Happy Mother’s Day!
On this very special day, I reflect on my own mother, Ruth Finken Thomas, and all the wonderful nurturing and guidance she gave to her 6 children through the years. The daughter of an architect and granddaughter of a Presbyterian minister, she married the son of a bootlegger from Western Kentucky that she met at Cornell. Her guidance inspired her offspring. Her children included a pediatrician, nurse, 2 CPAs, a teacher, and me, the veterinarian. Even as a nutritionist, she loved a homemade dessert and believed all cake mixes served at church suppers should come with a toxic warning. She encouraged us in all our endeavors, even my flying of planes.
In trying to find a photo of her I also came across cards of inspiration that she sent me in school. For the last 18 months of my veterinary training she was fighting terminal cancer; yet, her notes were always filled with encouragement for me. As a woman of strong faith, her last card to me was a passage from 1st Corinthians 2:9. To that passage she added, “Isn’t it great God plans special surprises for us?”, followed by “For my very special DVM daughter, of whom I am very proud.” Two months after I graduated in June of 1981 she passed away. Her legacy would be not to mourn her passing, but rather to demonstrate what she taught each of her children: to invest in the lives of others and make a difference.
This week, I was awarded the Wilford S Bailey Distinguished Alumni award at Auburn University 2014. It has been 33 years since she passed away, yet I think of her almost every day and her love of life and family. Thanks mom for the many blessings you bestowed on all of us! You are deeply missed!
With that, as spring is all around us let’s turn to the topic of the day: Micro chipping cats so they will not go missing!
Why is it important to microchip even indoor cats?
Invariably, a door is left open and a totally indoor pet escapes. Often it is for short periods; however, with natural disasters or predators to chase, it can be a long and frightening hunt.
Is microchipping simple and quick?
Yes, it is similar to a vaccination/injection.
How is a microchip tracked?
It is important to register the information with the microchip data base and keep it updated. When authorities or veterinary facilities find a pet they can scan it with a universal scanner and call the data base if an id number is detected. Then the microchip registry contacts the owner. Without registry of the chip, it is practically worthless. IN SUCH CASES, tracking the chip back to the location it was sold and checking for internal records is the best bet.
How big is a microchip? How long do they last?
It is about the size of a grain of rice. They are designed to last at least 25 years
What are some of the more common microchip companies?
Home Again, Avid, and some pet stores.
How are chips registered?
Home Again charges $17.95 per year (www.public.homeagain.com) and is the system that may pet stores use to register their chips. Avid charges a onetime fee of $19.95 (www.avidid.com) to maintain your contact information in the PETrac system. There is a Free Pet Chip Registry (www.freepetchipregistry.com ) that allows any chip to be registered for free.
What if you find a stray animal and have it scanned, next step?
Do microchips have GPS properties?
No
Celebrating the joy and love of Mothers and pets today and every day!
Betsy Sigmon DVM, Diplomate American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, Canine & Feline
Hospital Director, Creature Comforts Animal Hospital
Cary, NC
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