OT!!! Need a quick poll on cats please
 

In article >,
"Cheryl" > wrote:

> "brooklyn1" > wrote in message
> ...
> >
> > I've never been to a Vet that had cats or any other critters running
> > loose and I've been to many Vet's offices, all are in back properly
> > secured in the kennel area.... a few have had aquariums in their
> > waiting room, but so does my Primary care doctor.
> >
>
> My current vet has an office cat that has run of the waiting room. She
> prefers to stay on the counter and snooze unless she sees someone pick up a
> sample of the free food they always keep in a basket. She's hopeful that
> someone will see just how starving she is and NEEDS that person to open the
> free sample and feed it to her.
>
> She has a birth defect. One of her front paws doesn't straighten out and is
> kept curled under. She doesn't walk on it generally, but other than hopping
> around on three legs, she sometimes leans on what would be to us the top
> part of her "wrist" and walks a little that way. She's very cute, and
> friendly, and a purrfect office cat. She's a blood donor, too.

Many vets offices have a resident cat. :-)
Fish tanks seem to be popular for people doctors. My last dentists
office had a seawater tank.
--
Peace! Om

"Human nature seems to be to control other people until they put their foot down."
--Steve Rothstein

Web Albums: <http://picasaweb.google.com/home?tab=mq>

Subscribe:

OT!!! Need a quick poll on cats please
 

In article >,
Omelet > wrote:

> Just curious about the percentage of folks that would love or hate cats
> at the Doctors or therapists offices...
>
> Me? I'd love it.

I have never seen at cat at any business other than an occasional art
gallery or book store. Considering that some people are very allergic to
pet dander, having a cat or dog at physician's or other medical
provider's office would be inappropriate.

OT!!! Need a quick poll on cats please
 

"Bob Muncie" > wrote in message
...
>† cal wrote:
>> My tire was thumping.
>> I thought it was flat
>> When I looked at the tire...
>> I noticed your cat.
>>
>
> Even though you are a webtv person, you made me laugh.
>
> Thanks!

Even though you think you are a sane person, you made me fart.

Thanks. I'd been trying to get rid of all that gas all afternoon.

OT!!! Need a quick poll on cats please
 

"Stan Horwitz" > wrote in message
...
> In article >,
> Omelet > wrote:
>
>> Just curious about the percentage of folks that would love or hate cats
>> at the Doctors or therapists offices...
>>
>> Me? I'd love it.
>
> I have never seen at cat at any business other than an occasional art
> gallery or book store. Considering that some people are very allergic to
> pet dander, having a cat or dog at physician's or other medical
> provider's office would be inappropriate.

In addition to the dander problems, think of all the bugs they carry!

OT!!! Need a quick poll on cats please
 

"Omelet" > wrote in message
...
> Just curious about the percentage of folks that would love or hate cats
> at the Doctors or therapists offices...
>
> Me? I'd love it.
> --
> Peace! Om
>


I'm familiar with "shop cats". I think they're wonderful. I remember when
John and I were in Addison, TX we'd go to breakfast every morning at
Lucky's. Great food. In the same line of shops was a veterinary office.
They had several cats that lounged in the windows, basking in the sun or
sleeping on top of the computer equipment :) They were cute. The vets
office also had this great photograpic print in the window by Richard
Watherwax called 'Fat Cat Capsizing':

http://www.watherwax.com/images/open...apsizingtn.jpg

But would I want cats in my doctors office? No.

Jill

OT!!! Need a quick poll on cats please
 

"graham" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Stan Horwitz" > wrote in message
> ...
>> In article >,
>> Omelet > wrote:
>>
>>> Just curious about the percentage of folks that would love or hate cats
>>> at the Doctors or therapists offices...
>>>
>>> Me? I'd love it.
>>
>> I have never seen at cat at any business other than an occasional art
>> gallery or book store. Considering that some people are very allergic to
>> pet dander, having a cat or dog at physician's or other medical
>> provider's office would be inappropriate.
>
> In addition to the dander problems, think of all the bugs they carry!
Hardly any that humans can become infected with, Graham. Particularly if
they are cared for, e.g. not allowed outside to roam, given their shots,
etc.

OT!!! Need a quick poll on cats please
 

Jean B. wrote:
> Omelet wrote:
>> Just curious about the percentage of folks that would love or hate
>> cats at the Doctors or therapists offices...
>>
>> Me? I'd love it.
>
> I dunno. Many folks are allergic to cats. Some may be afraid of
> them. I am generally in favor of pets in various places like
> nursing homes, but any such thing would have to be restricted at
> certain areas, I think.

