in our choice of dogs, often with deadly effect. Dr. Coren cites the movie, "101 Dalmations" as the reason many of these sleek, spotted dogs have been turned in to shelters. Children seeing the move fell in love with the breed and pleaded to get a Dalmation. This turned out not to be a good choice for many families. "Dalmations were originally trained to be carriage dogs. They would follow a carriage, then circle it and stand guard. These dogs were the original car alarms. Now imagine how they react in a family situation with kids screaming…"

Dr. Coren also cites the televisions show, "Frasier" and "Wishbone" featuring Jack Russell terriers. These feisty little dogs can be aggressive, a direct contrast to the well-trained animals we see on t.v. The result is that people who became enamoured of the t.v. dogs, gave up on them and sent them to shelters.

A more exotic pet, or small "pocket pet" can provide companionship for some people, but Coquitlam veterinarian Dr. J. Andrew Forsyth cautions that whichever pet you choose, you are still responsible for health and maintenance. "Exotics often have more specific health requirements. They need special foods, special lighting and the right enclosure." Because exotics may not be handled as regularly as other pets, illness can start before the owner is aware, making treatment more difficult. Often the S.P.C.A. or local rescue groups are called upon to help when exotic pets become too large, people lose interest in them or just can’t cope. Dr. Forsyth recommends more thought at the beginning of the purchase process. "By increasing awareness of the plight of some of these creatures (both domestic and exotic) we can prevent a lot of needless suffering and fewer animals would end up in shelters."

Inform yourself before buying an animal. If there are allergies in your family, check out if a short-haired breed would be acceptable in your household. A reputable breeder can provide information. Rather than supporting pet shops featuring animals from mass-producing "puppy mills" consider adoption at the S.P.C.A. or local animal shelter. Shelters are filled with wonderful, healthy animals needing a loving home - and a second chance.

Finding a veterinarian to care for the family pet is a task taken seriously by pet owners. North Vancouver veterinarian Dr. John Cruickshank of Park Gate Animal Hospital advises using the same logic you would use in choosing a dentist or doctor: "Talk to friends, check around the neighbourhood, seek names from people who are happy with their veterinarian."

Victoria veterinarian Dr. Tracy Cornish says," I want to know the owner and their pet. When I discuss a pet’s care I want to feel there is a relationship of mutual trust and we can discuss our options on that basis." Dr. Cornish also advises asking questions about services offered, such as the scope of diagnostics, types of surgery available, nursing care and how referrals are handled. She says decisions concerning the pet’s health are based on teamwork. "What a veterinarian tries to do is to present the owner with options, then find the level of care they wish for their pet. I am an advocate for the pet but I will discuss all options with an owner and together come up with what’s best for the pet within the constraints imposed."

Dr. Cornish advises establishing a relationship with a veterinarian at the time of checkups and vaccination, not waiting for a medical emergency. Another consideration is that the veterinarians’ office hours should be convenient and accommodate your needs if you are working. She says there is no reason not to ask for a "behind the scenes" look at your veterinarian’s clinic.

Dr. Darcy Rae of Westbank, B.C. also encourages an open-door policy at the Westbank Animal Care Hospital. "You should certainly ask to see the surgery and the boarding facilities." Dr. Rae is sometimes surprised by the reluctance of pet owners to come with pet care questions. "Though a bond of trust has already developed between pet owner, veterinarian and pet, it still surprises me that people are sometimes quick to take advice from others outside the profession on their pet’s health, rather than asking the veterinarian. I am happy to advise on any questions - grooming, feeding or behaviour. "

If there is an emerging health problem, Dr. Hoey lays out a plan for diagnosis and a plan outlining options. Finances are discussed. Many times there are compromises. "Sometimes I will suggest another opinion be sought. My ego is not bruised by sending them in another direction. For those seeking an alternative - for example, traditional Chinese acupuncture, I have little clinical experience with this, but I know someone who is excellent, so I will refer them on."

