The Pet Blogger Challenge 2018
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Challenges
"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Proverbs 4:23, NIV
"Don't harden your hearts..." Hebrews 3:8, NIV
“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and loved more than you know.”
― A.A. Milne, The Pooh Story Book
Things I have been told during my career:
"You need to toughen up."
"You can not be so emotionally invested."
"You need a harder heart."
No, no and no.
When there is grief, I need to be gentle, I care deeply and I need a soft heart. The payoff has always been that I am emotionally steamrollered. One sad case can flatten me for days and have lasting effects. It has always been worth it. I would rather be there in the midst of the sadness than anywhere else.
But what if instead of our hearts becoming hardened or remaining completely vulnerable to destruction, there were a third option?
We are instructed in the Bible to guard our hearts, but not to to have hard hearts. How is that possible?
I think the key is in developing a stronger heart.
How?
Some of the strengthening of a heart is supernatural. It is not something we can will to happen, but it is something we can allow to happen.
When the next appointment is a euthanasia or a quality of life consult, do you open the door and walk in prepared to be fully emotionally engaged? Already, with each experience your heart grows stronger.
Our hearts can also be strengthened through repetition. Keep walking into difficult situations over and over. Not that we have a choice as veterinary professionals. Guard your heart. Do not let it become hardened. Let it grow stronger with every experience.
You are already stronger than you know and becoming even stronger.
"Don't Let Your Heart Be Hardened" by Petra
Don't let your heart be hardened - don't let your love grow cold
May it always stay so childlike - may it never grow too old
Don't let your heart be hardened - may you always know the cure
Keep it broken before Jesus, keep it thankful, meek, and pure
May it always feel compassion - may it beat as one with God's
May it never be contrary - may it never be at odds
May it always be forgiving - may it never know conceit
May it always be encouraged - may it never know defeat
May your heart be always open - never satisfied with right
May your heat be filled with courage and strengthened with all might
Let His love rain down upon you
Breaking up your fallow ground
Let it loosen all the binding
Till only tenderness is found
ONE YEAR AGO
TWO YEARS AGO
I am thankful for my OCD.
A therapist once told me she did not think anyone could get through medical school without some degree of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
That made me think - and start to reframe. Maybe this was a blessing?
I have very mild OCD. I do not know what I would do or how I would feel if I had more severe symptoms - that seems to me as though it would be an ongoing, heartbreaking struggle.
It can be bothersome to me and others to cope even with my mild OCD. But I have learned over many years to harness and direct it. I wanted to learn how to communicate with clients better. I found the best book I could and read it twice. I will most likely do that with the second book as well. There are also conferences. And veterinary specific resources. And books referenced in the first book.
Skills for Communicating with Patients - great book!
Everything I want to learn about veterinary medicine - or other things in life - even now I obsess over and focus on until I have completely overdone it. OCD is why I can write a daily blog. It is why I can read every issue of JAVMA (Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association) and every other journal I receive without getting bored.
It is why I have brought the communications book home this past weekend to read a third time.
It is why I cry every time I see the Scrubs episode in which Michael J. Fox plays a doctor with severe OCD. I empathize, but I also think "There but for the grace of God go I." I have it so easy compared to so many.
I am thankful.
I am thankful for my introversion.
I have always been introverted. A friend told me in high school that in kindergarten, she did not think I could talk.
Mostly I have been okay with my quiet nature. In eighth grade, I decided to be extroverted. That lasted as long as my pep talk to myself in my bedroom mirror.
Extroverts draw energy from time with people. As an introvert, I enjoy time with people, but draw energy from time alone.
A trait intwined in my introversion is empathy. People must be able to sense that.
Two grocery store cashier examples...
Russ and I were checking out at a grocery store we had never been to. The cashier asked how we were. "Fine," Russ said. "Good," I said. "How are you?" The cashier teared up and said that her son was in the hospital, and she was scared and she really needed me to pray for him. I teared up too. "I will," I said. I did.
We left with our groceries, and Russ stared at me. "You weren't kidding," he said. "People really do open up to you."
