Vet Bill Buster!

Materials on dogs and their care have a tendency to run, jump, and leap off public library shelves. Created by Canadian vet Dr. Sheldon Jafine, this video is a worthy addition to a constantly-decimated 636.7 area. Assisted by "Amber," an amiable rottweiler who surely was named "Most Patient Canine of the Year" at some point in her life, Dr. Jafine provides tips and step-by-step demonstrations of procedures that he says can be performed by John Q. Dog-Owner just as easily as Dr. Vet can do them, and at about 1/3rd the cost. In straightforward, clear style, we are shown how to handle problems with toenails, cuts and abrasions, eyes, teeth (yes, he does recommend that you brush Fido's teeth every day!), ears, skin, digestion, and anal glands. Dr. Jafine also demonstrates how to restrain Spot with muzzle, necktie, Elizabethan collar, or bucket, and explains the proper way to use a rectal thermometer. Quite a few supplies are necessary for these home-health care routines; a list of them would have been helpful, along with a clear delineation between those that can be purchased at people-stores and those that must come from the vet or pet stores. A time-coded video index would also have been helpful. Despite these minor missteps, I give this video three "woofs" with a "wag." Aud: P. (K. Glaser)