newspaper cutting.

Experiencing life as a disabled person......

dog bite.
third injury in less than 6 months.
:( a sign?

Veterinarian depression and suicide article

http://www.veterinaryteambrief.com/article/impaired-veterinarian-recognizing-depression-possible-suicide

My favourite vet.

An unexpected surprise when i went for late lunch at the squirrel.
I was gifted with two stories.
One abt how he and his wife got married.
The second one was how he was the rebel of the family.

Even more reason for me to look up to him.

6 years of friendship.

3/3/2007 

Celebrate friendship.

How not to be a dick at the vets... [shared link]

http://www.xojane.com/relationships/how-not-to-be-a-dick-at-the-vet-hospital

Being raised by two veterinarians made for a very warped childhood. Most of my formative years were spent gazing at the innards of cats and dogs while Mom or Dad removed, stapled or otherwise rearranged internal organs. I used to take naps inside of kennels with the patients. I have no real concept of what polite dinner conversation is.

I always thought I would be a vet, until I worked at a vet hospital. Working at one and hanging out with your parents at one are very different things. Sometimes it is just one big kitten parade, but sometimes my mom has a Facebook status like this:

“I have seen 5 patients tonight and all 5 are now deceased. The worst night ever."

My mother has been a veterinarian longer than I have been alive (she graduated pregnant with me) and an emergency vet for over a decade, but even she has a hard time with this much death in one night. 

If only this were all veterinary medicine required.

Things like that status help remind me that I did make the right decision, career-wise.

Another reason I would not be a great vet: I am not great with owners, or “pet parents.” My dad is fond of saying “Not all pet owners are crazy, but all crazy people have pets.” Truer words never spoken. Usually, these crazy clients just make for a good story. 

One time, a client took her dead dog home and prayed over it for three days, thinking it would rise again. This same lady had previously explained to my father that all her dogs were sweet and wouldn’t bite because they “knew Jesus.” 

One time, a lady told my mom that she wanted her dog’s penis to be completely removed during neutering, because it was visible to her daughter. Except she didn’t say “penis,” she said “princess.”

One time, a man told me he wanted to get his dog the distemper vaccine, because Fluffy had been kind of a jerk recently.

My parents have a lot of funny stories. But, they also have some stories about people just being assholes. So I asked them (and all of my other vet-friends) to provide me with some helpful hints on how to not be a dick at your local vet hospital. My mom even wrote her own blog about it. 

1. Don’t Lie. 

I lie to my doctors all the time. I lie to my dentist about flossing, I lie to my MD about how much I drink, and if I had an OB/GYN, I’m pretty sure I would lie to her, too. I would mostly embellish for her though; my sexual history is the most boring sexual history of all the sexual histories.

But, I don’t lie to my vet. Mostly because she is my mom and can tell if I’m lying, but also because it would suck if something happened to Angie because I was too embarrassed to admit that I occasionally let her drink beer with me.

 I’m not the best at keeping her ears brushed.

If your dog ate your pot, it is really important that you tell the doctor that your dog ate your pot. THC is toxic to dogs. If your dog ate any prescription medication (legally obtained or otherwise), tell your vet. If your dog ate a condom that SOMEHOW has peanut butter inside it, tell your vet. Vets are also bound by doctor-patient confidentiality, so they’re not going to narc on you. They will report abuse however, such as people drugging their pets to “see what would happen.” Don’t do that.

Don’t lie about non-drug factors either. If you feed your pet human food, don’t say you only feed them IAMs. If you haven’t applied your flea prevention or heartworm prevention in a year, don’t say it’s been a month. Giving heartworm medication over heartworms can kill your pet, so it’s important that a heartworm test be done if you’ve fallen behind on the medication.

2. Follow instructions.

There was once a dog with two broken legs. My dad applied splints to each leg and told the owner to keep the dog confined and as stationary and dry as possible. The next week he went back to that same farm for a call and, as he so eloquently put it, “God damn if the dog didn’t chase my truck up the driveway... with splinted legs.”

