Gary Weitzman has seen everything from chickens to iguanas to pit bulls. In more than two decades as a veterinarian, he has developed strategies for treating common diseases and behavioral problems in companion animals, and has written a book in which he reveals his know-how and answers the most popular questions about pets. Now San Diego Humane Society CEO Gary Weitzman hopes to debunk common myths about pets, such as that cats are easier to keep as pets than dogs and that animal shelters aren’t necessarily “sad places.”
What was the purpose of writing your book?
For many years, I have been tormented by the challenges people face in keeping their pets healthy. I am not trying to replace the veterinarian with this book, I want to teach people how to talk about pets so they can help their pets live better lives.
What are the challenges in keeping pets healthy?
First of all, the availability of veterinary care in terms of location and cost. When many people get a pet, the potential cost of caring for their pet is often beyond what people imagined. The cost can be prohibitive for almost everyone. In my book, I want to help people translate what their veterinarians say so they can make the best decision.
Animal health is not a secret. Of course, animals can’t talk, but in many ways they are like us when they feel bad. They have indigestion, leg pain, skin rashes, and much of what we have.
Animals cannot tell us when it started. But usually they show when they continue to feel bad.
No one knows your pet better than yourself. If you watch him carefully, you will always know when your pet is not feeling well.
Are there common misconceptions about pets?
Absolutely. Many people who are very busy at work choose to adopt a cat instead of a dog, as they do not need to be walked or let out. But cats need your attention and energy just as much as dogs. Your home is their whole world! You need to make sure that their environment does not oppress them.
What are some things to think about before getting a pet?
It is very important not to rush. Look at shelters. At the very least, visit shelters to interact with animals of your chosen breed. Many people choose a breed according to the description and do not imagine the real state of affairs. Most shelters can help you decide which pet is best and what you need to do to keep it happy and healthy. Or maybe you will find your pet there and will not return home without him.
You yourself adopted an animal with special needs. Why?
Jake, my 14 year old German Shepherd, is my third three legged dog. I took them when they had four legs. Jake is the only one I have accepted with three. I adopted him after taking care of him when he was a puppy.
Working in hospitals and shelters, it is often impossible to return home without one of these special animals. My last two dogs, one of which I had when I adopted Jake (so you can imagine the looks I got while walking two six-legged dogs!) were greyhounds who both developed bone cancer. This is notoriously common in greyhounds.
After spending so much time in animal shelters, is there anything you want readers to know about animal shelters?
Animals in shelters are often purebred and make excellent pets. I really want to dispel the myth that orphanages are sad places where everything smells of grief. Apart from the animals, of course, the best part of the shelter is the people. They are all committed and want to help the world. When I come to work every day, I always see children and volunteers playing with animals. This is a great place!