Reflection Part 4 {Most Memorable Patients}

Reflection Part 4--Most Memorable Patients

Last time I shared Part 3 of the Reflections series (read part 1 and part 2 here) which ended with a photo of the young Bengal tiger I was fortunate enough to work with during my time at UF. He was certainly one of my most memorable cases for just being what he was. How many people get to work with tigers? I consider myself truly lucky to have had so many amazing experiences. I'd like to share a few more from University of FL Vet School:

There was the pet cougar(I do not recommend keeping wild animals as pets!!) who stayed in ICU overnight. She was under a constant sedative IV drip for pain and to keep her from eating us. Apparently she was someone's pet and actually slept in bed with the owner. Due to the fact that she was a cougar she stayed under sedation and closely monitored for her safety (and ours). The coolest thing about working with the big cats (even though this one was sedated and the tiger was essentially a baby and used to human interaction) is that they are exactly like house cats.

They are playful, vindictive, sweet, true hunters, and you really want to stay on their good side! The tongues of tiger and cougar felt just like one from a house cat. They are beautiful and dangerous animals. The slightly frightening part of this case was that the wildlife department at the university came in to transfer her to us and update us on her case also brought a dart gun that we were to use in case the cougar awoke unexpectedly. They explained how to use it, locked the syringe/darts in our controlled substance machine, and left us for the night. It went perfectly--what a cool experience!

I briefly assisted cleaning and medicating a great horned owl's wing injury. I applied the medication as the student gently restrained the owl. A deer was brought in by two young men after they saw her injured on the side of the road. They dropped her off with wildlife emergency and went back to look for her fawn while we examined her. Wildlife department requested help from ICU and I got to go down there to help sedate the doe and place an IV catheter.

We had a wallaby hospitalized in ICU for a few days. That was really interesting as they were using canine plasma and several other infusions. He was pretty sick initially but when he was more aware he was just very shy. We had to do blood work on him frequently and monitor his vitals. He had surgery so we were trying to keep his temperature up which is why he is covered up with blankets and a warm air heater. 

Finally one of the most touching cases was a middle aged couple who were traveling through Florida  saw a large young dog get hit by two different cars (who didn't bother to stop). They stopped and were able to carefully lift him and carry him to their car. He ended up at UF on emergency and have fractured pelvis as well as a few other fractures in addition to head trauma. He needed thousands of dollars in surgery and care. The couple had fallen in love with the sweet pup and decided to pay for his treatment AND adopt him. Such a great ending to a sad beginning! 

It's cases like this one that makes my job so worth all the sad and frustrating times. 

On another note: we got back from Denver, CO last week and had SUCH an amazing time! I definitely want to go back (I'd love to move there!!) to visit--it was amazing to see all my close friends. <3 Next post I will share our trip to Colorado :)

Reflection Part 3

Reflection Part 3

(Catch up by reading Part 1 and Part 2)
We last left off on Reflection Part 2 in 2007 when I left AVS and was accepted into the University of Florida undergraduate program. I took a position at UF's Small Animal Veterinary Medical Center. After working with the amazing staff at AVS I knew that no matter what I couldn't let anyone keep me from my passion--animals, science, veterinary medicine. Since this story is about my career and not the blunders of college (again that can be for another time) I will keep it short and just say my acceptance was conditional but I wasn't informed in time to complete the requirement thus my acceptance was rescinded. At this point I was focused and refused to give up--I stayed in Gainesville with my new job and resumed classes at Santa Fe College.
My job was in the small animal ICU/CC (intensive care unit/critical care). I worked the "swing" shift which was 5 days a week 5pm to 1am. I also went to class during the day. The shift I worked was mostly unsupervised--no doctors--just techs with doctors on call. When I first got up there I had to get blood drawn, physical exam, rabies vaccinations, and training on the day shift. They told me usually new employees train for a week but after 3 days I was put onto my new shift. The rabies vaccinations were administered in a series of a few weeks and they made me feel sick every time--which is supposedly a normal side effect.
I fit in fairly well with the diverse staff and learned many new skills quickly. Most of the time we were monitoring and administering medications and treatments to the patients in our ward. We had many post operative patients as well as critically ill patients. I went in with general nursing skills and came out knowing advanced skills. Despite all the obstacles I've faced everything has made me into the person and professional that I am today. Working in ICU we had our unfortunate fair share of experience in CPR and because of this I am quite comfortable (for lack of a better word) performing the potentially life saving action. My almost two years of employment at UF was a crash course in emergency care/resuscitation, cardiology, surgery, advanced nursing and venipuncture (special IV catheters and blood drawing) and so much more.

