Philip Treuil is a highly skilled veterinarian who practices in Matthew, North Carolina. When he treats an animal he calls on all of his training to make the correct diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan. But sometimes, in spite of all his knowledge and abilities, there is not much to be done except to inform the patient’s owner that their beloved pet is terminally ill.
This is the most devastating news that any pet owner can ever get. The American Veterinarian Medical Association recognizes, in its official literature, just how powerful the bond that develops between a pet and its owner can be. But you don’t need to be a psychologist to understand that. Anyone who has ever lost a pet, or known someone who has, understands how close humans and animals can become, and how painful it is to have a pet die, even if they have had a long and happy life.
The bonds that can grow between humans and animals have been around for as long as there have been domesticated animals. It has had a major influence on the development of veterinary medicine, which fulfills the needs of humans and animals alike.
Some of the benefits that humans derive from their pets are measureable. Pet ownership, according to the Centers for Disease Control, has been linked to decreased blood pressure and reduced cholesterol levels. Just as important are the psychological benefits: decreased feelings of loneliness and an increase in social opportunities, to name just two. Not for nothing are dogs thought of as man’s best friend, and this extends to cats, horses, and any other animal that a human can connect to.
Philip Treuil sees these benefits on a daily basis. He is a member of the American College of Veterinary Radiology, and is a board-certified specialist in radiation oncology.