Dr. Kay has been very busy on radio talk shows, NPR interviews and book signings of late, so I was pleased that she was available for an interview. Now viewers can get to know her better and learn about the "how and why" of this book. Here is my interview with Nancy Kay DVM DACVIM.
VetMedGuide: You write that the inspiration for writing this book was your journey through the human healthcare system. Did any specific dogs or clients add to your source of inspiration?
Dr. Nancy Kay: Quite honestly, most of my patients and clients served as sources for inspiration. As a veterinary internist, I tend to see patients that are truly terribly sick and clients that are struggling to make really tough choices, often when no one truly knows what is best for their pet. My hope was that Speaking for Spot could provide information that would help people make the best decision possible for their pet along with their own peace of mind.
VetMedGuide: How long did it take you to write Speaking for Spot? Is this your first book, and did you learn anything interesting along the way?
Dr. Nancy Kay: I had a one year deadline to write the book and I needed every last minute of it! I learned that it is just about impossible to know in advance just how long a book like Speaking for Spot will ultimately be (with fiction the book is completed before submission to a publisher -- not the case for nonfiction). Initially, the publisher was worried that the content would be too small -- by the end we were all trying to figure out how to further condense the material.
VetMedGuide: Sandy, the dog on the cover of Speaking for Spot, was a participant in the Pen Pals program at San Quentin State Prison. Do you participate in this program or do rescue work through your veterinary hospital?
Dr. Nancy Kay: I have supported the PenPals program through monetary donations, but no, I've never volunteered. We do only limited (unintentional) rescue work through my veterinary hospital (see recent blogs about Rottweiler moms and pups).
VetMedGuide: You founded the Animal Care Center Pet Support Group to provide emotional support to people with sick pets. Please tell us about this group and how people can find (or start) something similar in their location.
Dr. Nancy Kay: I founded the Animal Care Center Client (rather than Pet) Support Group approximately two years ago, solely for the purpose of helping clients who are struggling with the illness or loss of a four-legged or feathered family member. It used to be limited to Animal Care Center clients -- it is now open to the community as a whole. We meet on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. The group is free of charge and facilitated my myself and one of my colleagues, Dr. Connie DeHaan.
The group has provided tremendous support to a number of people, especially those without other support networks in place. There are not many such groups that I am aware of -- most are purely pet loss support groups. The truth of the matter is, the grief process (and need for support) tends to start at the time of initial worry or diagnosis, rather than reserved for "after death." I encourage anyone interested to start such a group -- advertise in the local newspaper, Craig's list, blogs, etc.
VetMedGuide: What types of animals do you treat in clinical practice?
Dr. Nancy Kay: Pretty much strictly dogs and cats.
VetMedGuide: Any plans for a feline patient advocacy book?
Dr. Nancy Kay: If Speaking for Spot does well, I'm hoping there will be a Talking for Tabby someday!
In conclusion
Thank you, Dr. Nancy Kay for this interview. Please see the Speaking for Spot web site for more information. I will be on the lookout for Talking for Tabby.
Related Links:
NPR Interview - Nancy Kay DVM and Terry Gross
If You Need Help Paying for Veterinary Services Great resource of helping organizations from the Speaking for Spot web site.
