As pet owners we easily sympathize, support and understand each other when one of our pets is sick or injured. It’s stressful, scary, and oh those thoughts that go through our head, the “what if’s”.
Now imagine being a person that see’s sick and injured pets each and every day? Or being a person that has to tell a pet owner news none of us ever want to hear?
In addition to this person feeling responsible for your pet’s health, they also feel the added stress and responsibility of putting you, the human, at ease as well?
You and I look to these people, depend on these people, put our faith in these people, sometimes with begging and pleading eyes. There are times we look to them hoping they can perform something short of a miracle to make our pets well again.
If you haven’t figured it out, I am referring to our veterinarians, our veterinarian technicians the front line/behind the scenes and office staff at our veterinary clinics and hospitals.
Once again I am hearing the sad news about a veterinarian that has taken their life. I do not know this vet or what they were going through at the time to have to made such a decision.
The veterinarian community is in mourning once again.
Throughout the years I have met many veterinarians, registered veterinarian technicians, and veterinary staff. All are passionate about their chosen field and without a doubt; passionate about the animals they care for, that’s why they do what they do.
All I can say is, please, as a fellow pet owner; remember that your veterinarian, your veterinarian technician, and the staff at your vet clinic and hospital want only what’s best for your pet. They, just like you, want your pet to be the happiest and healthiest it can be.
We need to support this group of amazing people that we depend on in our pet’s time of need. We need to support this group of people just as they support and comfort us and our pets. These are the people we look to when we need to feel like everything is going to be all right.
How can we do this? I can’t say for sure, everyone has his or her own way of showing appreciation.
But how about starting with something as simple as saying: “Thank you”
Thank You
Need someone to talk to?
In Ontario, Canada: Mental Health Helpline 1-866-531-2600
In the US: National Suicide Prevention: 1-800-273-8255
November 17, 2016
Such a thoughtful and heartfelt post. I love my vet team and think of them as family. And yes, they have seen me at my best times, and also guided me through the worst. When you expand this out by how many of their clients they see and handle the heartbreak that comes with end-of-life stages, illness, and so on , it is so important to remember that this affects them, too. Thank you for this post and for thinking of the people behind the white coats.
September 23, 2016
Thank you for this post and for reminding pet parents to share their appreciation for the people who work tirelessly to assist our animals (and their humans) in times of need. It’s a draining job, which can take an emotional toll and sharing our appreciation for all they do is a way in which we can help to brighten their day.
September 23, 2016
That is very sad :(. I know that when I went to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, they told me that a lot of the volunteers are people who work in rescue and animal control. Their jobs are so stressful emotionally, that they really need an uplifting experience like a trip to Best Friends. Thanks for the reminder to be kind to others and show appreciation. The world needs more kindness!
September 22, 2016
I’m sorry to hear of this loss. And, very sorry compassion fatigue became too much for this individual who dedicated themselves to the animals. Thank you for sharing these resources.
September 22, 2016
I am so sorry to hear this news. I agree working as a vet, vet tech or shelter worker is incredibly stressful and emotionally draining. I have worked in animal shelters and know all too well the emotional burnout. There’s actually a name for it now “compassion fatigue” and the effects are very similar to PTSD in combat veterans. So sad. I agree saying thank you is always important!
September 22, 2016
Thank you for reminding everyone!! It must be difficult to tell owners bad news..
September 22, 2016
We have an awesome vet and the clinic staff are fantastic too. I like to show my appreciation by taking them edible gifts.
September 22, 2016
Oh yes! We bring in something special over the holidays for the staff to enjoy.
September 22, 2016
We could stand to say thank you IN GENERAL a lot more, but definitely agree in the vet space as well. Thanks for the post and reminder!
September 22, 2016
Agreed. It does not hurt to take a moment to say thank you to any and everyone!
September 21, 2016
I thank my vets all the time for the wonderful care they give my girls. I remember asking my previous vet about how hard it was to euthanize animals and how they could stay so calm. She told me they tend to lose it after the client leaves. It would be very difficult to be a vet.
