biscuit's space | The blog of photographer Katherine Carver

Jul 31

Vetting your Veterinarian-Surgeon

Sometimes, your current vet is unable to perform specialized surgeries that therefore must be performed by a surgeon. This was the case with Biscuit’s final surgery at the end of June 2013. Thus, finding the right match with a veterinarian who is a board certified surgeon is vital to your furry family member’s health and emotional well-being as well as the well-being and comfort of the furry family member’s human counterpart.

Based on our recent surgery experience with Biscuit, below are a list of recommended questions to ask — (1) your referring veterinarian; and (2) the surgeon prior to proceeding with surgery. (This list is not exhaustive, and it should be used as a starting point to then be tailored to your specific needs). Hopefully, these questions, shown below, will help assist you when selecting a surgeon concerning your furry family member’s medical and surgical needs.

Questions to ask your referring veterinarian:

1. Why are you [vet] referring me to this particular surgeon or surgery practice?

2. Do you [vet] have a financial relationship (i.e., kickbacks) with the surgeon you are referring me to?

3. What are your [vet] experiences with this surgeon and surgery practice?

4. Have you [vet] had patients who had any unfavorable experiences with this surgeon or surgery practice? If so, can you elaborate on these experiences.

5. Ask your vet to send your entire record to the surgeon for review.

6. Ask your vet’s office to confirm with you that the entire record, including any records from other vet specialists, was sent to the surgeon’s office for review.

Questions to ask the prospective surgeon(s):

1. Confirm with the surgeon’s office that the entire record was received by the surgeon.

2. Ask to make sure that the surgeon has reviewed your file prior to the consultation appointment to ensure that the surgeon has an understanding of your case.

3. Ask the surgeon if he/she is board certified.

4. Ask the surgeon how long he/she has been practicing surgery.

5. Ask the number of times the surgeon has performed the potential surgery in question.

6. Although every case is different, ask the surgeon’s success rate concerning the surgery in question.

7. Ask the surgeon the duration of the surgery.

8. Be sure to discuss your furry family member’s medical history and any concurrent conditions that may complicate surgery.

9. Ask about the risks of anesthesia and whether your furry family member based on his/her history will be able to sustain the anesthesia.

10. Ask the surgeon about all of the potential risks of surgery.

11. Ask the surgeon about possible complications of the surgery, i.e., during surgery and post surgery.

12. Ask the surgeon about all of the possible outcomes of surgery.

13. Ask the surgeon about the prep work involved prior to surgery.

14. Ask the surgeon about the recovery time line post surgery.

15. Ask the surgeon about what is likely going to be involved in the recovery, i.e., follow-up vet visits; medication; diet; rehabilitation services; and your furry family member’s emotional health post surgery, etc.

16. Ask the surgeon about the quality of care provided while in the surgeon’s care and during the hospital stay. It is critical that you understand who will be taking care of your furry family member; and it is extremely important to know how your furry family member will be cared for as you will be unable to monitor the care of your furry family member when your furry family member is in surgery and while staying at the hospital post-surgery.

17. Ask the surgeon about his/her caseload (and the practice’s case load) to get an understanding whether your furry family member will just be a number; or whether the surgeon and his/her practice provides more individualized and personalized care. This is very important information to glean from the surgeon. The surgeon’s answer to this question, presuming he/she is being truthful, should give you an idea of the business model being implemented and whether that type of business model fits your and your furry family member’s needs and expectations.

18. Ask the surgeon how he/she will communicate with you before, after, and post surgery, especially while your furry family member is staying in the hospital; ask the surgeon how often he/she communicates with clients while your furry family member is in the hospital; and ask how promptly your telephone calls and e-mails will be returned. Communication is critical, especially while your furry family member is not in your care.

19. Ask how you will be able to get in touch with the surgeon and/or the surgeon(s) on call after hours and on the weekends to ensure continuity of care for your furry family member. This is vital information to obtain and understand so that you can appropriately get your questions and concerns answered.

20. Ask to meet the staff members who will be taking care of your furry family member during the day time and over night while your furry family member is staying at the hospital. These may not, and often are not, the same care providers.

21. Ask to see the surgery room and ask for a tour of the hospital to be sure you have a visual understanding of where your furry family member will be staying.

22. Ask the surgeon what work up will need to be completed prior to surgery to determine if surgery is appropriate, i.e., blood work; urinalysis; x-rays; MRI; and CT scans, etc.

