I find myself surprised everyday about how much I love and respect the profession that we call veterinary medicine. I have recently reacquainted myself with the “All Creatures Great and Small” PBS series, based on the books by James Herriot. James Alfred Wight, whose pen name was Herriot, was a beloved veterinarian that spent his life in the Yorkshire dales practicing for almost fifty years.
If you have read his books or followed his stories on PBS, you will discover that his life as a veterinarian was difficult, challenging, entertaining, and amazing. Although he had many of the troubles and struggles that we all have in life, he considered himself blessed to live a life rich in variety. He believed himself honored with the trust and loyalty of the people of his rural community for many years.
Much has changed since James practiced veterinary medicine, but the things that have not changed are what makes this profession so amazing. The relationships that we form with our clients and the trust and loyalty that they give us in return.
Yesterday I met a beautiful female border collie mix that had been adopted by one of our most loyal and trusting clients. We have a longstanding relationship with the couple that adopted this beautiful girl. They are the kind of people who volunteer to work with us each year at our Christmas charity event. They never complain, are kind and considerate to our team, and trust that we will always do our best for their beloved dogs. They lost one of their sweet dogs last week to cancer and their remaining dog was so distraught that they had to get her a companion. When I walked into the room with their newest baby, I had to tell her that she had just won the pet adoption lottery. No family could be a better home for any dog. I knew that she would live a life rich in love and care.
Veterinarians get to know families in the best and the worse moments of their lives. We are there for the joy of their new puppy or kitten, we work with them in times of financial and family stress, and we help them with final decisions when their pets are no longer comfortable and able to carry on. We laugh with them and cry with them. They reward us with their love, loyalty, and trust.
Do not take that loyalty lightly. If you are a veterinarian, know that you are respected and loved more than you know. Each time a client trusts the care of their pet to you, they are showing loyalty to you and your profession. If some do not show their appreciation — or worse, give you a hard time — be secure in the knowledge that they are a part of your life experience and will allow you to show grace to another. Count the blessings and not the complaints and your life will be richer for it.
Dr. Julie Cappel
“Loyalty is still the same, whether it win or lose the game; true as a dial to the sun, although it be not shined upon.” - SAMUEL BUTLER
“The foundation stones for a balanced success are honesty, character, integrity, faith, love and loyalty.” - ZIG ZIGLAR
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