I just returned from a speaking engagement in Indiana where I educated young veterinarians about self-care. We talked about compassion fatigue, euthanasia, assertiveness and stress relief techniques. I flew home at night. Because of weather delays, I didn’t see my bed until 1:30 am. This is past my bedtime. I had the sense to take… Read More
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How Good Veterinarians Are Like Action Heroes
There’s always been a soft spot in my heart for cheesy action movies. Think: Robert Downey Junior in a metal suit, Bruce Willis in a skyscraper, or Arnold Schwarzenegger anywhere except a political office. I love bad dialogue, implausible situations, and good guys blowing things up. I think anyone who has ever watched that… Read More
The Realities of Human Error In Veterinary Surgery
Helmut* was one of my cancer patients. He also had a painful, nonvisual eye. The eye ended up giving him more trouble than the tumor and the owner elected to have it removed. She had it removed by a board-certified ophthalmologist (not at the hospital I work at, I hasten to add). There was a… Read More
All I Need to Know in Vet Med I Learned From Yoda
I live in a Star Wars Fandom household. I’m pretty sure the main reason my Gen-X, Comic-Con loving husband agreed to have kids was that so he would have an excuse to buy every Star Wars Lego in existence and drag his ancient Millennium Falcon action figure out of the garage. He tried, unsuccessfully, to… Read More
5 Tips to Keep Cats Happy at the Vet Clinic
Do you dread taking your cat to the veterinarian? In the first Cone of Shame of season 2, learn tips for keeping your feline family member calmer on the way to vet visits! [tweetthis]How do you keep your cat calm during a visit to the veterinary clinic? #ConeOfShame[/tweetthis] Read More
The (Dorky) Free Gift Everyone Will Actually LOVE
OK, let me just say upfront that I am fully aware of how nerdy this gift is. However, I’m still going to tell you about it because it makes people feel great, it doesn’t cost a thing, and it might even help your clinic. So what the heck is this magical stocking stuffer? I’ll explain:… Read More