St. Johns Magazine

Pets Really Are Family! Pets R Family!

4/2/2018

Cover Image by Mindy Kerr Nature's Child Photography

Pets R Family
3035 County Road 210 West
Saint Johns, FL 32259
904-452-7387(PETS)

Dr. Kathleen Deckard, DVM, the owner of Pets R Family offers some insight into how her pets are an integral part of happiness, healing and life.

How many pets do you have? Why did you choose that specific type of breed or type?
We have a quarterhorse named Copper, a golden retriever named Sunny and 2 shih-tzus (Izzy & Fitzie), 3 cats (Pepper, Barnaby & Charlotte), a lion headed rabbit (Nala), and a hamster (Alvin). I have always loved golden retrievers because of their amazing dispositions and I wanted a dog that I could take to schools, serve as a mascot for our hospital and be involved with our Vets N Training program. We consider Sunny a “Therapy” dog, as she offers smiles to people and pets here at PRF.

Why are they part of the family?
Our pets have always been an intricate part of our family as we share love and joy with them and because of them. And our firm belief that God put animals on the earth for our use and in our care, gives us a heartfelt dedication to our fury friends.

How does having pets make the family stronger, happier?
Our firm belief that God our creator put animals on the earth for man to utilize and to care for, gives us a feeling of dedication and responsibility to look after them. Our children learn a great deal from taking care of our pets, and understanding the root foundations of life and love from our dear friends.

What does having a pet teach children?
Having a pet teaches children responsibility in their care, and how to offer unconditional love.

What is the funniest family pet story from your life or practice?
Izzy is the youngest dog in the family and she has a very mischievous and bubbly personality. She is always getting into trouble but she gets away with it because she is so darn cute. One of her favorite things to do is play chase outside. One day, while my son was walking the dogs, her leash slipped out of Gavin's hands after she saw a cat dart into the woods. She ran directly into the thick marshy woods, dragging her leash behind, all the while leaping over the brush like a deer. Brad, who was dressed for work, proceeded to follow her through the woods. She did not respond to her name although she would look back at him intermittently with a devilish look. Eventually he came to a neighbors back yard and had lost sight of her. When he got back to the house to regroup, he found her hanging out on the back porch with a big smile on her face safe and sound and ready for another game of chase!