Matt VanderVelde

Recent stories

Pets help us through hard times
By Matt VanderVelde
November 6, 2008
Everywhere we hear the moans and groans of how tough the economic times are. Obviously if you are one who lost a job, had a house or car repossessed, or are living at the base of a mountain of debt, times are tough. But who are we listening to?
Hugs take sting from day’s bites
By Matt VanderVelde
October 23, 2008
There indeed is a silver lining to many clouds floating by, even on a rainy old Monday.
Timely vaccinations invaluable
By Matt VanderVelde
October 2, 2008
On a recent Saturday, I was given cause to ponder why we vaccinate our pets. In these two clinical cases presented to us, both could have been prevented by routine vaccination of the pets. In both cases, the owner had either not vaccinated or allowed them to lapse.
Pet talk
Timely vaccinations save pets
By Matt VanderVelde
October 1, 2008
On a recent Saturday, I was given cause to ponder why we vaccinate our pets. In these two clinical cases presented to us, both could have been prevented by routine vaccination of the pets. In both cases, the owner had either not vaccinated or allowed them to laps
Cancer issues same for man and pets
By Matt VanderVelde
September 11, 2008
Cancer, or as doctors are taught, neoplasia, affects all of us dearly, deep in our heart of hearts. Both my father and eldest sister succumbed to the terminal spread of this most feared of all diseases. We were all very devastated as we watched the cancer spread and take its toll on what were previously vibrant lives.
Pets can stir hornets nest
By Matt VanderVelde
August 21, 2008
So, just before my noon lunch break, I armed myself for the worst-case scenario. Hives of wasps are not pleasant memories for our family. One evening, as my daughter was cleaning out one of her sheep jugs, we heard a blood-curdling shriek. Katie was sprinting toward open country, wasps in hot pursuit. One flew under her shirt and was stinging her repeatedly. Luckily, she survived with Benadryl and baking soda poultices.
Vacations nice, but home best
By Matt VanderVelde
August 7, 2008
Taking a vacation, which really is getting away for more than just a long weekend, is what the doctor might prescribe for the working weary. Having not much time to do such a grand thing when one owns a business, my family and I ascribe to treating ourselves to at least one vacation a year.
Friends lost and newfound
Dad’s soft heart makes him hero at home
By Matt VanderVelde
July 17, 2008
You could guarantee you’d see Sandy about once a month at our door for more prescription diet for “Willie the Wildcat.”
Pets worth all the effort
By Matt VanderVelde
June 12, 2008
“I am sure Noah had a pair of dogs and cats, besides all other forms of critters, two by two when the rains began,” I speculated to a client as we reveled in joy of our relationship to our pets. Like our children or elderly parents, their care is of great importance to that lasting relationship.
Fill hole in heart with pets
By Matt VanderVelde
May 1, 2008
About a month ago, Rodney, a client and a close friend, suggested I invest some reading time with Mark Levins “Rescuing Sprite.” Rodney knew I was an avid reader of novels and it seemed he was also. I had a few opportunities to purchase it in a bookstore in Lawrence, but for some reason I just passed it up. Last week, Rodney stopped in for dog food and left his copy of this wonderful short story. I took the hint, and after my current novel was finished I picked up “Rescuing Sprite” and dove in.

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