Don't miss this engaging conversation with a true pet whisperer and devoted librarian, Penny Novotny Bower.

Tune in to hear about:

- Penny's rescue stories, including the unforgettable Molly Cat and Buddy.

- The role of therapy dogs in a school setting.

- The comfort and healing found in children's literature.

- Practical advice for pet owners, including dealing with pet anxiety during storm

Are there any books out there for kids? Are there therapy dogs? Today, we dive into these questions with our special guest, Penny Novotny Bower, a librarian and animal lover who has rescued numerous pets. Penny, a graduate of Bowling Green State University with a Master's in Guidance Counseling from Montclair University and a Master of Library Science from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, shares her inspiring stories.

In this episode, Penny recounts her experiences with therapy dogs, including the comforting presence they provided to her school community during a tragic event. She also discusses her beloved rescues, including Buddy, Molly Cat, and a host of others, highlighting her dedication to animal welfare. We'll hear touching stories about Penny's various rescues, her expertise as a librarian, and the impact of children's books like "The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse" by Charlie Mackesy and Cynthia Rylant's "Dog Heaven" and "Cat Heaven" in helping kids and adults cope with loss.

Support our sponsor for this episode Blue Buffalo by visiting bluebuffalo.com. BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet formulas offer the natural alternative in nutritional therapy. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents.

All footage owned by SLA Video Productions

In this episode of Speaking of Pets, we're thrilled to welcome Dr. Jeff Bowersox, a distinguished veterinarian specializing in ophthalmology. A proud Buckeye, Dr. Bowersox earned his degrees in molecular genetics and veterinary medicine from Ohio State University. After completing an internship in Connecticut and a residency in ophthalmology, he now practices at the Veterinary Specialty Center of Delaware, where he was named Veterinarian of the Year in 2006.

Join us as we delve into Dr. Bowersox's fascinating career, from treating exotic animals like toucans and owls to performing surgeries on tigers and giraffes. We'll also explore common pet eye issues, including cherry eye, dry eye, and cataracts, and discuss when to seek veterinary care for your pet’s eye health. Plus, we'll get his expert take on whether animals see color and if dogs really need sunglasses. Don't miss out on this insightful and entertaining conversation with one of the leading experts in veterinary ophthalmology!

**Veterinary Ophthalmology Stories:**

- Dr. Smith shares memorable experiences, including:

- His early fascination with ophthalmology while assisting with a horse's eye treatment.

- Treating a tree frog at the zoo with a piece of straw stuck in its eye.

- Handling a police dog that saved its handler's life during a struggle with a criminal.

- Performing post-op exams on a lion at the zoo and the challenges of working with such powerful animals.

- The ongoing struggle with owners about the necessity of the Elizabethan collar (e-collar) to prevent self-trauma after eye surgeries.

- Addressing ineffective alternatives like inflatable collars and emphasizing the importance of using the right protective equipment.

**Interactions with Notable Clients:**

- Dr. Smith recounts experiences with high-profile clients, including President Joe Biden's dogs, and the unique security measures involved.

Dr. Bowersox has volunteered with several animal and wildlife rehabilitation shelters in both Arizona and the Mid-Atlantic region. He currently is a consultation with Tri-State Bird Rescue, and the Brandywine Zoo in Wilmington as well as a medical consultant for Canine Partners for Life, a nonprofit that raises and trains service dogs. He also screens therapy pets for ocular disease from PAWS for People annually.

Dr. Bowersox is a career-long member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and has lectured at the AVMA National Convention as well as several local and regional veterinary meetings in Arizona, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. He is a Diplomate of the American Veterinary Medical Association, a member of the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association, a member of the American Society of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, and a member of the International Society of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. He previously was an Ophthalmology Consultant for the Veterinary Information Network (VIN).

Dr. Bowersox is a member of the Delaware Veterinary Medical Association where he currently serves on the DVMA Executive Board as the Past-President and on the DVMA Government Relations Committee. He previously has held numerous positions on the DVMA Executive Board and has served as County Representative, Vice President, and President of the DVMA.

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Support our sponsor for this episode Blue Buffalo by visiting bluebuffalo.com. BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet formulas offer the natural alternative in nutritional therapy. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents.

All footage owned by SLA Video Productions

Speaking of Pets’ own Dr. Jeromin, a seasoned veterinary dermatologist with over 30 years of experience, shares invaluable insights and anecdotes from her practice.

In this episode, Dr. Jeromin sheds light on the often misunderstood world of pet allergies. From environmental triggers to genetic predispositions, she explains why so many pets suffer from allergies, regardless of breed. Discover the telltale signs of allergies in your pet, from itching and licking to unexpected symptoms like scooting and recurrent ear infections.

Learn about the different types of allergens that plague our pets, from common household dust mites to outdoor pollen, learn about allergy testing and immunotherapy treatments. Explore the peculiarities of gold cats and their susceptibility to allergies, the dangers of using certain household products around pets, and the importance of proper flea treatment. With anecdotes and expert insights, Alice and her sister Janet discuss common pet behaviors like scooting and foot licking, shedding light on potential underlying issues. From tick removal techniques to managing recurrent ear infections, Dr. Jeromin provides invaluable advice for pet owners seeking to keep their furry friends healthy and happy. Tune in for a fascinating discussion on pet allergies and dermatological concerns, and stay informed about the best practices for maintaining your pet's well-being.

Support our sponsor for this episode Blue Buffalo by visiting bluebuffalo.com. BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet formulas offer the natural alternative in nutritional therapy. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents.

All footage owned by SLA Video Productions