Grocery store cashier story number two...
We were checking out at our neighborhood grocery store and had a cashier we had not met before. Again, she asked how we were. Again I asked how she was. She stopped checking groceries for a moment and looked up. "My boyfriend drove me to work, but then he broke up with me. I have to work this whole night shift before I can go home and think about it." "Well he is stupid," I said. "You can do better." She smiled a little, and finished checking us out. THE NEXT NIGHT, Russ was checking out with the same cashier. "How are you?" he asked. "Fine thanks!" she said, and handed him his bag of groceries.
So weird! And such an honor. It happens all the time in the exam rooms at work too. Maybe because we are alone in a small room. Maybe because we have the person's beloved pet between us to break the ice. But because it happens elsewhere and so frequently, I suspect it is also because people sense my empathy and introversion and know they are safe opening up.
Many introverts do not like small talk. I do. I absolutely love when that talk falls right into the deep end, and we can start solving life problems together, even in the check out aisle.
I am not the veterinarian who will slap your back and yell a greeting to you, but I will care for your pet as if she or he were my own, and I will think about your pet's ailment alone in my office until I figure out the next step. Our conversations will not be awesome on my end (thanks for holding our conversations up clients and friends!) but I will listen and care.
I love the extroverts in my life. We balance each other nicely. I love the introverts in my life. We understand each other. And I love my introversion and everything that goes with it.
ONE YEAR AGO
I WENT TO THE DENTIST, AND IT WASN'T THAT BAD
TWO YEARS AGO
This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for my small mammal and cat allergies, however...
...this is a blessing I cannot quite get my head around.
I miss small mammals and cats so much it sometimes almost hurts. Just a few weeks ago, Dr. Morrison asked my opinion (from afar, of course) on a cat patient. I came closer to talk with her and absentmindedly started petting her feline patient. I looked down and gasped. I could feel my chest tightening. I snuck in five more pets then ran to wash my hands. I went outside to catch my breath for a bit. When I returned, Allison was there waiting to give me the disappointed Mom head shake. I needed it. She was only trying to save me from myself. I miss being around cats so much!
I stopped seeing exotic pets about two years ago because I could not breathe well around rabbits, rats or guinea pigs.
I stopped seeing cats as patients about one year ago because I could not breathe well around cats.
I developed severe asthma-like symptoms that my allergists has helped me manage by maintaining me on allergy medication including rescue inhalers, but mostly, gently pulling me away from cats and small mammals.
I can't see my allergies as completely or even mostly positive, as I can with many other situations. But I can see some positives in this sad, sad break between me and the cats and rats I love...
Dr. Bashara and the whole veterinary team have supported me 100%. As a "half-vet" (or so I feared), I could have rightfully been kicked to the curb. But everyone has been nothing but supportive, keeping me on the team and going so far as to throw themselves between me and cats.
I have been as busy as I always have, maybe even busier. This has been a relief. I wasn't sure what this would do to my practice.
I only see dogs anymore. That has caused me to focus my attention like never before. I continue to learn as much as I can, but focus my learning on everything canine. That has seemed to sharpen my medical practice. I enjoy being able to obsess about one species. I have never had that before.
Cat clients seem to come from everywhere to say they miss me. It is good to feel loved. I miss them too, but the ones who have dogs I still get to see, and the ones who have only cats, I still get to say "hi" to.
I have not heard "It's only a" in two years. I do not miss that exotic pet uphill battle.
God made me special, and he loves me very much!
I do not miss the frailty of exotic pets nor their ability as little prey animals to hide their symptoms, often until they are in critical condition.
Likewise, I miss the mystery and intrigue of cats, but not when it comes to medical issues. Is your cat eating a little less? He is probably fine, a bit sick, very sick or dying. Probably it is nothing, his kidneys, his gi system, his teeth or his thyroid. Or his heart. Or something else. Cats are beautiful and mysterious. They carry that over to their medical conditions. I do not miss that at all!
"I am fine. But I'm not telling you that!"
