It has been 3 months since I officially opened my Mobile Veterinary Practice and it has been quite an adventure.
Prior to starting my own practice, I worked as an Emergency Veterinarian at hospitals in Salt Lake City, Las Vegas and Orem Utah. I loved my work, but when I opened my own business, I wanted to do things differently: I wanted to be able to spend more time, quality time, with my patients and clients.
As opposed to the sometimes sterile, formal and hectic environment of the traditional hospital setting, I have learned so many things about my clients and patients in the intimate, familiar environment of their own homes…things that I wouldn’t have seen in a brick-and-mortar setting. And this experience has helped me to become a better Doctor and a better person.
Recently, a dear client of mine sent me an email entitled, “A Dog’s Purpose”. With her permission, I would like to share it:
A Dog’s Purpose” (from a 6-year-old):
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound
named Belker. The dog’s owners, Ron, his wife Lisa , and their little boy Shane,
were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn’t do
anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog
in their home.As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for
six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn
something from the experience.The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker ‘s family surrounded
him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if
he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully
away.The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or
confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker’s Death, wondering aloud about
the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ”I know why.”Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I’d
never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I live.He said,”People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life — like
loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?”The Six-year-old continued, ”Well, dogs already know how to do that when they’re
born, so they don’t have to stay as long.”Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you’re not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
I have always loved being a Veterinarian, but I truly have found joy in being a Housecall Practitioner.