#NerdsUnite: The secret life of a veterinary technician

<editorsnote> Nerds, meet my buddy Lindsay. She and I met ... well, somewhere in the social space. I think we might have started talking through this site directly, then through facebook - maybe ... I'm not sure. But she's awesome. I talk to her on twitter almost every day, and she's really rad and TOTALLY a big huge animal lover. Like crazy huge!! In these series of posts she will be talking about her life and random adventures with sometimes more than two legged creatures. I guess there's only one more thing left to say ... HIT IT LINDSAY!!</editorsnote>

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @TheCraftafarian

Today I wanted to talk to you guys about a very important piece of animal legislation that is taking place in Florida. It's called the Florida Animal Rescue Act and something similar may be happening in your state (see links below) too! This simple little bill would make it illegal for animal shelters to kill a pet when there are life saving alternatives available--basically if a qualified 501c non profit rescue is interesting and willing to take over custody of an animal the shelter is NOT ALLOWED to euthanize it as there is another way. It is intended to save lives, move animals out of shelters, and possibly even shelter costs. I recommend reading the bill and forming your own opinion. Local shelters on average euthanize 50% of their intake due to space or time limitations. 

From what I've read (articles, the bill itself, animal advocates opinions) it seems like a common sense--no brainer but PETA is vehemently against it. I have a really hard time trusting PETA after finding out that they euthanize (kill) 97% of the animals they take in, yeah even the savable/adoptable ones.  Many of the pets they take in are given to them by rescues and vets under the assumption that they will be adopted. Unfortunately the pets in PETA's shelter are not up for adoption to the public. Also there was a big issue several years ago with PETA employees after picking up some pets. In 2010 their "shelter" was investigated by the state of Virginia. http://www.petakillsanimals.com/downloads/peta_inspection.pdf. Some groups that are against PETA have their own motives but its the numbers that can't lie. 

After finding out about PETA's 3% adoption rate I found out other things about well known animal advocacy groups. The ASPCA, you know the commercials you see on TV (and even possibly donate to?) all that money doesn't go to your local SPCA, it goes directly to ASPCA NY--which is what the ASPCA is, they don't really fund local shelters, except for the ASPCA 100K challenge and a few other grants. Now they aren't lying to us about their funds or affiliations but they allow people to continue to think these things. The HSUS (Humane Society of the United States--which isn't a shelter) brings in $250 million annually and less than 1% of that money goes to animal shelters (http://humanewatch.org/index.php/site/post/less_than_one-half_of_one_percent/).  We are being severely misled. 

Want to help your local shelter or rescue? Donate DIRECTLY to the group you want the money to go to. 

FL: http://www.floridarescueact.com/

GA: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Georgians-for-the-Georgia-Animal-Rescue-Act/341430959209314

WV: http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Status/bills_text.cfm?billdoc=hb4246%20intr.htm&yr=2012&sesstype=RS&i=4246

General Animal Law Info: http://www.animallawcoalition.com/

ASPCA links http://www.forbes.com/sites/trevorbutterworth/2011/12/13/15-key-insights-from-2011-from-15-key-thinkers-and-writers/3/

and this http://www.nathanwinograd.com/?p=7390

PETA Statistics:  

2011

2010 (this one is directly from Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. You can search for the other years if you like, 2011 is not yet up but those with access to the database can pull the numbers. And if you really wanna freak yourself out google PETA and Wiggly Piggly.) 

It's hard to believe but those numbers don't lie. If you support them you may want to rethink it. I just want to share the info so that everyone can form their own opinions. If your state is looking into animal protection acts please do your research and don't depend on a certain group or person (even me!) to tell you what is true, find out for yourself. 

So now you know.  AND knowing is half the battle...GI Joe...