September 22, 2016
I’ve heard the exact same thing.
September 21, 2016
This is such a tough topic. Our vets have a tendency to see us at our very worst: upset, scared, nervous, we’ve been waiting a long time, we know whatever is going on is going to cost a lot of money, but it’s so so important to remember the alternative: without a vet to tell us why we’re scared, make us wait and cost us money, our pets wouldn’t be happy and healthy. We all need to do the best job we can of making sure that this incredible service doesn’t go unappreciated. Thank you for the reminder.
September 22, 2016
Exactly! Not only are the vets, techs and staff seeing and caring for our pets when they are not well, they are also having to deal with the sometimes hysterical pet owner and trying to calm and make them feel better too! That’s a lot of pressure.
September 21, 2016
Vets and vet techs or assistants need our thanks. A stressful but rewarding job.
September 21, 2016
A truly inspiring reminder that we need to take the time to be thankful to the veterinary community as a whole – front-desk, techs, etc., and the veterinarian(s) themselves! Thank you for this – I will send a note and send flowers to our vet!
September 22, 2016
Oh my gosh! I bet your vet and the staff will be so pleased to receive the flowers! I would love to hear what their reaction is, please let me know.
September 21, 2016
My daughter is a vet tech. It’s a really difficult job for sure. Great post!
September 22, 2016
You must be very proud of your daughter 🙂
September 21, 2016
I am so thankful for our vets. They were very kind to me when I lost my cat a few years ago. They even sent a sympathy card in the mail later. They do so much to keep our pets healthy and happy.
September 22, 2016
I had a dog before Edie, and when she past I was obviously heart broken. A couple of days after, I had a delivery come to my door, a flower arrangement and card from my vet’s office sending their sympathies.
September 21, 2016
Agree. It is so sad that the veterinarian community has such a high suicide rate. When I hear people say that vets are out just to get our money and don’t care about the health of our pets, I’m just disappointed. I say thank you a lot, and should even more.
September 22, 2016
Part of owning a pet is understanding that there is a financial commitment as well, from feeding it to providing healthcare. I have never believed that “vets are in it for the money”. I’m sure they hear this often, too often.
September 21, 2016
Compassion fatigue in animal welfare is real and can, as you point out, have devastating consequences. Whether it’s the vet, the vet tech, clinic workers, rescue volunteers, shelter workers or anyone who comes face-to-face with the saddest part of animal welfare work on a daily basis, the impact is real. This is such an important topic to discuss! Thank you for raising awareness about such an important topic!
September 21, 2016
Fantastic post and I always email my Vet to say thanks after he sees Layla as he is just fantastic
September 22, 2016
Oh that’s so kind of you!
September 21, 2016
Thank you for this post! It is so difficult sometimes being on the other end, giving owners bad news, keeping up with every request (big and small because we know it means SO much to you) showing empathy while keeping it professional. Etc. The veterinary field is seriously the most difficult to work in sometimes but I wouldnt change it for the world! I just wish some would be more thankful like you! Thank you!! -Kandace (Veterinary receptionist/assistant)
September 21, 2016
Oh Kandace! Thank you!
I think many forget, or think, that being a vet, vet technician, or a staff member in a vet’s office is not all about seeing puppies and kittens all day long. I couldn’t imagine having to deal with seeing pets that are too ill to be treated and then having to bring such terrible news to their owners.
September 21, 2016
You’re so right… they deserve a big thank you. They’re only human, after all. 🙂
September 21, 2016
We all need to remember that we are all humans with feelings.
September 21, 2016
Compassion fatigue is a real problem in the field. People are holding workshops here on the issue.
September 21, 2016
It’s a very real issue, one that can’t be ignored.
September 21, 2016
What a great reminder. You said it perfectly. Thank you for spreading awareness about this.
September 21, 2016
Thank you.
September 21, 2016
Such a lovely post took me in flashback to the years when i worked with a veterinarian as an assistant