03/19/2024
This may be long. But it’s important.
Since my mother’s cancer diagnosis, I’ve probably met and been on the phone with 5 other specialists, not just her oncologist, her regular doctor and her palliative care doctor. Doctors that specialize in the spine, that specialize in the brain, the hands, the eyes, the heart. There are so many amazing departments now dedicated to just ONE part of the human body, and for different ages too. Now, getting appointments and seeing them is a whole other story but I’m still just so amazed at what we can do now.
It once again, reminded me of just how difficult a veterinarians work is. Not only do they have to know the ins and outs of a different species body - they have to know it from all ages - puppy to senior, AND with OTHER species too. And the animals can’t tell them ANYTHING. Yes, of course there are specialists too, but it’s not as common. These specialists also have the same challenges as family veterinarians , they have patients who can’t talk or understand, of multiple species, and varying ages, with a human relationship barrier to work through also, not to mention costs.
Vets are tasked every day with the impossible, and they still do miracles. Yet, they are yelled at, told they are money hungry, selfish, a bad doctor, when they need to be paid, or they don’t get it perfectly right. It is no wonder their profession has one of the highest su***de rates, or why they dread going to work some days.
Diagnostic work, emergency work, surgeries, basic care, life saving interventions, chronic condition maintenance, on all different species of all their different body parts. I am just so grateful to them. For their commitment to these animals, for their commitment to bettering lives, and for their ability to be a medical detective all day every day even with humans making them feel it’s not good enough.
I’m at a vets office at least 2-3 times a week, whether for an oldie, my own dogs, or god knows what else. I say thank you, I pay my bill, I bring donuts or food and I give lots of hugs. These men and women and the incredible staff surrounding them are true heroes in real life. We should be proud to know them and respect and support them as much as we can.
Riley has surgery today, she couldn’t be in better hands. All fingers toes and paws crossed she can come home tonight.
Thank your veterinarian and their staff. They deserve it.
Professional AKC S.A.F.E. Certified Groomer, Fear Free Groomer, Member of the ISCC and NDGAA, soon to
