Published by: Ingrid King. Last Updated on: March 27, 2023 by Crystal Uys
Written by Dr. Lynn Bahr, Founder of Dezi and Roo
Unexpected Beginnings
Surprisingly, unlike most in my profession, I did not grow up knowing I would become a veterinarian. It was a cat who got me interested in the practice and I am forever grateful to him. I met Rudolph on July 4th, 1980 and my life was changed forever. He was a unique kitty with an adorable pink nose—it was pale when he slept and then bright red after play. It was my love for Rudolph that inspired me to join the feline veterinary profession. Helping cats and their owners is how I honor his memory.
I know that I am not alone; many people have pets that enter their lives and make a profound impact. The bond that humans share with other creatures is magical and magnificent—I personally find it incredible. That is what I love about veterinary medicine: I get to know people and the pets that are so important to them.
My Life as a Veterinarian
In the past 25 years of my career, the lifestyle of cats has changed dramatically. In the beginning years of my practice, most cats resided primarily outdoors. This was good in terms of exercise, sunshine, and enrichment, but unfortunately I saw and treated many cases of infectious diseases, wounds and trauma. These days many cats live strictly indoors. This is good for keeping cats safe, and preventing many communicable diseases, but instead I now treat them for a myriad of behavioral and inflammatory conditions such as depression, cystitis, diabetes, and obesity – all conditions that can be attributed, at least to some extent, to their change in lifestyle.
As the lifestyle of cats has changed, the way I educate my clients has evolved as well. In addition to finding medical solutions, I also encourage owners to enrich their home environments so that their cats can live long, happy, and healthy lives. I always recommend that cats get exercise, fresh air, healthy food, lots of play, and sunshine. The key is to keep indoor cats stimulated both mentally and physically by bringing the outdoors inside!
A Dream Built from Experience and Passion
As the proud guardian to two adored felines, Dezi and Roo, I know firsthand the plight of an indoor-only cat. Life within four walls can be devoid of stimulation, enrichment and enjoyment. It takes effort to keep things from getting stagnant. There is a common misconception that cats are low-maintenance pets. Nothing could be further from the truth. Today’s feline requires more than food and shelter– they depend on humans for so much more.
Once again, cats changed my life– these two cats recently inspired me to start a solution-based pet product company named Dezi & Roo (what else could I call it?). I combined my passion for strengthening the human-animal bond with my knowledge of what animals need and want, and started Dezi & Roo. The company gives me an opportunity to help cats in a completely different way than I can in the exam room. My goal is to provide pet guardians with products that help solve common household problems. It is a way for me to personally manufacture and recommend products that help to make pets lives happier and healthier.
Since we donate a portion of every sale to animal-related charities, I am also grateful to have the opportunity to raise money for less fortunate animals. My heart swells with every check I am able to write on behalf of Dezi & Roo. I love that I am able to support organizations that are helping to save animals.
Witnessing the profound impact animals have on peoples’ lives is the force that drives me in everything I do. I am excited to see where the future takes me—and how many people pets I can help both through my veterinary practice and my company, Dezi & Roo.
For more information about Dezi and Roo, please visit their website.
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About the author
Ingrid King is an award-winning author, former veterinary hospital manager, and veterinary journalist who is passionate about cats.
Dr. Bahr, please help us cat lovers with other issues. I adopt senior cats & can’t find a good food that won’t cause thyroid & kidney disease. Cat foods have too many toxins. Cats don’t like peas & cranberries, etc. Also, many vets don’t distinguish the difference between pain medications & anti-inflamatories. The latter negatively impact the kidneys. Two of my cats were killed by metacam.
Dr. Bahr is the most gifted, wise and intuitive vet I’ve ever encountered; meeting her has been one of life’s unexpected blessings. She has been watching over our motley crew of felines for over a decade, and has rescued them from fibrosarcoma (six years later, and still going strong), calmed them when they were insane (will never forget that wall-climbing Matrix scene we recreated with those feral kittens and their mum), and helped our whole family through the process of saying goodbye when there were no more stones left to turn. Dr. Bahr is simply amazing, and this family – humans and cats alike – all adore her.
Dr Bahr is such a blessing to both cats and their owners, her genuine care & passion for our feline family & friends is unmeasurable. Thank you Dr Bahr for your knowledge & care, for helping us keep our cats healthy both physically and mentally.
Lovely story about Dr. Bahr. I like how she explained the different lifestyle changes she has seen in cats.
I have one cat that is a little overweight. I never thought about not being able to go outside as a risk factor for cats having obesity. I think I will have more play times with her through out the day. She likes to chase the laser pointer right before bed and actually cries if I don’t do it as soon as she is ready.
great info…..
Enjoyed her interview.