In memory and honor of one very special cat.. how Edward J. Nichols, DVM, Crestway Animal Clinic, San Antonio, Texas, treated Suki. Read Suki's Story.

For details on the lawsuit that this QUACK Ed Nichols, Crestway Animal Clinic, filed on me in an attempt to silence me from telling what happened to Suki at Crestway Animal Clinic,  see the timeline

For the Texas Board investigation of  Ed Nichols, Crestway Animal Clinic, see the allegations here

Do you need to file a complaint against a veterinarian? Click Enter above.

April 26, 2009

Ten years.

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Ten years ago today,  my life changed forever. I always say that in some ways, my life ended -- at  least life as I knew it.  In talking with so many victims of veterinary neglect, incompetence, malpractice, and abuse, that is the one common denominator, almost to a person, that all of them say:  My life will never be the same.  

On the 10th anniversary of Suki's death, I look back and look forward as I do every year on this date. I think of the events leading up to her horrendous death, and wonder yet again, How did this happen? It happened because I trusted a vet that I  should have NEVER trusted. It happened because I learned things too late that would have helped Suki.  And most of all, it happened because we had the terrible misfortune to land in the hands of a  monster -- a "doctor"  who had absolutely NO respect for Suki's life, for my life as her SOLE guardian, who  performed unauthorized  procedures on her without my knowledge or consent, who did not administer IV fluids to a dying, dehydrated body, who couldn't even be bothered to keep accurate or complete records on her,  and then -- in acts of almost incomprehensible cowardice and arrogance,  not only blamed me for what happened and dodged ALL accountability at the state board level,  but also came after me with lawyers to try to silence me from telling what he had done to my cat. My cat. Not his. Mine.

I wish I could say that the nightmare that happened to Suki and me was a fluke -- some freak of nature or misalignment of the planets. An event so unlikely that you could go your whole lifetime and never hear of any such thing happening  to anyone else.

But I can't. Over the past 10 years, I have heard literally hundreds of stories from victims all over the world --  horror stories as bad as Suki's, and worse.  Stories of vets that you can't imagine would ever be able to look at themselves in the mirror or sleep at night again, and yet they do just fine -- shifting blame, twisting facts, timelines, and patient records,  escaping accountability by their state vet boards, and blustering,  blathering, and whining about how everyone else -- including competent vets who may have tried to fix the hideous damage they did to an innocent animal --  is either crazy, lying, stupid, or wrong.   

But I can't worry about such monsters anymore; nothing can stop them except an increasingly-savvy public who stops handing over their trust and their pets to them. That day can't come soon enough for me. It's the unending  grief, pain,  and emotional devastation experienced  by victims of veterinary malpractice, negligence, incompetence, and abuse that are simply  heartbreaking. There is often no place to go with what has happened as a result of the ultimate betrayal of trust  -- victims are routinely dismissed by the vets themselves in ways ranging from cowardly to contemptible,  ignored by veterinary boards, hamstrung within a  legal system where pets are nothing more than property,  and ridiculed by the vet's "fans"  who for some inexplicably arrogant reason seem to believe they are immune from such nightmares.  

People who wouldn't even think of mocking a parent who lost a child  or standing up for a pediatrician who malpracticed or beat a child, seem to lose their minds -- and their souls -- when it comes to dealing with victims of vets. Some of them have no idea how close they really are to a tragedy of their own -- or how their pets may have already experienced one and they just don't know it. I would have NEVER known what had happened to Suki had she not lived long enough to be seen by four other vets who tried so hard to save her, but  too late.  

There are bright spots, however, and that's what victims must stay focused on if we are to overcome the cruelty, callousness, apathy and arrogance of some individuals in the veterinary profession and at  the state  veterinary boards.  In Texas, for example, fellow advocates have made significant strides in reporting the shenanigans at the state board level,  or posting  public disciplinary records online when the Texas board decided arbitrarily to remove vital information that the public has the right to know.  Where I was alone in Texas 10 years ago, there are now other advocates speaking up and speaking out about the shameful inadequacies in the system, and helping to change it no matter how hard thevets and the board fight to keep the status quo. 

