FOLLOW UP

I keep a list of 50-100 patients with ongoing issues. I check half of the cases weekly and half of the cases monthly and update my list daily.

Losing contact with pet parents through death or healing is jarring. Also jarring is losing contact through lack of follow up.

I hate real life stories with open endings like I hate chairs not pushed in, only more deeply. That is my strange quirk to deal with. It is probably why I keep The List.

But you can help.

If your pet is cared for by our team, and we call to check on him or her, please call us back. If things change for better or for worse, please let us know.

Those of you who need advice about your pets, the only thing I ask from you in return is an update on your pet. Let me know how he or she is after we talk.

Knowing how my patients are doing brings peace of mind I can find no other way.

THE REUNION

One of the best feelings in the world is the feeling when a newly adult dog runs across the exam room and jumps into my lap after we have not seen each other for a year.

SOMETIMES A PAUSE IS AS GOOD AS AN OPEN ENDED QUESTION

"I hate to see my dog in pain," she said. "And on top of personal problems we've had recently..."

I stopped my exam and looked up into her eyes.

She told me everything.

She could begin healing.

I could begin praying.

ONE YEAR AGO

MY RAT WUZZY, PART 4

TWO YEARS AGO

IT IS ALWAYS IDEAL TO REMEMBER YOUR PATIENT'S NAME

I AM THANKFUL MY DAUGHTER DOES/DOES NOT WANT TO BE A VET

Being a vet is tough and full of heartache. It is the most rewarding career I can imagine. Through their childhood, Abby and Amanda have declared their plans to be vets (and teachers, artists, writers and more).

We want to be vets so we can pet dogs like Noodle!

We want to be artists like Uncle Dave!

"Don't you guys want to be Millard North Mustangs?"

"No Mom, we want to be Central Eagles!"

As a young woman, Abby has come full circle and is determined to be a vet. I am proud of her, and excited to share this amazing career with her.

I am thankful Abby wants to be a veterinarian.

Abby and Luna

As a young woman, Amanda is determined to be a librarian.

Amanda and Squirtle at Worlds of Fun

I am thankful Amanda does not want to be a veterinarian.

I am proud of her, and relieved that she will be shielded, not from the pain of life, but from the pain of the veterinary field.

Abby and Amanda are huge helps. The baby Boxer would not stop...needing another bath, while Teddy waited patiently for his walk.

They both could change their minds, and we will support them 100%, but where they are now stirs up a mixture of pride, trepidation and relief.

Abby with Olive, Robert and Uncle Dave. Don't think I don't obsess about the futures of our nieces and nephews too, because I do!

Amanda with Arthur. He is undecided about his future plans and prefers to enjoy the present. You are so wise Arthur!

ONE YEAR AGO

NEVER HAVE I EVER...BEEN GROWLED AT BY A BIRD

TWO YEARS AGO

A VERY SMALL SPARROW

THE FIRST WEEK HOME

This is part of a month long series on depression...
 

The first week home was one of the best weeks I can remember.

Abby and Amanda and I spent the last week of summer together.

Eleanor (our van) and I drove the girls and their friends all over Omaha.

Abby's friend Chloe handed me a bouquet of flowers the first time she got into the van that week. I held onto them till the very last daisy. I loved them so much.

...

Post from one year ago today...

September 13, 2016

TWITTER, PART 8 OF 8 - KEEP TWEETING UNTIL IT MAKES SENSE

...

Next month is a happier topic. I will post all of the pictures you send.