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The Honest Vet GP & ER, Fear Free Certified Veterinarian. Follow me for real and honest veterinary advice!

Happy Gotcha Day to our sweet Frank. Heโ€™s been the perfect addition to our growing family, and the sweetest most gentle ...
29/12/2024

Happy Gotcha Day to our sweet Frank. Heโ€™s been the perfect addition to our growing family, and the sweetest most gentle brother to his little human boys. We are so blessed to have found him a year ago thanks to and ๐Ÿฅฐโค๏ธ

One year since I last kissed your soft muzzle, scratched behind your regal ears, and looked into your deep, knowing eyes...
14/11/2024

One year since I last kissed your soft muzzle, scratched behind your regal ears, and looked into your deep, knowing eyes. I miss you so much, Hugo, and still love you so dearly. You were truly the greatest dog that ever lived. โค๏ธ

Thankful to my wonderful veterinary team for throwing me and my nugget a little baby sprinkle! ๐Ÿฅฐ๐Ÿซถ๐Ÿผ                      ...
11/11/2024

Thankful to my wonderful veterinary team for throwing me and my nugget a little baby sprinkle! ๐Ÿฅฐ๐Ÿซถ๐Ÿผ

Our sweet, silly, cuddly pup turned O-N-E last weekend! ๐Ÿฅณ He so easily fell in with our family and is the perfect fit fo...
25/10/2024

Our sweet, silly, cuddly pup turned O-N-E last weekend! ๐Ÿฅณ He so easily fell in with our family and is the perfect fit for us! Frank is my sonโ€™s partner in crime, my husbandโ€™s daily co-worker (he works from home), and doubles as my pregnancy support snuggler and also personal trainer because I wouldnโ€™t get my steps in without him.

While 10/20 is an estimated birthday, we know itโ€™s pretty close based on how young he was when the shelter found him and his siblings wandering the streets in rural South Carolina.

We love you, Frank the Tank!

You could have the best veterinarian in the world, but without at least one veterinary technician or assistant, they wou...
14/10/2024

You could have the best veterinarian in the world, but without at least one veterinary technician or assistant, they wouldnโ€™t be able to do much of anything for your pets.

Veterinary nurses and technicians have a hard job requiring a unique skill set for which they are unfortunately underpaid in most circumstances.

They arenโ€™t just there to restrain pets for procedures and take medical histories, but they draw blood, take radiographs, clean wounds, change bandages, administer treatments, assist in surgery, induce and monitor anesthesia, recover patients post-operatively, fill medications, and more!

If your pet has a veterinary appointment this week, please take an extra moment to thank them for all they do. ๐Ÿซถ๐Ÿผ

Only six more weeks until maternity leave begins! Good thing some of my sweet patients let me practice my mothering skil...
08/10/2024

Only six more weeks until maternity leave begins! Good thing some of my sweet patients let me practice my mothering skills ๐Ÿฅน๐Ÿ˜‚.

Can our pets detect pregnancy?๐Ÿคฐ๐Ÿป๐Ÿถ๐ŸฑAs a pregnant pet parent myself, Iโ€™ve been getting this question a lot. The answer is ...
11/09/2024

Can our pets detect pregnancy?๐Ÿคฐ๐Ÿป๐Ÿถ๐Ÿฑ

As a pregnant pet parent myself, Iโ€™ve been getting this question a lot. The answer is YES, many of them can!
Our furry friends, especially dogs and cats, have incredibly keen senses, much stronger than ours in certain areas. One of the first things that changes when youโ€™re pregnant is your bodyโ€™s scent. While we humans may not notice it, your pet surely can. Dogs, in particular, have an incredible sense of smell, so when your body starts producing new hormones like hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), estrogen, and progesterone, they can pick up on the shift in your scent. Interestingly, it was the change in my smell that alerted me to my own first pregnancy! If I could smell something different, Iโ€™m sure our dogs and cats can.

Pets can also sense changes in your behavior and routine. Pregnant woman might be resting more, moving differently, or experiencing mood swings. Cats and dogs are incredibly intuitive and can pick up on those subtle cues. Many pet owners, myself included, have noticed their pets becoming more affectionate, protective, or just sticking close by during pregnancy.

Of course, not all pets react the same way. Some might become clingy, while others may seem indifferent. Every pet is unique, but most will sense that somethingโ€™s differentโ€”whether they understand itโ€™s a baby on the way is debatable, especially if itโ€™s their first time living with a pregnant woman. However, the next time it happens, they may understand that a baby will follow these changes just as before.