I wish I kept journals during so much of this time but I never really wrote about work and when I did write about anything it was sporadic depressive ramblings. Anyway, for about a year I worked that shift and most weekends drove back to orlando to visit David. I never specifically had trouble with management but a few of my coworkers did and I developed a healthy disdain for my employers (or at least the people they put in charge). For whatever reason our department (there was cardiology, radiology, etc--just like human specialists, they had everything) was the only one in small animal that ran 24 hours a day and constantly brought in money but our staff was often the most harassed and we were always an after thought. Upper management purposely misled our direct manager during evaluations (that were supposed to lead to raises) so that most of us did not score high enough despite what our manager reported about us. They created this "career ladder" format of rigorous checklists, signatures, written and verbal testing which was the graded using a mysterious formula that equaled to a dollar amount for an individuals raise. When questioned they were unable to provide said formula or explain their conclusions. Several other little rude, condescending, selfish actions and remarks that aren't even the point of this story. They often forgot about the late shifts when they actually planned something for the staff whether if was educational, fun, or mandatory. We would have to stay hours late after our shifts or come in during the middle of the day just for a meeting. Even though I am still a little bitter about a few things I would do it all over again because it made me just that much better at what I do!
I'm having a difficult time remembering which cases came and what point while I worked at UF so I'm going to go through some photos (thankfully the files has date taken recorded...awesome!) and try to figure out what happened at what time. During my last year there I was suddenly switched from the swing shift to an overnight position (10pm to 8am) which entailed more duties, longer shifts, less help, and I would at one point be the senior technician. I didn't have an option. I asked for an increase in pay and was denied. I had to drop all of my classes as my new schedule was effective within two weeks. I had a really hard time adjusting to the overnight shift but I still have some amazing experiences and became good friends with someone I probably wouldn't have if we didn't work so close together. I'll share this photo of a 10 month of white bengal tiger baby boy. He's quite large as he is almost a year old. The "little" guy injured a bone in his leg and was on cage rest with a cast. Our duty at night was to check on him and make sure he didn't remove his cast. If he did then we would call the zoo med veterinarian. However we did get to pet him through the cage a few times. ;-o He was very sweet and would try to lick your hand through the bars and would place his paw against your palm.




Next week I will share special and interesting cases I experienced during my time there. I hope at the very least to show you some cool photos of animals you wouldn't usually get to see up close and also to show you what I do and have done in my career in veterinary medicine.

It’s nice to have time off!!

I’m taking a break from my series called “Reflection” (See Part 1 and Part 2) which is literally me reflecting on the last 13 years of my career as a veterinary technician (basically the beginning of my career to current). Sometimes remembering certain things can be overwhelming or even tiresome. I try to let go of some of the bitterness I still feel toward some situations but writing about it tends to bring those feelings back. AND since I’ve been dealing with headaches and just general “run down-ness” I decided to give you guys more of an update with the current rather than the next installment of “Reflection.”

Luckily for all of us at the clinic, our boss is taking a few days off—which means we all get a little extra time off also. Our manager scheduled it so we each have at least two days off in a row (or more!). I’m actually watching their pets as I type. <3

We’ve been slowing upgrading our apartment—it feels nice to have our own furniture that we bought. It’s nothing expensive but it all matches and we picked it out. All we’ve ever had was hand-me-downs (and they were all awesome!) but there is something different about picking out and purchasing your own stuff. Now we need a cover for our love sac (giant awesome bean bag couch/bed) and a few shelves to help us organize the rest of our belongings.

As part of my valentines day gifts David arranged to get us park hopper passes for Disney—particularly so we can go to Animal Kingdom. We may go Sunday :) I usually dislike zoo and don’t visit them but Animal Kingdom and Miami Zoo are the absolute shit. Miami Zoo is wicked cheap and an incredible experience—“cage free” zoo!!

We will also be visiting Colorado in three weeks! I’ve never visited anywhere in the US for fun. I’ve always been dragged around by family to visit family. Thanks to David’s family I’ve been able to travel to Cancun, Mexico and The Bahamas. Those are the only places I have traveled—it may be a lot to some but I’ve always wanted to visit places and see their natural beauty and other “must see” sights. I have two best friends out there and their lovely significant others and I am so freaking excited to visit them and explore Denver and Ft. Collins. They will be trying to convince us to move there, hehe. If you live in or near those areas in Colorado hit me up on facebook or twitter and maybe we can all meet up for drinks or coffee while we are wandering around Colorado. I’m so ready to see some mountains and National Park and just the awesomeness that is in the west of the US. I can’t wait to see you guys!! Tanya, Myke, Leashy, Seth, Bryan, Lily, Nette. <3 You guys are my family! <3

Luckily David’s time off was approved so he can come with me and all our pets will be staying at the clinic boarding kennel. That’s the only place I know that can handle all four of them and their behaviors and medical issues. The whole herd is too much for one person unless they are skilled in medicating animals and pet mischief. My fellow techs are professionals and they love my little hooligans.

