Recently, I was lucky enough to spend the morning with Erica Heilman. She’s a skilled and respectful interviewer, an intensely curious and compassionate person, and the creator of one of my all-time favorite podcasts, Rumble Strip. Listen to Rumble Strip if you want to find out more about Vermont, and humans, and all kinds of other things. It’s stripped-down and real and totally beautiful.

So, Erica had planned to interview me on the way to and from a home visit, and wait for me in the car during the appointment itself. But when we got there, to our amazement, Mike Patch very kindly invited us both in. He’s a super interesting guy who has many stories to tell. He even allowed Erica to record our conversation during the appointment (I don’t think I would have been comfortable with that if I’d been in his position, but Mike has a very generous spirit).

And then Erica took her three-plus hours of tape and edited it into this really lovely seven-minute piece that aired on Vermont Public. I’m so grateful that she was interested, and that she took the time to find out why working with people and pets in this way is such a gift to me, why I feel now that I wouldn’t be any other kind of vet.

Here’s a link to Rumble Strip, and you can also get it wherever you get your podcasts: www.rumblestripvermont.com

Here’s a link to the Vermont Public website, with Erica’s piece: www.vermontpublic.org

And—as Erica always says—thanks for listening.

How Do I Know When It’s Time? January 21, 2023, 10:30 am – 12 pm at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier. A free presentation, open to all, by Dr. Erika Bruner.  Come learn more about how to help your pet through the challenges of aging, and how to assess their comfort using the JOURNEYS questionnaire and other quality-of-life assessment tools.

UPDATED 6/1/2022

Hello all—

I’m sending you heartfelt wishes for good health and peace of mind. The following are my current pandemic safety practices.

For my home euthanasia clients: My primary goal is to ensure that you and your pet can be together throughout the process, and that everything is as peaceful and comfortable as possible for them and for you.

I am fully vaccinated and boostered, and will wear a KN95 mask if you prefer, or if CDC has rated our area as high-risk. Masking is optional for you. I’m more than fine with handshakes, hugs, and being next to each other. I am also happy to try to maintain a 6-foot physical distance whenever possible, if you prefer; please feel free to let me know your preferences. 

If you or anyone in your household is feeling sick or has tested positive for coronavirus, or if you are quarantining because of a possible exposure, please let me know; we’ll need to take additional precautions. If I or anyone in my household is not well, or if we are quarantining, I will let you know right away so you can make alternate plans.

End-of-life consultations are available in person at home following the above procedures, or over the phone or via video conferencing.

For my acupuncture clients: Masking in the office is optional. I am happy to wear a mask when we are together– just let me know what you prefer. I use my ventilation fan to exhaust air from the office and open the window whenever possible.

Alternatively, I am happy to offer curbside service: You can bring your pet in if you like, or you can text me and I’ll come out to meet you in the parking area just outside my office. After we chat, your pet can stay with me in the treatment room while you go back out to your car, wait in the entry area, or run an errand. After the treatment, I’ll return them to you outside, or you can come in to get your pet. This method is generally working well, even for pets who aren’t always comfortable away from their people. Please let me know if you prefer to work this way.

If you or I or anyone in our households is feeling sick, has tested positive for coronavirus, or is quarantining, we will need to follow curbside procedures or you can choose to postpone our acupuncture appointment. Late cancellation fees are waived for any COVID-related cancellation.

Online scheduling is back for follow-up acupuncture office visits! You can now schedule your pet’s acupuncture appointment right from this website; just go to the “Make an Animal Acupuncture Appointment” page. This is by far the fastest way to make an appointment. You can also contact me directly or fill out the contact form at the bottom of the page. 

Please cancel or postpone your appointments as needed for COVID-related issues. And please let me know how you are doing! Opening our hearts in the face of fear and uncertainty is so hard, but I am reminded daily of the preciousness of life, and of how we can always still give and receive love, even in the midst of feeling all kinds of other emotions.

Big big hugs (in person for those who wish!),

Erika