Bella's First Checkup

Maddie is a daydreaming fourth-grader with a fear of doctors' offices that dates back to before she can even remember. Her vivid imagination, combined with her worrisome nature, has nurtured this fear. When Maddie's family gets a Golden Retriever puppy named Bella, Maddie's happiness is replaced by panic when she discovers that a trip to the vet is in order. Through Bella's many fun and educational puppy visits to the veterinary clinic, Maddie and her family learn how to raise a healthy and happy puppy, and Maddie begins to view doctors' offices in a whole new light. But will this carry over to "her" doctor's office? Much to Maddie's surprise, in the process of facing her fear head-on, she discovers she has a new passion in her life. Manette Kohler is a veterinarian in Southeast Wisconsin where she provides animal behavior consultations for cats and dogs. If she could have one wish granted, it would be for all pet owners to have loving, trusting, respectful and fulfilling relationships with their pets. She's contributed as a freelance writer and columnist for nationally recognized Dog World magazine and, currently, for Wisconsin-based FETCH magazine. She speaks locally and regionally, to veterinary audiences as well as pet owners and other pet professionals, on animal behavior topics including: canine body language, dog bite prevention, feline behavior and dog park safety, as well as dog bite prevention talks for school and library groups. She especially enjoys working with families, teaching parents and their children about canine body language and how children can become trusted, respectful, and compassionate friends to their pets. When not working, Dr. Kohler enjoys spending time with her family which includes her husband, two daughters, two dogs, two cats and a feisty, pint-sized rabbit.