1. Are you really a vet?
Yes.
2. Where did you go to school?
University of California, Davis. I’d brag about that but I leave that to the people at that OTHER vet school. You know the one. You can tell a Davis grad by asking them this question: What did you do at the Smoker? If they stammer and refuse to answer, they are an Aggie.
3. Can you answer a few questions about my cow and lizard?
No. The day I passed the board exams was the last time I knew anything about cows. I never knew anything about lizards, even during the boards.
4. OK then, how about a question about my dog? I’ll be quick.
You know, I like to be as helpful as the next guy, but I have to be honest with you here. I live in California, and if there is one thing people in California like to do, it’s sue other people. So even though you seem like a great person and I’m sure you would never dream of suing me over something I told you on the internet, it’s just something I’ve learned not to do. Diagnosing a pet sitting right in front of you is challenging enough. Diagnosing one I’ve never laid eyes on is next to impossible (and against our practice code as well.)
On that note, while I talk about certain medical conditions from time to time, allow me to write in small print my medical disclaimer:
The information contained here is intended solely for the general information of the reader. It is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of professional medical care. The information contained herein is neither intended to dictate what constitutes reasonable, appropriate or best care for any given health issue, nor is it intended to be used as a substitute for the independent judgment of a veterinarian for any given health issue.
In other words, if you have a question about your dog, you should see your awesome local vet and not take my word for anything, even given my answer to question 1. Needless to say asking me a question about your human kid is beyond the pale.
5. I want to be a vet. How do you do it? Where do you go? How long does it take? How many hours do you need to volunteer? Which are the best schools, in what order are they ranked, and what is the approximate cost of education and number of applications per seat for each?
Darned if I remember. You may want to start here. I know this: yes, you need math, yes, you put your arm into a cow’s rectum within a month or two of arriving, and I will be repaying loans until I retire. The rest is a blur.
6. How do I get one of those nifty little pictures next to my name in the comment section? Those little monster things are kind of dumb.
Ah, a question I can answer. You can go to Gravatar, upload whatever you want, and be special all over the internet. For free.
7. How do you take such great pictures? What camera do you use?
Well, if you’re referring to me, the answer is I don’t, and I use a Canon point and shoot. For examples of my camera prowess see my twitpics and the pictures I take with my iphone.
My husband on the other hand, now there is a talented photographer. I will sometimes use his camera and get lucky with a good shot, but the majority of the pictures on this site are his work. He uses a Canon EOS 7D. I’d tell you what lenses he uses if I knew what they were called. If it’s really important to you, you can e-mail me and I will ask him because he’s way more interested in that stuff than I am.
The bad photoshop Elements “special effects”, though? All me, baby.
8. Do you do product reviews? How about giveaways?
Yes, with some caveats-
- Assume if there is a product review, it was a donated item. Per FTC guidelines if it was donated I will say so in the post, as I do sometimes review products I like on my own as well.
- I can’t guarantee a timeline for getting them done, especially since I try to involve Brody in them.
- I can’t guarantee a glowing review so don’t send me something that stinks.
- I don’t take any monetary compensation for doing reviews.
I am happy to host giveaways! Who doesn’t like free stuff? If you have a pet related product you’d like to provide for a giveaway please contact me at drv@pawcurious.com.