The process may still be heavily tipped in favor of the vets,  thanks to behind-the-scenes tactics that make sure that vets' political and professional agendas take precedence over consumer rights,  but much less so than when Suki's case was dismissed in a travesty of epic proportions in 2000, when the reviewing vet ignored every single piece of evidence of numerous violations of the standard of care -- the same evidence that was reviewed by my experts when the vet came after me five years later with lawyers. That scenario, as it turns out, was  not a fluke either: complaints by Texas vet victims are dismissed at a rate of 92 percent no matter how much evidence and expert opinion exists. Worse, some vets are suing their own victims in an attempt to silence them with unconstitutional injunctions, punish them for filing complaints or relating experiences, or simply using their considerable money to bully their way through the legal system.

Veterinary boards and their abuse of political and economic power and privilege have always been a focus of this site.  They have the right to know when systems fail so miserably, are so broken and so flawed, that they demand to be fixed to save our pets' lives -- literally. They have the right to know exactly when, where, and how these systems are not protecting our pets. 

I couldn't protect Suki. The nearly-20 years I had spent previously shielding her from every harm, making every decision with her in mind,  getting her EVERY medical treatment she ever needed or was ever recommended by ANY vet ANYwhere -- it all meant nothing when I blindly handed my trust over to a vile individual whom I wouldn't have let within 100 miles of her had I known what he really was.  

For that reason, I have made it my lifelong mission to do everything possible to make sure that not ONE animal, not ONE human, has to go through what Suki and I did. That too, is a mission shared by virtually every victim I meet, because when something this bad happens to you, the only thing you can do with it is use it to help others. There is nothing else. 

So on this day, 10 years since I held Suki in my arms for the last time, I still marvel at how this extraordinary little cat who stood up to a monster gave me the strength to stand up to that same monster. For that I thank my  friends, my family, my incredible attorneys, the brave and ethical veterinarians who stood by me every step of the way and went on the record about  what was done to Suki, my fellow advocates, all of my fellow victims and all of the beautiful animals I will never meet but who shared Suki's bravery. Every one of them  faced down their own monsters, fought for their lives, and left a legacy that has empowered their humans to continue this fight for as long as it takes to guarantee the safety of companion animals in a veterinarian's office. We don't do what we do for our pets or for ourselves - we do it for those who have not yet met the veterinarian who is going to change their lives forever. 

Many, many thanks to those who have written such beautiful letters of support to  me, for our cause, and for our incredible animals. I cannot tell you what your words of encouragement, affirmation, friendship, and understanding have meant.  Most of all, I thank Suki  for being the most amazing companion a human could ever have.  I miss her every day of my life. I wish all of you had known her; then you would know why I will never stop fighting, why I will never forget, and why I will never be silenced. As I have said from the beginning: 

I stand by all original material on this site. It is protected under the freedom of speech, the First Amendment, and the greatest protection of all -- the TRUTH. 

--Julie  Catalano

From Suki's Story:

"Here is what I get to live with for the rest of my life: Edward J. Nichols, DVM, putting Suki into an induction box where she had to inhale halothane and nitrous oxide while I knew nothing about it. Ed Nichols extracting a tooth without my permission or even having the simple human decency to inform me of anything he was doing to her. Ed Nichols not giving Suki IV fluids after recording “v. dehydrated” on her chart. The unbearable and eternal agony of now knowing Suki lay dying, dehydrated in a cage, at Crestway Animal Clinic, while I had no idea at the time. And these horrifying events are only the tip of the iceberg.

Don’t ever lull yourself into thinking that this can’t happen to you. I would have said the same thing before I was forced to live through this nightmare. 

