A year ago, today, I wrote an article about “giving your all to euthanasia”. The article gave comfort to many, including owners. In this article, I stated that “euthanasia can be the hardest part of my job.” As a technician, yes, euthanasia can really wear on my soul. When you have euthanized the third, fourth… Read More
I Was Wrong About the Worst Part of My Job
Why Poor People Should Have Pets Without Judgment
I grew up with my older brother in a low-income household headed by a single mother. We were a family of animal lovers and I decided at an early age I wanted to pursue veterinary medicine. When we finally moved into a home with a yard I begged for us to get a dog. Finally,… Read More
The 5 Dr. Seuss Characters in Your Clinic & Why You Need Them
Working in a veterinary clinic requires everyone to have devotion, ethics, and a sense of humor. It really does bring together people from all walks of life into a wubbulous melting pot. Yes, wubbulous because every vet clinic can be like stepping into a new story of the world of Dr. Seuss. No clinic is… Read More
How This Vet Answers, ‘What Would You Do?’
I’m a veterinarian. I also sometimes play the role of counselor, therapist, or all-around whatever you need in the moment. And on an almost daily basis at the vet clinic, I get asked one question: “What would you do if he/she was yours?” Now depending on the situation, this question can take on various connotations…. Read More
Why I Don’t Give Clients My First Name at Work
Back in ancient times shortly after vet school graduation, I sat to dinner with a recently minted MD and we commiserated about people giving us a hard time about our ages. “I grew a beard,” he said. “It helps.” That option was out for me, so I cut my hair into an unflattering soccer mom… Read More
Are You Stuck in a Toxic Workplace?
I have worked in veterinary medicine for 15 years. It has been an amazing journey, and during this time I have met, connected and formed friendships with many of my colleagues. These colleagues have shared their triumphs and successes as well as their struggles and losses. Some have stayed in the field and some have… Read More