Upcoming Changes: my blog is suffering because of my lack of routine but with these few extra days off and then vacation coming up I’m planning some slight changes to the design, but nothing big. The other change is my etsy shop—I’m currently researching recycled metals (sterling silver) and acquiring some beach glass and other natural beauties. Maybe some pretty little stones from Rocky Moutain national park! I’ll let you know :)

In the meantime you can check out the new additions to my shop. A few pieces I have made in the past I am re-offering for purchase.

I’m still trying to figure out how to design my own logo, even though I want to support small business I really can’t afford to pay a graphic designer.

 

Reflection—Part 2

I’ve been awful about blogging and writing anything lately. However, I have been keeping a notebook/journal/doodle thing. I jot down ideas, thoughts, drawings, whatever. I date each page when I start a new one. I keep changing up the color pen to keep me feeling creative. Anyway, if you remember the last post I did—about the beginning of my career in veterinary medicine. I will pick up right after Part 1.

2005--2007

There were so many other things that happened, but that was the only death on my watch. My friend Myke and I could make you laugh and cringe in disgust at some of the things we experienced. I heard other stories later from staff that remained after I left—they didn’t stay long. I try not to dwell on it much, its quite upsetting. I was already stressed out from working for Dr. D so when he cut my hours, I handed him my resignation letter—effective immediately. I already was on the job search and had an offer as a personal assistant to a couple of realtors. Just as I was starting the new job my friend and I had a falling out and I moved into a duplex with some friends. I started dating one of my roommates—as I had a crush on him before I moved in. I was on the rebound after dating one guy on and off for several years—and he was there for me. After a long time of searching and applying I finally landed a job at a local veterinary clinic. (I actually had a job interview to work for Dixie Stampede as a rider but I wasn’t able to get a ride out there *sad times*)

I worked at the clinic for about 6 weeks. I was having trouble sleeping and my boyfriend (at the time) had a friend that was over often with a drug problem—he would come and crash at our place after arguing with his fiancé (not that we didn’t get a little wild back then). When I was hired I was told they would teach me to do the things I didn’t know. At my first review I scored a D because I wasn’t excelling as they had expected. I told them I wasn’t being trained. Finally one day I was called by the manager. She stated that she was going to talk to me that day but I wasn’t there (it was my day off). She said I didn’t seem happy and it wasn’t working out so if I could please come by tomorrow to drop off my key and pick up my final check. I was crushed. That’s the first time and only time I’ve ever been fired. I was so devastated—I thought that maybe this wasn’t for me. I took a job at the local publix as cashier. I figured what the hell, might as well earn some money while looking for a better job or just work there while I went to school.

I didn’t last long. I grew tired of staying hours after my scheduled time. Tired of the monotonous scanning of barcodes and weighing vegetables. So very tired of being exhausted every week and paychecks that weren’t worth it. I found a job for the local specialty clinic on careerbuilder.com and literally like 15 minutes after applying I received a call from the hospital manager. After two interviews (one was a working interview) I was hired as Vet Assistant/Treatment Tech. I originally applied for position of tech but after speaking with the manager I told her I wasn’t comfortable doing the job without training—but once trained I knew I could. They hired me with the knowledge that they could use my practically anywhere.  And they did. I was used the most as “cat whisperer”, as I was really good at restraining and calming pets, particularly cats. This was especially important during chemotherapy as movement could cause the injection to come out of the vein. I often helped in chemotherapy with our patients, in ultrasound restraining patients, I was able to encourage sick cats and dogs to eat, I did treatments while the other techs were busy in procedures, I took appointments a few times, but the most interesting part was when they asked me to take over physical therapy once a week.

Every friday I did physical therapy exercises with a few dogs and then the underwater treadmill. It was amazing to watch animals rebuild strength or maintain severe arthritis. The best part was Lucky (I think that was his name). He was a little dachshund that was unable to walk when I started working with him. The most special thing about him was he exclusively saw me. The other patients sometimes came on friday when they couldn’t make their regular visit or at least they had already been evaluated by the physical therapy assistant (all of our instructions came from the orthopedic surgeons, there wasn’t an actual physical therapist). So Lucky came only once a week and it was recommended at least twice a week for results. He came in unable to walk and I watched him go from needing total assistance to being able to support himself and almost walk completely unaided. It was absolutely amazing.

