By Brian Lynn, USSA Vice President of Communications and Marketing
As a dog man, I’ve written about the history, healthcare, training, psychology and even genetics of hunting dogs for more than a decade. I’ve been privileged enough to interview and “talk dogs” (train, hunt, collaborate and share opinions and theories concerning them) with some of the best trainers in the country. I’ve shared this information with millions of people in Outdoor Life magazine and on my blog there, as well as for Gun Dog magazine, Pheasants Forever and Paw Print Genetics, among others.
I love my dogs and take their healthcare seriously. I struggle to find a good vet who is knowledgeable, but that 1) doesn’t break the bank with unnecessary charges and that 2) understands my gun dog isn’t just another mutt off the street – that he’s an athlete who performs a job and requires special attention.
I understand that a veterinarian has immense overhead to contend with – student loans, primarily, but also renting of practice space, diagnostic equipment, office help and supplies – so I get the fact that they have to charge a reasonable sum to treat my pooches. Not an issue.
However, while my veterinarian doesn’t necessarily have to hunt, he/she must understand the needs of my hunting dog – and they most definitely can’t oppose hunting or support anti-hunting. I’ve actually had to confront my veterinarian about Humane Society of the United States material in the lobby, and have explained how they capitalize upon the misperception donors have that they somehow act as a national umbrella group for local humane shelters but in reality legislate to end hunting.
The instance of my vet having HSUS material in their lobby was resolved, and I was assured that they didn’t support anti-hunting initiatives. If the situation wouldn’t have been addressed, I would have been forced to find a new care provider for my dogs – I can’t support a business that actively supports anti-hunting groups such as the Humane Society of the United States.
The question I must now pose is:
As a hunter, can you support a veterinarian who actively supports anti-hunting initiatives?
Mainers for Fair Bear Hunting boasts a long list of veterinarians, many of them from the state, who they purport support Question 1.
You should take a look and see if your veterinarian is listed. If so, it might be worth a call to find out if they do or don’t support Question 1. There’s a chance that they were listed because of a larger association with another group and don’t even know HSUS is using their name, but with the use of dogs as such a critical part of this initiative, it’s a great time to find out if your veterinarian does or doesn’t support hunting with dogs.
Veterinarians Purportedly Supporting Question 1
Doug Kohout, DVM
Elizabeth Stone, DVM
Elizabeth P. Sperry, DVM
Christiana Yule, DVM
Chris Tomalty, DVM
Sarah Tomalty, DVM
Leah Goodman, DVM
Ann Lindsey, DVM
Katherine Carter, DVM
Scott Moncrieff DVM
Laura Moncrieff, DVM
Maria Salvaggio, VMD
Bennett Arble, DVM
Amy P. Wood, DVM
Chris Lynch, DVM
Michael McCaw, DVM
Clive Tillotson, DVM
Tori Weston, DVM
Ruth Dalto, DVM
Julie Keene, DVM
Alicia Ring, DVM
Margaret Shively, DVM
Barb Daggett, DVM
Laura Leighton, VMD
Krista Lindquist, DVM
Nancy Mattesen, DVM
Zach Matzkin, DVM
Chelsea Solon-Mullen, DVM
Andrea Scasserra, DVM
Robin Gorrell, DVM
Marc Fine, DVM
Robin Elms, DVM
Ann Barksdale, DVM
Colette Bonte, DVM
Kristen Matzkin, DVM
Dean Domeyer, DVM, Boothbay Animal Hospital, Boothbay, ME
Paul M. Nolan, DVM, Post Road Veterinary Clinic, Wells, ME
Charles R. Perkins, VMD
Monique Kramer, DVM, The Art of Alternative Animal Healing, Stow, ME
Melissa Watership, DVM, Acadia Veterinary Hospital, Bar Harbor, ME
Stephen M. Askin, VMD, Shelter Spay Neuter, Kennebunk, ME
Rita Demeuse, DVM, Tender Touch Veterinary Hospital, Scarborough, ME
Bjorn Lee, DVM, PenBay Veterinary Association, Rockport, ME
Gail Mason, DVM, Portland Veterinary Specialists, Portland, ME
Taylor Brook Animal Hospital, Auburn, ME
Christ T. Angelos, VMD, Mann Memorial Veterinary Clinic, Arundel, ME
Ben W. Walker, DVM, Mann Memorial Veterinary Clinic, Arundel, ME
Susan Bassett, DVM, Mann Memorial Veterinary Clinic, Arundel, ME
Seacoast Mobile Veterinary Service, NH/ME
Acadia Veterinary Hospital, Bar Harbor, ME
Cats on Call Hospital, Scarborough, ME
Down Maine Vet Clinic, Sanford, ME
Julie Greenlaw, BVM+S, Midcoast Mobile Veterinary Service, West Bath, ME
William Pollock, DVM, Lake Avenue Veterinary Service, West Bath, ME
Ginger Browne Johnson, DVM, CCRP, Vet & Rehab Center of Cape Elizabeth, Cape Elizabeth, ME
Edwin Barkdoll, Ph.D., V.M.D.
Mark Hanks, DVM, Kindred Spirits Veterinary Clinic, Orrington, ME
Karen Pooler, DVM
Stephanie Monk, DVM
Photos courtesy of Cote & Son Guide Service in Gray, Maine.