Our prize goldfish and her friend have another friend added a year in - The Plecostaomus. He is pretty shy and difficult to photograph.
Here are Sapphire and Ruby in September 2016, the day we got them.
They were tiny!
Here are Sapphire and Ruby in September 2017.
I have just started a few projects with a fun group, Rover.com.
Rover is the nation's largest network of 5-star pet sitters and dog walkers.
How Rover Works
by Nat Smith, Rover.com community member
Rover.com is a dynamic, supportive community of dog lovers. The site connects owners with dedicated, experienced caregivers who provide a range of services like pet sitting and dog walking.
But it goes deeper than that. At its heart, Rover gives you a way to expand the borders of your family. Whether you’re a busy owner who needs a trusted source of support or an experienced pet-sitter with a lot of love to give, Rover makes it possible to find exactly what you need.
How The Site Works
When you sign up, you can set up a profile as a dog owner, dog sitter, or both. For sitters, Rover will run a background check to ensure the safety of the site’s users. Rover specialists determine whether a sitter’s level of experience qualifies them to provide care through the site, and once they approve an application, the sitter can complete their profile.
Owners use the search tools to find local care providers. They might need dog boarding, house sitting, dog walking, doggy day care, or drop-in visits. Owners then browse profiles, contact a sitter, and set up a meet and greet prior to the initial stay.
Rover itself provides access to 24/7 support, including vet assistance; handles automatic, secure payments; covers premium insurance for both parties; and walks owners and sitters through every step of the process.
Hiring a Sitter
Owners should think through the following questions: What helps their pets thrive? They should think back to past experiences with strangers, or times they’ve been away. Is their pet happiest in their own home? Nervous with new people? Do they get along with other animals? What unique care requirements does their pet have?
Owners can narrow Rover search results with the specific dates they will need care. Rover’s system of owner reviews can give guidance on which sitter profiles to focus on. Once they have contacted a sitter, the owner can schedule an initial meeting prior to any stay or walk. This gives them get a sense of who the sitter is, and they can watch the interactions with their pet. Does the sitter’s personality match up with their pet’s needs? Owners should ask any questions that will help them make the final decision. Everyone can also go for a walk together or enjoy playtime during the meet and greet. Owners should look for a connection that helps put their pet at ease, and a confident sitter with great communication skills.
Becoming a Sitter
After signing up, sitters will create a profile, set their rates and availability, respond to requests, and enjoy their first stays. Over time, they can raise their rates and increase their income. Sitters can choose which services they’ll offer, and customize their profiles with plenty of personal information to help owners make informed decisions. Successful sitters keep their availability up to date at all times, respond promptly to requests, and employ excellent communication skills. They demonstrate their reliability and devotion to pets with each interaction.
Whether people join Rover as a sitter or owner, they may soon find themselves on both sides of the equation. Lots of sitters are biding their time until they can adopt a dog of their own—at which point, they’ll turn to Rover for sitter support. Meanwhile, many owners find that pet sitting is a great way to socialize their pets and earn income on the side. They’ll forge lifelong connections, and give their pets one wonderful experience after another.
Randy the Greyhound grew up in the forests of Florida. He lived his life on a chain with a half barrel for shelter and scraps and water once a day. He was a sad puppy, but not for the reasons you might think. He was a sad puppy because he never had anyone to hug.
Most dogs do not like hugs. Randy, being a rather different sort of puppy, was always searching for someone to hug.
Mom and Dad were chained to other half barrels too far away to snuggle. The Man Who Brought Food never wanted hugs. When Randy was brought to the track to run, everyone just told him to run faster and to focus more. He kept his eye out for someone who might need a hug as badly as he did, but all of the dogs and all of the people were focused on the track and the stuffed bunny. Sometimes he did chase the stuffed bunny, only to ask if he wanted a hug. He never got close enough to ask.
"This one has no focus," he heard a man grumble. "Never should have been bred. The dam and sire have no focus either." Randy knew they were talking about him because they kept looking at him sideways. "Maybe they needed hugs!" Randy thought, running up to them. "No use keeping them around," another man said. They did not need hugs. Randy walked back to the track with his ears and tail low.
