Written by Dr. Anna Michael Ruelle, Camden Pet Hospital
There’s no doubt that the people in our community have a special bond with their pets. Camden’s neighborhoods have always been full of hard-working, caring and compassionate people living in family homes. In most of these homes, we’ll find a furry friend that truly makes that place warm, inviting, and full of love.
I have the true privilege of seeing that incredible bond and the warmth that those pets bring into our lives on a daily basis in my role as a veterinarian at Camden Pet Hospital. I am so excited to share some of the stories, the insights, and the incredible things I see here at Camden Pet with the Camden Community News readers in the months to come.
Not only will you hear from myself as the lead veterinarian at Camden Pet Hospital, you’ll also hear from Camden’s canine companion Theo in the occasional articles he writes “Theo’s Thoughts” as well as our feline Friend Maddie the cat with her musings, and even occasional words from our ‘non-traditional’ pets that we see frequently such as rabbits, reptiles and birds.
With the new year upon us, we often find ourselves reflecting on the year gone by and I can’t help but think of the pets in my life. I am forever grateful I have them because they have kept me balanced, comforted and happy even when life gets hard. I recently said goodbye to my dog Nica after 12 years and it was so incredibly hard. Even though I have been on the ‘other side’ of the process hundreds of times, it was still so difficult– the emotions so raw and intense like nothing else. It was especially challenging for my husband who had never had a dog before Nica. She truly was the ‘perfect dog.’
Years ago, when we were dating and discussing what kind of dog we would get, my husband stated he wanted a dog that “didn’t bark, didn’t lick, didn’t jump up, didn’t smell and didn’t shed.” Not long after that he suggested “how ‘bout a beagle?” My woefully naïve beau was clearly misled by the Snoopy comics he adored as a kid.
About a year after graduating veterinary school Nica came into our lives. She had visited my practice relatively regularly (on my day off) while she received regular treatment for demodex mange. I happened to come in on my day off and found her waiting patiently in the treatment area and I immediately took a shine to this beautiful little pitt mix who was all love and wiggles. After a generous session of scritches and cuddles with her, and me stating “Oh, I’d take you home with me if I could!” my tech said to me with a sly smile, “Well… she is looking for her forever home.” And that was it, I’d put my foot in my mouth, and after a discussion with her foster mom and the local humane society, she went home with me that very same day.
She fit the bill like no other dog could, she really didn’t bark or shed, or smell, she wasn’t a big licker and she didn’t even jump unless you brought out the dangle toy- then boy! Could she jump! Nica was our closest companion for over a decade, we looked forward to being weekend warriors together at the dog park and skijoring (her pulling me on xc-skis) down the streets after any fresh snowfall. She lived a full life and ours was much fuller with her in it. It still hurts to think of her and not have her here, but already that sadness is transitioning to the happiness of fond memories together.
At the same time we reflect, we can’t help but look forward to what lies ahead. The pets in my life, whether they are mine or a client’s, help shape the person I have become– and who I continue to aspire to be. I look forward to finding my next dog, connecting with pets at Camden, and letting those wonderful beings continue to show me the selfless love they are so adept at. I hope you’ll enjoy the continued thoughts and insights I share (along with some furry friends) in this new pet column going forward!