EMPATHY FOR MY DOG HAD A HIGH PRICE TO PAY!

PHOTO: This is my pretty, wide-eyed, bushy tailed daschund mix Penny. Pieces of noodles are on her ears. She shakes it off and she gets her treat.

Yes, empathy for my dog had a high price.

My pet had no appetite, was vomiting, had a bad digestive system and lethargic. I’m in a state of panic, it’s an emergency. It’s urgent. My primary veterinarian is booked on appointments for the next two weeks and does not offer urgent care. I called all 3 to 4 veterinary services in my area of Ventura County, SoCAL but it’s the same thing. During this process I was advised to go to an urgent care pet facility in Agoura Hills, CA. It’s called Oaks Veterinary Urgent Care (OVUC). As I drive to the parking lot, the building structure is new, nice paint and looks expensive. It’s a stand alone building not being shared by other businesses. I’m thinking, it’s okay my dog will get great care (not just good care). I got to the clinic at 7:30pm on September 17 and my dog died at 4:00am on September 18, 2021.

One Yelp! feedback says that the ambience of the facility hospital is like a spa. So, my imagination starts to think about spa places & treatments that I’m familiar with and also, they are not low cost.  Sea Weed body treatment, Hot Stones treatment, Salt Scrub etc.

Due to Covid we cannot go in the building. Only a tech/aide can take your dog and bring your pet in. There were 4 cars in the parking lot.. I was not comfortable with the situation of not being there with my dog in the treatment room. I’m nervously wondering.

1. Is Penny being attended to right away by a tech/aide?
2. Is the veterinarian stepping up now and showing care?
3. Is the veterinarian checking her vitals?
   1. What’s her pulse?
   1. What’s her respiration rate? Her breathing?
   1. What is her temperature? Fever?  

I just trusted the veterinarian, found out later she is Dr. R.W. and hope she’d do her best, to do no harm, give my pet care and compassion and relative to make me feel comfort and at ease.

Unfortunately, she gave the Least care or No Care for my dog. I wonder if – did she making these choices based on a: 

1. It’s on a first come basis, first serve basis?
2. It’s based on the severity of the condition? or
3. It’s the one that can fill the bank account?

Tech #1 brought my dog in the hospital and gave me a form to fill. She came back and said that vet gave her an anti-vomit solution through the mouth and told me my pet vomited it out. Well, she wasn’t vomiting at that time so why give her the solution? Her stomach needs to be soothed. From my research she could have given her an appetite stimulant.

Tech #1 walked to my car and gave an estimate of $1,000. Also, I was waiting for her to tell me the results of the vitals of the office visit. She did not say a word. What was her pulse rate? what about breathing analysis? Nothing. No information. I was sick to my stomach. It made me so scared visualizing that my pet‘s just laying on a cold table. Where is the empathy for the dog? Treat her and call me and explain. Nothing.

I told Tech #1 that I was not ready to pay this much money. She went back and then Tech #2 came out with another piece of paper, another estimate of $500. Then, the situation just went to hell. So, during this transactions between me and Dr. R.W. through a tech/aide she had not done anything for my dog as I was in competition with the other 4 pet owners in the parking lot. My car was the 3^rd in the lot. A car pulled in – a new arrival, and so we’re total of 5 cars. This vet had no empathy for my sick dog but made her choice on who could pay the most … because my counteroffer was to give me a discount.

I just wanted information, please Dr. R.W., please look at my dog, check her vitals, everything that is included in an office visit and talk to me.  The answer was SILENCE. Even the attendants could not give me any information. How frustrating is that ???

As I mentioned I am in competition with the other pet owners in the parking lot.  I notice techs and aides going back and forth talking to the other owners, handing paperwork and medications. Also, giving back their dogs in blankets that have been already treated. Eventually, I was last to leave from that place with my pet worse than when I brought in.

3 hours I was at the parking lot waiting. I went in to used the bathroom and saw the first tech. I asked how it’s going and she dare say, we are really busy right now? Whaaaaaaaaaatt? Oh yeah! With someone else’s pet, possibly the one that just arrived. Oh God, Almighty!

