Hi all, I'm just going through our local newspaper and this article, "Dial-A-Vet/Vet-on-Call", was front page news, out of the ever so ordinary, doom and gloom! The new Vet-on-Call service originated here in Fredericton and now has veterinarians on contract across North America. The service which goes into effect locally on Monday, August 3, provides a 24 hour a day telephone help to pet owners. Hey! August 3, Happy, Happy "JP" ;o) @-->-->-- The article is about 100 veterinarians from here in Fredericton to California to the Yukon, who have signed contracts agreeing to take on-call shifts. Thirty five of these vets are from Atlantic Canada, (YES)!!! ;O) Vet-on-Call is designed to provide information to pet owners who need immediate answers to questions about their pets' health. It is not meant to be any type of an emergency service because the vet cannot physically examine the pet. Callers can describe what has happened or what they have observed and the pets' behavior that has caused concern. The vet will be able to offer suggestions as to what can be done to make the pet comfortable or what is wrong. The vets will really be able to assist the caller in deciding whether to take the pet to emergency or wait til' morning. Vet-on-Call will also recommend a vet in your area who is registered with this service. All Vet-on-Call veterinarians are specialists in a particular field of veterinary medicine. (Another added bonus)!!! However the vets only want to give information on what they specialize in, they will consult with another veterinarian on your behalf if need be. Pet stores can also use the hotline to provide their customers with professionals who can answer any questions they may have about the potential new friend. The phone number for this service, once up and runnin' is: 1-900-733-8924. Callers will be charged $3.99 per minute, but only for one-on-one time with the veterinarian. In the long run it may end up costing you say maybe the cost of an office call, but that call may make all the difference in the world to your pets' life. I popped in to my vet's today and had asked her secretary if Debbie, my vet was taking part in this service. Debbie currently has a HUGE client base, and she also belongs to the 24 hour emergency service here locally, where vets pool resources and in turn be on-call for emergency services. She feels at the present time, it is not feasible for her to play a part, but that possibly in the future she will. She is an excellent Vet!!! She even has ferrets of her own at the Hospital!! She loves them and is very good with ferrets, and Debbie too is very ferret knowledgeable!! She did Jade's surgery last September, a splenomegaly. Anyway I will keep you posted on any new information. Always, Jadesun :O) @-->-->-- A rose for you, pretend it's yellow with a green stem. [Posted in FML issue 2388]