My only hope is that Suki’s Story helps somebody reading these words.  If only one pet guardian learns something from what happened here, if only one animal is helped by any of this, if only one veterinarian makes the ethical choice to treat our companions as the family members that they are, then my brave and beautiful Suki did not die in vain."  

- From Suki's Story

Truth is [justice’s] handmaid, freedom is its child, peace is its companion, safety walks in its steps, victory follows in its train... -  Sydney Smith

The time will come when men such as I will look upon the murder of animals as they now look on the murder of men. - Leonardo da Vinci

The truth is as impossible to be soiled by any outward touch as the sunbeam – John Milton

A letter to Suki

 August 5, 1979 - April 26, 1999

Do you need to file a complaint against a veterinarian? Start here.

Texas Residents: Do you know your veterinarian's disciplinary record? CHECK HERE!

Just because their name isn't on there doesn't mean there isn't a problem -- 92 PERCENT of ALL malpractice complaints against Texas vets are DISMISSED. Just like Suki's was, in spite of all the evidence.

 January 2009 - LAWSUIT FINALLY OVER

Ed Nichols, Crestway Animal Clinic, and his lawyer Ann Comerio FAILED in their attempts to dismantle this web site or get any type of injunction against me.

Edward J. Nichols, owner of Crestway Animal Clinic, San Antonio, FAILED to get any type of injunction against me or my site in ANY WAY after my  nearly three-year battle against him to protect my First Amendment rights. I hope he spent a bloody fortune coming after me, and for what? The judge ruled back on July 28, 2005, that there was "no legal impediment to maintain her web page," and yet Nichols WOULD NOT STOP his legal onslaught against me. 

But in the end Ed Nichols showed his true color -- YELLOW. And now his unconscionable legal attacks on me are over FOREVER.

On July 21, 2005, Edward J. Nichols, DVM, Crestway Animal Clinic, San Antonio, Texas, filed a lawsuit against me, the owner of this site, seeking a permanent injunction to dismantle vetabusenetwork.com and enjoin me from expressing my opinions about him and his treatment of Suki. 

Nichols FAILED to get an injunction against me or this site (see order denying injunction here) 

Nichols FAILED AGAIN on appeal (see 4th Court of Appeals decision here) 

 After 2 1/2 years of litigation by Nichols, this matter was set for trial on March 10, 2008. 

A settlement announcement was made in Bexar County District Court. Neither Ed Nichols nor his lawyer Ann Comerio appeared in open court for the settlement announcement, and

ED NICHOLS' CASE AGAINST ME WAS DISMISSED WITH FINALITY ON MARCH 10, 2008.

FINALLY, in January 2009 a signed copy of the settlement agreement with Nichols' signature on it was presented to me for co-signature ten months after his case against me was dismissed by the court.  May Ed Nichols ROT IN HELL for what he put Suki, and then what he put ME and MY FAMILY through with a legal nightmare that started in July 2005 with an attempt to get a temporary (unconstitutional) injunction to silence me from telling the TRUTH and to try to get a permanent (unconstitutional) injunction against me. 

Neither Suki nor I did anything to deserve this bag o'scum in our lives, and I will spend the rest of my life shouting from the rooftops what he did first to Suki, and then to me. 

I can't say it often enough - may Ed Nichols, this "nice guy," rot in hell. And should this stupid, arrogant son of a bitch be brain-dead enough to come after me again with his Keystone Cops team of bottom-feeding lawyers, I will fight even louder and longer to defend my First Amendment rights against what is without a doubt the most repulsive, ignorant, incompetent dirtbag I've ever had the misfortune to meet. 

I will NEVER forget. And I will NEVER be silenced. 