Medical instructions are not suggestions. They are given from a place of medical knowledge. The above is an extreme example, but all instructions are important. Administer medications as directed and when directed and KEEP THE CONE OF SHAME ON.

Also, if you do have to go to an emergency clinic: GO TO YOUR FOLLOW-UP WITH YOUR REGULAR VET. 

3. Pick One Point of Contact.

Your vet usually has several cases going at once and does not have the time to explain one set of findings to five different people. Pick one person for the vet to talk to and do not ask them to call your husband/wife/mom/breeder to re-explain themselves.

4. Treat your vet like a doctor.

Don’t tell my parents I admitted they are real doctors. My dad tried to suture me once and I had to be all “You’re not a real doctor,” but they are. The most disrespectful thing you can say to your vet is “But, I read on the Internet…” or “My breeder told me you would say that but…”  We all read things on the Internet. You can read things I wrote on the Internet, proving that you should probably not get your facts from the Internet. 

If you are concerned about vaccines: Ask your vet as many questions as you need to feel comfortable. Not all are legally required, and a good veterinarian should be able to tell which ones are needed for your pet’s lifestyle. 

There is a reason they spent a quarter million dollars on their education, and that is so they can save the lives of sweet little animals.

5. Don’t try to emotionally bribe them.

I used to get really hurt when people would insinuate (or flat out accuse) my parents or the vets I worked for of being in it for the money. As I mentioned earlier, the average vet student graduates with a quarter million dollars of debt. Buying your own practice is another quarter million. The median income for this profession is 65K. 

Surgeries for pets are expensive, but so are surgeries for people. Telling the vet they are effectively killing Princess Fluffy Face because you can’t afford treatment is a real dick move. Owning an animal is a financial responsibility. If you can’t afford to feed, vaccinate, and treat the ailments of your pet, you should not have one. 

Expect to spend money. An office visit may be $50, but that only serves to identify the problem. Don’t expect a cheap home remedy for severe dermatitis. 

But, if you are up-front about how much money you can spend (and we all get in tight spots) your vet can work with you and will know to focus on the treatment aspect of things. To quote my mother, “X-rays are not therapeutic.”

6. Don’t show up 10 minutes until closing.

Yes, hospitals are open until they are closed, but if your dog has been puking since 10 AM, don’t wait until 5:30 PM to come in. If something becomes apparent at 5:30 PM, it might be best to go to your emergency clinic. I would recommend getting to the vet at least 30 minutes prior to closing. Several of my vet friends have babies (furry and otherwise) they would like to get home to.

My Vet-Friend, Brooke, with her fuzzy kid.

These are some of most common gripes, but the most important thing to remember is this:

Ninety percent of veterinarians are veterinarians because they feel they have a calling. I know enough of these people to know that they are not in it for the money. They are not in it for the hours. They are not in it for the heartbreak. They legitimately love animals.

My dad could care less about your baby, but he will talk to your puppy (not you, just the puppy) for an hour if you let him. I strongly suspect that he only visits me to visit Angie. He likes going to work, most vets I know do, and if they don’t it’s not because of Fluffy. It is because of Fluffy’s mom.

My dad and his Grand-dogs.

one exam = one imac/two ipads...

failed once before...
wonder how i'll do this time...

Eventful Monday.

Dog castrate, rabbit spay, first attempt at cpr (failed) alone, dog dying before closing...
It's sad to see a life go. I think you're off to a better place with no pain and suffering, Muffin. You'll be missed.

choc mooncake

Gabriel's Shrine.

Meow Meow Chan

Little highlights...

This week:
- first rabbit spay.
- first aural haematoma repair.

- friday off: AM movie (bourne legacy) with lunch at food court in fw... PM sent rufus and ling to minnie's... chilled at kadoorie hill, dinner with zodiac ppls, and was audience for band prac.


Not as happy highlights.
- potentially wrecked the new phone :(
- failed with deworming patients.
- va got bit, prolly coz i failed with deworming.
some crappy late nights...

could be better, could be worse.
all in all, glad the week went by without too much dramas. :)

PYS

hot pot hong kong style!

