Last year we said goodbye to our best friend or “family member with fur” as my son says. At 15, it was just Casey’s time. Missing Casey, I’ve often thought of the five-year-old child that said dogs are born knowing how to get along with others, love and be kind. That’s why they don’t have to live as long as humans – humans have to learn all those things.
This Christmas my family has a new puppy. A Boston terrier named Izzie with lots of energy. The world is a toy at our home. Puppies always remind us what is in the world two feet above the floor, how to forgive and that the “Best Day Ever” is today!
After more than 30 years working as a veterinarian, I am convinced we need dogs in our lives. We often get too wrapped up in the busyness of living. Dogs make you slow down, smile and realize that sometimes being silly is an important part of life. Blessed with a career that involves puppies everyday, I take my job too seriously sometimes. I love puppies! Veterinary friends have asked why I am so passionate about puppies. I give the same answer every time. Try being sad around eight little puppies –you just can’t do it! They always make you smile and that has been reason enough to pursue my profession.
The past eight years we have taken prevention and managing the kennel to a whole new level at Revival. Our goal is to quit treating problems that can be managed out of. It is not only time-and cost-effective, but it also saves puppies’ lives and every puppy deserves a chance at being healthy. A friend recently told me his Mastiff puppies are all born “mad and fighting for a place in the world.” That, my friends, has been my goal. To understand what it took to manage a pregnant mom’s health so she would birth puppies who are born fighting to live.
I am so thankful for all the kennels and friends who have helped me throughout my career to understand kennel management. My prayer for the next generation of veterinarians is that they take puppy health to an even higher level. Health is important when you’re raising America’s next best friend!
Some days I get so busy I forget to be thankful for the world I have around me. This holiday season, Izzie is reminding me to do that. My world is a gift, as is this new puppy in our home, and I am thankful for her and the smiles she brings me. The best day ever is today – that may be the most important lesson a puppy will teach you!
Thanks for sharing this moment with me. Merry Christmas to you and your family! My wish is this Christmas is your “Best Day Ever”!
Written by: Donald Bramlage, DVM
Donald Bramlage, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, practiced veterinary medicine for 30+ years and is known for his work in managing parvovirus. He received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Kansas State University in 1985. He served as Revival’s Director of Veterinary Services from 2011 until his retirement in 2019.
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