#nerdsunite

<3 Lindsay 
twitter: @thecraftafarian
blog: craftafarian.blogspot.com
email: craftafarian at gmail d c

#NerdsUnite: The secret life of a veterinary technician (on #love)

<editorsnote> Nerds, meet my buddy Lindsay. She and I met ... well, somewhere in the social space. I think we might have started talking through this site directly, then through facebook - maybe ... I'm not sure. But she's awesome. I talk to her on twitter almost every day, and she's really rad and TOTALLY a big huge animal lover. Like crazy huge!! In these series of posts she will be talking about her life and random adventures with sometimes more than two legged creatures. I guess there's only one more thing left to say ... HIT IT LINDSAY!!</editorsnote>

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @TheCraftafarian

Hey Nerds! Sick of valentines day posts and tweets yet?? Well sorry, you're about to get another one. I promise not to be too sappy but just share my experience with my two valentine's dates. 

Ha! That was sorta a trick, its sounds very interesting but in actuality I hung out with my good friend on vday night and my boyfriend and I make our own valentines day....

My boyfriend and I have been together for 5 years. We've lived together for 3. Throughout all 5 years we have struggled to spend time together. We started dating when I lived in Gainesville, FL. I worked the night shift in small animal ICU hospital and he worked as a cook in Orlando, FL. We saw each other on the weekends when I had days off--which was crazy because he usually worked weekends and had days off during the week (go figure). So I would come down and stay at his place and we would spend time together when he wasn't working. I moved back to Orlando in December 2008, which is when we moved in together. Now I work full time as a vet tech in a general practice and he works as a server at an italian restaurant. Our days off hardly ever match up and he works later in the evening than I do. Maybe that's why we work so well, because we have plenty of time by ourselves--everyone needs time to be by themselves. So anyway my boyfriend and I aren't all that into valentines day. We do celebrate it because we are both so very busy and like to be able to devote a night or day to each other. 

We do a few things different though:

1. We never ever ever go out on the actual day/night of February 14. Even if we both have off we wouldn't want to go out during that madness. But he didn't because he was busy serving other people out for their valentines dinner. We always go out the before, after, or within a few days. This year we went out February 15th around 8pm and it was awesome. 

2. We don't do gifts, its not about that. It's about spending time together and enjoying it. (Ok I take that back, one year we were too broke to swing a nice dinner and I was working late so he went out on February 15th and got me a cute little bear, heart candle, a bunch of candy, and mcdonalds. He met me at the door when I got home. So cute. That's the only time he actually purchased gifts for the holiday.)

3. We usually go out to dinner to a place we both like AKA steak (or a new place) and if we can afford it will go "all out" and get appetizers, dinner, drinks, and dessert. We talked during dinner and had a great time. I even had plenty of leftovers for a yummy dinner the next night (he had to work). That night we had talked about going to a movie but we both agreed we would just go home and watch TV--we just got cable after two years of using the internet for TV, downloading, and antenna. It was a great night, yummy food, drinks, TV, and my boyfriend. :)

The actual night of Valentine's Day I made dinner for my good friend @therabidsmiley and we watched the Harold and Kumar Christmas Movie and you know, did what you should be doing while watching Harold and Kumar. Good times! I didn't want my friend to have to be alone on Wicked Heart Day or Single Awareness Day (or myself for that matter) so we hung out, talked, and had a general good time. I guess the point of this story is that you don't have to be in a relationship to have a nice vday (although I'm sure its much preferred, I understand) and just because you don't get to be with significant other during the holiday doesn't mean you can't' make it happen. However if I had to go to court on vday like Jen, I wouldn't be too happy about it either. Honestly going to court any day sounds terrible--speaking of which I just got a jury duty summons and I'm pretty sure I don't have a way out of it....

Thanks again @therabidsmiley for being my valentine's night date and thanks to my awesome boyfriend for taking me out to dinner (he would correct me and say WE took us out to dinner).

#nerdsunite

<3 Lindsay 
twitter: @thecraftafarian
blog: craftafarian.blogspot.com
email: craftafarian at gmail d c

#NerdsUnite: The secret life of a veterinary technician (Healthy Dog Treats or Poison in Disguise?)