My mil was in what seemed to be a nursing home, but she was
there for rehab. For reasons I don't remember, I had my cat with
me (the aforementioned red point, Mugsy). I thought it would
cheer up my mil to see her, so I stuck the cat in my coat and tried
to smuggle her up to her room. Really, what was I thinking.

Of course, I go through the front door, there's the desk and Mugsy
pops her head up Hey, where are we going? Caught, red handed.
Red point handed. Heh. I said My mil would like to see her. I was
astonished at the reaction.

OH! Sure! Bring her on up, the patients will love it! Well, she
was the celebrity of the day at that place, many of the patients just
wanted to pet her and tell me about their cats. It was very sweet
but sad at the same time. I wish they could have some pets
available to the patients.

nancy

OT!!! Need a quick poll on cats please
 

Nancy Young said...

> Jean B. wrote:
>> Omelet wrote:
>>> Just curious about the percentage of folks that would love or hate
>>> cats at the Doctors or therapists offices...
>>>
>>> Me? I'd love it.
>>
>> I dunno. Many folks are allergic to cats. Some may be afraid of
>> them. I am generally in favor of pets in various places like
>> nursing homes, but any such thing would have to be restricted at
>> certain areas, I think.
>
> My mil was in what seemed to be a nursing home, but she was
> there for rehab. For reasons I don't remember, I had my cat with
> me (the aforementioned red point, Mugsy). I thought it would
> cheer up my mil to see her, so I stuck the cat in my coat and tried
> to smuggle her up to her room. Really, what was I thinking.
>
> Of course, I go through the front door, there's the desk and Mugsy
> pops her head up Hey, where are we going? Caught, red handed.
> Red point handed. Heh. I said My mil would like to see her. I was
> astonished at the reaction.
>
> OH! Sure! Bring her on up, the patients will love it! Well, she
> was the celebrity of the day at that place, many of the patients just
> wanted to pet her and tell me about their cats. It was very sweet
> but sad at the same time. I wish they could have some pets
> available to the patients.
>
> nancy


While cats do bring a bit of nature/"wildlife" into an otherwise
sterile/drab environment, they seem the perfect beast to move patient germs
from one patient to another. I dunno!

Andy

OT!!! Need a quick poll on cats please
 

"Nancy Young" > wrote
> Of course, I go through the front door, there's the desk and Mugsy
> pops her head up Hey, where are we going? Caught, red handed.
> Red point handed. Heh. I said My mil would like to see her. I was
> astonished at the reaction.
>
> OH! Sure! Bring her on up, the patients will love it! Well, she was the
> celebrity of the day at that place, many of the patients just
> wanted to pet her and tell me about their cats. It was very sweet
> but sad at the same time. I wish they could have some pets available to
> the patients.
>

You've seen the stats on how pets improve the mental and even physical
health of the elderly, lowering bp, etc.

OT!!! Need a quick poll on cats please
 

On Oct 5, 2:36*pm, Omelet > wrote:
> Just curious about the percentage of folks that would love or hate cats
> at the Doctors or therapists offices...
>
> Me? *I'd love it.

I wouldn't mind, but DH is allergic. That's why we're putting of
getting another cat until spring, when with the windows open, he can
get used to new dander et al.

Last cat we got was in December, and by January, he was in full asthma/
allergic reaction mode. 7 meds and cat washings later, he was
fine....

maxine in ri

OT!!! Need a quick poll on cats please
 

On Mon, 5 Oct 2009 15:09:20 -0500, Sqwertz wrote:

> On Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:36:06 -0500, Omelet wrote:
>
>> Just curious about the percentage of folks that would love or hate cats
>> at the Doctors or therapists offices...
>>
>> Me? I'd love it.
>
> They would never be allowed in any doctors office. At least not a
> *sane* doctors office.
>
> -sw

it would seem to be borrowing trouble, except possibly a shrink's office.

your pal,
blake

OT!!! Need a quick poll on cats please
 

"maxine" > wrote in message
...
On Oct 5, 2:36 pm, Omelet > wrote:
> Just curious about the percentage of folks that would love or hate cats
> at the Doctors or therapists offices...
>
> Me? I'd love it.

I wouldn't mind, but DH is allergic. That's why we're putting of
getting another cat until spring, when with the windows open, he can
get used to new dander et al.

Last cat we got was in December, and by January, he was in full asthma/
allergic reaction mode. 7 meds and cat washings later, he was
fine....
__________________________________________________ ___

With those reactions you must be stark, staring bonkers to even think of
owning one!!

