Veterinarians

One of our dogs, Panda, needed to have some surgery today at the vets. She had her teeth cleaned and she had a growth on her ear removed. We scheduled both for the same day so that should would only have one traumatic day. But it was 2 different vets at the animal hospital that did the surgery.

What has always amazed and amused me about the Animal Hospital of North Asheville is how awesome they
are and how much they check up on you. I always wished that our pediatrician had been as in touch with us. First we had a check in appointment today where everything was thoroughly explained to me. Then when Panda was in surgery, we had phone calls from each of the doctors, and one after she went into recovery. And, they were very thorough with written instructions on how to care with her tonight besides verbally reviewing everything with us.

And, I know that during the next few days they will call us at least 2 more times to check in with Panda (or more). Based on past history with this group, you never feel neglected and they are always available to answer questions or concerns.

So, why when I need to talk to my regular physician is it so hard to get someone to return a call? Or to check up on us afterwards, or to see if we need more information. I think one big thing is that with animals who can't express themselves in words, they want to make sure we know what to expect. And customer service is paramount, when everything that is done for them is really "elective". We don't typically have insurance for dogs, and they want us to be satisfied and wanting to come back to their practice. In fact, one of the other vets stopped by to chat with me for a few minutes while I was in the waiting room and I got a chance to ask her about the med dosage for my other dog.

So, this is really a thank you to the awesome care that my dogs receive at the animal hospital, and to let everyone know that great customer service makes a difference in everything that all of us do!

Changes

What I hate being an owner of a small company, is trying to make changes. Not just the thought of what people will accept, but having to keep so much of the work "quiet" until it is time for an announcement. I guess that this is not true just about changes, but also about fun projects (like the T-shirts we did a couple of months ago), or the Holiday presents that just arrived and are stashed away.

I think it is the secrecy that is hard to deal with. So, my research, or my plans, or my thoughts can only be shared with 1 or at the most 2 other people. On small things, this is fairly easy, but on larger projects it gets harder. Whether the changes are big and awesome and good, or the changes are thing we wish didn't have to happen it takes its toll on me until it is implemented and rolling along.

I guess this is why outside management consultants manage to stay in business. They become a confidant outside of the organization. But, who can afford that luxury in these times? And, I can't talk with my husband about some of the things on my mind ( because he also works at the same company), and I can't talk with my immediate family members (like my mom or brother), so I talk to myself. The best thing is, I usually agree with myself.

One fun change that is now implemented is the fact that Dana and I are now taking a 1/2 day off every week for US. Not to do laundry or grocery shopping, but to explore, hike, walk, talk, eat out and have fun. This past week we went to downtown Asheville to Lexington Avenue Brewery. We both had a flight of 6 beers, really good food to eat, and then walked around down town for quite a while. Before heading out we stopped at a used book store where I had credit. We are planning on doing this at least through the spring.

The economic situation has caused all of us to have changes at work and at home. Change is not all bad, it can be good and I plan on continuing to enjoy the challenges ahead.