23. Ask to obtain all of your furry family’s test results conducted at the surgeon’s office prior to surgery.

24. Ask the surgeon in his/her opinion what will provide the best quality of life for your furry family member, i.e., proceeding with the surgery or exploring other avenues (if any are available) to help treat your furry family member, etc.

25. Ask the surgeon for references of clients who are willing to speak about his/her experiences with this particular surgeon.

26. Ask the surgeon about his/her veterinary philosophy.

27. Ask about the total cost for the surgery, including contingency costs for possible complications to ensure an accurate cost estimate.

28. Be certain to ask any and all follow-up questions with the surgeon to be sure that you have a clear and informed understanding on all fronts.

Other important considerations:

1. Be certain to take the time to review the estimate(s) provided by the surgeon and ask further questions where you need clarification.

2. Be certain to read the contract and any appended paper work to be sure you ask any and all questions that you might have.

3. After asking these above questions, make sure if you proceed with surgery, that you feel comfortable working with this particular surgeon.

The goal, at least for Doug and I, is to find a surgeon who is competent; compassionate; honest; ethical; diligent; provides compassionate care; communicates clearly; is responsive in a timely fashion; and who is willing to work collaboratively with the client (and the furry family member) as a team.

4. After you meet with the surgeon, if you have any reservations whatsoever about your trust or ability to work as a team with the surgeon, you should obtain a second opinion from another surgeon — preferably a second opinion from another surgeon in another practice.

For Doug and I, finding the best match with a primary veterinarian and veterinarian-surgeon is our primary concern. Unfortunately, here in Maryland, there are only a few surgeons who are board certified. Luckily, D.C., Northern Virginia, Delaware, and Pennsylvania are not too far away; and depending upon where you live or where you are willing to travel to, and depending upon the nature and timing of the possible surgery, there are universities (vet schools) around the country who employ board certified surgeons who can perform surgeries on your furry family member(s).

I hope that you find some of these questions and considerations helpful concerning your furry family member(s).

Jul 30

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Cheetahs and Pandas

This weekend Doug and I went to the National Zoo to visit the cheetahs and pandas. Since we met almost nine years ago, we have been regularly going to visit the National Zoo. However, Doug and I realized that we had not been to the National Zoo since we rescued and adopted Biscuit. (Unfortunately, furry family members are not permitted at the National Zoo). Since the weather was so nice on Saturday, we decided to go to D.C. Below are a few of my favorite photographs. (It was a bit challenging photographing the cheetahs through the fence; and it was challenging photographing the pandas through the glass as the two pandas were inside their glass enclosure as it was too hot for them to be outside!)

Tian Tian, a male panda, is shown below. We do not know the name of the cheetah shown below, other than it is a male cheetah! As you can see in the image below, Mr. Tian Tian is enjoying a sweet potato while sitting in a sea of bamboo — his dinner!

Over the years, we have seen litters of cheetah cubs born at the National Zoo; and we saw little Tai Shan, the first panda cub born in 2005 at the National Zoo! Mei Xiang and Tian Tian and are the mother and father of Tai Shan. While at the National Zoo this weekend, we heard that Tai Shan, who now lives in China may be a father soon! There is also a baby panda cub watch on Ms. Mei Xiang — the Zoo thinks, if she is pregnant, we will know sometime in September 2013!

Sadly, Tumai, a thirteen-year-old female cheetah, recently passed away at the National Zoo. Doug and I remember going to the National Zoo to see Tumai and her cheetah cubs, along with Ume, a male cheetah, who died several years ago. In 2004, Tumai gave birth to the first litter of cheetah cubs at the National Zoo.

Even during our honeymoon to France and Israel, we visited the Jerusalem Zoo where we saw the cheetahs! (Unfortunately, there were not any pandas at this zoo).

After the National Zoo, we walked to Georgetown and then we had a nice dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in Northern Virginia, Mike’s American! It was a fun “date day” together!

The cheetah and panda have become a metaphor in our relationship. As such, the cheetah and panda sat proudly atop our wedding cake made by ZIngerman’s, shown on the left below! Can you guess who is the cheetah and who is the panda?! (Hint — the groom’s cake, also made by ZIngerman’s, is shown below on the right!)

For our anniversary this past October, I had a custom Cheetah and Panda Totem made as an anniversary gift for Doug! Doug loved it!

Happy Tuesday!

Jul 29

Honoring Biscuit: Special Gifts

Over the weekend, Doug and I received some wonderful and thought gifts in honor of our little Biscuit.

Doug’s parents sent us a very thoughtful gift — a custom engraved memorials stone shown on the left below, which we will display at our new forthcoming home. It is very true — Biscuit will always be in our hearts.

