91: This Is Vet Med: Fighting for Tomorrow for a Dog Born Blind, Deaf, and with Epilepsy

Christopher Pachel, DVM, DACVB, CABC, is a board-certified Veterinary Behaviorist of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. His work has garnered him international recognition as a thought leader, and coveted keynote speaker and educator. Pachel has traveled the world, headlining international conferences and teaching inspiring lessons about animal aggression, animal behavior, and industry trends. Tracy Richards lives near Cleveland, Ohio, with her family including 5 dogs and three cats. Tracy’s animals are the heart of her life, especially her dog Asha, an 11 year old Double Merle Australian Shepherd who was born deaf and blind. Asha also has epilepsy and experiences severe anxiety. Tracy has spent the last eleven years working with Family Veterinarians, Behavioral Veterinarians, Chinese Medicine Practitioners, Acupuncturists, Animal Communicators and anyone else who could provide options to ease Asha’s unrest. She met Pachel when Asha was 10 months old and in him found a touchstone that would allow for peace amidst the chaos. Asha has been Tracy‘s biggest challenge, greatest joy and most relentless teacher. She is writing a book about their life together. Asha: Lessons in Hope and Life will be published in Fall of 2022. Her website is http://tracyrichards.co/.