OT!!! Need a quick poll on cats please
 

blake wrote on Tue, 6 Oct 2009 09:51:16 -0400:

>> On Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:36:06 -0500, Omelet wrote:
>>
>>> Just curious about the percentage of folks that would love
>>> or hate cats at the Doctors or therapists offices...
>>>
>>> Me? I'd love it.
>>
>> They would never be allowed in any doctors office. At least
>> not a *sane* doctors office.
>>
>> -sw

> it would seem to be borrowing trouble, except possibly a
> shrink's office.

Since animal allergies are common, I don't think any physician would be
stupid enough to have a cat or dog wandering around. I like cats and
they seem to like me but they tend to make me sneeze and the smell of
cat in a room is enough to make me want to leave as soon as possible.

--

James Silverton
Potomac, Maryland

Email, with obvious alterations: not.jim.silverton.at.verizon.not

OT!!! Need a quick poll on cats please
 

On Oct 6, 2:36*am, Omelet > wrote:
> Just curious about the percentage of folks that would love or hate cats
> at the Doctors or therapists offices...
>
> Me? *I'd love it.
> --
> Peace! Om
>
> "Human nature seems to be to control other people until they put their foot down." *
> --Steve Rothstein
>
> Web Albums: <http://picasaweb.google.com/home?tab=mq>
>
> Subscribe:

Given your penchant for weapons .If used for humane target
practice reckon you would love it

OT!!! Need a quick poll on cats please
 

On Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:36:06 -0500, Omelet >
wrote:

>Just curious about the percentage of folks that would love or hate cats
>at the Doctors or therapists offices...

I love my cat, but I wouldn't love one at the Dr's office.

--
I love cooking with wine.
Sometimes I even put it in the food.

OT!!! Need a quick poll on cats please
 

On Mon, 5 Oct 2009 19:52:38 -0400, "Cheryl" >
wrote:

>My current vet has an office cat that has run of the waiting room.

How did we make the jump from a people doctor's office to the
veterinarian?

--
I love cooking with wine.
Sometimes I even put it in the food.

OT!!! Need a quick poll on cats please
 

"maxine" > wrote in message
...
On Oct 5, 2:36 pm, Omelet > wrote:
> Just curious about the percentage of folks that would love or hate cats
> at the Doctors or therapists offices...
>
> Me? I'd love it.

I wouldn't mind, but DH is allergic. That's why we're putting of
getting another cat until spring, when with the windows open, he can
get used to new dander et al.

Last cat we got was in December, and by January, he was in full asthma/
allergic reaction mode. 7 meds and cat washings later, he was
fine....

I am allergic to pet hair too, but I bought some big air filters and I
am fine:)) They suck in the air and filter out any hair or dust!

OT!!! Need a quick poll on cats please
 

"sf" > wrote in message
...
> On Mon, 5 Oct 2009 19:52:38 -0400, "Cheryl" >
> wrote:
>
>>My current vet has an office cat that has run of the waiting room.
>
> How did we make the jump from a people doctor's office to the
> veterinarian?
>
With the cost of healthcare in American, perhaps some people find it cheaper
to go to the veterinarian.
The only difference is that they would have to get down on all fours before
being examined!

OT!!! Need a quick poll on cats please
 

In article >,
Sqwertz > wrote:

> On Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:17:54 -0500, Omelet wrote:
>
> > I've seen them in bookstores.... It's kinda cool.
>
> Give me sqwertz if you're lookin to unload.
>
> That didn't sound right.
>
> But I am a standup-guy. I fathered it, I will do the right thing.
>
> -sw

He's all grown up and I need to take a new pic. ;-)
Just as cuddly and tempermental as his namesake!
--
Peace! Om

"Human nature seems to be to control other people until they put their foot down."
--Steve Rothstein

Web Albums: <http://picasaweb.google.com/home?tab=mq>

Subscribe:

OT!!! Need a quick poll on cats please
 

In article >,
"graham" > wrote:

> "Stan Horwitz" > wrote in message
> ...
> > In article >,
> > Omelet > wrote:
> >
> >> Just curious about the percentage of folks that would love or hate cats
> >> at the Doctors or therapists offices...
> >>
> >> Me? I'd love it.
> >
> > I have never seen at cat at any business other than an occasional art
> > gallery or book store. Considering that some people are very allergic to
> > pet dander, having a cat or dog at physician's or other medical
> > provider's office would be inappropriate.
>
> In addition to the dander problems, think of all the bugs they carry!

