September 20th was our first Riverheads home Varsity Football game! It truly was a community social event. We had always been curious about the lack of seating in the stadium. We learned that night that lots of seating is not necessary for a Riverheads football game- their fans are content standing and congregating all around the field so they can socialize and cheer on the Gladiators. Riverheads won and we had a great time, especially since my friend and colleague Nikki and her family were there too. The next day was busy for both Clark and I. Clark had to take the Praxis for technology on the campus of University of Virginia in Charlottesville. What was even more complicated than the exam was the fact that there was a home football game that same day. Poor Clark had to park over a mile away from his building and navigate the campus without his cell phone (not allowed in test room). That totally would have frazzled me before a big exam, but Clark rarely looses his cool. We're still waiting for the results of the test, but overall he thought it went well. I had to work in small animal that morning and then that afternoon was Open House at Westwood. It was so much fun to let folks in behind the scenes to see where and how we treat their animals. Not only was there hospital tours, but also demonstrations on sheep herding, search and rescue dogs, and a farrier shoeing a horse. Other features included face painting, cotton candy, and Chic-fil-a! The weather was pretty dreary, but we still had a great turnout and a lot of fun!
The next day we went to the Fields of Gold Festival at the Frontier Culture Museum with the Riverheads FFA to help promote Shenandoah Valley Agriculture. The Augusta County FFA Chapters were responsible for the childrens' area that included a petting zoo, fake cows to milk, a corn "sand" box, and crafting your own wooden sheep by gluing real wool to it. There was even a kid's pedal tractor pull. The weather was much better that day and the festival was very neat! I had the chance to go explore other parts of the Frontier Culture Museum. It's a really cool place that has old farm scenes set up from all over the world. Definitely a place I want to check out again!
The following week was pretty standard except for I had two dinner meetings. I enjoyed them- free dinner plus learning more about the latest techniques and new medicatons- not too shabby! Friday night was another home football game ending in another Riverheads win. The 28th was another Small Animal Saturday and Clark helped cook BBQ chicken for a joint FFA-FCCLA fundraiser. The rest of that weekend was spent relaxing and trying out a new church.
This week was a bit different. With the change from September to October, I was scheduled to be in Small Animal Monday and Friday. On Tuesday, one the full-time small animal vets called in sick, so I worked in the clinic so that they too so they wouldn't be swamped. The best part was that Erin and I got to work together! Right now our schedules our opposite- when I'm doing large she's doing small and vice-versa. We had a blast both being in the clinic! Fortunately, Mike, the other mixed animal vet, was in surgery and available if we needed him, but for the most part we were self sufficient and got along great!
I had several firsts this week. For the first time I had to tell a client that their pet had cancer. It was definitely one of, if not the most difficult thing I've had to do so far. I had to spend some time composing myself and planning what to say before starting the conversation. Fortunately, the client was fairly prepared for the news. But the really bad part is that I had to do it two days in a row. The next day I had a patient whose abdominal X-rays looked pretty concerning. I caught somewhat of a break in that I referred the patient to a specialty center for an ultrasound and it was there they confirmed my suspicions. However, even having to speak those suspicions made me nauseous and broke my heart for the owner and her sweet dog. I know these are just the first two of many throughout my career and I doubt that sharing the news will get any easier.
Yesterday was Small Animal Saturday 3 out of 4. Normally we are not scheduled 4 weekends in a row, but I needed my originally scheduled Saturdays at the end of October off. The switch up just happened to put my September and October weekends all in a row. What was great about yesterday is that after work I got to travel with some of my coworkers to The Spa at Massanutten for an afternoon of pampering. That massage was just what I needed after this week! And the best part...it was free! This summer we met a production goal and were rewarded by the pharmaceutical company with a Spa Day followed by a steak dinner at Outback! It was great to spend some quality time with my coworkers away from the hospital!
Today we tried the early service at the church we found last weekend and then had brunch at Kathy's. I've had the crafting bug to make some fall decorations so this afternoon I've been working on a wreath. Can't wait to get it finished and show you all!
Whew....I'm going to try not to get behind anymore. I'm you're just about as tired from reading as I am from typing! Have a great week!
This week was a bit different. With the change from September to October, I was scheduled to be in Small Animal Monday and Friday. On Tuesday, one the full-time small animal vets called in sick, so I worked in the clinic so that they too so they wouldn't be swamped. The best part was that Erin and I got to work together! Right now our schedules our opposite- when I'm doing large she's doing small and vice-versa. We had a blast both being in the clinic! Fortunately, Mike, the other mixed animal vet, was in surgery and available if we needed him, but for the most part we were self sufficient and got along great!
I had several firsts this week. For the first time I had to tell a client that their pet had cancer. It was definitely one of, if not the most difficult thing I've had to do so far. I had to spend some time composing myself and planning what to say before starting the conversation. Fortunately, the client was fairly prepared for the news. But the really bad part is that I had to do it two days in a row. The next day I had a patient whose abdominal X-rays looked pretty concerning. I caught somewhat of a break in that I referred the patient to a specialty center for an ultrasound and it was there they confirmed my suspicions. However, even having to speak those suspicions made me nauseous and broke my heart for the owner and her sweet dog. I know these are just the first two of many throughout my career and I doubt that sharing the news will get any easier.
Yesterday was Small Animal Saturday 3 out of 4. Normally we are not scheduled 4 weekends in a row, but I needed my originally scheduled Saturdays at the end of October off. The switch up just happened to put my September and October weekends all in a row. What was great about yesterday is that after work I got to travel with some of my coworkers to The Spa at Massanutten for an afternoon of pampering. That massage was just what I needed after this week! And the best part...it was free! This summer we met a production goal and were rewarded by the pharmaceutical company with a Spa Day followed by a steak dinner at Outback! It was great to spend some quality time with my coworkers away from the hospital!
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| Photo Credit: Laura Lane |
Whew....I'm going to try not to get behind anymore. I'm you're just about as tired from reading as I am from typing! Have a great week!
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