My nomination for Vet of the year.

[Lisa B]

I entered my vets in a contest for Veterinarian of the Year Award.
I had to do it in less then 300 words, and that was NOT easy.
however, here is my submission.
I am nominating two outstanding women in the field of Avian Medicine.
Dr Cyndi Brown & Dr Laura Wade.
Being a bird mom for over 30 years, I have known allot of veterinarians,but my story begins in 2002, when I had a very sick African grey parrot.
The local vets could do nothing but refer me to the acclaimed Animal Medical Center in NYC. Through this experience, I met two wonderful Doctors that would become very important people in my life.
Sampson was diagnosed with Aspergillosis, a fungal infection that effects parrots. While knowing how hard it is to beat, I found comfort knowing I had the best team of Dr's available to him to give him the best hopes to recover. Not only did Dr's Brown and Wade have a tough challenge trying to help Sampson, but they also had the task of keeping an eye on Me.
One can find a good veterinarian, but often,their bedside manner has allot to be desired. What's important besides their education and knowledge, is also to be considerate of the fact, that many people who have pets, consider them their children. I am no exception.
Dr's Brown and Wade were there for Sampson and I throughout his illness.
Sampson passed on after several weeks of being sick, but not before leaving me in the best hands to keep an eye his siblings that remained behind.
I believe this was his final gift to me.

Though Dr's Brown and Wade no longer practice together, and have moved on from the AMC, to start new careers with other hospitals , I still consider them a team.
My team, and I am very fortunate and proud to know them.
If you were to research their names you would see the contributions they have made to the Avian communities.

I did ask permission to submit thier names prior to doing so. I also sent them a copy of my submission in the event they are called.
I received notes back from my vets, and they brought me to tears......While they are personal, I wanted to share this.....
I still Sampson's picture (with feather) in my office, so I see him almost every day. We shared many cases and Sam's was one of our toughest. But also, he taught us a lot (he was such a good bird through it all) and so did you (your dedication to trying to give him every opportunity). If there was any bird we wanted to make it, it was Sam.

I lost Sampson nearly 4 years ago, but it was an event that forever changed my life. He obviously touched alot of lives without me really knowing it.

[Big_Blues]

Thanks Lisa........I have tears after reading your beautiful submisson.

[mizbirdy]

I agree, that was a beautiful entry. I think they should win hands down. I've read Sampson's story here & on another site & those vets & Lisa were very heroic in trying to save him.

[LauraKGN]

How nice! It's really wonderful to find dedicated, caring vets.

[Lisa B]

Thanks....

its is nice to have such great vets...they are such nice women too.