Well Yay!

I just received notification that I've been approved as a specialist contributor for a company as a pet writer.  I realize my ten years of experience are due to some pretty amazing people, and I'm honored.  I was accepted into a customer service position in September 2001 at Kissimmee Animal Hospital by a doctor who quite frankly intimidated me almost to the point of silence during my first months of employment.

An idealist college student, I wanted to pursue my childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian because I loved animals.  Realistically, science is a struggle for me and once I was immersed into the office, the reality of what veterinarians really do overwhelmed me.  It is a responsibility that I just didn't think I could handle.  I stayed with it because I loved the animals, not the paycheck.  Our staff was a small family with an awesome extended family of clients and their humans.

Over time, I grew into the role of a Senior Customer Service Representative, and also had a chance to work as a technician assistant to expand my proficiency.  I have had the opportunity to assist with surgeries, was a direct part of the diagnosing and healing process and an integral step in the client education process.  Being able to share in the lifetime bond of a human and pet is a curious mix of rewards, frustrations, joys and tears and a responsibility that I never took lightly.  There were times I wished I would have pushed myself into pursuing a doctorate, but at the end of the day being part of a wonderful team and being trusted by clients and doctors was extremely satisfying.

As I step forward in a new direction with my knowledge I am extremely thankful that I had such a good mentor.  A man who became a good friend but also challenged me to continually to learn and grow.  "Trust but verify" has become ingrained in my mind, a process that happens with most anything I do in life.  I smile as I think of the man who always confirmed my answer without being rude and took the time to teach and explain without making me feel ignorant for asking.  It is a rare occurrence to know a man who truly enjoys his work.  Thanks, Dr. Gary Borgman, once again, for a new opportunity.

White Chicken Chili Recipe

A few friends have asked for the recipe.  I tend to modify my recipes on a whim, but this is the basic.  I suggest to adjust spicy ingredients according to heat tolerance by substituting mild for spicy chiles and green peppers for jalapeno (or more heat as the case may be).  For an additional twist, add some white corn and delete some of the white beans.

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (I use olive oil)
• 1 onion, chopped (if desired reserve some raw onion to serve on top of chili)
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chile peppers (I use fresh whenever possible, and if you don't want spicy use mild chiles or green peppers)
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 3 cups chopped cooked chicken breast
• 5 cups dried white beans - rinsed and cooked (or about 3 cans of beans if you are crunched for time)
• 1-2 fresh jalapenos - sliced (add in to chili or garnish fresh, depending on your tolerance to heat)
• choice of cheese to garnish

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Slowly cook and stir the onion until tender. Mix in the garlic, jalapeno (optional), green chile peppers, cumin, oregano and cayenne. Continue to cook and stir the mixture until tender, about 3 minutes. Mix in the chicken broth, chicken and white beans. Short on time: simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Have more time: throw everything into a crockpot after onions are tender and leave it simmer for a few hours.
2. Remove the mixture from heat, serve and garnish.

Autumnal Reflections

I was just reflecting that this time of year is undoubtedly my most favorite.  I adore the subtle changes of sunlight, the crispness of the air and the colors that permeate the world around me.  I cherish it all - from hoodies and campfires to pumpkins and seasonal beers.  However, as this week progresses a very special day grows closer.  The day I gave away what cannot be bought, fixed or replicated, and once I also learned it can never be returned: my heart. 

After nearly fourteen years, my heart still flutters and I still blush and giggle like a little girl.  Despite some potholes and trenches, we've managed to stay together and grow closer than ever.  While I am blessed with my best girlfriends, there is no denying that my greatest friend is the man I married.  We've grown up together, fallen in love, frustrated the daylights out of each other and cried because of one another.  We have grieved together and best of all, laughed together.  Today I reflect on the most important gift in life: to love and be loved in return.

I Love My Dog (Part 1)

Meet my teenager.  He's a 13 year old, 85 pound rescued foxhound who likes to eat, fart, sleep, hold down floors, go for car rides, and roll in the grass...and yes, he poops a lot.  Our story is probably similar to many who have rescued a pet, except I worked full-time for a local veterinarian as a customer service representative.  One of our best clients called in, stating she had found the most adorable hound wandering in the street.  I won't get into a long discussion about his previous garbage can habit, years later I now suspect that he was out binging.  But I digress. 

This particular morning, I had on what we referred to at work as my "sucker stamp."  This 'stamp' is typically blazing across one's forehead, chest, or arm, and says "sure, I'll take over responsibility for this animal and end up eating cup-a-noodles for the next year because I'm broke."  Our families and friends cringe as they see us virtually emptying our bank accounts in one split second.  That said, I told her to bring him in so I could have him tested for heartworms and intestinal parasites.  (To learn more about heartworms, click here).  If he tested negative, I would take him after work to the shelter myself to see about getting him adopted.