Additionally, Kim Levin sent us a very thoughtful card and one of her books, shown below on the left, entitled, Saying Goodbye: Remembering Your Pet’s Life. Kim has also been gracious enough to share with me her story of her beloved Charlie. Hearing other people’s stories of loss of their furry family members has been very helpful, as Biscuit was our first furry family member. If you are interested in receiving a copy of this book, feel free to contact Kim Levin.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity during this time. These are wonderful and thoughtful gifts. It really means so much to us. We are most grateful.

Jul 26

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Honoring Biscuit: A Special Commission

This week, we received a surprise in the mail! To our great delight, we received a very special commission from an anonymous fan of Biscuit! We received a beautiful custom painted stone of Biscuit, pictured below. It is just beautiful. Thank you so very much to the person who had this stone commissioned for us! We love it and we do not have anything like this! It is beautiful and it is a welcome addition to our home — thank you! thank you!

I e-mailed Lisa Beth Carter, the owner of the Rock Art USA and the artist who made this custom painted stone of Biscuit shown below, to let her know that we loved the stone of Biscuit to paint the stone. Lisa indicated that she used the image shown below of Biscuit. (Lisa indicated that she reoriented Biscuit pictured in the photograph below to paint the stone.)

Thank you again to the person who sent us this truly unique and thoughtful gift in honor of our little Biscuit. Doug and I are most grateful and thankful for your kindness and generosity. We are so grateful for the fans of our little Biscuit and for your sincere support during this time. Thank you.

A custom painted stone of your furry family member makes a truly wonderful gift! If you are interested in a commission, you can contact Lisa Beth Carter at ourplaceusa@hotmail.com and you may visit her website, Rock Art USA; and you can also visit her Facebook page.

Jul 25

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Honoring Biscuit: A Colorado Blue Spruce

Over the weekend we received in the mail a baby Colorado blue spruce tree in honor of Biscuit. It was a pleasant surprise to receive this piece of non-traditional mail that we were not expecting. We consulted with a local nursery on how to appropriately plant this tree to ensure that it thrives — we do not want it to die. Since Doug and I are currently in transition as we are waiting for our new forthcoming home to be finished being built, we planted this little tree in a pot to be kept inside our home, shown below. Once we move to the new house, we will also frame and place one of our favorite photographs of our little Biscuit by this tree. (Right now, most of our personal effects are packed away). Additionally, once we move to the new house and when the time is right, we will eventually plant this little tree outside! Each time we look at it, we think of our little Biscuit.

Doug is diligently monitoring, watering, and even talking to the little tree in Biscuit’s honor, shown below. Doug has even coined this tree, “the little guy’s tree.”

Doug and I are currently discussing and working on ways that we will commemorate and honor our little Biscuit. Thank you for your continued good thoughts and wishes. We really appreciate it. Thank you.

Jul 24

Things I Love: Summer 2013

There are a few things that I really love, shown below, and I thought I would share them with you for those of you who are interested! Please stay tuned for future blog posts outlining “things I love!”

1. Etsy — I love looking at Etsy for inspiration. There are so many talented artists out there doing interesting work. If you need a little inspiration, take a look at Etsy!

2. Adventura Tank — While we were in Vermont, I picked up this tank top by Adventura. It is very soft and it is made out of a breathable, organic, eco-friendly, cotton material! I liked this tank top so much that I bought two more in rose and off-white colors! This tank is quite versatile as it can be worn casual or for more formal occasions.

3. Lululemon – Wonder Under Crop — Anytime that I am home, I am usually wearing my Lululemon Wonder Under Crop black yoga pants! I love them so much that I purchased another pair. They are so comfortable and versatile! I also have fond memories of taking Biscuit along with his Hound About to the Lululemon stores in Nova Scotia and Harbor East. Fortunately, Lululemon is very dog friendly!

4. Body Butter — I really love Bath and Body Work’s body butter — the warm vanilla sugar scent. It is a thick and moisturizing lotion that lasts all day long! Plus, the scent is wonderful. I also use the bubble bath and body gel in the warm vanilla sugar scent from Bath and Body Works! Happy Wednesday!

5. The Power of Patience — I just started reading The Power of Patience by M.J. Ryan. It is a good read with an elaborate analysis and look at patience from multiple perspectives. (I plan to do a future blog post on this book once I finish it!)

