[No one, least of all the pet, likes the Cone of Shame. But it’s necessary…and up to you to make sure your pet keeps it on]

A common conversational topic among any group of veterinary personnel in any setting – work, conferences, even dinner – is clients. It makes sense. Although our work is nominally all about the animals it’s nearly impossible to have an animal without a client attached. A huge part of my job as a technician is interacting with clients in a variety of circumstances, good and bad. I take an initial history when you come in for an exam, discuss estimates for care, review medications and some test results, discuss homecare, and generally act as a resource and go-between for you and your veterinarian. I understand that our experiences together are not always easy; we see you during the panicked and stressful times of emergency, during financial hardship, family troubles, and at the end of your beloved pet’s life no matter when that time comes. I will never judge your sadness, your anxiety, your frustration. My job is to advocate for your pet. But with that said, there is one thing that comes up again and again in discussions, one thing that I hope all clients can keep in the back of their minds as they interact with their local vet services…