When we met, you were dying. Not in the existential ‘a little every day’ or a slow fade of light, but in the ‘Poo is hitting the fan, move. Now.’ kind of way. I quickly went to work. Your eyes were screaming for help, and you let us. Thank you for letting us, I know it… Read More
Blog
How Being Called an Athlete Changed How I See Myself
I work out a lot. I even work out with a trainer several days per week. I set goals for myself like being able to leg press 360 pounds, or run a 5K race (despite my asthma), or train for a half marathon on rollerblades (yes, they exist!). Despite all of this training, I never… Read More
When Relinquishment Punishes Everyone
It happened again. A family could not afford the care of their pet and the veterinarian offered relinquishment instead of having to euthanize the animal. It should be a feel-good story. It should make you say, “Wow that veterinarian is so nice to do that for that animal instead of euthanizing.” But instead, people get… Read More
When Mastery Takes Time and Lots, Lots, Lots of Practice
It is a rainy day in 2008. It is cold and damp outside. You are walking down a busy city street. You see a veterinary hospital. You decide to go inside. You pull on the wet door handle. You brush the raindrops off your coat. It is very quiet inside. At first you don’t… Read More
The Biscuit Rule of Effective Teamwork
Have you ever had a really good biscuit? I mean the kind that are fluffy, steamy, pillows from heaven and perfect under gravy, with some apple butter, or even stolen off the stovetop before time to leave for the potluck. Now, I know I am going a little too southern for some, but biscuits are… Read More
How to be a Good Boss: Make Your Employees Feel Safe
When I was a baby vet, I worked for a taciturn male veterinarian who never failed to surprise me with his forward thinking. He always asked me questions, not to quiz me, but to soak up some of my fresh-out-of-school knowledge. He pushed me and protected me during the three years of my employment. If… Read More