New Year Shout Outs

Looking back on 2019, there are two shoutouts that I want to give. Just two - and they’re not to friends and family (Friends and family: I love you - but you know who you are, and everyone else doesn’t need to). 

       Shoutout number one is to my lovely clients (only the lovely ones, who, alas, I wish made up a larger proportion). The ones who are always so patient and honest, who trust me with their beloved pets and don’t complain about costs.

       Being a vet can be a stressful existence (marked by our poor mental health statistics and high turnover rates) but a big part of what keeps me going is the joy of working with decent and dedicated pet owners.

        The other shoutout is to my neighbours. John and Jessie the sort of retirees I want to be when I grow up: 5 am swims, gym classes, DIY/GrowIY and community service. She’s always ready to give me food and he to lend me a hammer or hand with my bike. I try to repay them with baking and dog advice. But both parties know its the cuppas and yarns that matter the most.  

        When I was a kid, we played with the kids next door, knew which neighbours moved in and out and got together for annual street parties. It was part of who we were and what we did. Nowadays we live in townhouses and apartments but barely share a nod – we’re too busy sharing GIFs far and wide. I know times have changed and often for the better. But bring back neighbourhoods, I say.

These people I’ve mentioned aren’t my friends on Facebook (or don’t have Facebook at all). They will likely never see this blog. But I wanted to mention them for 2 reasons:

           1.     Some of the most important people in YOUR life might not be your Facebook friends. I know its hard to believe, hence this lengthy post. 

           2.  We are ALL are clients and neighbours. Yes, YOU. You, too, have the chance to be lovely and make a difference in the lives (and longevity!) of your vets, doctors, physios, dentists, baristas - anyone you wait in line to see. 
           And likewise, you have the opportunity to build friendships with those next door. It may not involve the swapping of cupcakes and coriander over the fence (though FYI, those things help). But how much richer would our lives be if driveways became bridges...Laughter filled lifts...

...If we were all the subject of these shout outs.