I worked there for almost 2 years and learned so much. We had many joyful times and many heartbreaks. That’s the curse of working with animals. We will almost always outlive our pets. It was so refreshing to finally be somewhere that had the same medical ethics as me and didn’t make me feel uncomfortable. They thanked each of us everyday and I loved working there. I only left because I was finally accepted into University of Florida and my dream of becoming a veterinarian had been delayed too long already (the story of school is also an epic one, I’ve had one hell of a time just trying to work on my bachelors. That will be for another time).

This photo is Lucky and I our last day together. It sucked because he didn’t care for the person taking over my job. I have several other photos from my last day. Special patients that were still hanging in there, goofy coworkers, and all the doctors. I remember him the most because he was MY patient. I used to have video of him walking without support for several steps. Just amazing.

The next step of my journey was that of acceptance into the school I had been dreaming/planning to attend since I was a little girl. Once I was accepted and knew I would be moving up there I informed the doctors at the specialty hospital and they told me to apply to the vet school. I wasn’t sure if I was qualified but I was assured that I could do it and I would be great. I applied for any veterinary technician position within the small animal hospital but I would work in large animal if trained. I went up for my interview and to apartment search. The interview was a success and I was offered a job working the middle shift (without veterinarian supervision—except by phone call or if they came in) in the small animal ICU and critical care. The job was a huge promotion for me and came with a nice raise from my current salary. I decided to room with a friend for a few months before deciding on my own place up there. A month or so before the move my boyfriend and I broke up and I ended up moving in with friends for those few weeks—I also dated a few people and found the guy I’m dating now (and have been for almost 6 years).

This is the Spring of 2007 and I am about 22 years old. I have been in veterinary medicine for approximately 8 years. The fun has just begun.

Reflection-- Part 1

Last week Jen was down in St. Pete visiting with family and she invited me to come out to a local bar for a mini meet up. David and I drove down from Orlando area after I got off work. It was awesome finally meeting and getting to chat. Jen, myself, my boyfriend David, a reader Tom, and Anwar (he was working there) got to meet. She asked me a few questions about my career as a vet tech and it inspired me to reflect on some of the things I’ve experienced so far in veterinary medicine.

Please know that my situation isn’t typical. I’m 27 years old (my birthday is in July) and I have been working in veterinary medicine for almost 14 years. I started volunteering at my family pet’s veterinary clinic when I was about 12 years old. My family told me that I always wanted to be a vet since I knew what one was. My mom wanted me to get some experience so I would have an advantage over other students so she asked if I could volunteer. I was always mature for my age so at 12 they let me walk the dogs in the kennel and even watch surgery. I volunteered every summer after that.

1999--2003

I remember when I was 14 and got the call from Doc (Dr. S)—she asked me if I would like to have a job! I was ecstatic. I had already been working for a year on the weekends with the company that offered clowns, face painting, balloons, pony, and horse rides. For an animal lover I was in heaven. I also loved being able to be out of the house weekday and weekends as it was a more legitimate reason than hanging out with friends or boyfriends. I worked a few hours every afternoon after school and in the summer I worked more. When I was old enough to work full time I did.  I worked there until the summer after I graduated from high school.  I started in the kennel, began assisting in surgery, and then began educating clients about pet care, vaccinations, preventatives. I learned to draw blood, place catheters, clean teeth, take radiographs and so much more. I learned a strong sense of medical ethics and standards—Dr. S was an amazing and passionate vet who clearly loved her profession. I learned that we are in this for the animals and people who love them. I experienced life and death, shared happiness and sadness with clients. I loved spending time at the little clinic. The vet had several dogs that I got to take care of as if there were my own. One dog named Bob was my favorite—when I was 17 my parents went to NJ to visit family and I stayed home because I needed to work, Bob came and stayed with me for the week so I had some protection. He slept on my bed with me and I was sad when I had to return him but I would see him at work everyday. The year I left for college Bob was sick and even though I no longer worked there Dr. S called me. He ended up having stomach cancer and treatment would have only prolonged the inevitable and would have been tough for him. Dr. S decided it was kindest to euthanize him and asked if I would like to be there. I drove out to her home and hugged him and kissed  his nose. He was one of the best dogs I’ve ever known. He had been there with me through break ups, issues at home, happy times, and it I could have taken him with me to college I would have. I held his paw as we cried and gave him the injection. He fell asleep and just didn’t wake up. I had a mixed CD in the car that afternoon and now anytime I hear Hands Down by Dashboard Confessional or the theme song from Donnie Darko I relive those feelings to a minor degree. Even now there’s a knot in my throat and I’m beginning to feel sad.