<editorsnote> Nerds, meet my buddy Lindsay. She and I met ... well, somewhere in the social space. I think we might have started talking through this site directly, then through facebook - maybe ... I'm not sure. But she's awesome. I talk to her on twitter almost every day, and she's really rad and TOTALLY a big huge animal lover. Like crazy huge!! In these series of posts she will be talking about her life and random adventures with sometimes more than two legged creatures. I guess there's only one more thing left to say ... HIT IT LINDSAY!!</editorsnote>

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @TheCraftafarian

So I just found out that the "healthy" treats I've been giving my dogs have been reported to cause illness several times throughout the last five years. In addition the FDA recently released a consumer report warning purchasers to be wary of pet food or treats manufactured in China--Specifically those containing chicken jerky.

 I'm so upset!!! Both my dogs are fine and have been totally normal but I wanted to share this with you all as I was under the impression I was feeding my pups some excellent and tasty treats. 

Here's the scoop: 

I asked my family to purchase healthy treats for my dogs for christmas as River has IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) and is sorta allergic to chicken products. Wynnie can probably eat anything (she has a habit of stealing hot wings...) but I try to make sure they both eat healthy. None of their treats or food contain wheat or corn gluten. I usually give River raw veggies as treats--she would literally eat anything, she eats broccoli, lettuce, asparagus, whatever I toss to her! 

So my family purchased Cadet Duck wrapped yams and Chicken wrapped yams as well as two bags of plain Waggin Train Yam treats. (Think dehydrated strips of yam and jerky type meat.) This week I sat down to write a post about healthy dog treats on my blog, typed in Cadet yam treats and BAM recall information. No actual recent recalls but the FDA juuuuust released the above warning November 2011---a little too close for my comfort. So later I will be researching healthy dog treat RECIPES so that I can control the ingredients/quality aaaannnnddd it gives me a chance to share this with the TNTML community (super important info for pet parents!). 

Here's a few more links with info: 

1. Initial Warning September 2007--FDA officially informing us that there has been reports of sick pets that have consumed chicken jerky treats. It goes on to state that some dogs have died. The FDA as well as several veterinary diagnostic laboratories are working to determine the cause of illness in these pets. They have done extensive chemical and microbial testing and have not determined a contaminant. (click here for more info)

2. Preliminary Animal Health Notification December 2008--FDA continues to caution owners against feeding their pets chicken jerky treats or if they decide to continue feeding them they instruct you to watch for lethargy, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, increased urination and drinking, etc. We are informed that these alleged contaminated treats are imported into the USA from China. The report also states that University of Sydney is investigating the association of these treats with sick dogs in Australia. They report that their treats also came from China and they have since been recalled in Australia. Still no known cause. (http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm054448.htm)

3. November 2011 Consumer Warning--FDA again cautioned owners about chicken jerky. They state in the last 12 months they have seen an increase in the number of complaints of dog illnesses associated with chicken jerky treats made in China--the amount of complaints has increased so much to the point they are as concerned as they were at the first warning of 2007. (http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm280586.htm)

4. December 2011 Consumer Warning is still up on the FDA home page for Animal and Veterinary. (http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm092802.htm)

So I will definitely be throwing away the remaining treats I have that have been manufactured in China. There are a few pet companies that I know I can still trust and will stick with those but otherwise I think I will be feeding more fruits and veggies and make my pets their own healthy poison free treats. Other food recalls have included rat poison or melamine contamination. A big problem is that the small companies that we trust are being purchased by the large companies and a lot of dog food/treat manufacturers actually use the same plant, so multiple brands of food/treats can be contaminated! More on pet foods another time.

If your pets have been ill after eating food or treats and it is unrelated to any medical condition please do not hesitate to contact the FDA. 

Food and Drug Administration

Center for Veterinary Medicine

Communications Staff, HFV-12

7519 Standish Place

Rockville, MD 20855

240-276-9300 

240-276-9115 FAX

This is the website to file a complaint against a product: http://www.fda.gov/petfoodcomplaints

#nerdsunite

Click here to follow Lindsay on Twitter!