6. Liberté Yogurt (Méditerranée) — I recently picked up this yogurt at the store and I love it! It is a thicker yogurt made with fresh ingredients made in Canada. It is delicious and not bitter tasting. If you like yogurt, you should try this! Liberté Yogurt also has other lines of yogurt as well that I have not yet sampled!

7. Stoneyfield Organic Nonfat Greek Yogurt — As you can see, I love yogurt and I recently picked up another type of yogurt as I had been in a bit of a rut. This Greek chocolate yogurt (it comes in a variety of other flavors) is delicious and I love to toss in organic granola in my yogurt! This makes a quick and easy breakfast!

Happy Wednesday!

Jul 22

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Valerie Shaff: Honoring Rex

Since experiencing the great loss of Biscuit, many people have shared their stories with me. I thought that the blog would be a nice forum to share these important stories.

My friend, Valerie Shaff, a photographer, whom I interviewed here, recently shared her story with me about her beloved Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rex, shown below. Val shared with me her deep bond and unique relationship with Rex, since she learned about Biscuit’s passing. Val truly understands the depths and unique relationships with furry family members. Val was willing to share here how she honored Rex to help inspire others who share this difficult aspect of dog love.

Val photographed dogs for many years before inviting one to share her life. Rex was offered to Val at the age of six weeks on a photo shoot. After the photo shoot, Rex fell asleep in Val’s arms. Rex was born without his ridgeback ridge, and he would have sold for considerably less money. However, Rex’s breeder told Val that she could see that Rex would have an excellent home with Val. Below is a photograph of Rex taken by Val on the first day she met Rex as a puppy.

Val lost Rex in 2012, after thirteen years together. Val shared and sent photographs to me illustrating how she has honored, commemorated, and memorialized her beloved Rex. I was very touched by Val’s openness and kindness, and I feel very fortunate. As shown below, I believe what Val has done to commemorate and memorialize Rex is very touching.

Val framed one (of many) of her puppy photographs that she made of Rex that sits proudly on her mantle in her living room in her home. Val wrote, “There too he gazes right back at me. I will miss him for the rest of my life. That’s just the way it is…but I can carry on. We will have another dog. I thank God everyday for the time that we had together.”

Val also wrote, “When I die I want to be cremated and have my ashes mixed with Rex’s ashes…I made a box of decoupage photos of him and his ashes (some of them) and his collar are in that box on my dresser.”

“They say time heals all wounds and here it is months later, almost a year, and I still miss my boy like he’s just gone. I find consolation in remembering that he was no longer comfortable living in that body. I find comfort in knowing that when it’s my time to go, I will somehow, in some way, be with him again.”

A photograph of the box Val made for Rex is shown below, which sits on Val’s dresser. I thought this was a really beautiful and creative idea — one that I had not thought of before seeing this image below from Val.

Val wrote, “Plant something for Biscuit too. That helped me. I planted a weeping willow…and yes, I go there and talk to him and shed a few tears, too.”

Val told me that she took some of Rex’s ashes and placed them at the tree roots when the tree was planted. Below is an image of the beautiful weeping willow tree that Val planted for Rex. I think that this is a really splendid idea, and I had also not thought of this idea until Val shared planting a tree to Rex — something very visible and accessible — a constant memorial and reminder of her beloved Rex.

I think what Val has done to commemorate and honor Rex is very heartfelt. This gives us some ideas to consider as well.

Since Doug and I are currently in transition as we are waiting for our new home to be completed being built in the coming weeks, we had Biscuit’s body cremated. Last week, we brought Biscuit’s ashes home. I have not had the courage to actually view the ashes. At this time, Doug and I are not sure what we are going to do with Biscuit’s ashes. I am sure, in time, we will figure out what we would like to do with Biscuit’s ashes. It will take some time.

Val wrote, “He [Rex] has been gone almost a year now and just last night I was crying over the missing feeling that still arises when I focus in and bring my bond with him into sharp focus.” I can certainly relate to these feelings as I experience them often.

Val also wrote me, “They say the only way to heal a broken heart is to fall in love again. There will never be another Biscuit. There will never be another Rex. But our hearts have been so deeply touched and open and we must continue to share our love where it is needed. I know you need some time, but I know that you and Doug will have a new love before too long. Think of it as another tribute to your love for Biscuit. Try and remember that true love is eternal. This much I know is true.”

I am sure, in time, as Doug wrote here, Biscuit, our first dog love, will send us another love, another Sheltie friend.

Please note that all photographs and images contained in this post are courtesy of Valerie Shaff.

