Waldorf is a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. Although he’s a purebred gun-dog, he’s gun shy, so his owner gave him up as a 10-month old. He found me while I was taking photos of him and other shelter dogs. He may be afraid of guns, but he seems to relax and enjoy having a lens pointed at him and having large flashes popping. We were meant to be together. Since that day he has photo bombed everything from perfume ads to baby portraits. My customers always seemed to love having his muppety face in the shots.
He’s always been a very energetic dog who’s never missed a day of running. Up until just last year we would go for bike rides, and he would pull me most of the way. He loves long road trips, we’ve been to New York together a dozen times, and he has a knack for pointing out the friendly people in a crowd.
He’ll be turning 9 this September (19th), and a month ago was the first time that expressive face of his showed me any pain and fear.
“Waldorf presented to me with some typical signs of anal gland disease (or the inability to express his anal glands on his own. He was scooting and seemed bothered in his back end). During the exam, I identified a mass in that region which was unexpected. Masses can bring a lot of worry and unknown to the conversation, especially for Waldorf’s very caring dog dad, Marco. Worry about the unknown often leads us to discuss that wonderful connection called the human-animal bond (the whole reason behind why we worry- because we care). Marco and Waldorf’s connection runs very deep.” Dr. Kennedy, Ralston Vet
The tumor that grew in him in 3 short weeks literally was taking the life out of him. When I asked her if she had ever performed the procedure she was recommending we do, she responded without hesitation – “I have not”. But these words were only a small part of the message. Her message was clear: “Repetition is no substitute for skill, knowledge and Confidence”, and she has all of those talents. She explained how she’d been studying the details of the procedure, and was clear in explaining what needed to be done, how and why it was being done, and what the possible dangers were. She graciously offered to have someone more experienced do it, if I wasn’t comfortable, but there was no hesitation on my part, I was comfortable. I’m not the sort of person that prefers sugar-coating to truth and facts, no matter how unpleasant the facts, that said, Dr. Kennedy’s message was never unpleasant, nor did she ever take personally the questions or skepticism I had.
“Their connection and love for one another is what makes my job so worthwhile. I have always loved animals and people and I am so very grateful and lucky to be a veterinarian and care for pets like Waldorf and, by extension, their human! Waldorf holds a special place in my heart because he is a griffon (and that is 1/2 of my dog!) His goofy sweet attitude makes him very easy to love and care for. Not to mention, his wirey bearded griffon face. I’ll never be able to get enough of it. I look forward to caring for Waldorf for years to come, as well as the many other great pets of RVC!” Dr. Kennedy, Ralston Vet
Now, 3 weeks after his surgery, you’d never know that anything even happened. Waldorf is now happier and healthier than ever, and he’s not the only success story. I am now feeling like I have found a Doctor that knows him, (and his owner) well enough to take care of him as he begins to slow down. Dr.Kennedy is a great surgeon, a knowledgeable doctor, a professional in all respects, and someone that can be trusted with what is often the most important creature in someone’s life.
How Dr. Kennedy handles herself as a medical professional is second to none. She understands the meaning of true patient care, and demonstrated that medical knowledge and talent alone, cannot be the only skill sets required to be truly effective.
Dr. Kennedy is up front, straight forward, kind, humble and focused when delivering bad news – (and very very inspired when delivering good news!) She was always responsive to my seemingly panicked requests for a call-back and let me know that Waldorf was truly being CARED for.
Written by Waldorf’s owner, Marco and quotes from Dr. Kennedy.