Angry or fearful cats and hamsters are killing machines. They are biting, howling ninjas, who are experts in their field. When the group I am working with sees our teammates with a crazed, screaming feline patient, we shake our heads in sympathy, slowly back out of the treatment room and give each other high fives. Never again.
Angry house cats are like angry lions, only faster and sharper.
I would, of course, could I choose, not have allergies at all, and I have not given up on having them better controlled, but there are some up-sides. So for now I stay away from cats and rats and the other little guys. When I forget, Allison and the rest of the team are there to slap my hand or tackle me or disappointingly shake their heads, whatever it takes to keep me safe.
ONE YEAR AGO
TWO YEARS AGO
I am thankful for projects that have ended.
Omaha.net, Life with Dogs, Banfield Journal, AVMA landing page (one project), Carefresh social media content writer, Veterinary Economics board member, Gentle Doctor social media, Nebraska Poodle Rescue, Pug Partners of Nebraska website articles (one project)...All of these were wonderful, and all have ended. I was sad to see each one go, but another opportunity seems to always come up.
I am thankful for Luna's housetraining issues.
This was a hard one for me to reframe with thankfulness.
Luna is three years old and still potties in the house. A lot.
Luna at her third birthday party. It's like you are not even focused on pottying outside, Luna!
We have used a kennel, enzyme cleaners, all positive reinforcememt, rewards, frequent trips outside with treats and praise...and still she is not trained. We got help from the Behavior Hotline at Nebraska Humane Society, one of my favorite resources, and followed instructions to a T...and still she is not trained. We have started bed time walks, and I am finally encouraged she might get this.
It's not for lack of studying!
When you say your puppy is difficult to train, I used to say, "it will happen." Now I empathize. Sometimes it doesn't happen.
When you say your dog goes potty inside, we rule out medical issues and work together until it is solved. I used to write it in the record and move on. Now I understand what a huge impact that can have on your mental well being.
As long as you're outside for the photo shoot Luna...
Luna has been the best textbook on potty training I have ever known. We'll get it. You will too. It will most likely not take you three plus years!
ONE YEAR AGO
TWO YEARS AGO
I am thankful for Joy's medical issues.
Joy has chicken and seasonal allergies.
I am not afraid to dive into an eight week food trial with a client, or to use weeks after to pinpoint an allergen. Because of Joy, I have successfully brought several patients through the process and to comfort by avoiding the food or foods to which they are allergic.
I don't think an entire year of pattern watching is too long to figure out seasonal allergies.
I too hate seeing my dog miserable. Itchiness truly can be worse than pain. When I tell you that, know that I understand.
Joy has hypothyroidism.
She was overweight. Her coat was a mess. I understand how easy it is to miss gradual changes when you see your pet every day.
Joy injured her cruciate ligament and needed surgery.
I understand the financial stress. Dr. Merkley showed no financial mercy, but he took amazing care of our dog, so I'm good.
I understand how major this is.
I understand how difficult resting your dog for 6-8 weeks is. Many times, Joy would run past us with her leash we were supposed to be holding flying behind her.
When you say you cannot watch your pet receive an injection, I remember being in the middle of Joy's surgery with Dr. Merkley and needing to stare at the clock across two rooms so I did not black out.
We expected our mutt-mix-Heinz 57 dog to be the healthiest thing ever. However, because of her medical issues, I have grown as a veterinarian and pet parent. My empathy has been stretched to encompass a little bit more than it had, and that is always a good thing.
I am thankful for my time at Banfield Pet Hospitals and my friendship with Tiemanns.
I used to say that I wished I had walked into Gentle Doctor Animal Hospitals the day we moved to Omaha. That is not true though.
Though it exploded in our faces so to speak, I got to work with a friend.
I adopted our guinea pig Piggy from Banfield clients and Joy the Puppy from other Banfield clients. Fuzzy and Wuzzy Rats' breeder was a friend who I met because he worked at Petsmart.