Here is a checklist of what should happen on an urgent care situation along with the corresponding action – the silence I received.

The Lifetime Vet Clinic website shows the Treatments an Office Visit: For an Unwell or Injury Exam

1. Vet Discussion of symptoms at home – None (only on form presented.)
2. Vital Signs taken by Vet Assistant – None. Silence.

*Temperature

*Heart Rate

*Respiratory Rate

*Mucus Membrane Colour –

     3- Presented with Treatment Plan – Oh yeah, the 2 estimates of  $1000 and $500.

I can say I knew more about #3, the cost estimate of the treatment. It was definitely organized and printed out well that the cost was even highlighted in light blue at the very center of the page.

No more discounts so, then Dr. R.W. calls me on the phone (the first time I heard from her) that my dog was going to be sent home to me with some meds.

We left the place around 11:30pm and after 5 hours my beautiful Penny-girl died at only 11 years of age. If only … If only … If only – I took her to a different veterinary urgent care place …

I am glad that the pets that were treated at Oaks Veterinary Urgent Care survived and thrived. But the empathy for my dog had a high price.

In these times of Covid, a majority are dependent on unemployment, stimulus packages, sickness, loss of loved ones, etc. The bottom line is that most want their pets to be treated with urgency and empathy whether unemployed or not employed; when there is worry about the next meal; when faced with evictions and when just short of cash and savings are depleted.

Hope that all your pets be given compassion or empathy by a veterinarian regardless of the cost of treatment. Show fairness, kindness, and loving care for animals. That veterinarians feel the suffering or misfortune relative to the humans (pet owners) emotional and mental state too.

Yelp! reviews that are one blocked shade have the same theme: lack of compassion for dogs & humans. And another says, do not take your dog to this urgent care center due to costs.

From my own miserable and horrible personal experience Dr. R.W. exuded zero empathy for my pretty Penny. She had no chance against the mindset of “Cash is King.” Death was just the reality for my dog.

FAKE IS AN ART

Yes, some people are real. Some people are good. Some people are fake. I’ve encountered a few of them.

But, people you may know are real at faking real and good at faking good. Some are just fake and some people are real good at being fake.

It’s an art that I have not learned. It takes skill. It’s power. It’s ability, attitude and an effortless execution.

NOTE: This is taken from IG post of Nene Leakes.

CHEAT CODE

In the software programming world or coder universe, a cheat code as a noun is a hidden feature or capability in a computer or video game. An example: In fact, some game levels are so tough that I had to resort to cheats to get through, says Peter Cohen.

Here, I’m talking about sexually unfaithful cheat code as a verb. It’s plain as day; deceitful, a liar and a cheater-face. It’s usually the best friend that knows.

“When U catch him cheating, choke his best friend cause he knew the whole time.”

Note: This is a Nene Leake’s quote. This is not my own.

IT HURTS RIGHT? BETRAYAL

I see betrayal in a positive light.

It hurts even though your heart, mind and soul tells you different. “I’m solid as a rock?” It won’t affect me. You cry. You’re depressed. You want revenge!

But, think of this: It’s the betrayal that blessed you.

Now, you are aware of the backstabbing, disloyalty, double cross, falsity, hypocrisy, infidelity, the sellout, treachery, two-timing, unfaithfullness and untrustworthiness. Now, you know!

Note: This is Nene Leake’s Quotes. I do not own this material.

Learn From Creation: Sunflowers

Sunflowers turn according to the position of the sun. Their faces “chase the sun.” You may already know this, but what happens on cloudy rainy days, when the sun is completely covered? Does the sunflower wither, and turn its head toward the ground? No- my God Jehovah made them do something very special. They turn towards each other! To share their energy – How can we apply this reflection in our lives?

Many people may be low spirited and the most vulnerable ones. Sometimes depressed. We can follow the example of Jehovah’s creation, the sunflowers – turn to each other, supporting and empowering one another during moments of despair. God’s words have power, “So keep comforting one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:18). God’s example of love has even greater power and Jehovah’s creation has much to teach us.

