I don’t mean to be ungrateful, but I am at a loss to understand why anyone would take the advice of amateur vets and diagnoses online when there are trained,  experienced, and compassionate veterinarians like Suzanne Fariello.

Dr. Fariellio and I have been working together ever since I asked her to euthanize Rose, who was dying of brain cancer. She is a wonderful vet, someone I trust. We have been through many dog dramas together. I appreciate her skills, honesty, and respect for my feelings about dogs, their health, life, and death. She has become a treasured friend.

Above, Nicole, Zinnia, and Dr. Fariello.

Zinnia is a sweet and wonderful dog but doesn’t like going to the vet. Dr. Fariello gets down on the floor, gives her a handful of treats, and all is forgiven. She says Zinnia is in excellent health, with perfect weight, heart, eyes,  bones, and joints. She got all of her vaccinations for this year.

Zinnia is a good girl, a sweet and loving creature. I am always happy to learn she is healthy and robust. Dr. Fariello is intense and thorough. We always get to talk and catch up. She is also a cat lover, so we talked about Zip. By the end of the examination, Zinnia was licking her chin.