Jul 19

Framing Fine Art Prints

My parents recently framed an archival fine art print from their commission with me of their dog Nick! They had the archival fine art print framed and matted using archival framing methods similar to museums. The fine art print that they chose to frame shows Biscuit and Nick together with smiles on their faces waiting for a treat on a beautiful spring day! The archival framing was completed by JLP Framing located in Baltimore, Maryland. As a result of using archival print and framing methods, this print will last for many years to come!

Importantly, Biscuit’s memory will be forever be preserved in his Grandma and Grandpa’s home along with many other photographs, including a painting, also shown below, of our little Biscuit. Of course, Nick’s photographs and painting (that Doug and I had commissioned of Nick as a gift to my parents) also adorns their home!

Doug and I are currently working on ideas to commemorate and honor Biscuit. We know for certain that we will have some fine art archival prints of Biscuit and our family made, which we will have framed and matted to display in our new forthcoming home. We have some other ideas in mind as well to commemorate and honor our Biscuit.

You can read further information on how to preserve your photographs here.

The above photograph is courtesy of Dick Carver.

The above painting was completed by Mary Medrano as part of the 50 50 Show.

Jul 17

Good Read: Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers by Anne Lamott

Good Read: Help, Thanks, Wow by Anne Lamott

I recently finished reading the book, Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers, by Anne Lamott. I picked up this book in a small locally owned book store in Manchester, Vermont during our recent trip. (In Vermont, especially in Manchester, there were no “big box” stores and restaurants. Everything was local, which is a nice change!) I have enjoyed other books by Anne Lamott, so I thought I would purchase and read this book.

Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers is a book about getting through life. It is rich, raw, and funny. I believe that I read this book at the perfect time for me. I feel as though my life has been broken open with a whole new attitude towards prayer, and even more, towards being alive. This is not a religious book at all, but a book for anyone who is spiritually oriented and maybe especially for those who are not, because Lamott writes about prayer in a way that every single person can relate to. This is a book about being real and true and simple and clear and about living a worthwhile life.

This book brought me a sense of calmness and thankfulness for all I have received in my life. What I gained from reading this book is not to take for granted all the little pleasures in life. For example, enjoy looking at flowers and trees and enjoy your friendships, etc. Everything counts. Most of all, be aware and present of all that happens to you.

Lamott notes at the outset that,“Prayer is taking a chance that against all odds and past history, we are loved and chosen, and do not have to get it together before we show up.”

I highly recommend this book for anyone looking to further their spiritual path.

Jul 15

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Rainbows

Doug and I are truly grateful that we both were able to be at home with Biscuit as he transitioned to his next life. Just minutes before Biscuit passed away, as he laid in my lap and in my arms, I noticed a white heart shape marking in his fur on the bottom portion of his neck, shown below. Biscuit was shaved in this area from his recent surgery and we had not noticed this marking since his drain and his cone were both removed last week. I am grateful for seeing this heart marking on Biscuit. Perhaps it is a sign of Biscuit’s mutual love for us before he said good-bye for now. We know Biscuit did everything he could to stay with us for as long as he did. In fact, Biscuit’s strength was quite remarkable given his circumstances. He was always a very persistent little guy. At times, I think that he was stronger than us.

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched — they must be felt with the heart.” ~Hellen Keller

Additionally, on the evening Biscuit passed away, Sunday, July 7, 2013, during the time of our usual evening walk with Biscuit, Doug and I witnessed on our walk together, a beautiful and breathtaking bright orange and pink sunset like no other sunset we had ever seen before. Perhaps it was Biscuit telling us, in his own way, that he was OK and that we would be OK. Doug and I also observed two rainbows during Biscuit’s final days. (In retrospect, I wish that I had photographed this magnificent sunset; however, at the time, our emotions were very raw).

Further and very interesting, Carol Guth, who heads the Sheltie Haven Sheltie Rescue, Inc., the rescue organization where Biscuit resided prior to us rescuing and adopting him, shared with me that she saw double rainbows outside her home on the evening of Sunday, July 7, 2013, the day Biscuit passed away, which appeared just prior to sunset. She was so moved by the rainbows that she photographed them and she sent me the images of the beautiful rainbows shown below. We are very grateful that we received these rainbow images. We have faith that Biscuit is waiting for us at the rainbow bridge.

We believe that these above observations and occurrences are positive and beneficial signs for all of us.

“I have been in Sorrow’s kitchen and licked out all the pots. Then I have stood on the peaky mountain wrapped in rainbows, with a harp and a sword in my hands.” ~Zora Neale Hurston