Enter the biggest, brown-eyed, floppy eared hound mix I ever saw.  He had the most soulful eyes that instantly branded my heart.  She was calling him "Frodo" (this was January of 2004 - Lord of the Rings was the rage) and I agreed to disagree.  He didn't LOOK like a Frodo: it just reminds me of a dodo.  I wrote down Stray for sake of simple paperwork, and took him back to our technicians and doctors with instructions for lab tests.

Diagnosis: heartworm.  Diagnosis: hookworms.  Diagnosis: can't take him to the shelter because they won't treat heartworms in this advanced stage.  He had what is referred to as a high-antigen positive result on his heartworm test.  Meaning he was in the last stages of heartworm, and treatment was going to be hard on him, risky, and all around expensive.  My co-workers were looking at me: SUCKER.  Trembling, I went to the break room, dialed my now husband's number.

"Hello?"  It's me.  "What's up?"  We have a dog.  "WHAT?"  A very sick dog.  "So take him to the pound."  They will euthanize him, they won't treat this advanced stage of heartworm.  I want to help him, then place him.  And so I managed to salvage my own home and a foster home for a giant beagle.  However, we decided no more charity donations for me because I just bought a charity case to bring home.

His treatment had to be modified over the course of several months.  A series of injections that kills the heartworms had to be administered in several doses.  Because he had so many worms in his heart, a full dose of immiticide would be too risky.  After his first dose he was extremely lethargic.  He refused to eat and frequently vomited white foam and whined a lot.  It was rough going at first, but towards the end of treatment he was eating well and resting quietly. I didn't want to name him, because that meant attachment but I couldn't just call him stray dog.  So J.D. was born - just dog - so I wouldn't get too attached or anything.  (SUCKER). 

After several long months, J.D.'s heartworm test was negative.  No more worms in there.  Time to look for a home.  (GULP).  I couldn't bear the thought of placing him somewhere, not knowing if they would give him his monthly heartworm preventative.  So he stayed while I wrestled with the idea.  He is a very mellow dog, well, except for that whole garbage can fetish.  He bears a remarkable resemblance to the American Foxhound Walker strain - or as most people tell me: a giant beagle.

No one ever claimed him.  After treating him, laying with him while he was so sick during the nights of heartworm treatment, and finally getting to take him on a boat ride once the vet gave a clean bill of health, we had a four-legged family member.  He got along well with our cat, Nona, and he did well with my two year old niece.  There was no reason not to keep him.  Our bond was forged by soulful eyes and floppy ears when he walked through the office door.

J.D. - also affectionately known as Judd Lee or Bubba J - still happily snoozes in various locations, enjoys boat rides and going anywhere we take trips to.  Though he is now diabetic, blind, and has liver issues, he is still a very happy dog.  Although no animal is ever free (especially my bubba) the unconditional love I receive each day is priceless.

I just came across a quote from Plato, "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."  The past few days have tried my heart despite spending it in the lap of mother nature's sand and surf.  I found my patience for the mundane today is exceptionally short-lived.  Deep breathing and listing my blessings has helped, but my heart isn't finding comfort.  Being faced with loss  is something we all encounter in life, and something I'd rather not go through...but then, nobody does.

How do we find the courage to get through the trials in life?  Or more aptly explained, life goes on and we do the best we can with what we've got, despite constricted throats and eyes that blur with unshed tears.  Courage may lack but we push onward with the hope of healing enough to keep breathing, and perhaps even smile without feeling as broken.  I gather my faith, and pray for the best as I lean on family and friends, and know no matter what...we will get by.

So, mister whoever you are, I'm sorry for yelling at you for doing your job and providing a thirtieth courtesy call for something that was long ago cancelled.  Maybe you're faced with heartache, too.  I'll try harder to be kind today even though I just want to be a kid and scream and throw a tantrum then have a good cry and go lay down with my teddy bear.

Be Your Own Hero

Fairy tales of heroes and heroines getting all mucked up and over their heads in some drama and being rescued to live happily ever after as they ride into a perfect sunset.  I think childhood gives us a basic idea that someone will rescue us in times of need, and those seemingly harmless tales morph into story lines of adulthood.  Often times our parents and teachers catch us as we fall when we're growing up, but somehow the lesson of being helped is misunderstood as becoming helpless.  There is a difference in the two.  Think about the metamorphosis of fables of some damsel always being saved at the last moment into the adult advertisements of a quick fix promise of weight loss or getting rich quick.  Rescue is the story line.

The problem is when we become complacent, expecting to be spoon fed information and hand held into life.  Then when things don't go accordingly, we freak out and then try to control every little aspect.  This becomes a massive stress as we then turn resentment and blame outward instead of being accountable.  It's nice to have some help occasionally, but don't sit and wait to be saved.  Search within yourself and find your inner superhero.  Let go of things and people who are holding you back from your true potential - and most importantly: don't stand in your own way.  You can overcome weaknesses and become strong with work and dedication, whatever the goal.  There is no easy button.  Don't waste your potential at the bus stop waiting for something to come to you.  Be your own hero.