NATIONAL VETERINARY TECHNICIAN WEEK | MONDAY MISCHIEF

Did you know October 12th through the 18th is National Veterinary Technician Week ? I didn’t, but when I found out Harley and I thought we ought to do something special for the Vet Techs in his life…

NVTW

Veterinary Technicians are educated professionals who work closely with your veterinarian to ensure the best quality medical care for you pet. If you have a pet, there has to be at least “one time” when you’ve sat in the Vet’s office biting your nails, wringing your hands, or tapping your feet on the floor anxiously waiting for either results or a diagnosis about your beloved four legged furrend.

Lord knows Harley had a bucket full of challenges as an infant pup and his Vet Techs were a blessing getting us through those difficult and trying times. When I was at my wits end those early days as a pet parent, they were very reassuring. Always calm, courteous, comforting and caring. Taking the time to make sure I was “okay.”

There are actually two Vet Techs in particular who have played instrumental roles in Harley’s life – Kendall Reaves…

1

And Matt Erwin…

2

So for a little Monday Mischief, Harley convinced me to allow him to do a PSA “intro” before you read his very first interview…

HARLEY – Kendall since I’ve known you the longest I’ll start with you. Why did you choose this particular profession over some other career in health? Like, Dentistry? Public Health? Nursing?

KENDALLFor me, it was always veterinary medicine. Being a Vet Tech is so rewarding, it’s so much more than just medical science. Our patients can’t talk – they can’t tell you what’s wrong with them. So each situation is like solving a mystery. I’ve got to first assure them that they trust me, then I must carefully read their body language, and study them. They are trying to show me signs and it’s up to me to use those signs like puzzle pieces to help give me the total picture and get them better.

HARLEY – Matt, can you tell me why you wanted to become a Vet Tech?

MATTI have always loved being around animals. I first started out as a kennel attendant walking the dogs. But after a while I realized I wanted to learn and interact more with the animals as well as build relationships with the owners. I love that feeling of accomplishment watching an animal get better, knowing I helped play a part.

HARLEY – From your Vet Tech experience, what aspect of all of this would you say you enjoy the most?

KENDALLIt would have to be taking care of those animals we hospitalize. When they remain here with us recuperating, naturally they require much more attention. While they’re in our care, lots of TLC builds trust and helps with their recovery. I want them to feel safe, because they’re away from home. I also enjoy bonding with the family members as we communicate about their pets progress.

HARLEY – I know I’ve never been a “difficult” patient (BOL) but have you ever had a terrifying experience with an animal?

MATTWhen you’re working on an animal who is under sedation, you are taught that the animal can sometimes have involuntary movements while sedated. Once as I assisted with a procedure, a dog lifted his leg and somehow lodged his paw nail inside my nostril. As he “yanked” his paw away – blood started pouring from my nose. I panicked when I saw all the blood because I just knew half my nose was ripped open. When I did get it cleaned up and looked at my nose in the mirror it wasn’t that bad. That’s when I learned I can look at animal blood all day long, but not my own.

HARLEY – Kendall, what about you?

KENDALL  – I remember petting a six week old kitten and the next thing I knew the kitten leaped up in the air and landed on my face where her paw grabbed onto my eyelid and she bit down on my chin for balance. There she hung for dear life dangling in the air.  I ended up with a few scratches but I survived!

HARLEY –  Oh My Doodle! Who knew all of this was going on when I’m not around!

Well that’s all the questions I’m allowed to ask. I could go on and on but “she” gave me a word count limit.

“But before we close” (that’s what some of the television people say) let me tell you – I’m so happy there’s an entire week dedicated to celebrating Vet Techs.

hhhh

I think your presence in the office is invaluable to all us animals, plus the parents, and even the Doodle Doc herself – so “thank you – for all that you do” and enjoy your week. You deserve it 🙂

 The End 

I am joining the Monday Mischief blog hop brought to you by Alfie’s BlogSnoopy’s Dog BlogMy Brown Newfies. Stop by and check out all the other blogs – they’re a talent bunch!

Thanks for reading!…

monday-mischief-button-150x150-px

24 Comments
  • Talent Hounds
    October 13, 2014

    Now that looks like a fun vet visit!