Either way, itโ€™s always a good idea to give your fur baby extra love and attention during this time to help them adjust to the upcoming changes. Theyโ€™re going to be an amazing part of your growing family!

My top tips to help newly graduated veterinarians! Gosh, I remember how anxious I was the first 6-12 months of practicin...
20/08/2024

My top tips to help newly graduated veterinarians!

Gosh, I remember how anxious I was the first 6-12 months of practicing. I set such a high standard and put so much pressure on myself, and was always second guessing my treatment plans or my abilities to perform procedures. It wasnโ€™t healthy or sustainable!
Iโ€™m thankful for guidance from experienced veterinarians, experiences, patients, and clients who helped me learn and grow to be the confident veterinarian I am today. ๐Ÿฉท

Anybody else have helpful tips? Share them below!

All the best boys get promoted. Baby Boy Hammond the Second joining us in November. ๐Ÿ’™Had to include Hugoโ€™s picture from ...
21/07/2024

All the best boys get promoted. Baby Boy Hammond the Second joining us in November. ๐Ÿ’™

Had to include Hugoโ€™s picture from my first pregnancy announcement because heโ€™s forever a guardian angel for my boys here on Earth. ๐Ÿ˜‡

Iโ€™ve wanted to share this since it arrived, but every time I thought about it, the pain was still so sharp I couldnโ€™t br...
14/06/2024

Iโ€™ve wanted to share this since it arrived, but every time I thought about it, the pain was still so sharp I couldnโ€™t bring myself to do it. Hugo is still missed terribly, but that pain has lessened and now I can look at his picture and beautiful face without tearing up. I can smile and remember some of our best moments together. A great friend put this memory box together to honor our lost hero, and we couldnโ€™t be more grateful for such a considerate gift. It means the world to us. โค๏ธ

Iโ€™ve been quiet here the last few monthsโ€ฆ sometimes I feel like I need to step away from social media to refresh and rec...
31/05/2024

Iโ€™ve been quiet here the last few monthsโ€ฆ sometimes I feel like I need to step away from social media to refresh and recharge! Iโ€™m feeling better now and excited to share more fun facts and continue to educate loving pet parents. What are some topics youโ€™d like to hear more about? Comment below!

P.S. Frank is doing such a good job as my little model. I love this goofy boy. Wearing my new Fabletics scrubs in black with seaside trim! ๐Ÿฉต

Letโ€™s talk about something crucial for all health care professionals: stress management. As a veterinarian, I know first...
30/05/2024

Letโ€™s talk about something crucial for all health care professionals: stress management. As a veterinarian, I know firsthand how intense and demanding this job can be. But hereโ€™s the thing โ€“ taking care of ourselves is just as important as taking care of our patients.

Here are some helpful tips for managing stress:

1. Take Regular Breaks: Short breaks throughout the day can work wonders. Step outside for some fresh air, stretch, or simply take a few minutes to clear your mind. These mini-breaks can help reset your focus and energy.

2. Stay Active: Exercise is a great stress buster. Whether itโ€™s a quick jog, a yoga session, or even a walk around the block, physical activity can help reduce stress and improve your mood.

3. Connect with Colleagues: Weโ€™re all in this together. Sharing experiences and talking about the challenges we face can be incredibly supportive. Donโ€™t hesitate to lean on your colleagues โ€“ they understand what youโ€™re going through.

4. Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness techniques like deep breathing or meditation into your daily routine. Even a few minutes of mindfulness can help reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.

5. Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance: Itโ€™s important to disconnect from work and spend time doing things you love. Whether itโ€™s a hobby, spending time with loved ones, or simply relaxing, make sure you carve out time for yourself.

Remember, managing stress is not just about surviving in the health care profession โ€“ itโ€™s about thriving. By taking care of ourselves, we can provide the best care for our patients and continue to enjoy the rewarding journey of being a veterinarian.

Stay healthy and take care of yourselves!

I havenโ€™t done an โ€œabout meโ€ post in a long time, and I have a lot of new followers to which Iโ€™d like to formally introd...
02/05/2024

I havenโ€™t done an โ€œabout meโ€ post in a long time, and I have a lot of new followers to which Iโ€™d like to formally introduce myself. The truth is, my life has changed so much in the last two years, Iโ€™m not really sure how to do that.

