Vet Life

When I got to work today I had the unpleasant experience of finding out I was scheduled until 6, not 4. If they told me about this change (to cover while my boss is on vacation) I don't remember it. Only 2 doctors for a long full day.

I had an extraction scheduled first thing for a dog with an abcessed molar that was causing his face to swell. There were 2 hours allotted for that. I saw an early morning walk in, pulled the molar and another premolar next to it within the scheduled time, then we flipped the dog. Another Xray revealed the other molar was starting to abcess as well. I called the owner and they agreed the other tooth needed to come out, too, to prevent more facial swelling in the future. So I worked on that tooth AND saw appointments, took a short lunch, then returned for the afternoon slam. Left work at 6:30, home at 7:15. Greeted by bowl of pasta, prepoured glass of red wine, 2 bathed tooth-brushed happy naked children and husband who was unloading/reloading the dishwasher. WOW.

Mostly my family is very supportive and understanding of my job. But last week Anna said, "I want you to change your schedule. I want you to work NO days." I told her, "Well, there are a couple of problems with that, Anna. I really like going to work and the animals need me. And, if I didn't work, you couldn't go to school." Anna said, "Eeek! But I love my school!" I told her she would just have to enjoy me taking her and picking her up 2 days a week.

Other days she says when she grows up she wants to be an animal doctor just like me, so we can go to work together every day. She claims she will always live with us and will never want to move out. She says "We can take care of the animals together, and when it is time for lunch, I will ask you what to do!" I couldn't have dreamed up a better fantasy myself.