Behind the Scenes during COVID-19

These are strange times, friends.  If you had told me 6 months ago that I’d be coming into work daily and NOT seeing my clients, that we would be cancelling non-essential surgeries or  that I’d be “on call” to help in the human medical field if they get overwhelmed by a virus, I’d say that you are nuts. And then, if you told me that grocery store shelves would be empty and people would be hoarding toilet paper, I’d be calling a mental health professional on your behalf.  But here we are.   I see your pets every day, but none of you.  We talk on the phone, but it’s just not the same.  Let’s be honest, I could wear my PJs to work and you wouldn’t even know (Dr. Carolyn brings this up at least one a day by the way; it’s going to happen).  

Life as a veterinarian has changed quite a bit.  I won’t sugar coat it and say that we aren’t stressed. Who isn’t these days?  We are living through a pandemic that no one alive…. that’s right NO ONE ALIVE has ever been a part of.  And yet, our commitment to you and your pets has not changed. 
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Veterinarians are considered an essential business.  As long as we are able, we will continue to care for your pets.  We understand that your pets are family and not being with them at their veterinary visits is tough.  Things may be a little different right now but rest assured that while you are waiting in your car, we are treating your pet with the same love and respect that we always have (except with no smooching and believe me this takes huge amounts of restraint on our part). 

To give you a behind the scenes account, I’ll give you some examples.  Our nurse Jess was comforting a very nervous young cat who was seeing us for an exam.  She was stressed so Jess covered her in a towel so she could find a place to hide and find comfort.  This instantly stopped her shaking.  Our customer service representative, Lisa, has really upped her game with the baby talk.  Any time she passes an animal, her regular voice is nowhere to be found and the dogs’ tails start wagging like crazy.  Dr. Tom is business as usual, sitting on the floor with all the dogs and feeding them biscuits galore. And these are just a few of the many, many examples that I have witnessed daily. 

The team leaders led by Dr. Wendy have been listening to all the press updates and are working relentlessly to stay ahead of the curve to keep everyone safe and keep our doors open so that we can continue to treat your pets.  We are all handwashing and bleaching surfaces like crazy and have the cracked hands to prove it. We are adjusting protocols as needed to keep you and our team safe so we can continue to provide care to your beloved pets.
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Rest assured that your pet is still experiencing a fear free experience thanks to our team of dedicated professionals and true animal lovers. Knowing this, we invite you to use your time waiting in your car to practice some self-care during these stressful times.  Put on some smooth jazz, take a nap, Facetime with a friend, or perhaps paint your nails.  We will clean up your pup’s slobber, soothe your nervous kitty, and most importantly, treat their medical needs while you kick back.  Just don’t get used to it.  I know I speak for everyone at ACOC in saying that we hope to see your smiling faces here in the near future.  Until then, stay healthy and safe.    
 
Be well,
Dr. Jessica