Animal Advocate and Author Gives to the CVM
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS – Natalie C. Markey, freelance writer and animal enthusiast, recently wrote a book offering practical advice and hope to owners raising dogs with special disabilities, entitled “Caring for Your Special Needs Dog.” This former PR practitioner hopes to give back to the pet industry by donating five percent of all of her book profits to the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM) Small Animal Clinical Sciences Neurology Service.
Markey’s personal experience with a special needs pet started about two years ago when her adopted German Shepherd – Rhodesian Ridgeback dog, Oscar, experienced his first seizure at 1 year old. She immediately contacted her veterinarians Dr. Alison Ivins and Dr. Carole Price of Bear Creek Animal Clinic in Houston, Texas. Alumni of the CVM, Ivins and Price helped to diagnose Oscar with epilepsy, and they educated Markey and her husband on how to best prepare and deal with a special needs dog.
“I’m fortunate that I have a skill set where I can work from home,” notes Markey. “Since I’m with Oscar all the time, I began to find triggers for seizure episodes and began to find a way to prevent them. I also figured out simple, around the house things that anyone can do to improve their dog’s quality of life. As a writer, I knew that I had to share this information. I talked with other families and learned from their personal experiences of dealing with special needs dogs. I didn’t want the book to be about Oscar, but he is its inspiration. I wanted to make a difference and I wanted this book to give any dog owner whose dog is diagnosed with a special needs condition hope.”
“Natalie is a very conscientious owner and she is very aware of the timing of Oscar’s seizures,” explains Ivins. “I feel this book will be a helpful resource for owners dealing with special needs pets as well as being an applicable tool for pet owners of all kinds who deal with various pet personalities.”
“I knew before I wrote the first words in this book that I would give a percentage to charity,” says Markey. “Even though I now live in Arkansas, I liked the idea of supporting a Texas-based institution, but more importantly I respect the reputation of the CVM, and I knew that my donation would be put to good use. It is my plan, as more money comes in, to start a special foundation called: The Oscar Endowment for Neurological Research.”
“I’m grateful for the support of the CVM,” notes Markey. “I do not want owners to give up on their dogs, because I can’t imagine my life without my dog, Oscar. My heart and cause will always be with dogs and I look forward to having a long relationship with the CVM.”
“Caring for Your Special Needs Dog” was released on May 18, 2011 and is available via e-book for $2.99 on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
Markey received a Bachelor of Arts in journalism/public relations and speech communications with minors in business development and event management from Baylor University. After working for several years in the PR and communications industries, Markey became a freelance writer full-time. She has published over 500 articles in both local and National publications including her column: The Special Needs Dog Care Examiner for the Examiner.com. She also writes young adult and middle grade fiction. She lives in Arkansas with her husband, daughter, and Oscar.
