Graduation Day: The VetBeh Recheck that Almost Happened

Maisy had an appointment scheduled for today with her veterinary behaviorist, Dr. Duxbury. Key word: had. We ended up cancelling it, on Dr. Duxbury’s advice.

Things normal dogs do: play, then nap.

 

 

Quick recap: At our last appointment a year ago, Dr. Duxbury was so pleased with Maisy’s progress that she gave me the option of transferring her care back to our primary vet. I chose not to do this because I wanted to maintain a relationship with Dr. Duxbury in case things worsened.

Things have changed since then. Not only is Maisy doing even better than she was a year ago (to the point that I now think of her as normal), but I also now count Dr. Duxbury- Margaret- as a friend. This means that she has seen Maisy regularly over the past year, thus alleviating my concerns about continuity of care. Still, I scheduled the appointment because I was concerned that the sudden thunderphobia that started last summer would continue this year. It hasn’t (she’s slept through the last several thunderstorms), leaving me with absolutely zero concerns about Maisy’s behavior. Margaret and I agreed that it seemed silly to bring a normal dog in.

Maisy will continue on her current medication regime because it continues to be the best thing I’ve ever done for her. I decided long ago that I would not change something that’s working so well. Of course, I will continue to run regular lab work to make sure the meds aren’t impacting her negatively, but so far, so good.

And so ends our (professional) involvement with the Veterinary Behaviorist. I will be forever grateful for what she’s done for both Maisy and for me. Margaret is an amazing clinician and an even more amazing person. The world is truly a better place with her in it, and I am so fortunate to be able to call her a friend.