Hello friends!
What a bizarre time the last few weeks have been!! We know that you were all very concerned that WQVH would be forced to close, but I am pleased to report that my vet family are considered essential – and are still very much here for you. They are all very committed to continue to help our community!
It does mean that there have been some big changes in the way that we are operating and it’s very much a “try and see” process. I guess there are lots of workplaces that also trying to come up with new ways to do business… so we are grateful that everyone has been very understanding as we try to navigate the best and safest way to see you all!
Unfortunately, for me, it means that my daily treat load has dropped significantly as I no longer have you wonderful clients offering to sneak me tasty snacks at the front desk ☹.
On the upside, I’m currently being treated to a sleep-over!! So, today I am writing to you from under a blanket in a very large and snuggly dog bed! It’s lovely and warm, and I don’t even mind that I’ll be covered in dog hair when I (eventually) decide to get up. Because this is a special bed; it belonged to “Nara” the Husky – who you might remember from my previous blogs. Although Nara officially had an owner, over the past 10 years she became the “Clinic dog”. She was our blood donor, friend to our patients and comforter to both staff and clients. I’m sad to report that Nara crossed the Rainbow Bridge last week, after a very long and happy life; surrounded by her Vet family…and after sharing some hot roast chicken with me- of course! And so, I’m here providing loads of cuddles and being absolutely spoilt rotten!
With the combination of the Human Coronavirus and the feeling of grief in the clinic this week, it’s made me think a little bit about the influence we “fur-kids” have on people’s lives. And I’ve realised that those pets who now have owners working from home (and, likely, for some time to come) are actually very lucky!
I mean, it has long been recognised that pets have a massive and very positive influence on the mental and physical health of their owners. Apart from the obvious benefit of taking a doggo (or cat on a lead -or in a stroller) for a walk, there are lots of other ways that we can help you cope with stress and anxiety….from a simple pat, snuggle or sneaky kiss that helps you to feel connected. We make you laugh when we are clumsy, we save you by eating the food you drop on the floor and we are ALWAYS there when you need us…. And even more-so when you don’t!! HAHAHA!
But what has not been “officially” recognised, is the positive impact you Humans have on us! So, I feel it is my duty (as NSW Best Clinic Cat and self-appointed Chief MEOW-nister and speaker for all Domestic Animals) to rectify that.
You provide us with shelter, food, toys, comfy beds and SO. MUCH. LOVE!!!! You are there for chin scratches, nose boops, reassurance during loud storms, car rides and play dates. You pick up our poop and hairballs (which is disgusting by the way) and you still love us when we do “Zoomies” around the house and knock over your pot plants.
So, I’m here to tell you that, while you work from home, we animals promise to be there for you. We promise to sit on your keyboards, chew up your computer cords and meow or bark during important business calls. We will keep the children entertained, play games with you and remind everyone to get some exercise.
We do this because we love you too! We want to spend all our days with you. We want to bring you happiness and help you forget what is happening in the outside world…. Even if only for a little while. We want to go on adventures with you and help you to live in the moment.
So next time you’re feeling isolated or a little down, I’m asking you to turn to your pets. Because, although we might not fully understand exactly what is happening, we are just so pleased to have you at home!
Well, that’s all from me for now. I will remind the staff to keep you all updated on any changes in the hospital and to share some “Happy-Snaps” of things happening inside the building… because who doesn’t need a reason to smile right now?!!!
Until next time, stay safe- stay home.
Love Norma xx
Nursing with Norma – March 2020
Nursing with Norma – MarchHello friends!What a bizarre time the last few weeks have been!! We know that you were all very concerned that WQVH would be forced to close, but I am pleased to report that my vet family are considered essential – and are still very much here for you. They are all very committed to continue to help our community!It does mean that there have been some big changes in the way that we are operating and it’s very much a “try and see” process. I guess there are lots of workplaces that also trying to come up with new ways to do business… so we are grateful that everyone has been very understanding as we try to navigate the best and safest way to see you all!Unfortunately, for me, it means that my daily treat load has dropped significantly as I no longer have you wonderful clients offering to sneak me tasty snacks at the front desk ☹.On the upside, I’m currently being treated to a sleep-over!! So, today I am writing to you from under a blanket in a very large and snuggly dog bed! It’s lovely and warm, and I don’t even mind that I’ll be covered in dog hair when I (eventually) decide to get up. Because this is a special bed; it belonged to “Nara” the Husky – who you might remember from my previous blogs. Although Nara officially had an owner, over the past 10 years she became the “Clinic dog”. She was our blood donor, friend to our patients and comforter to both staff and clients. I’m sad to report that Nara crossed the Rainbow Bridge last week, after a very long and happy life; surrounded by her Vet family…and after sharing some hot roast chicken with me- of course! And so, I’m here providing loads of cuddles and being absolutely spoilt rotten!With the combination of the Human Coronavirus and the feeling of grief in the clinic this week, it’s made me think a little bit about the influence we “fur-kids” have on people’s lives. And I’ve realised that those pets who now have owners working from home (and, likely, for some time to come) are actually very lucky!I mean, it has long been recognised that pets have a massive and very positive influence on the mental and physical health of their owners. Apart from the obvious benefit of taking a doggo (or cat on a lead -or in a stroller) for a walk, there are lots of other ways that we can help you cope with stress and anxiety….from a simple pat, snuggle or sneaky kiss that helps you to feel connected. We make you laugh when we are clumsy, we save you by eating the food you drop on the floor and we are ALWAYS there when you need us…. And even more-so when you don’t!! HAHAHA!But what has not been “officially” recognised, is the positive impact you Humans have on us! So, I feel it is my duty (as NSW Best Clinic Cat and self-appointed Chief MEOW-nister and speaker for all Domestic Animals) to rectify that.You provide us with shelter, food, toys, comfy beds and SO. MUCH. LOVE!!!! You are there for chin scratches, nose boops, reassurance during loud storms, car rides and play dates. You pick up our poop and hairballs (which is disgusting by the way) and you still love us when we do “Zoomies” around the house and knock over your pot plants.So, I’m here to tell you that, while you work from home, we animals promise to be there for you. We promise to sit on your keyboards, chew up your computer cords and meow or bark during important business calls. We will keep the children entertained, play games with you and remind everyone to get some exercise.We do this because we love you too! We want to spend all our days with you. We want to bring you happiness and help you forget what is happening in the outside world…. Even if only for a little while. We want to go on adventures with you and help you to live in the moment.So next time you’re feeling isolated or a little down, I’m asking you to turn to your pets. Because, although we might not fully understand exactly what is happening, we are just so pleased to have you at home!Well, that’s all from me for now. I will remind the staff to keep you all updated on any changes in the hospital and to share some “Happy-Snaps” of things happening inside the building… because who doesn’t need a reason to smile right now?!!!Until next time, stay safe- stay home.Love Norma xx
Posted by West Queanbeyan Veterinary Hospital on Saturday, March 28, 2020
