08/16/2024
Behind the White Door…
Have you ever wondered what happens behind that door? Often, clients question why they can’t accompany their pet “to the back”. We have surgical procedures and dental treatments happening, hospitalized patients being cared for and other procedures are taking place. Here is a glimpse of an average day behind the ominous white door…
Our surgery and dental treatment patients are being prepared for their procedures. The treatment room can be busy and overwhelming so our veterinary assistants hug, comfort and reassure your pet as they are anesthetized. All our hospitalized patients are treated like our family as they are pre-medicated, have an IV catheter placed and are prepared for their procedure. When they wake up, they are snuggled in warm blanks and hear reassuring words.
When you come and visit with your new puppy and we say “everyone wants to say hello!” we mean EVERYONE. We walk your puppy through the treatment room where it gets snuggles, playtime, cuddles, and hugs. We take your puppy to visit our administrative team so they can take a few minutes to play with a puppy instead of reply to emails. Our days can be stressful and filled with emotion but seeing a fluffy puppy brings smiles to all!
Lunch is “scheduled” from 12pm-1pm but often Veterinarians, technicians and veterinary assistants work through their lunch to provide care for the patients that are hospitalized. They are spending time with the patients making them feel safe and comfortable.
As a patient is being discharged after their surgical or dental procedure, everyone gives them a snuggle and wishes them well. We are happy that your furry family member gets to go home as this is not the case for all pets that come to our treatment room.
Veterinarians collaborate with each other about patients they have seen or are monitoring. We strive to provide the best care for our patients which sometimes involves other team members opinions and ideas.
Behind the ominous white door, a patient is unstable and requires the effort of our whole team to be stabilized so it can be transferred. Sometimes this means that appointments must be rescheduled or we run slightly behind. It does not mean we do not care or want to see your pet but that there is another pet that needs urgent care. While rescheduling can be inconvenient, be thankful your pet can wait and be seen at a different time.
As you wait for your appointment to begin, our team may be shedding tears as we say goodbye to one of our patients. Every patient is like a member of our family and saying goodbye is not easy. The team than starts the next appointment with a smile, putting the emotion of the previous appointment on “hold”.
Our team comes together throughout the day to assess our appointments and current patient load. We review if appointments are available but feel guilty when we must tell clients we are fully booked. We make every effort to see your pet in a timely manner, but there are days when our patient load is overwhelming and we physically cannot see any more.
Behind the ominous white door, tears are shed, support is given and staff come together to encourage each other. It is where we take deep breaths because we have been sworn at or yelled at, we have been disrespected or been made to feel guilty. We than walk back through that white door and greet clients with a smile.
Lastly, we respect each other, we help each other and support each other. Our team is our family. We do not work well as a team if we are broken. So, the next time you call and have to wait on hold for an extra minute, your pet can’t be seen the same day or you have to wait for a medication refill, pause for a moment and take a deep breath. We are doing our best and working our hardest for our patients and clients. We appreciate your kindness and understanding as we work to answer all of your questions and provide the best care we can for your pets.