Veterinarians are in agreement that developing trust and open communication between pet owner and veterinarian is vital in ensuring the best health care for our pets.

In British Columbia, veterinarians are regulated by the British Columbia Veterinary Medical Association. This regulatory authority is charged with promoting the well-being of animals and ensuring acceptable standards of veterinary practice in the Province of B. C.

An enthusiastic toddler gives a too-tight hug to a sleeping cat and receives a deep scratch on his face; an exuberant teenager chases the neighbour’s new dog and receives a painful bite on the leg as the dog’s owner tries unsuccessfully to call the dog off. To help ensure that disturbing incidents like these are minimized, we need to understand how pets can be confused and frightened by our behaviour. We also need to recognize inappropriate behaviour in our pets and move quickly to change it.

Vancouver Veterinarian, Dr. Rob Ashburner emphasizes that the responsible adult in a family must be consistent and persistent in training family pets. "Make sure it’s not an aggressive dog you’re bringing into the house, and if you do see aggression or inappropriate behaviour in your pet, don’t ignore it. Look into some training."

"If your dog is jumping up on people, or trying to steal food from the table, seek training for the dog. Dogs need to know where they fit in the pecking order. Pets are animals, not children."

Dr. Ashburner says that even with the best of intentions, owners can sometimes make the behaviour of a dog worse: "If your dog is growling, don’t say ‘Good dog. Calm down.’ From a doggy point of view, he hears ‘Good Dog’ and thinks he’s being rewarded for being good, and will continue with this behaviour, looking for praise. This is what we call inadvertent reinforcement of inappropriate behaviour."

Dr. Shelley Breadner of Saanichton, B.C., focuses on animal behaviour. "In some homes, pets rule, and the owners have to significantly change their lifestyle to bow to the pets’ demands. Basic problems can include barking, digging, jumping up, not coming when called, stealing food, clothing and toys and clawing the furniture. More serious problems include house soiling and separation anxiety."

Training can change this situation. Dr. Breadner says, "The responsible pet owner is a benevolent leader, not forcefully dominant or aggressive. Dogs, cats, horses and birds respond to leadership from their owners. It gives them a sense of stability."

"Learn to earn" is an effective training method of rewarding good pet behaviour with special treats, going for a walk, or something the pet really likes.

"Children should be trained to be leaders, so they can supervise the animals, with adults as a backup. Kids tend to make quick movements. They have high voices and animated activity. They have to learn to calm down with animals because the animal will react. A dog’s instinct is to chase moving things, or to growl, snap, bite if threatened startled or cornered. An apprehensive cat may hiss, scratch or bite."

"If people started out with puppy and kitten socialization activities and classes, along with basic obedience, pets would more likely become well-mannered family members."

Dr. Breadner uses a gentle leader head halter for training "difficult" dogs. The halter works by applying gentle pressure at the top of the muzzle and the back of the neck. These are key control areas for asserting leadership. Feeling pressure, the dog automatically stops pulling, thereby removing pressure through his own actions. The owner need not pull, jerk or strain to control the dog. Both parties can relax and enjoy their walks together."

When to approach an animal and when to leave it alone is vital information for kids. Animals let us know how they feel by their body language. A happy cat purrs. However, an anxious or angry cat has flattened ears, a twitching tail, a puffed-up coat and makes hissing or growling sounds. His message is clear - stay away.

A happy dog has relaxed ears, a tail that is wagging or is held straight out. An anxious or frightened dog holds ears flat, tail between legs, teeth bared and growls or barks frantically. His message is clear – leave me alone.

"Developing common-sense hygiene habits, like regular hand-washing, is another way for kids to stay safe around animals", says veterinarian Diane McKelvey of Kamloops. "Kids should wash their hands after handling a puppy, even one that is healthy. They should be discouraged from handling a sick puppy, particularly one suffering from diarrhea. Roundworms can be transferred from puppies to soil, then can be picked up by children playing in that area.