The next day, a tiny, fierce looking woman arrived in the forest with one of the men who had been talking about Randy. They were arguing. Just as quickly, they were shaking hands and exchanging money and signing papers.
Randy and his parents and three of the other greyhounds found themselves in the back of a dark van with the woman. Her fierceness softened, and she said, "You are safe. I am taking you home." Randy did not know what she had said, but he relaxed and curled up and slept.
When the woman opened the door several hours later, she brought Randy into a home filled with kind people. Everyone petted him gently. He had never been pet. He imagined that was what a hug felt like. Carpet! He had never seen anything like it! He asked the cat watching him from around the corner if he wanted a hug. He did not, but he said he didn't mind having Randy there. He was used to having dogs come and go. They ended up being good friends.
A few weeks later, Randy was brought to another home with a wonderful, kind woman. He somehow knew she was his person. She petted him gently and talked to him softly. Randy did not think he could be happier.
Their first outing, Randy was brought to the veterinary hospital. The vet looked him over and declared him The Finest Greyhound She Had Ever Seen. She opened her arms. He gently set his head on her shoulder and she wrapped her arm around him for a long time. He leaned in and snuggled. This! This is the only thing that could make him even happier than he was! His first real hug!
The vet looked at Randy's new human. "Dogs do not usually like hugs," she said. "Your dog is going to need all the hugs! I am quite sure he had never been treated gently before he was rescued."
So Randy's new human hugged him every day. Every time Randy came to see his veterinarian friend, she knelt in front of him and gave him a gentle hug too.
Randy had everything he had ever wanted and more.
The rescue group who had saved Randy and the others went on to save the rest of the dogs in the forest too. Other rescue groups joined them, and together they rescued all of the Greyhounds in the land, finding each one a wonderful home and helping shut down dog racing completely.
When in doubt, refer it out!
One sunny June afternoon, Mrs. Claus and the elves were in the kitchen making suet treats for the reindeer, when she looked up and said wistfully, "I think I would like to see the pets at the Nebraska Humane Society."
"Nebraska?" asked Santa from behind his Saturday Evening Post. "Well, let's go then!" They finished the treats together and prepared the sleigh. The reindeer were excited for an off-season trip.
A few moments later, the sleigh gently touched down in a field near the Nebraska Humane Society.
Santa and Mrs. Claus went inside. Even dressed in summer clothes, all of the children recognized them.
Together with the crowd of children, they went around to greet all of the pets. The most wonderful of all was a beautiful cream colored Doodle who cocked his head and smiled warmly at them all. " I would call you Cecil," Mrs. Claus said softly.
As evening approached, the children were called one by one to leave with their families. Santa went out to prepare the sleigh and the reindeer for their trip home.
Mrs. Claus paused again in front of Cecil. He put his paw up on the gate and she put her hand on his paw. She turned to walk toward the exit. She came back to Cecil.
Santa was waiting with the sleigh and the reindeer, but Mrs. Claus knew he wouldn't mind if she took a few minutes to clear her head.
Summer was busy enough. Imagine having a dog to care for at Christmas time! Mrs. Claus was not sure the timing was right for a new dog. But if not now, when?
"Are you coming, Dear?" Santa texted.
"I really love this dog, Dear. What should we do?" Mrs. Claus texted back.
Santa knew just what to do. He kneeled next to the sleigh and began to pray. The reindeer took a knee and prayed too.
Inside, Mrs. Claus also prayed. "God, I just need a sign!" she said.
Mrs. Claus walked into Animal Outfitters, the pet supply shop of the Nebraska Humane Society, still praying. She came to the leashes. "We don't need a leash. We don't have a dog," she thought sadly.
Then, there it was. The most beautiful leash Mrs. Claus had ever seen. Among all the summery designs that June evening was a wonderous Christmas leash. It was Christmas tree green with running dogs wearing Santa hats. It was the only Christmas leash. It was the only one of its kind. A sign! The sign! Mrs. Claus laughed and texted Santa, "please come back!"