#NerdsUnite: The secret life of a veterinary technician (in memory)

<editorsnote> Nerds, meet my buddy Lindsay. She and I met ... well, somewhere in the social space. I think we might have started talking through this site directly, then through facebook - maybe ... I'm not sure. But she's awesome. I talk to her on twitter almost every day, and she's really rad and TOTALLY a big huge animal lover. Like crazy huge!! In these series of posts she will be talking about her life and random adventures with sometimes more than two legged creatures. I guess there's only one more thing left to say ... HIT IT LINDSAY!!</editorsnote>

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @TheCraftafarian

This week the world lost a great man. He was a father, husband, animal lover, genuinely a kind human being, and so much more. He wasn't a member of my family but he was a friend. Don Sforza passed away the beginning of this week in the presence of those he loved.  He fought a long battle with Leukemia and beat it TWICE. He was completely devoted to his family, friends, and pets. I met him when I first started working at my clinic. As their kitties got older and had a few ailments I came on board to force feed, medicate, and pet sit as needed. A few times that I came to their home to feed the kitties they had company: A neighbor and friend, their daughter (who I also know thru the clinic) and her husband. I was invited to stay for dinner and I must say I fell in love with that family. The way I wish for my future family to interact I have only seen on TV (haha modern family!)--but this, it was amazing. I truly want my family to have the closeness and love that I witnessed at that home. I don't know how to describe it except that they all just really lived for each other and truly loved to be around one another. Don, the amazing cook, had made homemade grilled pizza--real italian style--and we had beers and wine. They always sent me home with some food or propel to eat or share with my boyfriend.

We were so close that they could text me to ask questions or to have me bring some supplements home for them. (I really hope this is all coherent..I've been having a rough time with this) I knew he was in the hospital fighting off an infection from the graft vs host disease (stem cell transplant) and his last scan was clear of cancer. I just saw his daughter at the clinic a week ago and we were talking about him. Sunday night I had to train my boyfriends family (mom, stepdad, and aunt) how to administer insulin injections to their dog and I went to the BF's restaurant for a glass of wine. Once I got home I went on facebook to see what was going on with everyone and to check if anyone from the family posted an update on Don. And there was an update that he had passed away. I read it. And re-read it. And read it a third time before it finally hit me. (I think I may have even read it a fourth time, I was shocked) I was listening to Christina Perri's song Lonely (which now makes me cry when I hear it) and just started sobbing. I cried for his wife who I love so very much, I cried for his beautiful kitties that always know when he's sick, I cried for his daughter because no one wants to lose their daddy. I cried for myself and I cried for this world because we have truly lost an amazing person. I sobbed for a good ten minutes.  I cannot even write this without tears welling up in my eyes. Part of me doesn't understand this as I didn't even cry when my grandfathers died (yeah both within a few months of one another) and I didn't cry when my BF's grandfather died. Empathy perhaps? It doesn't make sense but I accept that it is affecting me. I'm pet sitting for the kitties this week and at times its hard to be in the house where I have so many memories of him. I can't even imagine how it must feel for his family and friends. The thing about death is just because the person is gone doesn't mean you lost the memory. Don Sforza will live on in the hearts and minds of those who loved him. And now I have to stop. Sorry for the sad post but I really wanted to use my post this week to immortalize my friend on the internet and to remember what a good person that he was--I would do anything for his wife and daughter, they have my heart. 

Click here to view his obituary

Don chronicled his experience getting a stem cell transplant from his sister, being hospitalized, and then in out patient care in Tampa, FL. This adventure not only rid him of Leukemia but showed us what good medicine, positive thinking, and love can do. 

Don's blog: http://don-thelongestjourney.blogspot.com/

Please take a moment to treasure your life and your loved ones. 

#nerdsunite

<3 Lindsay @thecraftafarian

blog: www.craftafarian.com

email: craftafarian at gmail d c

#NerdsUnite: The secret life of a veterinary technician (exciting news)

<editorsnote> Nerds, meet my buddy Lindsay. She and I met ... well, somewhere in the social space. I think we might have started talking through this site directly, then through facebook - maybe ... I'm not sure. But she's awesome. I talk to her on twitter almost every day, and she's really rad and TOTALLY a big huge animal lover. Like crazy huge!! In these series of posts she will be talking about her life and random adventures with sometimes more than two legged creatures. I guess there's only one more thing left to say ... HIT IT LINDSAY!!</editorsnote>

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @TheCraftafarian

I have news!! Yay!! I start school this Summer and I'm so freaking excited (I'm starting to feel like a dork). *happy dance* I'm even more happy because if you remember my post 10 Life Tweaks for 2012, figuring out school was on there. So I've accomplished a goal also. YES.

