When Hype Hurts...
The Oklahoma State Fair will soon be underway and is an event that is looked forward to by tens of thousands of Oklahomans, both young and old. This year the fair will run from September 13th through the 23rd and it is expected to be one of the biggest events of 2007 as the state continues to celebrate its 100th year of statehood.
Many people think that the state fair consists of rodeos, entertainment, and the Midway with its numerous carnival rides and food vendors. However, the state fair has many educational experiences as well throughout its ten day run.
For several years now the Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association has sponsored an educational exhibit on the fair grounds.
One of my blogging friends, Shelly, was reviewing the events that were scheduled for this year's fair and ran across the promotional blurb about the OVMA exhibit. Shelly blogged about it and posted her feelings concerning the exhibit. She also left a comment here on my blog asking for my opinion.
Here is the excerpt about the OVMA demonstration exhibit as written by those who are in charge of the State Fair publicity compaign:
I assure you that the OVMA is not wanting to sensationalize this intricately planned educational exhibit. There are hours upon hours of planning that goes into pulling such a demonstration together. Additionally, all of this is done on a voluntary basis by veterinarians and their support staff from within the state. My employer, Dr. Tina Neel, serves on the planning committee and some of our doctors and staff volunteer their time to help man the exhibit. There are thousands of dollars of time, equipment, supplies, medicines, and ancillary items that are donated in hopes that the general public will gain an understanding of responsible pet ownership as well as modern veterinary medicine.
It is a committed group of individuals who work tirelessly to bring veterinary medicine out of the dark ages and strive to raise the standards in the field as a whole.
Why are there still hundreds of thousands of unwanted, unspayed, and unneutered pets in this nation?
Public education is imperative.
How many people understand that the technology and equipment is available for our pets unless they are shown?
We have gas anesthesia machines that deliver safe inhalant anesthetics. The days of having an IV anesthetic taped to the leg of a patient using a straight needle should be gone. For some, this is still the norm in the surgical suite; but how is the public going to know there is a better and safer way unless they are taught?
How many individuals expect to have surgery without the basics of screening blood work, or EKG, CO2, and blood pressure monitoring?
How about pain control? Would you like for your doctor to ask you to "bite the bullet" after an extensive orthopedic procedure?
There are many people who are not aware that these things are available for their pets.
Why?
Because they have never been told about it or seen it in use.
It is the hope of many veterinary professionals to stop the uncontrolled repopulation of pets as well as raise the standards of care for your personal pet.
In order to do this, the public has to understand what the standards should be.
That is what this exhibit is all about...
Education.
I apologize for any misunderstanding that may have been caused by the promotional hype by the State Fair organization.
Because that is not our intent at all.
later...
Many people think that the state fair consists of rodeos, entertainment, and the Midway with its numerous carnival rides and food vendors. However, the state fair has many educational experiences as well throughout its ten day run.
For several years now the Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association has sponsored an educational exhibit on the fair grounds.
One of my blogging friends, Shelly, was reviewing the events that were scheduled for this year's fair and ran across the promotional blurb about the OVMA exhibit. Shelly blogged about it and posted her feelings concerning the exhibit. She also left a comment here on my blog asking for my opinion.
Here is the excerpt about the OVMA demonstration exhibit as written by those who are in charge of the State Fair publicity compaign:
VETERINARY SURGICAL CENTER
Can you stomach seeing a live surgery? Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) Veterinarians will perform a live surgery right before your eyes and show the entire spaying process of a female dog. It’s just like being in the operating room with play by play commentating. It’s an educational experience for the whole family. All dogs having this procedure will be available for adoption. So be sure to visit the Oklahoma City Animal Shelter table and find out more about how to take one of these loving pets home.
Monday – Thursday • 6:30 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday • 2:00 & 6:30 p.m.
Location: Barn #3
I assure you that the OVMA is not wanting to sensationalize this intricately planned educational exhibit. There are hours upon hours of planning that goes into pulling such a demonstration together. Additionally, all of this is done on a voluntary basis by veterinarians and their support staff from within the state. My employer, Dr. Tina Neel, serves on the planning committee and some of our doctors and staff volunteer their time to help man the exhibit. There are thousands of dollars of time, equipment, supplies, medicines, and ancillary items that are donated in hopes that the general public will gain an understanding of responsible pet ownership as well as modern veterinary medicine.
It is a committed group of individuals who work tirelessly to bring veterinary medicine out of the dark ages and strive to raise the standards in the field as a whole.
Why are there still hundreds of thousands of unwanted, unspayed, and unneutered pets in this nation?
Public education is imperative.
How many people understand that the technology and equipment is available for our pets unless they are shown?
We have gas anesthesia machines that deliver safe inhalant anesthetics. The days of having an IV anesthetic taped to the leg of a patient using a straight needle should be gone. For some, this is still the norm in the surgical suite; but how is the public going to know there is a better and safer way unless they are taught?
How many individuals expect to have surgery without the basics of screening blood work, or EKG, CO2, and blood pressure monitoring?
How about pain control? Would you like for your doctor to ask you to "bite the bullet" after an extensive orthopedic procedure?
There are many people who are not aware that these things are available for their pets.
Why?
Because they have never been told about it or seen it in use.
It is the hope of many veterinary professionals to stop the uncontrolled repopulation of pets as well as raise the standards of care for your personal pet.
In order to do this, the public has to understand what the standards should be.
That is what this exhibit is all about...
Education.
I apologize for any misunderstanding that may have been caused by the promotional hype by the State Fair organization.
Because that is not our intent at all.
later...
Labels: FYI, News, Pet Health
posted by It's me, T.J. at Friday, August 24, 2007
5 Comments:
Thanks, T.J.
Your take on it sounds a lot less gory than the state fair publicity blurb. I still won't go see it though. Interesting as it might be and as much as I support the cause, my stomach wouldn't tolerate it. :P
Hey Shelly...
I understand. I know that it isn't for everyone.
But it isn't as bloody as most people imagine either.
BTW...
I hope you have a great time at the fair this year!
later...
That sounds like a good goal... to bad they didn't write it like you did, maybe next time they can have you write the blurb;)
Maybe they'll hire me!
;+ )
educate educate educate....that is the basis for prevention...if you don't know then how can you prevent....some good points made here....
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