2003--2005

When I moved to UCF area for college I thought I would just get a job at a restaurant but I hated the food industry and missed working with animals. I searched for a job at a vet clinic but at only 18 no one wanted to hire me. I had almost 5 years of experience but no one would give me a chance because I looked so young. I finally was offered a position bathing dogs at a vet clinic. I ended up taking a big pay cut but I wanted to work with animals.  I should have known from the beginning that this wasn’t a good environment but it was the only place in town that would give me a chance. Within weeks of starting I became head technician as the entire staff quit. The doctor had a horrible bedside manner with clients and didn’t really appear to like animals. He constantly made odd demeaning or vaguely (sometimes not so vaguely) sexual comments to the staff. I was young and determined to make a name for myself in veterinary medicine. I considered it a speed bump in my journey—I knew I wouldn’t be there long. The only saving grace were the few good people that filtered through the clinic for employment and one beautiful but neglected bird. Raspy or Rasputin was a beautiful, sweet, and free spirited Catalina macaw. He was owned by Dr. D but he began  living at the clinic shortly after I started working there. No one liked him. He was loud and aggressive. I was determined that he just needed some love. Seriously that’s all he wanted. I started with a leather glove so in case he did decide to attack me but soon I was able to hold him on my arm without concern and eventually he would sit on shoulder and nuzzle my cheek. I feel such regret to this day that he is still there, but what could I do? He wasn’t mine, I couldn’t very well steal him (as much as I wanted to). He was Dr. D’s only pet (which is so freaking weird) and only became so because his previous owner couldn’t pay the bill and decided to abandon Raspy. I miss him to this day. I have a feather of his that I always kept. He probably wouldn’t know me now, but if there was a way to adopt him I would.

I was only there for about a year and a half but it was long enough. The hospital had such a high turn over rate and the staff that was there when I started warned me. I should have quit after I lost my first patient. I was doing a dental cleaning on a sweet golden retriever whose owner would tip us every time she had a bath and every major holiday she would give us each a gift card to borders. Her name was Sunny. I noticed that her she stopped breathing and her color wasn’t good. I called the doctor and other staff. He didn’t give us any instructions. Thankfully the other tech who had returned (she was there when I first started) to work knew CPR from her assistant classes and told me what to do. We didn’t have an airway because at this particular clinic they did not intubate (my previous clinic we always intubated!)—the only thing Dr. D tried to do was intubate Sunny. When he was unable he just stood there watching us. L gave Sunny chest compressions while I gave her breaths. (Knowing what I know now—Dr. D did not tell us to give her any epinephrine or atropine or anything! I don’t know why.) Sunny’s color began to turn pink—we were getting her back--but suddenly I guess Dr. D had decided that we tried long enough when he heard the front door chime. He told L she needed to go up front and take care of the customers. He told us we needed to stop CPR. That dog should not have died. When I was sure she was gone I went up front and sobbed in L’s arms. I came to that hospital with higher medical and ethical standards than the owner—in 5 years I never lost a patient, but it wasn’t the fact that we lost a life. What bothered me most was that it he didn’t seem to care. What I experienced was awful but what I heard after I left was even worse. If you ever questioned Dr. D he would always counter that we didn’t go to vet school so what did we know. Real mature.

Ha. I stayed there too long.

Next up is my second short hiatus from veterinary medicine. I left the profession three times for just a few weeks or months at a time and kept trying other things but nothing was as satisfying. At this point we are about 6 years into my career—I’m about 20 years old here.

Happy National Vet Tech Week! (A week behind but its ok)

Note: Vet Tech Week WAS last week Oct 14-20th but I'm behind on my posts so I wanted to share anyway :)

 

I finished setting up the website/blog for the rescue group my clinic works with: Faith Hope and Love Rescue. The webpage they currently use is the basic info page shelters get when they sign up with PetFinder.com and its really simple.

http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/FL785.html

The one I set up for them is also basic but its more pleasing to the eye and I think more user friendly. I set it up through my blogger account, currently it will just be informative but if they would like to use it for posts and updates I'll help with that as well. Here's the new one:

http://faithhopeloverescue.blogspot.com/

 

They were really excited to see it and I'm hoping that the next step will be to purchase a domain name so its easier to find them. The big plans in process for the rescue is trying to get funding to open up a shelter. I really want to help  them get started with that. I gave them my email and phone number in case they want to ask me for help with anything.

