Moving On

This week I have had the pleasure of visiting some older pets, whom I have known since they were babies.  I remember how small they were and how fast they grew.  I have been a part of their lives for about as long as their owners have.  I enjoy seeing these pets and watching the changes they make through life.  I love it when they are happy to see me and sit expectantly for the treat I invariably have in my pocket.  I like to think that they would still love me despite the treats however.   

I know which medications these pets are on and which ailments they have had through out their lives.  One such pet has “white coat anxiety” but is still happy to see me.  I believe that he realizes that I might have to give him a needle or some other such thing, but he trusts that I won’t really hurt him.  He still bounds to the door when I come by and  doesn’t leave my side the whole time.  Being in his own home has also helped to decrease his anxiety and he is happy to welcome me, while he begs for hugs.  I have been there through each of the ailments he has had since a puppy and I know which medications he is on long term, as well as periodically.  Together, with his owners we have worked through the years to keep him as healthy as possible.  

Since I have started my own business I am afraid that I will not get to see as many of these patients.  I am not allowed to tell my old clients that I am working on my own now and so most don’t know where I am.  It breaks my heart because I really have watched these patients grow.  Despite any efforts not to, I have become attached to each of them.  You see, I love my job. I love the science and the mystery of medicine; I love the technical advancements which have made my job both more complicated and more efficient.  I love making pets healthier and clients more educated about their pets, but most of all I love the relationships I have formed over the years.  I love watching that puppy or kitten grow into a lanky juvenile and then into a confident adult pet, and although I hate to see them get old, I have always been glad that I have been there for them through the bad times as well.  

Now, I am starting over.  There will be new puppies and kittens and I will walk through the stages of their lives with them and I will be more than happy to do so.  In fact, I can’t wait.  But part of me is a little sad that I may never see some of those very special pets with whom I have built relationships with over the past years.