After researching several schools I finally applied to a school with a veterinary technician program so I can earn my certification and license for Florida, super exciting! I was conflicted for a long time about what to do regarding school and my career. I mean I love animals, medicine, and science so I feel like I'm in the right field but it would be nice to further my education and/or have something to fall back on. Plus many times more education in the field means more compensation so that would be great. I don't know if I'm going to stop after this degree, I guess it just depends on how I feel. 

I enrolled at San Juan College, located in New Mexico-They have an awesome online distance learning program. I chose this school for a number of reasons:

1. Highly recommended by a graduate I spoke to online.

2. When I emailed the adviser for information she responded immediately and even gave me a phone number to call her directly if I had any questions. (I can't even get on the phone immediately with a real person at any of my previous schools when I call.) She encouraged that I call to discuss  any questions(I never did, hehe I just like that I can if I need to).

3. Even though the school is located in New Mexico the cost for my out of state tuition is less than the cost of Florida in state tuition. Maybe I should move their because their in state tuition is a steal. 

4. NM considers me a degree seeking student while the state of FL classifies me as a non-degree seeking student (personal interest) because I have an AA degree. This classification is very important because only degree seeking students can receive financial aid. 

5. I don't have to take a drug test for this school--which is great because I really hate going to the lab centers and waiting to pee in a cup.

6. I don't have to travel to the school to take exams or do hands on skills. The school in FL requires you to drive to their testing center or pay someone at UCF $25 per exam to proctor. 

7. Maybe more, I  can't think right now. 

Basically I take my tests and quizzes online, submit assignments, and group chat discussions. The thing about the distance learning program is that you have to be working at a veterinary office in order to get "classroom experience." My boss is going to be my mentor and he has to sign off on skills so that I can move forward in the classes. Just because I live and work in FL doesn't mean I have to go to the school here. I chose an AVMA and AAHA accredited school (vet associations) which means its a good solid school and the degree being on my resume will be an asset. Once I earn the degree I have to take the national exam which costs $300 or more--it takes about 6 weeks to find out if you passed. Then in order to be licensed in FL I have to take yet another exam (and pay another $50) once all that is finished I will have earned my veterinary technician degree. Like any medical degree you have to obtain a certain number of continuing education credits to keep your license active (and pay dues, of course). I think this will make me feel very accomplished. Also being certified tends to get you loads more respect in the field than experience. *sigh* With 12 years experience you would think I wouldn't be talked to like a kid...(not my boss or coworkers, just other people, other colleagues)

My plan after that is to start a bachelors program in biology or marine biology (I like science) and then maybe a masters, maybe one day a PhD or DVM (veterinarian). The reason I'm not starting a bachelors degree now is because my GPA isn't awesome and I'm kinda blacklisted from UCF so I don't really have a public university that I can go to right now. That's why I decided to get my vet tech degree as I am currently working in the field and don't plan to change anytime soon. Plus taking these classes will help boost my GPA (if I do well, I mean WHEN) and then I can apply with a nice plump GPA. More on that stuff next week, its a fun tale. 

I haven't taken classes in over two years (I think). Now I have even more stuff to juggle but I'm really happy about it. Sometimes I had trouble with classes that didn't interest me so I'm hoping that since this is going to be all vet tech stuff I'm going to dive right in and be a genius. Haha. It will take hard work but it's so going to be worth it. 

Anyone else out there going to school? Let's help motivate each other!

Next week I'll share the story of my epic education failure...(even though it was lame then I'm happy it all happened otherwise I would not be the same person I am today, nor would I be living the same life. ie. boyfriend, current job, pets, LIFE)

#nerdsunite

<3 Lindsay 
twitter: @thecraftafarian
blog: craftafarian.blogspot.com
email: craftafarian at gmail d c