In human medicine, many times we are prescribed certain medications (to treat an acute condition) that might be risky to our health and could possibly cause some serious adverse reaction. However, it may be the best medication in the market to treat, cure, or alleviate our condition and, fully informed of both options, good and bad, we probably will make the decision of taking the medication, even if there are some risks and disadvantages associated with it.

As a responsible pet owner I have always wanted to know what type of medications have been prescribed for my pet, and how this medication would help or affect my pet's life. I want to be informed. It is my right and duty to know the risks involved in a certain treatment in order to make a conscientious decision when dealing with my pet's health.

The Pet Tribune has been surrounded by controversy. In the July/August issue, an article was published about the possible side effects of Rymadil. The article quoted the warning that appears on the Rimadyl medication package and the possible adverse reactions of using this medication. In the past we have published many articles that have showcased the benefits of Rimadyl for our pets and felt that we must also make the public aware of possible side effects. In fact, in this issue there is a wonderful article about how Rymadil could help your pet. Are we contradicting ourselves by publishing both articles with opposite viewpoints on the same subject? Of course not. We are allowing you, the reader, to carefully review both sides of the subject so that you can make an educated decision that is right for you and your pets. However, because of this article many veterinary clinics have decided not to display the issue or to no longer make The Pet Tribune available to their clients. This form of censorship is just as grave as any other; to allow a select few to decide what you should or should not be reading is an infringement on your freedom, guaranteed to you in the Bill of Rights.

It is our job as a journalistic entity to ensure that the general public hears both sides of the story, and that the news is reported as accurately as possible. To refuse to publish an article because of a differentiating viewpoint is to be biased and will jeopardize our credibility. Censorship in any form is a grave matter. It threatens the principles that this nation was founded on, and it affects a person's ability to reason and make decisions when only one side of an argument is presented. The Pet Tribune will not allow itself to be censored. The only promise we make to our readers is that we will do our best to ensure that they are entertained, educated, and informed about all that is happening that can affect them and their companion animals in the hopes that they can truly enjoy the wonders of sharing their life with a pet.

The controversy continued with our September/October issue, which featured handbag designer Kathrine Baumann and the story of her Rhodesian Ridgebacks and the role they have had in her life. The cover photo showed Kathrine embracing her beloved Rusty. The way Rusty was posed in front of Kathrine gave the impression that Kathrine was nude (although it showed no parts of the human anatomy and she was in fact wearing a strapless bathing suit). The comments we received were outrageous, to say the least. We were accused of everything from "selling sex instead of pet products" to publishing a "nasty" photo, and we even heard that "The Pet Tribune has gone pornographic." To say that I was stunned by this reaction is an understatement. How could anyone see anything other than a photo of the love between a beautiful woman and a majestic dog, captured by the camera lens of Charles Bush, one of the most acclaimed fashion photographers? Then I realized that a person's best friend could also be their worst enemy…their imagination. To those critics I suggest that if sex were not a preoccupation, they could revel in the beauty of a breathtaking photograph and read the heartwarming story of Kathrine and her Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

I should also mention that although there was much criticism regarding the last issue, the compliments far outweighed them. This issue was one of the most successful in recent times…sometimes actions speak louder than words.

The holidays are one of the most joyful times of the year to most everyone. This issue is loaded with excellent information to help you and your pet prepare for them.

This is also the last editorial I will write for the year 2000. I must say that it has been an eventful and creative year for us here at The Pet Tribune. Our staff and I want to thank you for your support, and for giving us the opportunity to serve you for the last six years.

Have a wonderful and prosperous 2001!

Marie Tabsch
Publisher