 

Another animal advocacy group I'm involved in is the No Kill shelter movement. (http://www.nokilladvocacycenter.org/ and http://www.thenokillnation.org/)  I've also given them my contact info because there is going to be very important animal advocacy legislation coming next year. January is when they are planning to reach out to us for help. Here's a few links about the group, and this isn't a new idea. The first no kill open admission shelter celebrated it's 10th year of saving 90% or more of pets. The average in regular shelters is about 50%, some better, some worse(*coughPETAcough* http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/douglas-anthony-cooper/peta-fighting-for-the-rig_b_1598530.html).

 

And in awesome news:

 

David and I have planned our weekend getaway to Miami! Yay :) Going to see a comedy show, lay on the beach, shop a little, and just have fun. I can't freaking wait! We are driving down in my pretty car and I just know we will have a blast.

 

Starting today is National Veterinary Technician Appreciation week. We are often an under-appreciated profession, by our bosses, coworkers, and customers. (Not at my place though! Our group is great together.) Take a moment this week to give them/us a special thanks :) I can't wait to get my two fellow techs little gifts. Also one of the techs is our manager and boss's day is Tuesday so we are going to make sure she and our vet get something nice.

 

Here's what I wrote on facebook about it:

Lindsay Wagner

October 14

National Vet Tech Appreciation week starts today! 

Just remember when we are at work taking care of your pets, we are missing our own. We help new owners with puppies and kittens start off life right, we advocate for highest quality medicine

we can achieve, we help animals and their owners when their precious pets are sick or injured, we stand by your pets side when you are unable to be there for their euthanasia; often holding them, kissing them, and telling them how good they are and how much they are loved; often crying ourselves during or after. 

Please know we are not in this business for the money, but because we truly care for animals. The world would be so very empty without our pets.

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Life Update: Latest post from TNTML

Life has been on an upward trend for us lately.  David has been working more hours at his new job and just interviewed for a promotion there, we will find out in the next few days. I know he's qualified for the position and he really deserves it. He works so hard! That would mean full time, full benefits, and a raise! This new job although he's not making as much or working nearly as many hours (but at least he gets paid for EVERY hour he works) is leagues better than his old one. I'm actually getting to have days off with him and he's not exhausted and grumpy all the time from being unappreciated, overworked, and cheated out of overtime. This job actually has management that thanks him and makes sure the entire staff takes break/eats. They do mealtime per shift and always have food for the staff if they choose to eat it. Sounds pretty nice!

As I told you guys last week we have our internet back! YES. Although apparently they reset our wifi network name and password to a default or something and we don't know the login information. That's next on the to-do list, it's such a hassle to call customer service. At least we have internet when we plug in via Ethernet to the modem-router-thing. I'm serious, it's not your regular modem and router combo. It's this all in one box that Brighthouse has with their super crazy fast "lightning" internet. Once we got that back I started getting caught up on my blog/website stuff. I'm redesigning (I guess that's what you call it) the look. I just tweak a little bit at a time. Usually I learn as I go, it's an interesting and time consuming process. I'm trying to make it more organized, more appealing to the eye, yet professional-ish. Bah, I'm just doing what I want, whatever. Hehe :)

Thanks to family and friends (and social media, yay!) I've sold a few items from my Etsy shop (http://www.etsy.com/shop/craftafarian). I can't wait until I can find some time to create some more things to add to the shop. I want to add some crocheted items, maybe some stuff for pets (cat nip toys, etc) and David suggested adding some jewelry made with old or foreign coins after they are polished up. I thought that was pretty cool. The money from the sales has been a great help lately--plus a portion of it goes to local pet rescue: Faith, Hope and Love Rescue Inc. This rescue has been helping my clinic find homes for our foster kittens by alternating weeks at their featured adoptable spot at the local pet store.  In fact, one of the kittens I fostered at my apartment for a few weeks was adopted this week. It was bittersweet as I was kind of sad but also happy that she finally found a home. I hope they bring her to our clinic to get spayed so we can see her again.

School has been going really well. I'm attending San Juan College's Veterinary Technology distance learning program aka online. I'm only taking one class and its just the first few weeks but I'm really enjoying it. I've been trying to be very diligent about studying. The tests and quizzes are timed so even if you wanted to try to look up the answers you really don't have time.  One class in process, 29 left to go until I've completed the AAS in Veterinary Technology and I will have been educated enough to take the national exam. Good times.

Once we get but on track will all the bills, get David's school and other stuff situated, get my cat's surgery, then we should be saving for hopefully a house. *happy dance* Yay, future.

Photo: Wynnie our 8 year old alaskan husky/shepherd mix. 

