Article March 12, 2007 Issue

THE BEST TREATMENT requires the right kind of diagnosis

BY ROBIN HOAGLAND

A FRIEND OF MINE is a veterinarian. You couldn't find a kinder, more compassionate woman. Whenever we've needed the town-mandated rabies shots for our animals, we've gone to her.

One time, I brought in our dog, Griffin. A big, athletic Rhodesian Ridgeback with a gentle disposition, he stood before my friend, unperturbed as her hands examined every inch of him. And she asked me question after question. Had he had this problem? That problem?

The answer was always, no. All I could report was consistent good health.