My journey with Dr. Taylor (aka Dr. Jenny) and her staff began when she first opened Creature Comfort Holistic Veterinary Center in 2001. The reason that I am telling my story is because anyone can write words. Mine is a true story that reflects the type of care, passion and professionalism that Dr. Jenny and her staff shows their clients. 

My story begins with my beautiful boy, Bear. He was diagnosed with bone cancer by another veterinary clinic; this was basically a death sentence for him. Other professionals explained to our family that there were few alternatives and to prepare ourselves for the end because there was no hope of extending his life. Bear was so young, only 7 years and our family was devastated. 

An acquaintance told me about an “Alternative Vet Med” website which needless to say I researched fully. I found Dr. Taylor on the website and put in a call to the number listed. Her voice message stated that she had opened a practice in Oakland and to contact her at the office. It was a Saturday when I called; I made my first acquaintance with Debbie Trindade. Debbie promised that Dr. Taylor would call me on Saturday.  Debbie gave me hope and peace with her kind words, soft voice, patience and vast knowledge. Debbie and I also connected on another level because we both have a love of Rotties!

To date, I have come to know all of the staff at Creature Comfort and they all have those same qualities and talents providing a client/person with hope and peace. 

It was Saturday night and I had not heard from Dr. Taylor. I was sure that she would not be able to contact us until Monday. I was devastated because Bear had lost 21 pounds; he was lame and was beginning to refuse food and water. 

To my great surprise and joy, Dr. Taylor took her own personal time on Saturday night, after working a full schedule, to call and talk with us. Dr. Taylor was very clear in her communication with us, explaining that she could not perform miracles. As we spoke I had a great sense of hope and relief as she agreed to see us.

After our first appointment, I began reading everything I could find on cancer, dog food, diets, and alternative medicines & practices. Dr. Taylor would mention a book or an author and I would find the book, read it and learn.  

Dr. Jenny Taylor is an inspiration!

This is when we began to refer to Dr. Taylor as Dr. Jenny!!!!

This illustrates the special understanding and professional expertise that Dr. Jenny brings to both the patient and the family. In difficult times, this is what makes the difference when choosing the appropriate doctor and treatment for your loved one.

Dr. Jenny began a regimen for Bear to build his immune system and give him comfort to ensure quality of life. The diet was protein, vegetables, vitamins, supplements and homeopathic remedies. Acupuncture was used to stimulate eating, reduce stiffness, manage pain and to keep the bone cancer tumor from growing. With bone cancer there is always the concern of the bone shattering or breaking. We followed this regimen consistently. Bear and his human family had a wonderful additional 7 months of quality life. He was able to go for walks and rides (his favorite); in other words he was no longer lame! He was able to bark at the mail delivery person. His bone cancer tumor reduced and closed, he was hungry and ate well. He was happy, friendly and comfortable until he left this world. 

The reason for this success story is the approach and philosophy that Dr. Jenny uses in her treatment of animals. She takes a holistic approach and looks at the whole animal before acting. She looks beyond the symptoms that the animal is showing. Dr. Jenny is tuned into the animal; she observes the actions and reactions, she builds the animal’s resistance and stamina by creating a healthy environment for the animal to flourish. This means promoting and building a healthy immune system.

Dr. Jenny combines Eastern and Western philosophies, medicines, practices and methodologies which ensure the holistic approach. 

To continue on our journey…we rescued another boy from the local shelter; his name is Rodney.  He was malnourished, had skin and thyroid problems, and fear aggression. It took a couple of years for Rodney to trust his new family, but he finally learned to trust us and he knew we only wanted to love him.  Actually, Rodney loved Diana from the first day he met her. He always wants to visit with her at her desk, just like his predecessor Bear did!

Currently, Rodney has been diagnosed with cancer and inoperable tumors. He is comfortable, alert, happy and living with minimal pain due to the type of treatments that he is receiving. Again, combining eastern and western philosophies, medicines, practices and methodologies is the key to ensuring his quality of life.

Even though Rodney “had” fear aggression, he no longer has this problem. Through the consistent good works of Dr. Jenny and her staff, Rodney is very excited to visit Dr. Jenny. 

Rodney’s regimen consists of the correct diet, vegetables, vitamins, supplements and homeopathic remedies. Acupuncture is used to reduce stiffness and manage pain. We use acupressure at home to help with stiffness.

Since Rodney has been diagnosed and treated by Dr. Jenny and her staff, he has been with us for an additional 8 months and we are hoping that he continues to stay with us for as long as he can…

…and our journey continues…

Update:  Rodney passed away a month after Ferne wrote his story and will be missed not only by his family but by all of the staff at Creature Comfort as well.  He was so lucky to have had such a wonderful family that cared so much for him.  He will always hold a special place in our hearts.