With trembling hands and red eyes, the veterinarian looked at me pleadingly. “I have 12 pets I never even meant to have. There are IV bags that just stay hung up in my bathroom. I work all day, and then I go home and take care of animals I took in because clients couldn’t pay… Read More
Archives for January 2019
Are You Your Worst Enemy? Be Aware of Your Self Talk
As a veterinary mentor and wellness coach, I regularly speak with veterinarians who are impacted by negative self-talk. Veterinarians often get into the habit of judging their abilities/performance and ruminating over their actions. Frequently, we are our own worse critics. Being a vet comes with great responsibility. We are often faced with life or death… Read More
Why I’d Rather Do Just About Anything Than Work on My Own Pets
I’ll tell you two secrets: I hate taking care of my own (including my family’s) pets I rarely let anyone else do it. This isn’t an indictment of my family members, their pets, or my pets. It’s an acknowledgement of the pressure (all self-induced) I feel when I don’t have that one step of distance… Read More
Land of Opportunity: What I’ve Learned as a Vet Tech from Working with Americans
Ten years ago I traveled to New York from Japan, by myself, to become a vet tech. I chose America because I believed anything was possible. At least that’s what Nike said. I met a vet tech online who taught me about becoming a tech. I decided to follow her path. She was the only… Read More
Why Age Is Not a Disease
“They are too old for surgery!” “My other vet said they can’t undergo anesthesia because they are over 10.” “I’m afraid she won’t survive because she is so old.” “He is just old – I don’t think he needs pain medication.” I hear these words almost daily and every time I have to give owners… Read More
“Thank You for Not Judging Me”
The day after Christmas started normally for a day in the clinic… with an emergency. Petey had been vomiting since Christmas Eve. By the time he made it to my exam room, he was looking miserable. “Were there any Christmas parties?” I asked Mom. “Any holiday treats he could have gotten into?” “No,” she said,… Read More