In my time as a CVT I’ve witnessed and assisted in more euthanasias than I can count. The old age, the sick, the unexpected. The “we’re ready,” and the “we weren’t ready yet.” I’ve listened to stories about the tired old dog in his puppyhood while the owner imagined him running free again. I’ve assured… Read More
Life With Clients
Pet Owners, Just Let Us Do Our Job
I recently had to use my stern voice. You know the one. It started with a “ma’am” because I feel like that sets the tone. Then I got my hand movements involved. A little bit of waving and motioning helped for maybe five seconds then I had to say a stern “ma’am” again. In the… Read More
Long ER Waiting Times Are Stressful. I Feel it, Too
It was a typical busy night in the ICU. Patients were coming in several at a time, procedures were piling up and multiple animals needed to be hospitalized for immediate treatments. As I rushed from patient to patient, filling in my technician on what needs to get done, receiving results from blood/ urine tests and… Read More
It’s Not About You… They Might Have Diarrhea
This was Mrs. Rudder’s third visit to see me about Harry’s skin. The little old pug sat happily on the bench next to her and I gently looked him over. Overall, he was doing great! His skin was less red and he was no longer keeping her up at night with his scratching. However, as… Read More
It’s Time to Change Privacy Laws to Protect Veterinarians
I’m sick of it. I’m very sick of the law not keeping up with current trends such as Internet reviews and harassment. I’m sick of hearing another story of “they killed my dog on purpose” with the veterinarian unable to give their account of the event. I’m sick of people getting their friends to put… Read More
I Watched Your Dog Die Today
I watched your dog pass away today. I did everything I could but it still succumbed to its disease. I watched your dog suffer for days as I tried to comfort it. I watched your dog continue to vomit even with the best anti-emetics. I watched your dog groan in pain even with high doses… Read More