    • Cathy Bennett
      October 13, 2014

      All his visits are fun, it’s a great place and I am so fortunate to have found them less than 4 miles from my home.

  • DashLilly
    October 13, 2014

    Good work Harley! And what a surprise that you are a kissy-face with your tech friends!! We love our techs too. They are so patient and loving!

    • Cathy Bennett
      October 13, 2014

      Dash Lilly it was actually Kendall who started Harley in the whole “kissy face” campaign. I just gave up trying to correct the behavior because I was fighting a losing battle. I was just so happy he was finally cured from the nasty giardia he arrived with (took 11 months) that I really didn’t care what he did. Yes, vet techs are special people and it was fun putting this together. Take care

  • Amanda
    October 13, 2014

    I really enjoyed this post. Talking doodle is so funny, and the reminder to give thanks to our vet techs is great! Thanks for adding a bit of sunshine to my Monday!

    • Cathy Bennett
      October 13, 2014

      Hey there Amanda – you are welcome! Thanks for reading, and please continue to come back. We love our furrends:)

  • Sheila and Finnley
    October 13, 2014

    What a great interview Harley. You were PAWsitive without being pushy ! You sure have a smooth voice too. It made me want to howl at the moon…. but it is still daytime!! LOL Love Finnley

    • Cathy Bennett
      October 15, 2014

      Thanks Sheila – Doodle Dad said Harley could have used a little more “base” in his voice BOL

  • Emma
    October 13, 2014

    What a cute video! Vet techs are wonderful, and ours always have lots of fun, but no matter, I’m still scared out of my fur. I could never interview them as I just want to leave as soon as I get to the vet! You did a great job!

    • Cathy Bennett
      October 15, 2014

      Emma, Harley acts like he’s going to a pawty every time. He’s never afraid, his tail wags and he hops all over the place. Silly Doodle 🙂

  • Tenacious Little Terrier
    October 13, 2014

    Those experiences do sound terrifying lol. Can’t imagine having a kitten hanging from my face!

    • Cathy Bennett
      October 15, 2014

      How about a dogs paw up your nose – Yuck!

  • Jackie Bouchard
    October 13, 2014

    What a nice tribute to vet techs! We’ve had some wonderf techs at our vet too. They’ve always been so gentle and loving with our pups!

    • Cathy Bennett
      October 15, 2014

      You know Jackie, they are vital to a vet’s survival too because they are generally on that front line, so the first impression has to be a good one!

  • Dolly the Doxie
    October 14, 2014

    That was so nice you you to honor your vet techs! Love Dolly

    • Cathy Bennett
      October 15, 2014

      Thanks Dolly – they deserve so much more too!

  • Susan from Life with Dogs and Cats
    October 14, 2014

    What a great idea to acknowledge vet techs. They are super!

    Wags (and purrs) from Life with Dogs and Cats.

    • Cathy Bennett
      October 15, 2014

      Yes Susan, they sure are. We meant every word too!

  • Rama's Mama
    October 14, 2014

    I had no idea! We are going to have to do something for our vet techs! Thanks for letting us know! And great post! Looks like you had a fun vet visit!

    • Cathy Bennett
      October 15, 2014

      Thanks Rama’s Mama. Don’t fret, you’ve still got time to celebrate your vet techs!

  • Raven
    October 15, 2014

    Harley, you’ve very lucky to have such dedicated vet techs taking great care of you. And you did a fantastic interview for vet tech week.

    • Cathy Bennett
      October 15, 2014

      Thanks so much Raven, I agree, we are blessed beyond measure. It was fun doing the interview also. Thanks for stopping by, please come back soon…

  • Ann Staub
    October 17, 2014

    Aw I love this post! And Harley, that video made me crack up laughing lol… I don’t think I’ve seen that app before but it’s pretty cool. There is definitely never a dull moment in the day of a vet tech.

    • Cathy Bennett
      October 17, 2014

      Ann, Vet Techs are angels in a scrub top! Happy to hear you enjoyed Harley’s intro – Doodle Dad said he needs a little more base in his voice 🙂