Dinner with great colleagues at Tai Po.

Two weeks in...

2 wks into new job.
"Vet intern."
So far so good. :)

Lots to learn.
stressed?
Perhaps, but that's normal, isn't it?
Can't ask for more right now...

Shadow over.

It was a good experience and I gained a lot.

There is beauty in everyone and everything.

I celebrated with family on the last day of this trial job, but I wasn't celebrating the end of this job, I was looking forward to the next opportunity.

The dots ...

So as it turns out I have decided to take on the offer.
Peanuts, and skeptical about how things will turn out. Nonetheless, shall go at it head on and see what happens.

It's such an uneasy decision and I must learn to make decisions without worrying too much what other people think. Though when it comes to my parents it is a little harder. It's hard to not feel judged.

I believe the dots will connect. Eventually.

Interview, round II

Thank You for staying close for my first interview, and thank You for making it a good experience.
I have got another interview in an hour, please let me present myself the best I can, and please guide the way for the perfect job for me. You're the man with the plan, I am ready.

Also thank You for making Dr. M.W. like me enough to want to see me again tomorrow.
But, one thing at a time, let me focus on the task at hand right now.

Tips for Fun at Work

*adapted vetlearn.com*

• Wear different funny hats, sunglasses, or masks to the team meetings.
• Name the laboratory equipment and call it by name.
• Keep bubbles, crayons, and child toys to pass around at meetings.
• Copy someone’s hand using the copier. Type on it: “Need a pat on the back? Stand here.” Tack the sign on a wall where everyone can lean against it for the pat on the back.
• In the bathroom, put up signs that say “Looking good!” or “You are great—Smile!”
• Put up a humour/rumor board; first, make certain everyone knows what is appropriate humor for the clinic.
• Watch a movie together and discuss learning points from it that can be used at the clinic. Good movies to try are Apollo 13 and 12 Angry Men. Encourage the team to look for movies to use.
• Have a “Joy Jar.” Each month, decide that there will be a 25-cent penalty for a negative behavior, like saying “can’t.” The penalty money goes into the Joy Jar. At the end of the month, identify two people to be the Joy team. The Joy team decides how to use the money in the Joy Jar to spread joy in the clinic. For example, you might have a masseuse come in to give neck massages or get someone to come in and speak on managing stress.
• Help team members develop their sense of humor by supporting their sharing of funny incidents and stories. Look for opportunities to help people take themselves and their jobs less seriously. Share positive stories, and encourage others to share them with the team.
• Make sure you have a supply of fun office toys (e.g., Silly Putty, Slinkys, Pez dispensers, Frisbees, Nerf balls, Koosh balls).
• Bring a camera to work and catch people having fun. Put the photos on a “Wall of Fame” board with funny or heartwarming captions.
• Post photos from newspapers and magazines on a bulletin board, and have team members write funny captions on sticky notes around the photos.
• Put fun messages on employees’ paychecks to recognize their performance or special days like their birthday or work anniversary.

Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Suess

Congratulations!
Today is your day.

You're off to Great Places!

You're off and away!

YOu have brains in your head. 

You have feet in your shoes

You can steer yoursef 

and direction you choose.

You're on your own. And you know wht you know.

And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go.

Out there things can happen 

and frequently do

to people as brainy

and footsy as you.

You'll be on your way up!

You'll be seeing sights!

You'll join the high fliers

who soar to high heights.

Except when you don't 

Because, sometimes, you won't.

I'm sorry to say so

but, sadly, it's true

and Hang-ups can happen to you.

But on you will go

though the weather be foul

On you will go 

through your enemies prowl

Onward up many

a frightening creek,

though your arms may get sore 

and your gumboots may leak.

Step with care and great tact

and remember that Life's 

a Great Balancing Act.

Just never forget to be dexterous and def.

And never mix up your right foot with your left.

And will you succeed?

Yes! You will, indeed!

(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed)

KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!

So... Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting.

So... get on your way!

 - parchment given to murdoch vet graduates 2011 at graduation dinner 2nd december, 2011.