I met Erika and Dr. Rubaloff, both of whom I still work with today, and I met the other awesomes at Banfield and Petsmart, clients and teammates, many of whom are still dear friends.
Every May Day I would bring everyone at all the Banfields and Petsmarts snack mix. That was such a fun tradition that I restarted it this Halloween, now with Banfield, Petsmart and Gentle Doctor.
I got to write for Banfield Journal and the Banfield website.
I became very aware of the importance of anesthetic safety.
I learned to think through cases with a logical step-by-step process, which still helps me today. I learned to start from the framework of wellness. That is a huge and not quite obtainable goal that I still strive to reach every day because of my training at Banfield.
I got to have lots of young want-to-be vets shadow for a half day or full day. It was so rewarding that I still do that today.
Sofia and me
I am thankful for my eight years at Oakview, Papillion and North Omaha Banfield.
When I left, I had a "get the best job ever or leave the field" attitude, which led me to Gentle Doctor Animal Hospitals, truly the best job I have ever had, tied with Companion Animal Veterinary Hospital, my second and final job in Colorado.
The road's been rough, but I love where it has taken me.
I am thankful Russ's job as the youth pastor at Castle Oaks Church ended.
It ended poorly.
I truly do not remember all the painful details today...I remember I broke several teeth in my sleep and spent all my free time at the dentist...but it also was the first step in getting us home to Omaha to our families, and ultimately to Gentle Doctor Animal Hospitals, and for that I am grateful.
In large part because of how painful leaving Castle Oaks Church was, Russ now is a carpenter. It is a perfect fit, and he loves it.
Now I can't imagine him doing anything else.
I am thankful I was with my pets when they died.
I tell people that the day itself will be difficult no matter what, but a year from the day they say goodbye to their pet, they will be glad they had stayed. I have never thought of that in relation to saying good bye to our own pets.
I held Buttercup Rat as she struggled through the end stages of fulminant pneumonia. She is buried at Ledges State Park in Boone Iowa. Both the day she passed away and the day of her funeral are sweet memories.
I got to tell Benji the Poodle it was okay to let go when the fibrous connections in his heart broke down and it could no longer function. Russ and I were holding him. Our friend Beth's giant dog Mesa passed away at the emergency hospital the same night. We got to go across the street and tell her dog good bye hours before she died.
As traumatizing as Obie's death was, I was there with him, and that is priceless to me.
Dr. Munger euthanized Herbie with us.
Dr. Wittler euthanized Ebony for us.
Max lay between us and gently fell asleep on our pillows.
Noodle got a Big Mac, and we laughed through our tears.
That last day truly is sacred. I had never thought to tell it to myself until now.
I am thankful my client chose to have her dog euthanized when she moved into assisted living.
On our second appointment, she told me she would have me euthanize her dog when she moved. (I would not have, but we never got to that point, thank goodness.)
She was a sweet, caring pet owner. It was common in the past to have pets euthanized when moving or having a baby or with any other major life change or financial difficulty.
As she sadly told me of her plan, she was holding Benji in her arms. As if he heard, Benji jumped into MY arms, and we were never apart again. She was relieved and grateful. Russ talked our apartment manager into accepting dogs in the complex. He was the best little dog we have ever known.
Amanda, 3 months and Benji, 11 years. They adored each other.
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Post from one year ago today...
November 5, 2016
Post from two years ago today...
November 5, 2015
I am thankful for my first job at Columbine Animal Hospital.
The first job I accepted in Denver was at Columbine Animal Hospital. I worked 80 hours a week including overnights. I struggled as a vet just out of school and often on my own. The atmosphere at work was a smidge bit toxic. Well, no, it sucked. It was very demotivating, but I was in mountain and forest and lake and dirt bike country living my dream of being a vet, and we couldn't be happier. At first.
My boss at Columbine Animal Hospital had Russ and I over for Christmas Eve. He gave me my first stethoscope which I still have today and is the best one I have ever had.
He took me on a balloon ride. A balloon ride you guys!