<lol> Think of all the bugs PEOPLE carry into a Doctors office!
--
Peace! Om

"Human nature seems to be to control other people until they put their foot down."
--Steve Rothstein

Web Albums: <http://picasaweb.google.com/home?tab=mq>

Subscribe:

OT!!! Need a quick poll on cats please
 

In article >,
"Nancy Young" > wrote:

> Jean B. wrote:
> > Omelet wrote:
> >> Just curious about the percentage of folks that would love or hate
> >> cats at the Doctors or therapists offices...
> >>
> >> Me? I'd love it.
> >
> > I dunno. Many folks are allergic to cats. Some may be afraid of
> > them. I am generally in favor of pets in various places like
> > nursing homes, but any such thing would have to be restricted at
> > certain areas, I think.
>
> My mil was in what seemed to be a nursing home, but she was
> there for rehab. For reasons I don't remember, I had my cat with
> me (the aforementioned red point, Mugsy). I thought it would
> cheer up my mil to see her, so I stuck the cat in my coat and tried
> to smuggle her up to her room. Really, what was I thinking.
>
> Of course, I go through the front door, there's the desk and Mugsy
> pops her head up Hey, where are we going? Caught, red handed.
> Red point handed. Heh. I said My mil would like to see her. I was
> astonished at the reaction.
>
> OH! Sure! Bring her on up, the patients will love it! Well, she
> was the celebrity of the day at that place, many of the patients just
> wanted to pet her and tell me about their cats. It was very sweet
> but sad at the same time. I wish they could have some pets
> available to the patients.
>
> nancy

Therapy dogs are getting to be more popular in medical settings. There
are many documented cases of them helping to lower peoples blood
pressure.
--
Peace! Om

"Human nature seems to be to control other people until they put their foot down."
--Steve Rothstein

Web Albums: <http://picasaweb.google.com/home?tab=mq>

Subscribe:

OT!!! Need a quick poll on cats please
 

In article >,
sf > wrote:

> On Mon, 5 Oct 2009 19:52:38 -0400, "Cheryl" >
> wrote:
>
> >My current vet has an office cat that has run of the waiting room.
>
> How did we make the jump from a people doctor's office to the
> veterinarian?

I think many feel the vets office is a more appropriate setting for such
an idea.
--
Peace! Om

"Human nature seems to be to control other people until they put their foot down."
--Steve Rothstein

Web Albums: <http://picasaweb.google.com/home?tab=mq>

Subscribe:

OT!!! Need a quick poll on cats please
 

Nancy Young wrote:
> Jean B. wrote:
>> Omelet wrote:
>>> Just curious about the percentage of folks that would love or hate
>>> cats at the Doctors or therapists offices...
>>>
>>> Me? I'd love it.
>>
>> I dunno. Many folks are allergic to cats. Some may be afraid of
>> them. I am generally in favor of pets in various places like
>> nursing homes, but any such thing would have to be restricted at
>> certain areas, I think.
>
> My mil was in what seemed to be a nursing home, but she was
> there for rehab. For reasons I don't remember, I had my cat with
> me (the aforementioned red point, Mugsy). I thought it would
> cheer up my mil to see her, so I stuck the cat in my coat and tried
> to smuggle her up to her room. Really, what was I thinking.
>
> Of course, I go through the front door, there's the desk and Mugsy
> pops her head up Hey, where are we going? Caught, red handed.
> Red point handed. Heh. I said My mil would like to see her. I was
> astonished at the reaction.
>
> OH! Sure! Bring her on up, the patients will love it! Well, she was
> the celebrity of the day at that place, many of the patients just
> wanted to pet her and tell me about their cats. It was very sweet
> but sad at the same time. I wish they could have some pets available to
> the patients.
>
> nancy

Yes, that's the thing. Cats, dogs, etc. can be really
beneficial--but then what about the allergies etc.?

--
Jean B.

OT!!! Need a quick poll on cats please
 

graham wrote:
> "sf" > wrote in message
> ...
>> On Mon, 5 Oct 2009 19:52:38 -0400, "Cheryl" >
>> wrote:
>>
>>> My current vet has an office cat that has run of the waiting room.
>> How did we make the jump from a people doctor's office to the
>> veterinarian?
>>
> With the cost of healthcare in American, perhaps some people find it cheaper
> to go to the veterinarian.
> The only difference is that they would have to get down on all fours before
> being examined!
>
>

If I could switch the amount of bills went to each, I'd rather see the
vet ;-). Last blood test for me and they tested for 13 different things,
was about $1700, and the insurance didn't cover $200 of it. Of course,
that doesn't count the office visit and few other tests they had me
take. I just remember the blood suckers took three vials of blood, and I
was wondering if I was going to pass out or not.