Two years ago, I was a fitness fanatic. I worked out 5-6 days a week. I obsessed about what I ate. I was consumed with my new career as a veterinarian. I was a German Shepherd mom, a world traveler, a runner, and a book worm. I still occasionally wore my boots and belt buckles and studded jeans and told people I was from Arizona.

In February 2022 I was diagnosed with Hypothalamic Amenorrhea, and I feel like everything changed dramatically after that.

Later that year, I was pregnant with my son. I became a mother. I had to say goodbye to my best friend, Hugo. My cute country girl jeans no longer fit, so I no longer wear them. Traveling is hard with a toddler. I havenโ€™t lived in Arizona for a decade.

Who am I now? In 2024, Iโ€™m still a veterinarian, but I consider myself a mother first. Iโ€™m a Boy Mom, and the mom to a South Carolina Street Dog named Frank. Iโ€™ll always have a country background, but Iโ€™d consider myself a โ€œcity girlโ€ these days. I still read books often.

I mourn the young lady I was before, with her โ€œperfectโ€ but secretly unhealthy body and her ability to get up and go on a whim, but Iโ€™m learning to love and accept the me I am right now and Iโ€™m so grateful for all the blessings I have in my life like a job I love, a healthy baby boy, a sweet rescue puppy, and a home only 15 minutes away from the beach. Life is truly a journey.๐Ÿ’•

Veterinary medicine is full of highs and lows. Every day can be an emotional roller coaster. You truly never know how th...
26/04/2024

Veterinary medicine is full of highs and lows. Every day can be an emotional roller coaster. You truly never know how the day will unfold. But thatโ€™s part of why I love what I do! Every day is different. We are never bored. We are always learning. Even though my job sometimes brings me heartache and frustration, no career would bring me as much joy and fulfillment. โœจ

Brie the Bunny wants to know if she can be a  , too? ๐Ÿฐ
24/04/2024

Brie the Bunny wants to know if she can be a , too? ๐Ÿฐ

Happy St. Patrickโ€™s Day! ๐Ÿ’š A few reminders from my Irish husband for my American friends who want to celebrate:๐Ÿ’š Itโ€™s St...
17/03/2024

Happy St. Patrickโ€™s Day! ๐Ÿ’š A few reminders from my Irish husband for my American friends who want to celebrate:

๐Ÿ’š Itโ€™s St. Patrickโ€™s Day or St. Paddyโ€™s Day, never St. PATTYโ€™s Day. (Patty = Patricia).
๐Ÿ’š The THREE leaf clover is special โ˜˜๏ธ(represents the holy trinity). A four leaf clover being lucky is an American thing.
๐Ÿ’š Corned beef and cabbage isnโ€™t a traditional Irish dish. Have some Guinness instead.

Honestly, if you just at least remember the first one and correct all your friends, you will make Irish people very happy. ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ช

Cheers! Or should I say โ€œslainteโ€? ๐Ÿป

My puppy, Frank, with his biological sister, Mika! ๐Ÿ˜ I love that her family chose me as their veterinarian. They actuall...
27/02/2024

My puppy, Frank, with his biological sister, Mika! ๐Ÿ˜ I love that her family chose me as their veterinarian. They actually fostered both Frank and Mika when they were little nuggets around 6-8 weeks old. As you can see, Mika was their foster fail. They wanted to keep Frank, too, but the shelter, , strongly discouraged it because of potential littermate syndrome.

Littermate syndrome refers to behavioral issues that can arise when two puppies from the same letter are raised together in the same household. This syndrome is more commonly observed, when siblings, especially of the same s*x, are adopted or purchased at the same time, and share the same living environment. The close bond between littermates can sometimes lead to various behavioral challenges if not managed appropriately.

Common issues associated with littermate syndrome include bonding issues with humans, aggression, and separation anxiety.

While littermate syndrome can be prevented or managed, itโ€™s easiest to avoid it altogether.

Itโ€™s great to see a shelter looking out for the long-term benefits of the animals, rather than simply trying to rehome them as quickly as possible ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿผ.

Have you heard of littermate syndrome?

Itโ€™s   and I was sooo busy at work today I didnโ€™t even get to take Frank on a walk! So hereโ€™s a shout out to all the ama...
20/02/2024

Itโ€™s and I was sooo busy at work today I didnโ€™t even get to take Frank on a walk! So hereโ€™s a shout out to all the amazing pets of hard working veterinarians that have to share their humans with other animals most days. Youโ€™re the real MVPโ€™s!

Iโ€™m heading home now, Frank, treats in hand! ๐Ÿ˜˜

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