Ringworm and scabies are treatable diseases that can be passed from animals to children.

"Having puppies and kittens dewormed at the time of vaccinations is a good practice and so is quick disposal of fecal material. Get timely medical attention if your pet has diarrhea."

With a little information, kids and family pets can stay safe and happy.

"Be a Tree". Stand absolutely still with your back straight, arms held tightly to the side, hands clenched. Keep quiet and don’t look at the dog, stare straight ahead, or look at the ground. Stay in that position until the dog loses interest and leaves. Then move slowly in the opposite direction.

If the dog jumps up, "Be a Rock". Fall to the ground, curl up tightly with knees to chest. Cover your ears with your fists, hold your elbows in and don't move, don’t talk. Keep your back to the animal. Wait until the dog as gone, get up slowly and move in the opposite direction from the dog.

If you are sitting on the grass and a stray dog approaches, "Be a Rock".

Tell parents or a responsible adult about the incident with the dog.

Saying goodbye to a beloved friend is a sad experience for pet owners. Whether an animal dies from old age, disease process or traumatic accident, the emotional impact is severe. If the pet has weathered life’s storms with you - divorce, death of parents, change of cities, loss of jobs - the prospect of losing that pet is profoundly disturbing.

Giving pet owners the information to make a decision concerning an elderly or sick pet is taken very seriously by veterinarians.

"Over time, we develop a relationship with the owner and the pet, " says Dr. Terry Lake, of University College of the Cariboo, Animal Health Technology: "As an animal gets older and chronic problems become more acute, the owner looks to us for advice. People have deep feelings about their pets and there is a huge variation in how they consider the option of euthanasia."

Dr. Darcy Rae of Westbank Animal Clinic, Westbank, B. C. says key questions to be asked in coming to a decision about your pet include: "Has appetite dropped off?". "Is the pet responsive to you or is he disinterested in what is going on around him?" "Is he in pain?"

"Making the decision for euthanasia is a very difficult prospect for most of us. It’s a tremendous burden of responsibility. We want to feel we’re making the right choice."

When acute illness or a tragic accident occurs, it may be the job of the emergency clinician to try to treat the pet. Dr. Suann Hosie of the Vancouver Animal Emergency Clinic says, "The pet owner is often facing all the stages of grief compressed into one hour."

Unlike a family veterinarian who has had years to build a relationship with the pet and the owner, Dr. Hosie says, "We are meeting the pet and his/her family for the first time. We need to possess skills that help us quickly form bonds and get to know the family dynamics."

" When an owner rushes in with a critically injured pet, we often let them be with the pet in the emergency treatment area for a few minutes before we ask them to move to the reception area. This helps them realize the gravity of the situation and the extent of the technology and "hands-on" treatment their pet is receiving."

If the animal is dead on arrival at the Emergency clinic, the family is supported by a team of front desk staff, animal health technicians and the veterinarian. "If the owner is present at the time of the accident, there may be post-traumatic stress syndrome, people are in shock. We talk to people, we are good listeners. We encourage them to keep in touch with us, to ask any questions."

Emergency clinicians will also notify the family veterinarian, something a grief-stricken family may not be able to handle.

How to help veterinary staff cope with the sadness of parting with an animal they’ve come to know well is a concern of Dr. John Cruickshank of Park Gate Animal and Bird Hospital in North Vancouver.

"We get together on the day of the incident to talk about it, to understand the rationale. Staff are up-to-date on the animal’s condition because that has been discussed in daily rounds. It’s not a surprise. There is an open communication, which I feel helps to prevent ‘burnout.’ "

Veterinarians are be willing to get together after the death of a pet to help people come to terms with the loss. Dr. Cruickshank finds it particularly rewarding to help children at this time. "They find it very difficult. Although the death may be have been unexpected, they should understand that death is a natural process and that we are trying to prevent suffering.