This was a a Public Talk delivered at a Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses as part of the Sunday worship. We all have different faiths but the content of this talk applies to all of humanity … specially in these Covid-19 pandemic.

Photo: Stock photo meaning it is not my picture. I give credit to the owners.

Elephant: “Help Me! Give Me Back My Teeth!”

This is part of a series of attention-grabbing photos from a conscientious artist (stock photos) to expose the plight of the animal trade, it’s illegal business and the perpetrators who take advantage of it.

What an amazing beast! An elephant is a tall, large-eared mammal that has a snout elongated into a muscular trunk and two incisors in the upper jaw developed especially in the male into long ivory tusks of tropical Africa. Have you seen this photo? A bleeding elephant who lost his teeth (tusks). So graphic but true.

The trunk is used for breathing, bringing food and water to the mouth, and grasping objects. The tusks are derived from the incisor teeth, serve both as weapons, tools for moving objects and digging for water and roots, for marking trees, and clearing paths. Also used to attack and defend. Elephants have roamed the land of Africa and have been allies helping with domestic work, protection and safety.

Elephant orgy poaching is a term used for encroaching, trespassing hunting and killing for their ivory. Ivory is the hard, white dentine material that composes tusks and teeth of animals. To remove the tusk is painful essentially harming and killing the elephant because what we see on the outside is a big powerful tusk but the rest is in a socket in the skull.

The obsession of ivory for art, ornaments and medicinal purposes has diabolically increased in the late 20th century. Ivory is traded … a business transaction and China is the biggest market for poached ivory.

Commercialism and greed has capitalized on the ivory trade which has contributed to the decline in the African elephant population. There have been good people who have noticed and want protection for elephants from captivity like in zoo’s and circuses. People with good intentions prompted international bans on ivory imports, starting with the United States in June 1989, and followed by bans in other North American countries, western European countries, and Japan.

Sadly, In June 1997, an international conference in Zimbabwe, delegates from 138 countries voted to ease a seven-year-old global ban on the trade in ivory.

Photo: Stock photo

Shark: Help Me! Get Back My Fins!”

Sharks are threatened by commercial and recreational fishing. Have you seen this meme? It’s breaking my heart!

A shark is a marine fish of medium to large size that have a body that tapers to the end and a tough usually dull gray skin. Sharks are predators sometimes dangerous to humans ‘But’ many shark populations are threatened by human activities.

Certain countries and its inhabitants from early times like Japan, Australia, India, Iceland , etc have had access to food from the sea. Sharks as food meant survival. Sharks were not endangered back then. Notice that these countries are bordered by seas and oceans.

Food preparation was mostly in sushi and sahimi in Japan; fish and chips in Australia, and powdered shark seasoning in India. For Icelanders , it is a national dish where havested sharks are cured, fermented and hung to dry for 4 to 5 months. Like an aged blue mold cheese or even green mold cheese, this dish Hakari is an acquired taste.

Sadly, globalism and commercialism equals greed has capitalized on the creatures of our oceans for profit and have diminished our beautiful, glorious and smart sharks. During a four-year period from 1996 to 2000, an estimated 26 to 73 million sharks were killed and traded annually in commercial markets and so much more in our time. No longer for nourishment but ‘Traded’ meaning a business transaction occurred and still occurring for enormous quantities or for sport to hang on a wall.

In our generation, the early 2020s there are good people, Greenpeace, organizations & sanctuaries, conservations, Shark Trusts, etc. all have the good intentions to fight and inform nations and its people to plainly not eat sharks and other marine life.

AS the photo translates to please “STOP SHARK FINNING!”

Photo: Stock Photo

THE NEW PLASTIC TRASH FISH DIET

In the 19the century the development of plastics became popular during the Industrial Revolution. Plastics manufacturing is a major part of the chemical industry, and some of the world’s largest chemical companies have been involved since the earliest days, such as the industry leaders BASF and Dow Chemical.

