Before heading off on our one-day retreat, I took Zinnia for her annual shots and worm and tick check. We saw Dr. Fariello, the only vet Zinnia has ever seen and the finest vet I’ve ever known.

Dr. Fariello has been my vet and our vet for 15 years, and she’s helped me get through the loss of almost every dog I’ve had as an adult, from Orson to Fate to Gus to Izzie To Frieda to Red.

She has been an invaluable friend, counselor, and animal doctor during my life with dogs. The words that come to mind are calm and warm and knowledgeable.

I am grateful to her for her honesty, knowledge, empathy, and professionalism.

My ability to talk openly and honestly with her has made every loss easier. She’s special. My life with dogs would have been so much more painful and difficult without her.

I’ve learned to be very careful about who I seek advice from regarding animals. Dr. Fariello is my dog place for advice, diagnosis, and treatment.

I honestly can’t imagine why anyone would prefer the advance of the amateur know-it-alls who run amok on social media

. I call them yentas with bad manners –  and claim they know more about your dogs than you do.

It is such a gift to have a veterinarian like Dr. Fariello. She is also a friend.

Today, it was Zinnia’s turn to get her annual examination. Dr. Fariello said she looked great; she had no concerns. Zinnia’s weight is perfect; her coat is beautiful, and her heart is strong.

She was nervous at first and tried to hide behind me, but she settled down. She is, I told Dr. Fariello, the Queen Of Chill.

Nicole and Casey draw blood for heartworm and other tests. I think Zinnia went to sleep.

“Let’s be friends,” said Dr. Fariello after giving Zinnia her shots. A treat was all it took.