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veterinarian’s office, however, is that employees—and Haggerty-Arcay herself —all end up taking home pets. “We fail as fosters,” Verble said with a chuckle. “All my animals have come from the vet.” Haggerty-Arcay’s most recent dog, a breed known as a Maltipoo (a Maltese bred with a Poodle) is a foster-adoptee that was surrendered to the hospital because the own- ers could not afford to take care of their animal’s injury. She said this is a common situation. “If the owners can’t afford to fix something that’s very fixable, like a broken leg, some- body often fosters it from the office and ends up taking it on,” she said. Veterinarians are mandated to report cases of animal abuse (a behavior that may be an indicator of child abuse), and they take this role very seriously. In addition to their typical rounds of dogs and cats (more dogs than cats, in fact), the vets at Live Oak see the occasional chicken, chinchilla, pig, and clear evidence of injury or illness when the aforementioned rodent. The most diagnosing. common ailments are gastrointestinal “We have an advantage in that the issues, but issues can vary widely. The information is all objective, not skewed practice offers services ranging from or biased like when you take a history check-ups and vaccines to dental care from a person,” she said. and preventative care, routine surgeries, Verble admires Haggerty-Arcay’s wound care, boarding, and euthanasia bedside and surgical manner. “She’s a when it’s time to put an animal down. While euthanasia might seem like phenomenal surgeon, and so comfort- the hardest part of a vet’s job, Haggerty- able in the operating room. It doesn’t Arcay said, “It’s a far better alternative seem like anything rattles her.” Haggerty-Arcay attributes her skills than letting an animal suffer, and it’s a far better alternative than what humans to her love of practicing medicine and have for ourselves.” doing surgery. “You can help make the Practicing medicine on animals animal better and give them back to the might seem like a greater challenge owner in a better state than when they than working with humans, but came in.” Haggerty-Arcay doesn’t find this to be so. While you Live Oak Veterinary Hospital Hours can’t expect an Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-5:00 pm, animal to tell you Saturday, 8:00 am–12:00 pm. where it hurts, she Contact : Dr. Haggerty-Arcay at 408-842-9348 said it hones the Or go to: lovet.com. veterinarian’s skills to really look for Martin Ranch Winery 6675 Redwood Retreat Road Gilroy, • 408.842.9197 [email protected] Open: 12-4 pm Gilroy Elks Lodge Presents Ladies Fashion Show Saturday, March 9, 2019 1st & 3rd Friday & Saturday Winter Hours Doors open 11 am Lunch served at Noon Founded: Vineyard 1993 Winery 2002 “Being a part of a community of Wine Enthusiasts who share our passion for great wine, and witnessing them create lifelong memories around food, wine, and family is the joy of what we do.” Therése Martin, Owner Information and tickets available at 408.842.9397 Join us for a Most Celebrated Wine J.D. Hurley Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Cruz Mtns. Therése Vineyards Malbec, Santa Clara Valley Tickets $35 P icnic in the Park Open to Elks Members and Guests Future Plans To continue to make great wine and share our passion for many years to come. GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN Gilroy Elks Lodge #1567 • 2765 Hecker Pass Hwy • Gilroy february/march 2019 gmhtoday.com 53