In order to protect the ocean from marine pollution, policies have been developed internationally. There are different ways for the ocean to get polluted, therefore there have been multiple laws, policies, and treaties put into place throughout history. In some areas there have been significant efforts to reduce the prominence of free range plastic pollution, through reducing plastic consumption, litter cleanup, and promoting plastic recycling.

Plastic pollution is the accumulation of plastic objects and particles (e.g. plastic bottles, bags and microbeads) in the Earth’s environment that adversely affects wildlife, wildlife habitat, and humans. Air pollution is one thing but water pollution is another. But marine pollution affects the air we breathe.

Marine life affects the nature of the planet. Marine organisms produce oxygen and sequester carbon. There is no life without water. What beautiful animals inhabit our oceans and mankind is deliberately poisoning them. Not only has it afflicted land but waterways and oceans. Marine debris, also known as marine litter, is human-created waste that has deliberately or accidentally been released in a sea or ocean. Floating oceanic debris tends to accumulate and a wide variety of man-made objects can become marine debris; plastic bags, balloons, buoys, rope, medical waste, glass and plastic bottles, cigarette stubs, cigarette lighters, beverage cans, polystyrene, lost fishing line and nets, and various wastes from cruise ships and oil rigs are among the items commonly found to have washed ashore. Six pack rings, in particular, are considered emblematic of the problem.

It is everywhere.

Marine pollution harms an estimated 100,000 sea turtles and marine mammals and 1,000,000 sea creatures each year. It clogs the digestive tracts of larger animals when consumed by them and can cause starvation through restricting the movement of food, or by filling the stomach and tricking the animal into thinking it is full.

Each human on this planet should be conscious, aware and participate in preventing marine pollution. But I feel indifferent because of how millenials do not care or consciously do not want to get involved. Their focus is on likes, vlogs, and their opinions in social media. My generation is that of the baby boomers who were raised and practice being conscious of world events, respectful to authority and taking care of family. We listen and act.

Otherwise we would be eating plastic trash salmon, plastic trash cod, plastic trash tilapia, plastic trash plastic trash tuna, plastic trash halibut, plastic trash oysters, plastic trash mussels etc. This will give rise to an increase in cancer statistics or even a higher risk of cancer. We would not want to lose a family member from this horrible disease that may metastasize in our bodies from eating sashimi (Japanese prepared raw fish), sushi, seared tuna salad, lobster or scallops.

I am conscious of the six pack rings and found a simple solution, just cut it with scissors. It is sad because some researchers suggest that by 2050 there could be more plastic than fish in the oceans by weight. Our grandchildren may never get to see Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach; Aquarium of the Bay, San FRancisco, Monteray Bay Aquarium, Monterey, California; SeaWorld, Orlando, Florida; SeaWorld, SanDiego, California; etc.

Stock Photo: NatGeo Asia

HIGH PROTEIN DIET VS VEGETARIAN DIET

What is meat? Merriam Webster’s dictionary defines meat as animal tissue considered especially as food. In this blog I will be focusing on beef meat. I love meat specially a good beefy steak. It doesn’t matter whether it has saturated fats, in fact it’s the fats that make it juicy and tasty and if you get a good steak (Kobe or Wagyu and Aberdeen Angus, ), it just melts in your mouth. I like going to Outback Steakhouse, Black Angus Steakhouse, Claim Jumper, Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse, some Korean and Japanese restaurants, etc. I don’t consider myself on a diet but since I like meats my consumption falls under a High-Protein Diet.

There are many different types of meat, and all have been part of the human diet for thousands of years. This have nutritional value and essential nutrients. There is pork, beef, lamb and mutton, chcken, turkey, venison, duck, wild boar, bison or buffalo, goose, rabbit and pheasant. There are so many choices that depends on where you live in the world.

I also have to make mention dedicated Vegetarians and Vegans who abstain from animal products due to their concern about the ethics of eating meat
(inhumane killing or slaughter of cows, pigs, lamb, chicken, etc.), the environmental effects of meat production (release of methane affecting climate change), the nutritional effects of consumption and for religious reasons. I respect their view. I like vegetables too.

