Over the past 16 years, there have been so many special patients and memories that I cannot possibly mention them all- but I will try!

Big Cat:    (photo pending)

   Big Cat was one of my first major diabetic cases-  I first saw him on emergency on death's door with ketoacidosis.  Over the years I worked with his Dad to regulate his diabetes and keep him healthy and happy.  He was one of the best patients- never was upset with all those blood draws, glucose curves, insulin injections-  He was just happy to be Big Cat and be able to maintain his role of keeper of the dock at home.   I will always remember him and his Dad, the special bond they shared, and all the love he gave us at the animal hospital, even in the worst of times.

 Paint:   (photo pending)

Paint was a fat dapple dachshund with an easy going personality and cute as a button!   I always lit up when Paint came to see me- and while I love his sister just as much (and the big lug of lab too),  Paint was special.  My favorite memory of him was during a bout of pancreatitis years ago.   Every time we had to adjust his IV line, give injections, etc-  Paint would just look away,  hold out his leg voluntarily, and let us do what we needed to do.  He knew we were helping him- what a great reward for any vet!   I was lucky to get to know Paint as he got older, lucky to be with him as we said our last goodbyes.   Love you Paint!

Bit:    (photo pending)

Bit was a sweet Siamese with a big heart.   Over the years she was diabetic, arthritic, had pancreatitis, and then kidney failure.   She bounced back so  many times due to the dedication and excellent care given to her by her family at home.   Bit is one my longest survivors of kidney failure- 5 years and diagnosed in her teens.  She was so special to all of us at Cordova and we miss her still.

Nightmare:

Nighmare was a black lab and one of  my early cancer patients.   Nightmare is who sparked my interest in chemotherapy; I always think of her when we have a patient diagnosed with cancer.  Her story gives me hope and helps me to be proactive and think positive in these terrible situations.

Dolly:

Dolly was a fat red dachshund (my favorite, right...)  She was always a vibrant girl and one of  my favorites in the exam room.   She was also one of my first few gall bladder surgeries and I remember just how sick she was and how much the surgery helped her.   Dolly will always remain in my heart.

Charlie B:

Charlie was a black and white cocker spaniel who had auto immune hemolytic anemia.  He survived so many close calls over the years with multiple blood transfusions and long hospital stays.  Charlie was a fighter though and together with a dedicated mom  and super enthusiastic vet techs, he lived a  very long time.  Years later we lost Charlie to other problems, but he will always be an inspiration for me not to give up without a fight, that sometimes dogs just need a chance.   Me and my  techs at Cordova cried when we lost Charlie, and I miss our special friend very much.