Summer is for reading, yes? These long summer days are a perfect time to relax and enjoy a good, long read that improves your dog’s life. For starters, get completely absorbed in a new training technique, such as Pat Miller’s introduction to “Nose Games”. It’s an enjoyable, effective way to improve his behavior and responsiveness to you. Advocates say that using their noses channels dogs’ energy in a productive way. Interest in this activity is growing rapidly nationwide. Step-by-step instructions follow her article about the benefits of putting your dog’s amazing nose to work.
The record-setter for a long read in this issue, however, is Barbara Dobbins’ article about canine lymphoma. It’s the latest in a series she’s been producing for us about the most common canine cancers. It’s a lengthy piece. While you might be tempted to skip by this chunk of our issue, because your dog doesn’t have lymphoma and you don’t know anyone whose dog has lymphoma, reconsider. When a dog is diagnosed with lymphoma, quick action is needed; with this cancer, treatment should commence within a day or two at most following its diagnosis. That’s not the time to try to understand the complexities of canine oncology.
If lymphoma does strike your dog, or a dog in your extended family, having this detailed article on hand will save you countless hours of online research, sorting through terrible website after misinformed website. We’ve compiled all the information that you or anyone would need in order to make fast, good decisions about the dog’s treatment and health management. All the information you (and even your general veterinarian!) would need, all in one spot. Frankly, articles like this are the reason I recommend keeping print versions of WDJ indefinitely.
I realize current subscribers have access to the digital form of all past articles (all you have to do is register). However, even our search engine doesn’t always immediately point you to the most comprehensive article first, and no website can present the information in a reader-friendly fashion, with sidebars in appropriate positions and meaningful photos and side stories (like the one about Scout).
Now you know I’d rather turn a page than scroll down a screen! But I find that when I’m in a panic about my dog’s health, I want paper in my hand; I want to be able to mark it up with questions, so I don’t forget anything.
I sincerely hope that neither you nor I ever need this article. But if any of our dogs is ever diagnosed with some iteration of lymphoma, it will be early, because we are informed about the early signs of disease and know what to ask for in terms of cutting-edge diagnostic tools and the latest treatment protocols.