I’ve asked myself what is the history of meat?. What is its origin? I go to my meat market and laid out under the glass cases are varieties of cut meats. There is no pleasant definition of butcher in the dictionary. It is one who slaughters, kills ruthlessly, or kills brutally. Oh, how I cringe!

How is it that it’s on my dining table being served. Why do we eat animal tissue? So, I did some research and first, it lead me back to the diet of the earliest humans who were hunter-gatherers. They organized the hunting of deer and bison. There is evidence that a substantial proportion of early human diets is supported by biology, geology, fossils and ecology during that time. But It still doesn’t answer the origin of meat consumption.

Secondly, my research pointed me to the Scriptures, the Old Testament of the Bible. In this modern age, it’s called the Hebrew Bible, as it was written in Hebrew because its principles still apply in our times. For those who believe in God, it is spiritual knowledge. For atheists and agnostics, please keep an open mind.

The context of Genesis chapter 1 shows where God, Yahweh in Hebrew and Jehovah God which is the English translation begins when the heavens and the earth were created … man … the creatures in the heavens, domestic animals …”

In Genesis Chapter 1 Verse 30, it states: “And to every wild animal of the earth and to every flying creature of the heavens and to everything moving on the earth in which there is life, I have given all green vegetables for food.” And it was so.

This was a loving direction from Jehovah God to provide his living creatures food, but only green vegetation. There was no instruction for meat to be consumed. What they harvested, they ate. And because, God loved animals.

Here is a simple explanation. No mystery. No hidden truth. No secret. The context of Genesis chapter 6 shows God giving instructions to Noah for the preservation of his family but also for his creation, the domestic animals (two of each kind for procreation) in the land before Jehovah God brings about the Flood.

Here, in Genesis Chapter 6 Verse 21,22, it states: “For your part, you are to collect and take with you every kind of food to eat, to serve as food for you and the animals.” And Noah did according to all that God had commanded him . He did just so.”

Here, Jehovah God gives Noah a tenderhearted command that he can now eat meat, “as food for you and for the animals.” So, before the Flood, humankind as well as animals ate vegetation off the ground. God loved his creatures and so never did it come up to his mind to have them for consumption.

But now, circumstances have changed, so, to prepare for the coming of the floodwaters that would destroy every evil, wicked, and unrighteous humankind. Noah could not gather carrots, potatoes, kale, brussel sprouts, etc. as this would not last while in the ark. Imagine. No refrigeration and it would have spoiled in 2 days and his family and the animals will go hungry. Or this generation would describe it as: “Hangry” – hungry and angry. Jehovah God already foresaw what they needed for sustenance.

I found the answer! Ever since I was born and up to the time I was served and ate meat, I wanted to be informed about the origins of meat consumption. Vegetarians and vegans have a platform too that is sensible and motivating and marked by conscious awareness of their diet. But, scripturally, God made allowance to eat meat that started with the preservation of Noah’s family and everything in the ark until the floodwaters were no more and Noah’s household came out of the ark onto dry land.

I am informed!

Stock Photo of Beef Cut Charts from Finedining Lovers

The Workplace Is Like An IED

Note: To get a background of the source of the feature image, go to my blog: “TO USE HUMOR TO A RUMOR.

So what’s a fool? According to Websters Dictionary it means a person lacking in judgement and understanding. It can also refer to crazy, insane, kooky, senseless, stupid and witless. It’s just plain retarded. The word is still in the dictionary although when said aloud is not politically correct. Beware that one should not say the word in public or your name, family, friend and life be destroyed in social media platform.

FRIENDSHIPS
Friendships is a relationship of mutual affection between people. It’s characteristics include love, affection, sympathy, understanding, honesty and trust. But there are times where you refer to persons you just met as friends. No they are not friends, they are just acquaintances. Most of all is the ability to be oneself, expressing one’s feelings and making mistakes without fear of judgement from the friend. This is special. But there are times where you refer to persons you just met as friends. No they are not friends, they are just acquaintances.

I feel a warmth when discussing about friendships but there is a lot of expectations when you get into a relationship. It’s supposed to be mutual but often it tends to be a one way street. The fool and the fooled. The fool is winning!

