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• Letters to the editor

  Letters to the editor

  VETERINARY TREATMENT

  Veterinarians grapple with the complexities of caring

  In response to Tammy Hobbs' ("Veterinarians," Thursday, Aug. 12) distressing letter, I felt compelled to reply. Her letter describes a nightmarish situation for which I can only extend my heartfelt sympathies. Unfortunately, scenes like those she has described occur not infrequently across the country. Technically, individual emergencies are managed as humanely and proficiently as possible. We as veterinarians accept and are guided by a set of ethical principles which, in the case of emergencies, includes a responsibility to relieve suffering.

• In Remembrance: Fiercely independent Donna Peterson also was generous

  In Remembrance: Fiercely independent Donna Peterson also was generous

  Veterinarian Donna Peterson, founder of Animal Medical Center in Boise, operated the clinic at 1365 S. Five Mile Road for more than 30 years but still "found joy in a playful puppy and got tears in her eyes when she had to do a euthanasia," said her longtime office manager Stacy Hall.

  "Her best character trait was her generosity," Stacy said. "Vet clinics often have people bringing in injured or sick animals and very little if anything to pay for treatment. Donna treated many of these animals for little pay."

  Donna cared for hundreds of pets at her Boise clinic and once entered a contest for "The most unusual thing found inside an animal." Donna had X-rays of a yellow lab she treated. The dog had swallowed a 15-inch long handle that could be seen on the X-ray starting at the dog's throat and going almost to the tail. She didn't win but kept the handle on her desk next to a photo of the dog, which survived.

• After 11 months, 90,316 H1N1 vaccinations, health department disbands command center

  After 11 months, 90,316 H1N1 vaccinations, health department disbands command center

  After 11 months and 90,316 H1N1 vaccinations, the Central District Health Department this week disbanded its Incident Command System.

  Some of the highlights of the past 11 months include:

  Vaccines administered

• Zimo: Older dog can teach upstart puppy ways of the hunt

  Zimo: Older dog can teach upstart puppy ways of the hunt

  A great retrieve. A good sit. The wires on my favorite $85 Petzl headlamp chewed up. Dog chew toys all over the place. Missing slippers.

  It's puppyhood again.

  Luckily, we have an older dog to show the pup the ropes.

• For a healthy school year, get your kids vaccinated

  For a healthy school year, get your kids vaccinated

  If your child is starting kindergarten, middle school or college this year, your back-to-school checklist includes not only pencils and notebooks, but those dreaded vaccinations.

  Here’s a primer to make things a bit easier.

  "Immunization is one of the best things you can do to protect your child," said Dr. Mary Anne Jackson, chief of the Section of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics in Kansas City, Mo. "It’s like putting your child in a car seat or a bike helmet."

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