They applied to adopt Cecil. They were, of course, approved. They bought the leash. They left together even happier than they had been before.
And they are all still living happily together today.
-The End-
ONE YEAR AGO
TWO YEARS AGO
Thanksgiving for us this year was at Mom and Dad's home. It was also the eve of Amanda's 17th (!) birthday! It was a wonderful day. Here are some pictures. I hope you had a very happy Thanksgiving!
Arthur and I ate ALL the fruit.
Amanda made these pumpkin rolls! I love them so much! She started at 7 am.
Amanda and her pumpkin rolls
Mom's beautiful table - pay no attention to the lumpy mashed potatoes.
Amanda, Russ, Abby and Grandma Finch
Dave and Mom, Amanda and Arthur
Arthur figuring out a puzzle
Grandma Finch and the Sour Cream Raisin Pie Abby made her!
Arthur, Olive and Grandma Finch playing with pumpkin plah doh
Amanda winning at the game she plays
Amanda, Mom and Olive
Happy birthday Amanda!
Felix (black) and Oscar (white)
Happy Turkey Day!
New comic every Friday!
I am thankful for friends and family <3 And friends and family are thankful too...
From Linda McDermitt...
I am thankful for my children and the care they gave me in my time of need!
From Katrina Andrews...
I'm thankful for dogs who remain Velcro dogs into their 15th year.
From Karen Schumacher...
I’m thankful for advances in medicine that help keep me working and the love and support of family and friends 💜
From Karen Finch...
I'm thankful to be the Mother in Law of an amazing Vet who takes such great car of our dogs, Jacy and Lucy!!!
(Aw thanks!! I love you!)
From Donna Kay...
I am thankful that I get to come home from work every day to these three wagging tails. Well, two wagging tails and a wagging stump.
From Russ...
I am thankful I get to work for myself and with my nephew and friend.
From Amanda...
Dogs.
From Abby...
I am thankful for cute dogs and friends.
From Chloe...
Friends.
From Cindy Choi...
I am thankful for the friendship of Shawn Finch.
:)
I am thankful for all of YOU.
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 actually happened on November 26, 2017, and I back posted it so it would match up with the first two stories of our neighbors! Maybe this should be a yearly post!
Russ was outside unloading groceries when our across the street neighbor we had not yet met but had waved at from time to time came over to give us something. Our next door neighbor Christian (my coworker Chrystal's boyfriend) noticed they were not understanding each other and came to help.
Christian speaks Spanish and English. He helped Russ and our neighbor talk to each other. The neighbor had just had a birthday party for his daughter who turned five. He had come to bring us tostadas and cake from the party!
That was so sweet of him and his family!
I love our ever changing neighborhood and our neighbors.
ONE YEAR AGO
OUR NEIGHBORS ARE THE BEST NEIGHBORS, EXAMPLE 2
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 the day we had five euthanasias.
We were on the third. Or fourth. Stephanie asked how I was doing. "Okay," I said. "You?" "Okay," Stephanie whispered. I've long considered that the day - even the moment - that we became friends.
One euthanasia was a home euthanasia. The big gorgeous Shepard belonged to a friend of Julie's. Julie met Kelly, Russ and I at the home, and we had an entire service. A friend of the dog's Dad sang a song and played guitar. It was beautiful.
We were physically and emotionally spent. We went home knowing that our day had mattered. Had been sacred even.
It was going to happen with or without us. Being able to be there to help was a blessing.
When I arrived home, I wrote this...
ONE YEAR AGO
SERVICE DOGS, THERAPY DOGS AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT DOGS
TWO YEARS AGO
New comic every Friday!
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.
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!
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 for the financial struggles we have faced as a couple and I have faced as a veterinarian.
We learned to scrimp. We learned to save. We became pretty good at finances. Like I tell Russ, if we had started out millionaires, we would have just made bigger mistakes!
ONE YEAR AGO
TWO YEARS AGO