 - Julie Catalano

Founder, vetabusenetwork.com

Here is a wonderful quote found by my friend and fellow citizen advocate Greg Munson. Thought I would pass it along for anybody who is fighting the good fight for justice and against corrupt systems that protect the wealthy and powerful. Thanks to everyone who "sends forth a tiny ripple of hope." -- JC

Each time a person stands for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he or she sends forth a tiny ripple of hope. And crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance. Few are willing to embrace the disapproval of their fellows, the censure of their colleagues, the wrath of their society. Moral courage is a rarer commodity than bravery in battle or great intelligence. Yet it is the one essential vital quality for those who seek to change a world that yields most painfully to change. --Robert F. Kennedy

Media Coverage on vetabusenetwork.com in Texas

KSAT-12 in San Antonio Asks "Who's Vetting Your Vet?" 

"Vets are getting away with murder, basically..." Greg Munson. advocate, Mesquite, TX

San Antonio--ABC affiliate KSAT-12 aired an investigative piece on Tuesday, November 18, entitled "Vetting Your Vet." Reported by April Molina, the Defenders segment focused on pet owners trying to make changes at the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. Advocates Greg Munson (www.stempy.net) and Julie Catalano, founder of vetabusenetwork.com were interviewed, along with Dewey Helmcamp, executive director of the state board.

More media coverage

--Julie Catalano, founder, vetabusenetwork.com

For the Texas Board investigation of Ed Nichols, Crestway Animal Clinic, see the allegations here

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Major Legal Victory in Washington State!

Do you suspect your pet died as a result of an unauthorized procedure by a vet? You might be interested in a big legal win that just took place in Washington State. Read A Major Victory for Animal Guardians posted at the Animal Legal Defense Fund site. 

Excerpt:

The Court of Appeals for the State of Washington just released a ­published opinion in an important case brought by ALDF member and animal lawyer Adam Karp, and in which ALDF attorneys filed an amicus brief. The case, Sherman v. Kissinger, No. 60137-7-1 (Wash. Ct. App. Sept. 29, 2008), stemmed from the death of Ruby, a toy poodle, following an unauthorized procedure by her veterinarian.  

Represented by Karp, Ruby’s guardian Arlene Sherman sued the vet and the hospital, bringing claims for professional negligence, breach of fiduciary duty, negligent misrepresentation, conversion, trespass to chattels, breach of bailment contract, and negligent infliction of emotional distress. more

WE WILL NEVER FORGET... WE WILL NEVER BE SILENCED....WE WILL NEVER FORGET... WE WILL NEVER BE SILENCED....WE WILL NEVER FORGET... WE WILL NEVER BE SILENCED...

Do you need to file a complaint against a veterinarian? Start here.

What state are you in?    

Texas residents, go to Texas Page  

Check out the new States Project on vetabusenetwork.com that will monitor legislation, veterinary board actions, news and media coverage, web sites, and other related links from your state 

--Julie Catalano, founder, vetabusenetwork.com 

What are SLAPP lawsuits?  

SLAPP is an acronym for "strategic lawsuit against public participation," a category of lawsuit viewed as an attempt not to win in court, but to harass a nonprofit group or publication that is raising issues of public concern. -- sfgate.com

Read about SLAPP suits - Check out 

SLAPPing Back for Democracy

If you know of any other lawsuits being filed by veterinarians against citizens, send information to speakout@vetabusenetwork.com 

First Amendment Section

  Veterinary incompetence, negligence, and abuse are alive and well in the United States and all over the world. Every day, untold numbers of defenseless animals are left in the hands of some negligent, incompetent doctors who inflict cruelty, injury, and death on our pets -- and get away with it. 

Millions of people take their pets to vets every year. Although skilled, competent veterinary care certainly outweighs  the incidences of negligence and abuse, the damage that those veterinarians do is incalculable in terms of animal suffering, public health and safety, consumer fraud, and the emotional devastation caused by knowing that our beloved pets were harmed or destroyed by the very person entrusted with their care. 

If you believe that no veterinarian anywhere would ever deliberately harm an animal...never abuse client or public trust...never abuse their positions as doctors...or would never violate the laws of their profession...you will learn that public record, disciplinary actions by vet boards, and increasing media coverage on this ugly and disturbing subject say otherwise. 

And if you think that it can't happen to you and your pet...think again.

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