Bob

OT!!! Need a quick poll on cats please
 

In article >,
"Jean B." > wrote:

> Nancy Young wrote:
> > Jean B. wrote:
> >> Omelet wrote:
> >>> Just curious about the percentage of folks that would love or hate
> >>> cats at the Doctors or therapists offices...
> >>>
> >>> Me? I'd love it.
> >>
> >> I dunno. Many folks are allergic to cats. Some may be afraid of
> >> them. I am generally in favor of pets in various places like
> >> nursing homes, but any such thing would have to be restricted at
> >> certain areas, I think.
> >
> > My mil was in what seemed to be a nursing home, but she was
> > there for rehab. For reasons I don't remember, I had my cat with
> > me (the aforementioned red point, Mugsy). I thought it would
> > cheer up my mil to see her, so I stuck the cat in my coat and tried
> > to smuggle her up to her room. Really, what was I thinking.
> >
> > Of course, I go through the front door, there's the desk and Mugsy
> > pops her head up Hey, where are we going? Caught, red handed.
> > Red point handed. Heh. I said My mil would like to see her. I was
> > astonished at the reaction.
> >
> > OH! Sure! Bring her on up, the patients will love it! Well, she was
> > the celebrity of the day at that place, many of the patients just
> > wanted to pet her and tell me about their cats. It was very sweet
> > but sad at the same time. I wish they could have some pets available to
> > the patients.
> >
> > nancy
>
> Yes, that's the thing. Cats, dogs, etc. can be really
> beneficial--but then what about the allergies etc.?

Pet allergies I think are the one major glitch to the idea becoming more
popular.
--
Peace! Om

"Human nature seems to be to control other people until they put their foot down."
--Steve Rothstein

Web Albums: <http://picasaweb.google.com/home?tab=mq>

Subscribe:

OT!!! Need a quick poll on cats please
 

Jean B. wrote:
> Nancy Young wrote:

>> OH! Sure! Bring her on up, the patients will love it! Well, she
>> was the celebrity of the day at that place, many of the patients just
>> wanted to pet her and tell me about their cats. It was very sweet
>> but sad at the same time. I wish they could have some pets
>> available to the patients.

> Yes, that's the thing. Cats, dogs, etc. can be really
> beneficial--but then what about the allergies etc.?

That's why I said available, like a pet recreation room or whatever
they're called, where people who want to see cats and dogs
can go visit. You'd never get me out of there if I was stuck in
a nursing home. These people were just sitting there dully until
they saw my cat. You can't buy that kind of medicine.

nancy

OT!!! Need a quick poll on cats please
 

sf wrote:
> Cheryl" wrote:
>
>>My current vet has an office cat that has run of the waiting room.
>
>How did we make the jump from a people doctor's office to the
>veterinarian?

There's no jump... no one specified what kind of doctor... a
Veterinarian is indeed a medical doctor.

OT!!! Need a quick poll on cats please
 

On Oct 5, 1:36*pm, Omelet > wrote:
> Just curious about the percentage of folks that would love or hate cats
> at the Doctors or therapists offices...
>
> Me? *I'd love it.
> --
> Peace! Om
>
> "Human nature seems to be to control other people until they put their foot down." *
> --Steve Rothstein
>
> Web Albums: <http://picasaweb.google.com/home?tab=mq>
>
> Subscribe:

I think cats would be easier than dogs, but I love dogs. With cats I
have individual relationships. When we like each other it's great!
I've had dogs as pets, but cats have owned me too!
Lynn in Fargo
Missing my 25 lb Maine Coon - Prince Larry and my runty little black
and white Princess Maybelline

OT!!! Need a quick poll on cats please
 

On Tue, 6 Oct 2009 11:15:22 -0600, "graham" > wrote:

>
>"sf" > wrote in message
.. .
>> On Mon, 5 Oct 2009 19:52:38 -0400, "Cheryl" >
>> wrote:
>>
>>>My current vet has an office cat that has run of the waiting room.
>>
>> How did we make the jump from a people doctor's office to the
>> veterinarian?
>>
>With the cost of healthcare in American, perhaps some people find it cheaper
>to go to the veterinarian.

What makes you think Veterinarins cost less, they actually cost more.

>The only difference is that they would have to get down on all fours before
>being examined!

Knees is your default postion.

OT!!! Need a quick poll on cats please
 

On Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:38:38 -0500, Omelet >
wrote:

>In article >,
> sf > wrote:
>
>> On Mon, 5 Oct 2009 19:52:38 -0400, "Cheryl" >
>> wrote:
>>
>> >My current vet has an office cat that has run of the waiting room.
>>
>> How did we make the jump from a people doctor's office to the
>> veterinarian?
>
>I think many feel the vets office is a more appropriate setting for such
>an idea.

It's a moronic idea... just what's needed at a Vet's office, animals
attacking each other... imagine the scenario, someone comes in with
Spike, a hundred pound pit bull, and there's fluffy prancing around.

