Our guide dogs are as close as the beating of our own hearts. If they aren't feeling well, we know immediately but may not know whether a visit to the vet is necessary. On the next You and Your Guide Dog, Dr. Julie, as she is known to those who take their guides and other animals to her, will clarify when veterinary care may be needed. What information should we have with us when we must? Are there specific areas of concern for guide dogs? What are signs or symptoms which should not be ignored? Are there strategies we can utilize now to improve their health as they grow older? How much play and exercise time should they have? Are their medical conditions we should be aware of for various types of dogs? Do guide dogs experience stress more than others and how can we alleviate or eliminate it? When is it emotional or psychological help a guide needs and how is this determined? How do we find the best veterinarian and what should we ask her in order to make the best decision?
A vet for more than 20 years, Dr. Langhands has specialized in small animal practice for the past 11. She came to southern California immediately after graduation from Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine in order to pursue a prestigious rotating internship at the nation's third largest small animal referral hospital.

Her knowledge and interest in animals covers a wide array of specialties including canine sports medicine and rehabilitation, canine reproduction, feline medicine/surgery, dentistry, holistics/eastern medicine, zoo animal and wildlife medicine and rehabilitation. Dr. Julie is also pursuing certification through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. She is a Founding Fellow of the International Association of Cat Doctors and member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Animal Hospital Association, American Association of Feline Practitioners, American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture, International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, California Veterinary Medical Association, and Southern California Veterinary Medical Association. She has been the staff doctor at Guide Dogs of America since early 2008 and is very excited to see the advancements and growth of the GDA veterinary program.

Outside of work, Dr. Julie loves spending time with her husband, friends, and family, and enjoys competing with her Labrador retrievers in the AKC conformation ring, hunt tests, and other performance venues. Dr. Julie is a veterinary columnist in the world-renown Labrador Quarterly magazine. She also likes movies, books, SCUBA diving, fishing, art, and the outdoors- hiking, camping, fishing, shooting, gardening, rock-climbing, and exploring the wilderness. She knows and loves her patients. As all good vets do, she allays the fears and concerns of guide dog users and cares for patience with love and compassion never losing sight of the importance of the trust so very important in this relationship.
We all want our guides to live happy and healthy lives. Working hand in hand with vets like Dr. Julie, in which our guide dog's needs are met and our questions answered with patient explanation is vital in one of the most important relationships we have. If you have ever wondered what the life of a vet is like, don't miss this thoughtful informative presentation on our next You and your Guide Dog.

Hosts: Robert and Ruth ann Acosta
E-Mail: boacosta@pacbell.net