A Tale of Trouble
How a sweet beagle boy found love and a forever home and learned to walk again after a major accident.
Here’s a heartwarming video that shows how dramatically helpful acupuncture and simple rehab exercises can be in recovery from a spinal injury. I can help your pet with both of these modalities!
Dr Erika Bruner, DVM, CVA
Heart of Vermont Vet
Acupuncture and At-Home End-of-Life Care
www.heartofvermontvet.com
Dr. Erika Bruner on WDEV
A few weeks ago, Dr. Erika Bruner made an appearance on local Vermont radio station WDEV. Here’s the best part of the conversation, have a listen!
My Acupuncture Office Has Moved!
Over the Fourth of July weekend I moved to a wonderful new space just next door to my original location. I now have two treatment rooms, more natural light, and a ground floor entrance with no stairs, right next to parking!
My new office is at 652 Granger Road, just up the hill from my old office on the same driveway, in the big yellow Green Mountain Community Fitness building (formerly First in Fitness). As you’re driving up to it, you’ll see a big pine tree on the corner of the building closest to you. The little green door just to the left of the tree is the door to my office. Montpelier Martial Arts shares this entrance with me, and you’ll see their sign over our door; my sign should be up in the next few weeks.
I’m still following the curbside pickup procedure for acupuncture appointments, so when you arrive, please send me a text at 552-8224 and I’ll come out and meet you. You can park anywhere that’s convenient for you, including right by my door.
See you soon!
Pet Loss and the Pandemic
Dr Bruner shares some thoughts on how the stresses we’re dealing with during the COVID-19 pandemic are similar to the stresses of facing the loss of a beloved pet. From Daoist Chinese medicine, the importance of allowing the tree of the heart to be empty so that the birds of the spirits can land. Don’t let fear and sadness rob you of love and connection, whether with humans or critters.
Heart of Vermont Vet Update on COVID-19
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
What Exactly Do I Say to Kids at a Home Euthanasia?
In this video, the third in a series on kids and pet loss, Dr. Bruner explains exactly what words and phrases she uses to talk to kids when she comes to their house to euthanize their pet. Clear, simple explanations that avoid using the word “sleep” or other euphemisms are important. Dr. Bruner recommends that you talk to your vet and to your kids beforehand.
The first video in the series is Talking to Kids about Pet Loss
The second video is Should My Kids Be Present When Our Pet Is Euthanized?
Should My Kids Be Present When Our Pet Is Euthanized?
For the first video in this series, please seeTalking to Kids about Pet Loss
For the third video, see What Exactly Do I Say to Kids at a Home Euthanasia?
In this video, the second in a series on kids and pet loss, Dr. Bruner addresses a question that many people ask – should my children be present at the euthanasia of our pet? Dr. Bruner recommends that you decide first for yourself what you would prefer, and then that you should talk to your kid and let them decide. You need to give them a clear idea of what to expect so that they can make a decision that works for them. During the appointment, you need to be prepared to attend to their needs before your own – just like in so many other parenting situations. And keep talking to them— before, during and after.
Talking to Kids about Pet Loss
In this video, the first in a series about kids and pet loss, Dr Bruner discusses some strategies and general principles about talking to children about the death of a pet. Being clear, allowing their feelings and your feelings too, and giving reassurance that they still have love and support are all important. Dr Bruner also talks about using a memory box or a flower drawing to help memorialize a pet and talk about feelings.
You can find the second video, Should My Kids Be Present When Our Pet Is Euthanized?
And the third video, What Exactly Do I Say to Kids at a Home Euthanasia?
How Does the Loss of a Pet Affect Other Pets?
Dr. Bruner responds to a question from a viewer: “Should our other dog be present at the euthanasia of our dog?” and discusses the potential impact of the loss of a pet on other pets in the family.