He took us boating a couple of times and let me carry his Miniature Dachshund Sherman everywhere. Sherman loved being carried like a baby. (I got my first and only case of ringworm on my inner elbow from Sherman's ears.)
When work gets rough, it's never as rough as overnights with two snake venom cases and one vial of antidote. (Littleton Hospital saved us. I didn't know how gutsy that was to ask. I just asked.)
When I get lonely for my family, they are never as far away as they were that first year.
When I work super hard, it is never on a continually busy day then night shift with no technical help.
When I struggle with ethical decisions, and, I hope, choose correctly, I never get as much friction as I did at Columbine.
Columbine Animal Hospital made me tough. The rare down time I got was spent doing amazing things in the beautiful outdoors of Colorado. I treasure the time and the experiences. I haven't always, but I do now.
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Post from one year ago today...
November 4, 2016
Post from two years ago today...
November 4, 2015
This Thanksgiving...
I am thankful that in 1997, the AVMA President told me I would never find a job as a veterinarian in Denver. She was giving a "motivational" talk to our veterinary class. She said that veterinary jobs were everywhere, unless we wanted to live in Denver or work with marine animals. I went up after the talk and explained my situation to her. "I would be able to find a job in Denver, wouldn't I?"
"No," she said. "Absolutely not."
Denver - No! You cannot work here!
Our whole plan for after I finished veterinary school was to move to Denver for Russ to go to graduate school at Denver Seminary. We were locked into our plan by our own excitement and stubbornness, so we saw no other option than to move to Denver where I would find the said to be non-existent veterinary job.
Denver Seminary
Being told I cannot do something is always a huge motivator for me. :) I applied for several jobs and accepted a job with Columbine Animal Hospital within days of arriving in Denver.
Columbine Animal Hospital
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Post from one year ago today...
November 2, 2016
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Post from two years ago today...
November 2, 2015
This is one of my favorite dogs, Sandestin LaBroad. Jordan LaBroad is a good friend.
Sandestin was not feeling well, just not her usual happy, high energy self. We started supportive care, and Dr. Krapfl scheduled a cardiac ultrasound for her.
Jordan was trying to get home from Manhattan Kansas, and I was trying to keep her up to the minute on how Sandy was doing without falling apart.
Sandy's tail beat wildly every time someone stopped to pet her or talk to her. As tired as she was, she seemed to love this day so much.
Dr. Krapfl found the reason for Sandy's energy drop, and it was amazing she was doing as well as she was. It was not good news.
I sat down with Sandy and pet her for an hour. I felt so helpless.
I left town, and Jordan made it back to her baby. All of the LaBroad family was there to say goodbye with the vet team.
She was a great dog. There is no ideal way to go. I felt awful that Jordan had to rush home. I felt awful that I left town. I felt awful that Mr. LaBroad was so astute he noticed a mild energy drop and yet did not get to have good news.
In the end though, Sandy had a wonderful, long life with a wonderful family, and her tail was wagging till the very end. I doubt she would change a thing. We - as a vet team and a family - will always take on all of the sadness we can to protect our animal friends.
Would do again. We love you Sandy Girl.
Bailey was my cousin JJ and my Aunt Penny and Uncle Scott's dog. He was the best dog. He was a favorite in our family and around his neighborhood.
If JJ isn't going to drive, Bailey is going to take himself to the dog park.
Try as we might to plan a graceful exit for Bailey, he outdid us all and went peacefully with Penny by his side. His tail wagged to his last day.
This beautiful picture is from Penny and Scott's friend Julie Hansen. I love it so much.
We will miss you Bailey Dog.
Erika Singh is one of my closest friends and favorite people. Erika is a licensed veterinary technician - one of the best in the industry! We are once again working together - Erika has been a veterinary technician at Gentle Doctor for over a year. Yay. The following is a post of Erika's wise and encouraging words...
Being a Vet Tech is Hard
"Being a vet tech is hard." These are the words I woke up with in my head after I came home from my twelve hour shift and passed out, sore, tired and mentally and emotionally exhausted.