Thank you Twitter: My latest from TNTML

This is my latest post for Talk Nerdy to Me Lover, I know I've only been sharing posts from there lately but now that we have our internet and wifi back (well almost on the wifi, that story will be for another day) it will be much easier to format my blog posts. I was just copy-pasting into blogger app and then tweaking the text from either the website or my email to @jenfriel so that I could share something with you all at least once a week. Anyway, here goes:

Thank you Twitter!

So most of you probably know from my last few posts that we have been without cable/internet due to financial reasons. Anyway we finally got back on track and called last night to pay and have the service reconnected. The first guy David talks to I can tell immediately that the dude had no idea what he was talking about. (The company had recently sent us a letter asking for the equipment back but David called to tell them we were planning to reconnect so the rep advised us to keep our cable box/modem-router.)

First the guy kept asking what address we were inquiring about for service, our old address still has an account but its 'closed' so apparently it confuses people--I don’t understand why he couldn’t just assume we were calling about the address we have equipment at...whatever. Then once we finally get the rep to understand what address we were at he tells us since the letter for equipment return was sent out we were required to bring it back to a local office and then schedule a new installation. I can see David getting irritated so I told him to either hang up or ask for a manager. He hung up.

I called back. (Another problem is you can get stuck in the automated system, I just keep hitting 0 until it transfers me to a human being.) I tell the woman our situation: we want to pay off our balance and have service restored. She reviewed the account, "No problem!" I told her what the other rep said and asked that they be informed of the actual protocol--she tried to look him up via the call trail but since he was a 3rd party rep all she could acquire was an ID number. No worries, I said. Turned to David, no wonder he gave us the wrong info. David thinks he always gets this kind of employee on the phone.

Our new rep processes our payment and tells me service will be back tomorrow since they just have to turn the outside box on. I hang up, very satisfied. Apparently this morning David called to ask what time we should expect service and he is told we were misinformed about today and we are scheduled in 6 days--still only the outside box needs to be turned on but due to the holiday they are super busy apparently. David calls again and is able to get it moved up one day. I tried live chat online but the rep, while very nice and informative, he couldn’t help me. 

So I turned to twitter and sent a tweet to @brighthousecare.

The rep Nick was very understanding to our dilemma (I'm going back to school now for veterinary technician online) as he too is an online student. After reviewing our account Nick immediately called the dispatch manager and was able to move it up to Monday--only two days away. Yes! Just in time for David's (and mine!) fantasy football draft. Satisfied, I retire my attitude for another time.

David texts me shortly after because a Brighthouse service agent came to try to pick up the equipment (he couldn’t turn our service on though)...what the hell guys?? Check your records!!!

As many times as we called we couldn’t get anyone to budge, but good ol' twitter came through. Or at least Nick, the customer service rep with a heart, went the extra mile and made a few calls for us.

#stillacustomerfornow

<3 Lindsay

#nerdsunite

Sorry I’ve been gone and Around @TNTML

Sorry that I’ve been really absent from the blog for the past two weeks. Due to a mixture of depression, exhaustion, broken touch pad on the laptop, and just not that much free time. We’ve been pet sitting and trying to do whatever to make ends meet. Its been a little rough lately but we are almost there. A few more crappy weeks and hopefully we will be back on our feet. Anyway, while I attempt to write another post today I wanted to my latest post from Talk Nerdy to Me Lover.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My boyfriend got the job! He’s getting 20-30 hours a week! We are super happy! Even with the new job life has been slightly more difficult with the boyfriend being without for two weeks. We are definitely a little behind but we have been moving bills around so we can make sure to pay "on time".

He started this week and already has been scheduled for 26 hours next week. So we will catch up slowly but surely. In order to make ends meet we have been pet sitting a lot and I’ve been making jewelry to stock my etsy shop. It’s a lot of work to create, take photos, edit said photos, post on etsy, etc. whew!

Ive also got a few klout perks for moo cards that I need to use for my businesses: my pet sitting business and my blog/etsy shop. I'm hoping to share some creations next week as I’m busy with pet sitting, kennel duty, my pets, and all that other stuff I mentioned.

Oh and since I'm no longer managing social marketing for my boyfriend’s old job I’ve been working on helping family and friends with theirs. I'm no expert but I figure since I'm fairly successful I should be able to give them a few tips.

Hope everyone is doing well!

