Uncle Mikey’s Maxims
Micheal Schaer, DVM,DACVIM, DACVECC, Prof. Emeritus University of Florida An Introduction from Dr. Cooke Uncle Mikey’s Maxims endure because they teach us how to think—not just what to know. For new practitioners, they provide steady footing in a profession that can feel overwhelming very quickly. Early on, it’s easy to get lost in diagnostics, technology, […]
The Unspoken Grief of Veterinary Medicine
This is why veterinary medicine is so hard. Only one veterinarian in my entire time in vet school ever spoke openly about a patient who died on his watch. Only one. His name was Michael Schaer, DVM, DACVIM, DACVECC, Professor Emeritus at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Thank goodness he did. Dr. Schaer—known […]
Cinnamon Twig (Gui Zhi)
Cinnamon Twig, known in Traditional Chinese Medicine as Gui Zhi, is a warming, harmonizing herb that supports circulation, immunity, and the body’s ability to adapt to cold, stress, and seasonal change. Unlike culinary cinnamon bark, Gui Zhi is gentle and strategic — it works at the surface and within the channels, helping the body regulate temperature, movement, […]
Rehmannia: A Cornerstone of TCVM
Rehmannia has been one of the cornerstone herbs in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) for centuries. Known as Shu Di Huang when prepared and Sheng Di Huang when raw, this potent root nourishes the Kidney and Liver systems — the organ networks linked to strength, aging, stamina, blood health, and long-term resilience. For both people […]
The Cost of Caring: Why We Must Reform Student Loan Interest for Veterinary and Healing Professions
A Policy & Advocacy Brief from drcookevet.com — Healers Have to Heal! 💜 💜 Our Mission We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting veterinarians, technicians, and students through mentorship, education, scholarships, and mental-wellness initiatives. Our goal is simple: to help healers heal — personally, professionally, and financially. ⚖️ The Problem Veterinary and other healing professionals are […]
Life Threatening Anemia treated with Food Therapy and B12 in a 17 year old Feline
Morgan at 20 years of age. 3 years after initial visit.
Astragalus (Huang Qi)
Astragalus, known in Traditional Chinese Medicine as Huang Qi, is one of the most important longevity and vitality herbs in all of Eastern medicine. It is not a stimulant — it is a foundation builder. Its purpose is to strengthen the body’s core life force (Qi), especially in those who are depleted from stress, chronic […]
Impact Statement
This nonprofit was founded to serve an underserved community of veterinary healers—providing education, mental health support, and professional growth in the art and science of veterinary medicine. Our mission is to nurture those who have dedicated their lives to animal care, ensuring they are equipped not only with advanced skills but also with the resilience […]
The Symbolism of the Dragonfly Logo
drcookevet.com – What’s in a Logo? The dragonfly has long been regarded as a symbol of transformation, adaptability, and resilience. Across cultures, it represents light, change, and self-realization, qualities that mirror the mission of our nonprofit: to nurture and grow veterinary healers in all stages of their careers. Transformation & Growth Like the dragonfly’s metamorphosis […]
Integrative Management of Cervical Pain Mimicking Hindlimb Weakness in a Geriatric Giant Breed Dog
Signalment and Initial Presentation Sally Barham, an 8-year-old spayed female English Mastiff weighing 158 lbs (71.7 kg), presented in April 2023 for evaluation of progressive mobility issues. Her owners reported difficulty rising from rest, hesitancy with stairs, reluctance entering or exiting a vehicle, and a recent episode of discomfort while attempting to lie down. Sally […]