Erika's Tiny Taffi doing what she does best
I gave my husband a kiss, snuggled my pets who were all excited to see me and then was out cold.
A few weeks ago, I posted a funny picture of one of my best friends and an amazing vet at my hospital on our Facebook page with her funny quote "Being a vet is hard. I need, like, seven calculators!"
Dr. Aly Taplett working hard!
Being a vet is hard.
Being a vet tech is hard.
Being a veterinary assistant is hard.
Being a veterinary receptionist is hard.
Being an animal care attendant is hard.
We wouldn't be doing this years later if we weren't the strongest of the strong. We wouldn't get up every day, knowing that our bodies, minds and emotions were all going to take a beating if we weren't strong.
Dr. Taplett, Hannah and Erika at Nebraska Humane Society's Walk for the Animals 2016
But what about the days we don't feel strong? When we don't feel like we can get up and do it all again tomorrow? These are the truly hardest days. The ones where we feel defeated. The ones where we're not sure we can do another hour, let alone another day.
But we do.
Because we are the heroes of four-legged family members, and the humans they own.
So for the days when you don't feel strong, remember you are. Remember you're amazing. Remember you are a lifeline to countless critters that wouldn't have a fighting chance, a happy, healthy life or a peaceful transition to the rainbow bridge.
Stay Strong.
Erika is a veterinary technician at Gentle Doctor Animal Hospitals and a server at Romeo's. She and her husband live in Omaha Nebraska. They have three beautiful cats and a beautiful tiny dog.
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Post from one year ago today...
July 10, 2016
Happy Independence Day!
Before you light the really impressive fireworks, consider the veterans and dogs and cats in the vicinity. If you can go out to the country, or light quiet fireworks, do.
That is not this crowd for the most part though. We are the ones under the bed with the dogs telling them all is well and will be over soon.
Next year we will start together in the spring. We will spend days taking the Thundershirts on and off our scardy pets with many treats involved. We will test medication before it is needed - with our vet team - to see what works best and at what dose. We will spray every surface with Adaptil and stuff all the Kongs. We will figure out the quietest, calmest rooms in our homes and stock them with blankies and toys and treats. And we will buy every edition of every album made by "Through A Dog's Ear."
Artwork by Abby
Today...
Use antianxiety medications that have been prescribed for your pets if they have helped in the past. Give a dose before the day gets crazy.
Stay home with your pets if they are nervous, anxious or phobic if you can.
Do not bring the dogs to fireworks shows or even outside. Even the calmest dog can develop a noise phobia if they are exposed to the loud noises. This is the number one day for lost pets. And the fireworks are no safer for dogs than for a high energy toddler (most likely because of their many similarities :))
Make sure dogs have a quiet, dark place to retreat if they want to and that cats have a high and a low place to go (this is always a good kitty rule of dewclaw).
Hide under the bed with them if you need to. Tell them This Too Shall Pass.
Do whatever it takes to calm their anxiety...and yours.
Have a great holiday Friends. Let me know tomorrow how it went.
I love how photogenic Luna is, but this is one of my favorite pictures of her yet! Photos by Abby, too :)
GUEST POST!
Gulliver is one of my favorite dogs in the world. And his people are my favorite people. They have worked so hard in conjunction with his veterinary team and his grooming team (that is, Amy) to get him through so much, not the least of which has been several anxiety issues. He is the best little dog, and I hope you love him as much as I do after reading about him.
The following is a letter Gulliver's Mom Jaime wrote to his former humans.
To Gulliver’s former humans:
May 29, 2017 will mark three years since we first met Gulliver. You abandoned him at NHS a couple days prior, with floor length hair matted down to the skin and a ThunderShirt which provided him no comfort. You cited a laundry list of reasons on the surrender paperwork for why you made the decision, along with some “helpful hints” for his future owners. I’ve had a lot to say to you for the last three years and I need to get it out of my system now.
