New videos with Dr. Eva
It has been a week since Pax and I left Canada, but for some reason it feels like it has been much longer. Some of you have been asking how Pax did during the flight, while those who have recently joined our community were wondering how Pax can fly in cabin, which I explain in a blog here.
The other question that has been coming up is whether dogs get jet-lag — Yes, they do! They fall asleep like a log in the middle of the day and want to play at midnight, but now we're back to our regular routine.
Besides spending time with my family here in Europe, I usually make a point of seeing my friend, veterinarian Eva Furnschuss, who some of you may already know from a recent video I published. I find connecting with Eva always full of insight and learning. We help each other to grow professionally but also in the personal sphere.
This time, we pretty much didn't stop talking for the entire weekend. Also, I love that Austrians are direct, which makes conversations refreshing and miscommunications easy to solve.
Over the weekend, we recorded two short fun videos that I would like to share with you. The first one is on the topic of our dogs and us being connected, the second one is on the topic of reliability and my flaws. Don't miss that one! 😉😆
An unexpected journey into the past
On the way to Austria, I downloaded a book called "The Choice" written by Dr. Edith Eva Eger who wrote it when she was 90. An Auschwitz surviver, still full of zest for life. The book is a reminder that we all have a choice about how we process trauma and grief. We can either bury our pain and trauma which causes further internal harm, or choose to forgive and heal through expressing pent up emotions and use our experience to help others. In case you are interested in learning more, I've included Oprah's interview with Dr. Eger below which discusses her book, The Choice.
As I was driving and listening to the book, I saw a sign saying “Mauthausen.” I thought, "could that be the site of the concentration camp?". It was and I decided to stop there on the way back from Austria. I wanted to gain more understanding of the very dark part of human history as seeing is always more powerful than reading about the events.
The memorial was not overly graphic, but it was still hard despite Pax coming along. I am certain there would be less conflict and polarity in the world if everyone visited and I trust that you don't mind that I share my experience with you.
Here are a couple of pictures:
Now I am back in Prague, spending some time with my mom and my Czech family. There is something magical about coming back and seeing friends that I have known since childhood. The decades-long bonds are sealed by trust and connection, and the comfort of knowing that distance and time don't matter.
New article on Vestibular Syndrome
The last thing I would like to share with you is a newly updated article on Vestibular Disease, a very common condition in middle aged and older dogs. It is not only useful for those who have dogs affected by this condition, but also if you want to prevent it.
© Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM
