Jerry Ouellette shares updates from his off-grid cottage work and growing frustrations with corporate veterinary clinics that are changing policies and raising prices.

• Dealing with a total fire ban at the cottage while needing to clear brush and fallen trees
• Completed major structural work replacing a 22-foot section of 8x8 beam using pony walls
• Building new dock cribbing with hemlock lumber due to historically low water levels
• Managing his chocolate lab Gunner's hot spots that develop after swimming
• Gunner uniquely asks to have his teeth brushed by standing between Jerry and the sink
• Corporate veterinary clinics now requiring annual visits before providing medications
• Approximately 60% of veterinary clinics now owned by corporations according to Marketplace
• Prices doubling for basic services after corporate takeover of local vet clinic
• Similar corporate ownership patterns affecting golf courses and reducing community programs
• Some pet owners turning to international telemedicine and medication services for affordability

If you have questions or suggestions for future episodes, please reach out. Stay tuned for upcoming episodes featuring John Snell the tea expert and updates on Chaga harvesting.