A Refresher Course

A Refresher Course                                                 September 6,  2011

Yes, even vets need a refresher course sometimes.  So my seven year old daughter has been begging for a puppy for the past year.  Of course, her loving veterinary father could come up with hundreds of reasons why we didn’t need a new puppy “right now”.  It’s funny how the same reasons sounded similar to some of my clients.  Anyways, her persistence (and her being my only daughter) finally wore me down, so we are now the proud owners of two shih-tzu puppies- Cam and Lucy Belle!  If you were paying attention, you caught that I said two puppies, not one.  So here’s where I needed the first refresher lesson.

Refresher Lesson no. 1- Don’t take either your wallet or your children when looking at puppies!  If I’ve said this once, I’ve told clients a thousand times.  And what did I do?  I took all three of my kids.  And imagine how it turned out.  My oldest son pleaded the unfairness argument.  “How come she’s the only one to get a puppy?”  Luckily, my youngest son (who is three) could not adequately convince us of getting a third puppy.  So we walked out with two puppies in hand…much to my chagrin.

Refresher Lesson no. 2- It’s good to remember what my clients go through with their new puppies…. every few years.  From cleaning up messes to crying puppies late at night, it’s good for a vet to experience it.  It’s easy for me to dismiss or casually address behavior issues when they’re not my own.  I now will make a more concerted effort to help the poor souls who are dealing with the fun puppy stages.

Refresher Lesson no. 3- A vet’s puppies aren’t automatically smarter than anyone else’s!  Just because I have a lot of knowledge on raising and training of puppies doesn’t mean that mine will learn it by osmosis.  I’m reminded of the saying “do as I say, not as I do.”  I’ve got to spend time working with them just as much as anyone else.  I tell my clients to play with their pet’s paws and roll them on their back, and then I’ve got to do it myself. 

Refresher Lesson no. 4- Your kids (no matter how much they promised) will not help take care of the puppies. But I thought my kids were different- ha-ha.  Oh they have great intentions, but ultimately it will be up to one of the adults in the house to do aaaall the work required.    They’re good at holding them in their lap, but I could do that (and I do). 

I am reminded of one of last thing…..that after a long hard day at work petting a soft cuddly puppy in your lap can be very soothing to the soul.   

Bark Bark

Dr. Carr Kelsey

 Lucy Belle & Cam

Why I Become a Veterinarian?

I've been thinking about what I wanted to discuss in my first blog.  I've considered interesting medical topics, great vet stories, or answering common questions. I've chosen the latter to tackle first. One of the more common question I get is "why did I become a Vet?".  Probably an important question since you entrust me with the care of your four legged companion.

Most of the answer goes back to my childhood. When I turned about 8 years old my parents gave me a little black mutt for my birthday. I quickly named her "Blazer".  Where I got "Blazer" from I have no idea.  It was definitely not a very ladylike name for a female dog.  But like most dogs; she definitely lived up to her name. So if you name your dog "Spaz", guess what you'll end up with!  Anyways she was an awesome dog and lived almost 17 years.  She was basically my dog, and we had some great times growing up. I remember when she got hit by a car and my parents had to decide between surgery and euthanasia. At that time, for my family it was an expensive surgery. Luckily after much begging (by me) they decided to have the surgery. Afterwards she gave us 15 great more years.  I undoubtedly owe my career path to the great relationship she and I had while growing up.

The last two reasons are more minor and have to do with the way God wired me. First, I've always loved medicine- human or veterinary.  I think it's an interesting field. The art and practice of medicine intrigues me.  The way the human or animal body's work (physiology) is awesome to comprehend.   The ability to take a sick dog and get him feeling better is extremely rewarding.  Lastly I have to say I'm just not geared for a desk job.  I have to be moving and doing something. That's just me. Of course, here I am behind a desk typing a blog.  But veterinary medicine is nice because it gives you the chance to use your brain and body at the same time.  You are always physically doing something- getting on the ground with your patients, petting them, holding them, examining them.  It makes for an active day.

Well there you have it.  I hope you've enjoyed and will stay tuned for future blogs.  Oh I almost forgot the last reason why I'm a vet.  What job allows you to get shot with anal glands and smell like a skunk all day?

Bark Bark

Dr. K.