A day in the life of a veterinarian in a busy hospital is hard work, both physically and mentally. Being on your feet all day as well as moving, turning and lifting dogs takes its toll on your physical energy. Managing multiple cases, both ill and well, tailoring the way you communicate with clients based on need and understanding can be challenging. Transitioning from delivering bad news to a great client to enthusiastically welcoming a new client and family member in the next room can be emotionally draining. Excellent communication skills and compassionate bedside manner are more important than ever.
Looking back on 16+ years of clinical practice I can say there were a few days when I wished I had been something other than a veterinarian. The day I unexpectedly lost my surgery patient following a spay. A day, (long before using IV catheters was routine), when a large dog I was euthanizing with the owner present, flipped out halfway through the injection and dislodged the needle. You can only imagine how that played out.
Thankfully, over the years those really tough moments have been few. There isn’t anything that takes the place of being licked by a golden retriever puppy, snuggled by a purring kitten or getting a heartfelt thanks from a client whose life you have made better. Not long ago I received a message from an old client whose name I didn’t recognize. He was asking me to write a recommendation for him so he could purchase a Shiba Inu puppy from a breeder. I looked back and saw that the last time I had actually seen this client was in 1994. I reluctantly called him back because I wasn’t sure I could honor his request. An older gentleman answered the phone, greeted me like a long time friend and went onto ask me if I remembered teasing him and asking if he knew how big his Akita puppy would get to be. He was laughing as he recounted the visit. And you know what? I don’t remember the man but I do remember his puppy Koda!