I saw Gulliver on the NHS website and asked my boss to leave work early to meet him. I was in the midst of a two-year long bout with crippling depression and I thought a pet might help. My now-fiancé Ross gave me two stipulations: the pet had to be small and he didn’t want them to shed. Gulliver fit that mold, so I left work early on the afternoon of May 29, 2014 to go see him with Ross.
We waited patiently for a room and an adoption specialist to become available. When we got the room, I sat on the floor to await his arrival. He barreled into the room a few minutes later, jumped into my lap, and curled up in a ball to sleep the rest of the time we were speaking with the adoption specialist. She told us all of the horrible things you said about Gulliver: that he was aggressive with kids, that he refused to be potty trained, that he would jump over baby gates but go crazy if he was kenneled, that he refused to play with toys…the list went on and on.
I almost asked to see another dog. I asked Ross to tell me we couldn’t bring him home, and he refused. You almost talked me out of taking him home. But I looked down at the tiny little dog sleeping soundly in my lap, and I couldn’t let the adoption specialist take him back to the kennel. I told Ross we could do training classes with him if he needed them. I told him we could figure something out if he truly had behavioral issues. I felt that he picked me when he jumped into my lap that afternoon, so we took him home.
You knew he had anxiety issues because you sent him to NHS in a ThunderShirt. Did it ever occur to you to speak with a vet about it? Because that occurred to us right after we brought him home. He tried chasing us out the door every time one or both of us left. He only went potty in the apartment if he was left by himself at home. He lost two teeth trying to chew his way out of a kennel. He would randomly start convulsing. The first vet we saw said anxiety isn’t a thing with dogs and that we needed to keep kenneling him. That wasn’t good enough for us, so we took him to Dr. Finch. She believed that Gulliver needed treatment for anxiety and started him on two different meds.
He’s a completely different dog today. His panic attacks have stopped and he doesn’t try to chase us out the door anymore. He gets free roam of the apartment and he doesn’t touch anything that isn’t his. Squeaky toys litter our apartment because we determined you lied about him not playing with toys—did the squeaking bother you too much or something? Because that’s just something dogs do. And the most aggressive thing he has done to a child is stealing a piece of toast out of the hand of our friend’s toddler. He’s the light of our lives, and Ross even included him in the proposal a couple months ago. You almost talked me out of taking him home. I’m eternally grateful that I didn’t listen to you.
I’ve spent three years wanting to chew you out for failing to meet his needs, and for abandoning him without a second thought. Instead, as I write this today, I’m wanting to thank you for giving us the opportunity to give him a better life. We would jump through flaming hoops for that little guy. He shows us so much love and we give him the best life possible in return. We’re going to celebrate his adoption day by taking him for his beloved car ride to get ice cream. Thank you for giving up on him, because now he’s ours to dote on for the rest of his life.
Sincerely,
Gulliver’s new mom, Jaime
We have a client who speaks only Spanish, which was the kick in the butt I needed to learn Spanish.
We have a client who speaks Sign Language, and I have had clients who speak Sign Language before this as well. If my Spanish speaking client is warm and kind, our Sign Language client is...the opposite. You know the people who look like they really need a hug, but you know if you hug them, there is a very good chance they will punch you? I do not think this client would punch me, but I have not hugged him either.
The pop-up on his pets' medical records lists the doctors he prefers, and, I am not making this up, it lists every doctor in the practice, including some who have left, EXCEPT me. And somehow the poor guy seems to always get stuck with me.
I love when he and his dogs are in.
He is very good at reading lips, and we write notes back and forth.
I write in a big diagonal swoop in purple sparkle pen, "Has he been itching?? :) :) :)"
and he writes in small neat letters in a straight line in black ball point pen - unless he does not have one in which case I loan him my purple sparkle pen - "yes."
I write, "I will help him! <3" and he rolls his eyes and mouths "thank you."
We may have more differences than hearing ability, but I still think it has been a jerk move on my part to not learn a LITTLE Sign Language over the years. I will start with learning "thank you," which I hope he will know will mean "I appreciate you putting up with me, and I think you and your wife and your dogs are great! :) (((hugs)))"
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Post from one year ago today...
May 23, 2016