As I enter this week, I do so with a feeling, once again, of gratitude.
It has been 4 years this month since Kindred Spirits opened, and I feel like in that time we have made a family out of people who share a very special relationship with their pets. My gratitude comes from the fact that I am part of that relationship.
After practicing for almost 20 years when I started Kindred Spirits, I thought I had experienced most of what a veterinarian does. Fact is, since I've been with the staff and the clients of Kindred Spirits I've learned so much more about what we can do collectively. Like all of us, I know a lot more now than I did then.
Many of you have shared your stories, your links, your very special friends. Some of you have helped those in the community who needed a hand. You'll remember the story of Misty. She was owned by a woman in her 80s who came in with concern in her voice and eyes. The woman had metastatic cancer and her only concern was what would happen to her beloved dog when she passed away. I learned so much listening to her with the respect and focus that she needed. I'm happy to report that she and Misty are doing well. After a few people tried to make the right connection, a member of the Kindred Spirits family stepped up and provided the peace of mind that Misty's mom needed. She is ready to take Misty anytime her owner is ready. Misty, Geraldine and the secret client (Not Deb Henderlong :)) are a testament to doing the right thing.
For those of you that were around for Jeanne Pierre, I went to go visit him and his owners the other evening. Jeanne Pierre is urinating blood again and I was able to tell them that they didn't have to worry about it, even if it wasn't as simple as antibiotics or taking out stones, we had an organization, now headed by my wife and a board called the Friends of Kindred Spirits that had grown out of the original Jeanne Pierre Fund that could defray any veterinary, medicine or special food costs. By selling calendars this year, we have raised another $400. We still have calendars left by the way for the March special price of $10/ each.
So now in my role as the father of this family, I'm going to have to put you all on restriction. No one stepped up to get the beautiful spayed/vaccinated young female cat. So we let her loose in the food room to play during the day. So far we have found 6 bags with holes torn in them. I'm thinking about taking a kibble from each bag and mailing it to each one of you as a reminder of your reluctance to take this poor kitty.
All kidding aside though, you all are great.
Staff--seriously...do you KNOW how much I appreciate you?
Pets--thank you for the licking, the purring, the puppy breath...and the lab puppy last week...thank you for the donation of the chewed up biscuits on my lap
Clients--thanks for your trust, and for sharing so openly
This week I'm giving you all a sneak preview of next months Downeast Dog News Article from me. One of the cogs in the wheel for me in the circle that was my plan for Kindred Spirits was to use my voice to give information freely to make a difference in the community. I've been writing an article in Downeast Dog News for the past few months and am attaching one that has been submitted by not printed yet. After all, you guys should get first dibs.
Read the article here.
Many of you read about Jeannie, my first dog and her influence on me. This story is of a dog that taught me just as much, but in a much more tragic way.
Hope your week is full, you take the time to appreciate the simple things your pet reminds you of this week, and consider a few things I've learned in the past 4 years.
Your pet has more to teach you than you think
When things are going in a way that doesn't make your soul sing, change them. The sooner the better
Watch your pet greet a friend. Take a hint (you can skip the butt sniffing)
Quickbooks is cool
Hire people who get it and then make sure you keep them happy
Listen...its your most important sense
Observe your pet living in the moment whenever possible
Don't think you are a nut about your pet...at last count in our practice alone there are 2800 of you in the same boat.
:)
Have a great week
Mark
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