Michelle Gerhard Jasny

A few years ago at her annual appointment, I mentioned to Augusta’s owner that the cat was a little chubby. OK, maybe I said fat. Having battled my own weight all my life, I am naturally sympathetic to my fluffier patients. I also used to tell owners of such pets that if I had someone …

I’m running late. April 7 was the start of National Dog Bite Prevention Week, a project sponsored by a coalition of the American Veterinary Medical Association, State Farm Insurance, the Insurance Information Institute, and Positively Victoria Stilwell (a celebrity dog trainer), with a goal to educate folks about dog bites and give tips on prevention. …

I dragged the hose across the yard in a halfhearted attempt to start cleaning out our long-neglected shed. Critters have chewed holes in the roof and floor, and made nests in the open bags of grass seed and potting soil. I looked down at my flip-flopped feet as I trekked through the brush. I should …

The wind blows. I roll over and go back to sleep.Our dog, Quinna, does not. She goes downstairs and crawls under my husband’s heavy oak desk. That was her favorite cozy place when she was a puppy. Now she has to squeeze her grown-up figure to fit into the space under the drawers that is …

Early on in my career, I had two wonderful employees, Beth and Midge, who had wicked senses of humor. Despite the stress of veterinary practice, we laughed a lot at work. Of course, dressing up for Halloween was part of the fun, so one year I did a fairly elaborate creepy costume, complete with face …

Fifteen years ago I had a patient named Bianca — an exceptionally nice Portuguese water dog with an exceptionally dedicated owner. I was at that point in my career where I was confident of my diagnostic skills (maybe a bit too confident), but not yet old enough to readily admit I didn’t know everything. Bianca’s …

It feels like all the stories I have to tell right now are sad stories. It’s the “holiday season” — a time when veterinarians traditionally face many hard situations. Families who want to keep the old dog going just until the kids get home from college to say goodbye. People who need to travel to …

When I was a child, I don’t remember there being anti-vaxers. I do remember the early equivalent of robo-calls, when the John Birch Society barraged our town with their anti-fluoridation campaign. Although I am sure there were people back then who were suspicious of vaccinations, the predominant mood was fear of diseases like polio. Everyone …

Sigh. I have been avoiding this in hopes that it would go away. But no. It’s here, and it will almost certainly get worse. I’m not talking politics (though don’t get me started). I’m talking about avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu. Earlier this month, more than 60 Canada geese, ducks, swans, and other …

My daffodils have finally bloomed. Another Vineyard spring. Like last year. And the year before. Maybe you’ve noticed my column’s absence. We’ve had a bit of a sabbatical, but will be back now with occasional musings from the veterinary world. So I am musing.  This spring is different for me — the first since my […]