Before my wife and I had children, we got a puppy together. Preparing for the dog was an elaborate process that involved reading everything we could get our hands on, picking just the right bedding and toys, and, of course, choosing a name. We asked friends, made lists, and Googled foreign language baby names to get ideas. The name had to be just right. Read More
Photo Permission & Usage Statement
I give Dr. Andy Roark [Represented by Tall Oaks Enterprises, LLC] permission to use photographs taken by me, that I have provided, in his social media content, promotional materials and publicity efforts. I understand that these photographs may be used in any publication, print ad, direct-mail piece, electronic media (e.g. video, Internet, Web site) or… Read More
15 Outrageous Pet Owner Requests of Vets
As the man pulled off his shirt and draped it over his dog, I remember thinking, “I hope my technician comes in right about now. No, wait. I don’t.” The appointment had been uneventful until I informed the dog’s owner that his dog had a heart murmur. The man replied, “If you think he’s got… Read More
Cancer: Now What?
In July of last year, a young couple brought their two Greyhounds to see me at the clinic. Joel, the 11-year old dog, had begun coughing over the last few days. (Toast, Joel’s faithful companion, came along for moral support.) The couple and I talked about how the dogs were doing, and possible causes for… Read More
A Prayer for Dog Owners: A Devotional for Those Who Love Canines
For me, medicine has always had a deeply spiritual component. I often say little prayers for my patients and their owners, and it is for this reason that I started to think about what I would pray for if I were a mere pet owner, and not a veterinarian asking for medical miracles. Here’s what… Read More
10 Things Dogs Can Teach Us About Relationships
I was already married to my wife when I became a veterinarian. We quickly discovered that a career as a vet can put some stress on a marriage. I can’t tell you how many dinners I have missed because a patient needed me, how many social occasions I’ve attended at which I’ve arrived covered in cat… Read More