I've been to many Vets, none permit any animal in the waiting room
except in a carrier, a leash is not good enough. Most good Vets have
their patients enter one door and after examined exit from a different
door... as much as possible animals are kept quarrantined from each
other, I'd not patronize any Vet that didn't adhere to that most basic
of rules.

OT!!! Need a quick poll on cats please
 

On Oct 6, 6:25*am, "Nancy Young" > wrote:
> Jean B. wrote:
> > Omelet wrote:
> >> Just curious about the percentage of folks that would love or hate
> >> cats at the Doctors or therapists offices...
>
> >> Me? *I'd love it.
>
> > I dunno. *Many folks are allergic to cats. *Some may be afraid of
> > them. *I am generally in favor of pets in various places like
> > nursing homes, but any such thing would have to be restricted at
> > certain areas, I think.
>
> My mil was in what seemed to be a nursing home, but she was
> there for rehab. *For reasons I don't remember, I had my cat with
> me (the aforementioned red point, Mugsy). *I thought it would
> cheer up my mil to see her, so I stuck the cat in my coat and tried
> to smuggle her up to her room. *Really, what was I thinking.
>
> Of course, I go through the front door, there's the desk and Mugsy
> pops her head up Hey, where are we going? *Caught, red handed.
> Red point handed. *Heh. *I said My mil would like to see her. *I was
> astonished at the reaction.
>
> OH! *Sure! *Bring her on up, the patients will love it! *Well, she
> was the celebrity of the day at that place, many of the patients just
> wanted to pet her and tell me about their cats. *It was very sweet
> but sad at the same time. *I wish they could have some pets
> available to the patients.
>
> nancy

My daughter worked in an excellent nursing home which allowed patients
to have a cat (or in one case a small dog. The only disadvantage was
the nursing assistants had to do cat maintenance and there were only a
few CNAs who didn't mind - Carolyn was one. Now she's at a slightly
larger facility (same management) but they just have therapy dogs who
visit regularly. Every nursing home I've ever visited in Fargo/
Moorhead has fish and birds. One has a large aviary with 20+ finches
etc.
Lynn in Fargo

OT!!! Need a quick poll on cats please
 

On Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:41:28 -0400, "Jean B." > wrote:

>Nancy Young wrote:
>> Jean B. wrote:
>>> Omelet wrote:
>>>> Just curious about the percentage of folks that would love or hate
>>>> cats at the Doctors or therapists offices...
>>>>
>>>> Me? I'd love it.
>>>
>>> I dunno. Many folks are allergic to cats. Some may be afraid of
>>> them. I am generally in favor of pets in various places like
>>> nursing homes, but any such thing would have to be restricted at
>>> certain areas, I think.
>>
>> My mil was in what seemed to be a nursing home, but she was
>> there for rehab. For reasons I don't remember, I had my cat with
>> me (the aforementioned red point, Mugsy). I thought it would
>> cheer up my mil to see her, so I stuck the cat in my coat and tried
>> to smuggle her up to her room. Really, what was I thinking.
>>
>> Of course, I go through the front door, there's the desk and Mugsy
>> pops her head up Hey, where are we going? Caught, red handed.
>> Red point handed. Heh. I said My mil would like to see her. I was
>> astonished at the reaction.
>>
>> OH! Sure! Bring her on up, the patients will love it! Well, she was
>> the celebrity of the day at that place, many of the patients just
>> wanted to pet her and tell me about their cats. It was very sweet
>> but sad at the same time. I wish they could have some pets available to
>> the patients.
>>
>> nancy
>
>Yes, that's the thing. Cats, dogs, etc. can be really
>beneficial--but then what about the allergies etc.?

I have a difficult time believing that story... a nursing home is a
medical facility, they wouldn't permit pets... perhaps it was an
assisted care senior living community, some permit pets in one's own
unit. Many people are deathly afraid of animals, especially
exacerbated when folks are elderly, frail, ill. Nope, I don't
believe that tale... I've visited many nursing homes, none permitted
animals... many nursing homes don't permit minor children.

OT!!! Need a quick poll on cats please
 

brooklyn1 wrote:
> sf wrote:
>> Cheryl" wrote:
>>
>>> My current vet has an office cat that has run of the waiting room.
>> How did we make the jump from a people doctor's office to the
>> veterinarian?
>
> There's no jump... no one specified what kind of doctor... a
> Veterinarian is indeed a medical doctor.

