Last Sunday night I reluctantly received a lesson in compassion, generosity, and servant leadership from a turtle; a box turtle with most of her insides hanging out of her backside. I had experienced an unusually busy weekend “off work” tending to a remodeling contractor, out-of-town family and an ill family member across town. Sunday evening,… Read More
Perspective
Stop Dumping On Your Receptionists
“The job isn’t hard, why can’t they do it right?” I’ve heard it time and time again. Receptionists get dumped on by veterinarians, managers and sometimes by one of their own. We take our frustrations out on them because of poor scheduling, client messages and even the inability to decipher what a client meant on… Read More
What’s in Your Suitcase?
On a recent trip, I took this photograph of my family’s suitcases. Can you guess which one is mine? Did you guess “the big one”? Why? Maybe because I’m a woman, and so I must bring too many clothes? Is it because I overpack? Well, you’re right about the suitcase, but for the wrong reasons…. Read More
Do I Regret My Career Choice?
Almost twenty-four years ago, I stepped into the field of Veterinary Medicine. Younger, blonder than I am now, and so naïve. I had no idea what I was getting involved in. I thought, as so many do, that our world was made up of puppies and kittens, with a few sick pets thrown in between…. Read More
The Art of Not Making Everybody Happy All the Time
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
5 Parenting Lessons That Helped Me Become a Better Team Member
Whoa, Nelly! My wife and I just became first-time parents a little over two weeks ago. It’s been a hectic few weeks and what a rush of an experience. Our little daughter is perfect in our eyes and the journey was certainly heart-warming and eye-opening. Despite all the books, birthing classes and advice from colleagues… Read More