Well, I'm back from San Antonio. The meeting was a good one and I always
enjoy San Antonio, but it's nice to be back home.  I'm trying to catch up on all
of my E-mail but here's the first one that caught my eye....
 
        From Enrique Morales..
 
        "However, just because research is done on animals doesn't mean it is
all bad. Coco's vet did research on ferrets. She grew to love them and now has
two of her own. This makes a better ferret vet than one that doesn't (know) a
ferret from a skinny cat. So ease up on bashing animal research. Animal research
is just like any other endeavor we humans undertake: it is only as good as the
individuals carrying it out. "
 
 
 
        Mr. Morales, you have your opinion, and I have mine.  Mine is based on
fifteen years of working in this field - I work in a research setting (although
my work, by choice, is diagnostic only).  And I believe I still have the right
to express my opinion, as you do yours.
 
        I am happy that you have a good ferret vet, although I do not see your
implication that the end justifies the means - to be a good veterinarian, you do
not have to do animal experimentation.  The best ferret vets have not had to do
animal research, they simply have to love the animals and strive to be
knowledgable about them.
 
        I shall not debate this point further on the FML.  If you (or anyone,
for that matter), would like to further discuss this issue (I have had several
very interesting conversations on this subject off-list), my email address, as
always, is at the bottom.  In fairness to Chris and the members of the FML, I do
not believe this is the proper forum for a discussion on animal research - it is
a very emotional and divisive issue.  This is not my intent nor is it my purpose
for being on the FML.
 
Sincerely,
 
Bruce Williams, DVM
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[Posted in FML issue 0669]