No. That is a jump. A Doctor of Medicine (medical doctor) is trained
and licenced to practise medicine... on people. A veterinarian is a
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

OT!!! Need a quick poll on cats please
 

On Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:23:20 -0400, Dave Smith
> wrote:

>brooklyn1 wrote:
>> sf wrote:
>>> Cheryl" wrote:
>>>
>>>> My current vet has an office cat that has run of the waiting room.
>>> How did we make the jump from a people doctor's office to the
>>> veterinarian?
>>
>> There's no jump... no one specified what kind of doctor... a
>> Veterinarian is indeed a medical doctor.
>
>No. That is a jump. A Doctor of Medicine (medical doctor) is trained
>and licenced to practise medicine... on people. A veterinarian is a
>Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

You are truely dense or just acting dumb... there is no other choice.

Omelet wrote:
"just curious about the percentage of folks that would love or hate
cats at the Doctors"

OT!!! Need a quick poll on cats please
 

"Omelet" > wrote in message
...
> In article >,
> "graham" > wrote:
>
>> "Stan Horwitz" > wrote in message
>> ...
>> > In article >,
>> > Omelet > wrote:
>> >
>> >> Just curious about the percentage of folks that would love or hate
>> >> cats
>> >> at the Doctors or therapists offices...
>> >>
>> >> Me? I'd love it.
>> >
>> > I have never seen at cat at any business other than an occasional art
>> > gallery or book store. Considering that some people are very allergic
>> > to
>> > pet dander, having a cat or dog at physician's or other medical
>> > provider's office would be inappropriate.
>>
>> In addition to the dander problems, think of all the bugs they carry!
>
> <lol> Think of all the bugs PEOPLE carry into a Doctors office!
> --

So why deliberately increase the bug load?

OT!!! Need a quick poll on cats please
 

On Oct 5, 2:42*pm, brooklyn1 > wrote:
> On Mon, 5 Oct 2009 11:58:46 -0700 (PDT), Nancy2
>
>
>
>
>
> > wrote:
> >On Oct 5, 1:36*pm, Omelet > wrote:
> >> Just curious about the percentage of folks that would love or hate cats
> >> at the Doctors or therapists offices...
>
> >> Me? *I'd love it.
> >> --
> >> Peace! Om
>
> >> "Human nature seems to be to control other people until they put their foot down." *
> >> --Steve Rothstein
>
> >> Web Albums: <http://picasaweb.google.com/home?tab=mq>
> >>
> >> Subscribe:
>
> >All the vets' offices seem to have cats - mostly for blood donor
> >purposes, but still ....
>
> I've never been to a Vet that had cats or any other critters running
> loose and I've been to many Vet's offices, all are in back properly
> secured in the kennel area.... a few have had aquariums in their
> waiting room, but so does my Primary care doctor.
>
> >They're hardly sterile -
>
> I wouldn't expect sterile, except in the ER.
>
> >any docs' waiting rooms have carpet - I
> >wouldn't want cat hair with my appointment, thanks.
>
> I have seen some grundgy Vet's offices but I've seen just as grundgy
> people doctor offices.... but that's why we have feet. *My current
> Vet's office is scrupulously clean, and no animal smells at all... I
> only wish people doctors kept such a tidy facility.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Well, Shel, we're different out here in flyover country. I've used
three different vets for pets over the years, and all of them had
"counter cats" -office pets that roamed free around the offices.

N.

OT!!! Need a quick poll on cats please
 

>
> >My current vet has an office cat that has run of the waiting room.
>
> How did we make the jump from a people doctor's office to the
> veterinarian? *

....because Omelet wanted to know if anyone thought having a cat in a
doctor's office or therapist's office was a good idea - and I said no
thanks to the cat hair, and it degenerated (or migrated, depending on
your view) from around there somewhere. LOL.

N.

OT!!! Need a quick poll on cats please
 

"brooklyn1" > wrote in message
...
|
| I have a difficult time believing that story... a nursing home is a
| medical facility, they wouldn't permit pets... perhaps it was an
| assisted care senior living community, some permit pets in one's own
| unit. Many people are deathly afraid of animals, especially
| exacerbated when folks are elderly, frail, ill. Nope, I don't
| believe that tale... I've visited many nursing homes, none permitted
| animals... many nursing homes don't permit minor children.

Our Mr. Veracity scores again. Pow.
<http://www.nytimes.com/1986/06/01/nyregion/nursing-home-pets-a-boon-to-residents.htm>

pavane

OT!!! Need a quick poll on cats please
 

I've owned cats and dogs, and have taught dog obedience classes for over
20 years.... and have done Therapy Dog visits in many facilities for
almost 20 years. I also am an RN with over 30 years experience, ranging
from clinic to bedside to facility supervison, most of it in the US
Army.

NO to any mammals in waiting rooms of physicians' offices; the allergy
problem, and the staff doesn't have time to supervise the animals and
the uncontrolled kids that clients bring in. A nice aquarium is
adequate. Television is better. A nice aquarium is almost a
requirement in a dental clinic waiting room.