Whether families wish to bury their animal in a special place, or have a private cremation with the ashes returned, all options can be discussed in privacy in the veterinarian’s office. Dr. Cruickshank says, "Animals are treated with respect." Veterinarians have arrangements with pet services people they trust who will ensure that families’ wishes are carried out.

Dr. Hosie of the Emergency Animal Clinic feels that, " It helps the mental health of the family, children included, to hold some sort of a ceremony or keep some memorial of the pet."

The stages of grief, whether for humans or animals, are the same: denial, anger, guilt, depression and finally, acceptance. Not everyone understands the depth of grief associated with losing an animal. Sometimes even well-meaning friends and co-workers will say, "It’s just an animal. It’s just a dog. You can get another one."

Those who have lost a pet can reach out for support in getting over their loss. Veterinarians may offer a follow-up appointment to discuss the events or conditions that lead to the pet’s death. Pet loss support groups enable pet owners to share their grief with people who have been through the same experience.

Grief over the loss of an animal is a personal thing. For some people bringing another animal into their lives quickly is a great comfort. For others, waiting several months before acquiring another pet works best.

-"MOOCHIE" AT WORK -

Moochie pads down the long hospital corridor with a sense of authority, his tail shaking with excitement. The 8-year old terrier/poodle cross is pleased to be at work, here on the Palliative Care ward of Vancouver Hospital. Nurse Brian Walker brings Moochie to work and his presence is welcomed by patients, their families and the nursing staff on this ward who specialize in caring for the terminally ill.

It is increasingly more accepted by medical researchers that the human-animal bond helps to heal and comfort the sick and elderly.

For those of us who love animals, the connection runs deep. They touch a place of compassion and vulnerability within. Companion animals comfort us in times of trouble and provide a source of laughter and warmth in the household. Imagine then, the yearning of an elderly person in hospital or seniors’ facility who no longer is able to have their own pet. Facing major life changes - perhaps the death of a spouse, the move out of a family home and declining physical abilities - a family pet may be another item on the list of "things to be given up". These losses can be devastating and result in loneliness and depression for elderly people.

"Pets and Friends" is typical of organizations across B.C. With 350 volunteers in the Lower Mainland and Comox Valley, pet visits are organized in hospitals and care facilities. For the patient with few or no visitors, a weekly "drop-in" by a friendly animal can be the highlight of the week. Animal volunteers are selected for the program based on temperament and ability to take instruction from their owner.

Back on Palliative Care, Brian Walker watches Moochie make his rounds.

"He’s a one-person dog until we get to work," he says. "But once we’re here, he’s happy to see everyone." Moochie, wearing his hospital I.D. badge, sits quietly with patients and

their families. Walker says his presence has a calming effect. "I think he has a sense of peoples’ grief."

Not only is this little dog a quiet friend to the terminally ill, his presence provides a distraction for families who visit the ward, day after day, to be with their family member. Moochie’s relentless quest for snacks is a source of amusement. When he’s not there, people ask for Moochie. Over the years, families have brought bags of toys for the dog and written him "thank-you" letters. Some families have asked to have a picture taken with Moochie, making a light-hearted moment in an otherwise sad time.

Nurses on this ward feel that Moochie makes a contribution in their daily lives. In his own way Moochie lightens the stress of the day. There have been only a few instances in eight years when a patient has preferred not to have a visit from Moochie. This wish is, of course, respected.

Providing comfort without words, pet visits have been found to be beneficial to Alzheimer’s patients who will sometimes break their silence to speak to an animal. Patients who normally won’t get out of bed may get dressed in their best clothes to greet the pet visitor.

The words of one of the pioneers of pet therapy, psychologist Dr. Boris Levinson, are being borne out in B. C.: "A pet can provide, in boundless measure, love and unqualified approval. Many elderly and lonely people have discovered that pets satisfy vital emotional needs."

For information on being a "Pets and Friends" volunteer, call (604) 523-1557