ADULTHOOD
Friendship in adulthood provides companionship, affection, as well as emotional support, and contributes positively to mental well-being and improved physical health. The next step for this young adults is after university/college is looking for employment. You gain new friends (I call them acquaintances first, then when I get to know them, I can call them friends) in the workplace but meaningful friendships is difficult to maintain.

The workplace is like an IED, an improvised electric devise. Your friendships are temporary, fireworks of competition, colleague quirks, Human Resource complaints, lifestyle envy, love life envy, harmful gossips, etc.

People learn to hide vulnerabilities, people can be fake. People will throw you under a bus/train. Sooner or later that IED will explode and will injure or kill you – emotionally and mentally.

Lessons learned. I have invested 30 years in the workforce and have experienced some of this things. The IED exploded but it did not kill me. It almost killed me. There was DRAMA all the time. My foolish actions in these unhealthy workplace situations:

– Potluck. A panic and stress to participate what to make, bring or buy. It has to be expensive. I will be judged. So I ordered a tray of Chinese egg rolls. My out-of-pocket $35. I spent money to impress specially my boss and was inundated with complements. In my mind, they will like me and be my friends. My boss will tread lightly on me. In reality, they forgot the next day.

– Birthday Celebration Potluck. I really do not want to attend but my boss and co-workers may notice and call me anti-social.

– Wedding Shower Potluck. The lady boss is having a shower. Panic. I gave her a candle warmer. It is different, unique and she will relate the present with my name. Voila! I was right. After her wedding she told me that she uses the warmer as a night light. Yesss! She did think about me … in my mind.

– Baby Shower Potluck Another panic and stress situation. I will be judged again. In my mind, the present has to be at $20.00 at least and cute. In reality, it’s just a complement of ooh’s and aah’s that sounds like music to my ears. They will forget about it next day.

– Last Day of Work Potluck. A nice male co-worker (we both hated out boss) was leaving and we were going to have a potluck lunch for him the next day. In my crazy mind, I made a grandiose dramatic gesture. I bought 3 orders of 8- piece Kentucky Fried Chicken worth $35. I spent to impress. He never said thank you. My other co-workers benefitted and left the lunchroom stuffed. My name in my department was trending for now.

I realized I am a fool. Why spend that much? I wanted to impress. I had the conclusions in my mind to the planned action I was going to do. So, I seeked therapy and along with that are medications. I am not one of those who reject anti-anxiety pills because it does help. I was impulsive and vulnerable with hard earned money and my pychological behaviors.

Now, I am more guarded, I am stronger, I can say ‘No.’ I don’t want to spend a single cent ever to whatever potluck there is. I have built shields. I reinvented myself to think of my well being first. I will never allow my brain to go to that space where I want to impress. No more panic. No more stress. There is no longer this white noise or background chatter.

Work is work, Upon the advice of my psychiatrist, I took down photos/pictures of family and vacation. He says: “Work is not your home!”

So the application of the saying about playing the role of a fool is enlightening. Wherever you go there are foolish people who gets you in trouble by making up stories, while you raise a hand to say an opinion when there are no other hands raised but still lady boss will not acknowledge you, the goal is to embarrass. Also, when the job is easy but during a performance review you fail. I wonder … I’m a college graduate and can’t get it? I have 10 years of experience and service with the company but a new employee gets a raise already? Lady boss’ wants to make my work life miserable. Why do some bosses make a subordinate cry? I think they like it, they want to see an ugly cry. My thought is that you should only cry when a family member dies, a loved one is very ill or a friend committed suicide. But crying at work is now a trend. A very sad cruel trend.

To get back at this retarded fools, first show that you are vulnerable that you can be attacked or be wounded. But in the end, I can say a big “NO!” or “I do not want to participate in the department’s potlucks!” Period.

The best revenge is ME playing “The Fool” fooling the retarded Fool (fake friend/boss) who foolishly thinks they are fooling me. Redemption.

Stock Photo: Nene Leakes Instagram