Certified or registered Therapy Dogs must pass behavioral/training tests
with the person who will handle them during visits. They must meet
specific health and hygiene standards. Membership in a national
organization that provides certification or registration also provides
hefty liability insurance. The same is true for cats, birds, horses,
and a host of other species used regularly in this role. This applies
to the US; I don't have details about other countries. I am very
familiar with the requirements of the "big three" national therapy
dog/pet organizations....

Each facility determines where which animals may go. We Never go into a
patient or resident room unless invited. We Never get up close and
personal with a person who does not agree to it. We do go into
hospitals, and the childrens hospital our group serves takes one or two
dog-owner teams to intensive care at times. Both physician and parental
consent is required. At the other hospitals, it is a door-to-door on
specific units. These dogs are Not permitted to roam loose. Ever. They
may be off leash during a demonstration of skills and tricks that
require being free.... but these individual dogs are well trained for
this purpose.

The simplest form of animal assisted therapy is a "visit"..... fun,
diversion, petting. More complicated forms include the animal being
part of actual therapeutic activities prescribed, supervised and
evaluated by a medical professional. One of my dogs endlessly retrieved
objects tossed by recovering stroke victims..... and all have stood
stock still for up to five minutes to be brushed by patients working on
upper extremity range of motion, movement control and endurance. In
group therapy sessions, the animal's presence just eases communications.

Many groups also work in schools, teaching safety around animals and a
little responsible ownership, or to reinforce or enrich some specific
lesson material (I've done a lot of high school biology class sessions,
and some elementary school sessions on the senses). "Read to Rover" is
a popular program in which kids who have a very hard time reading and
reading aloud in the classroom read to a non-judgemental dog away from
that classroom. (One of our schools cleaned up a broom closet for this;
the dog's owner brought in a comforter for dog and kid to occupy, and a
folding chair for her own use.)

In assisted living facilities, pets are often permitted, as long as the
owner can care for them. In nursing homes, pets may be owned by the
facility and cared for by one or more staff members as a matter of job
description; dogs and cats may or may not be permitted to roam, but if
they are, they soon learn who doesn't want contact. In a few nursing
homes, for selected residents, personal pets, such as small dogs or a
cat, May be permitted by individual arrangement. These facilities
usually permit visits by family pets... and.... not always
appropriately.... encourage taking them to visit "everybody". I've had
a family member's unsuitable dog charge out of a room to try to attack
my dog during a scheduled Therapy Dog visit....

Note that hospitals Must permit the service dogs (seeing-eye, signal,
and other specialties) of patients to remain with them, but it is the
family/patient's responsibility to provide all care for the animal, and
the service animal is Never permitted to roam outside the room.

I have been told by a veterinarian who is a professor of (animal)
communicable diseases that our dogs are probably bacteriologically
cleaner, and of less threat of infection, than most human hospital
visitors. We test and observe to vastly reduce the possibility of a
Therapy Dog causing injury during an assignment due to misbehavior of
any variety... by far the greater concern. Basic good manners are
required at the least, but many are highly trained in obedience and/or
in special skills for work in rehabilitation facilities. A sound
temperament and "bombproof" personality is critical.

Therapy Cats are more difficult to find; they must travel comfortably
and tolerate strange new places and Like new people. We've found that
cats with a cat show career, present or past, are more likely than the
family pet cat to fill the role easily. Domestic rabbits are pretty
good at this work, too.

In general, trusted and appropriate (reptiles rarely welcome....)
animals in a theraputic role can reduce blood pressure, pulse,
respirations; reduce stress; improve communications; facilitate mastery
of physical skills; entertain; facilitate learning.

I hope this has clarified or at least extended your understanding of the
role and use of animals in health care and some types of residential
facilities. There are volumes written on the subject. Hippotherapy,
therapeutic horseback riding, is a whole other "world" and very
specialised, with it's own requirements.

Jo in Georgia

OT!!! Need a quick poll on cats please
 

> I have a difficult time believing that story... a nursing home is a
> medical facility, they wouldn't permit pets... perhaps it was an
> assisted care senior living community, some permit pets in one's own
> unit. *Many people are deathly afraid of animals, especially
> exacerbated *when folks are elderly, frail, ill. *Nope, I don't
> believe that tale... I've visited many nursing homes, none permitted
> animals... many nursing homes don't permit minor children.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Therapy pets and other pets are very, very common in nursing homes.
The therapy animals are under the control of their handlers and are
welcome visitors to whoever wants to interact with them. Others have
free run of the place. There was a nursing home featured on a news
program last year that had a resident cat or dog (I forget which) that
always knew when someone was close to dying, and the staff would find
it curled up on the bed of that person.

N.