Thanksgiving for Nova

To everyone at Frankie’s Friends, There is no way I could let Thanksgiving go by without sending you a letter.  Nova simply would not let it stand.  I can’t even begin to coherently describe our odyssey; watching my beloved jungle cat, a.k.a. my kitty, Nova, slowly grow thinner than she should’ve been, finding out after two vet visits that she had tumors in her chest and throat and a rather clinical synopsis of what that possibly meant.  The whirlwind of getting her to Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners into the gentle hands of Dr. Lachowicz, who was calm, kind and reassuring, but honest about what testing might reveal.  The mixed emotions of relief in discovering she had “the most treatable cancer,” lymphoma, and the despair in realizing that my financial situation would never allow me to follow up on the necessary treatment to save Nova’s life.

Miou, a year younger than her sister Nova, had passed away from cancer only this past May, and I wasn’t able to do anything to help her, which is a living nightmare.  When Dr. Lachowicz introduced me to Frankie’s Friends and all the amazing work you do, I swear I heard the heavenly choir.  Tears of joy clogged my voice while speaking to Sharon and finding that we were indeed eligible, and your generosity brought me to my knees.  I never dreamed that such caring, compassionate people existed.  Knowing Frankie’s Friends had our back allowed me to concentrate on doing everything I could at home to encourage Nova’s health and comfort and proceed with a clear head as to her treatment and allowed me to be positive for myself and especially for Nova.

Sadly, despite the positive prognosis and treatment, Nova’s little body tired out and she left us on November 7^th.  I am utterly devastated.  It has been one of the greatest comforts to me during this heartbreaking time to know that, thanks to Frankie’s Friends, Nova was able to have the best of care, which is what every parent desperately wishes to provide for their beloved four-legged child.  You made it possible for me to do all I could towards her recovery and it is something I shall never forget.

Neither will I forget your incredible kindness during our first conversations about Nova’s diagnosis and your wonderful compassion in sending a lovely condolence card later on.  The gratitude of my heart for all you’ve done for us (Nova’s remaining sister, Tara, and I) is deep and unending.  Frankie’s Friends were truly the answer to our prayers and my every thought in the future will be in how to help you to give to others the support you gave to me and Nova, the love of my life for nearly seventeen years.  God Bless you and everyone behind Frankie’s Friends and may He bless the memory of Frankie the sweet puppy who inspired such great love.  You truly are angels.

When I say my Thanksgiving grace, Frankie’s Friends will one of the things I am most thankful for.  Have a blessed holiday.

All My Gratitude and Best Wishes Always,

Danita

Avoid a Trip to the Pet ER this Thanksgiving

Giving thanks,  sharing a great meal with family, and having a costly visit to the 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital with your beloved pet? To keep the last item off of your Thanksgiving to-do list, follow this advice from the specialists at Florida Veterinary Specialists, a BluePearl Veterinary Partners Hospital, in Tampa, Fl: The start of the holidays can lead to emergency room visits for our four-legged pals due to a conflux of situations that are unique to the season. This is the time of year where there are usually a lot of shiny decorations in the house, which may prove irresistible as playthings. There is also a lot of great food around and guests who may be unfamiliar with pets' dietary restrictions and/or the proper things to feed the furry ones.  There can be first-time pet parents who may not know how to handle certain situations and, to top it all off, many veterinary offices are closed during the holidays.

According to Dee Ann Dugger, DVM, senior clinician in the emergency service at Florida Veterinary Specialists,  "It helps to give some thought to some of the hazards our pets face during the season."

Holiday meals –Turkey, gravy and other foods that have a large amount of fat can cause pancreatitis, which is an inflammation or infection of the pancreas. This disease can be serious and lead to extensive hospitalization. Avoid feeding your pets any table foods and keep them on their regular diets even through the holidays. Besides avoiding pancreatitis or a less serious, upset tummy, you will also avoid a weight gain in your pet.

Family visits – If family visits are stressful for you, think about how your pet feels. These folks may be strangers to your pet and it can get very noisy around the house, especially during parties. Make sure there is a quiet room or place for your pets to get away from the crowd. Also make sure everyone is on high-alert so your pets don't escape when guests come and go.

From the BluePearl Veterinary Partners family to yours, have a wonderful Thanksgiving!