<3 Lindsay

Catching up…

Hmm I knew it had been a while since I posted. You guys know how life sometimes catches up with you and bogs you down for a while. I have no energy to do anything these days. (No, not pregnant, if anyone was thinking that. Oddly {or maybe not oddly?} that is often the conclusion we jump to when womens aren’t feeling well). Oh yeah, I know what it is though. You know when you “suffer” (I say “suffer” because I don’t feel like I’m suffering, but just existing with…currently) from depression and anxiety and you forget to take your medication for a week? Yeah that. I know, I know. How does one forget to take their medication for a whole week? I don’t know…I just know that  I did. Which would explain the random crying fits and emotional-ness all week. Oh bother.
Anyway, I took it. Haha, thanks to David for reminding me. My brain doesn’t always function properly. But that’s cool, its just me. So since I haven’t shared my last few Talk Nerdy posts I’m gonna give you a quick update with that:
The end of May I got to work at 7:30am to find a mother cat tied to our pole and 9 kittens sitting on top of a mesh hamper.

Basically there was two litter of kitten and two mothers were originally left but one was no where to be seen. Our clinic kept them for a few days and we were desperately searching for a rescue to take them as well already had 5 stray kittens in house. 3 from the previous litter of 7 and two more we took in.
To make a long story short, I was able to find a foster home who was actually a rescue volunteer and would be able to trickle them into the non-profit rescue. AWESOME!
The beginning of June my boyfriend was promoted to head server/floor manager of the restaurant. I received a call from the Center of Birds of Prey letting me know that the owl I rescued was well enough to be released, and they wanted to know if I’ve like to attend. SOOO fucking bummed I couldn’t.
Our foster kitten made HUGE strides in socialization progress. She started purring after 5 days in our care. Big change from “pancaking” that she would always do. Also since David became manager he asked me to help market the restaurant through social media. SWEEET!



The last two posts I wrote for www.talknerdytomelover.com are pretty important to me so they will be separate posts on this blog. Look for them tomorrow and the following day. I’m going to schedule them right now :)
But yeah, I’m doing good today, once my meds kicked in. I’ve also found a new skin care product line that is natural, cruelty free, and some of it is organic!
Also, check out the page I’m managing for the restaurant please: https://www.facebook.com/giovanniswinterpark
Annnd my ‘writer’ page on facebook seriously needs some likes and I’m not ashamed to pander for them here <3
LIKE ME! :)   https://www.facebook.com/craftafarian

So I caved…

I’m always browsing Blowfish shoes (http://www.blowfishshoes.com) because they are just so damn cute plus they are a sponsor for Talk Nerdy to Me Lover (http://www.talknerdytomelover.com) so it’s always good to support awesome companies. I just have a hard time spending so much on shoes although I know they are SUPER comfy, cute, and durable. So while I was looking at clearance I stumbled across this hard case wallet thing:

I lucked out St. Patty’s weekend as it was on sale for $15.00, plus I had an additional 10% for being a studiob mailing list subscriber, AND free shipping! I got this clutch/hard case wallet for $13.50 with free shipping. I love it! It makes it so much easier to organize my wallet contents! And today I saw the same sort of thing at target but it didn’t have as much space plus it felt super light and cheap. Yay! I’m slowing spending my christmas money that I hoarded away in case something bad happened and we needed it for household stuff. Its all amex gift cards and I have a few other specific gift cards.
Oh, and its faux leather, that stuff is not real!!
Yay for pretty things!

Busy!!

What a week! We've been extremely busy at work lately (all except for my day off, what the hell?); which is great but we aren't really staffed to be busy all day long. So there is talk of hiring another person, not sure what position exactly. Besides being busy at the clinic we've had several of our patients pass away including one of our tech's dogs. The pup had congestive heart failure and collapsing trachea, she had lived a long and good life so it was time. Other than Peanut we have had 9 other sympathy cards to sign--some passed away at home, some euthanized at our clinic, and some at the emergency clinic. What a depressing week at the clinic!! The only upside to everything at work right is (I guess it's an upside..) is that we have 6 (we had 7) kittens that we are fostering.
They were abandoned in cardboard boxes on the clinic property by our side door. The thing about this is that a few months ago the same thing happened with 5 kittens. These boxes were cut and taped exactly the same as the last ones ANNND these kittens look related to the last bunch we had. Great. If this continues we will be forced to just take them to the county shelter as strays. Its been very difficult to place strays into rescues or shelters lately as they are all full or too picky about what kind of pet they will accept. We've been told already by one group that because they are all black kittens they will be more difficult to adopt our and therefore they cannot take them for us. The county won't even guarantee that they will be put up for adoption. What's a small clinic to do when every few months we have a litter of kittens dumped on us? It costs us over $50 in supplies(not even time/effort) to make sure they are eligible for adoption. We feel it is only responsible to test them for parasites, leukemia/feline aids, vaccinate, and deworm them before we give them away...for free. It sucks because I know its only a matter of time before we have to stop helping the ones abandoned at our clinic. The 6 remaining kittens (one went to her new home today!) are most likely safe from being turned over as we've had them for two weeks and now we are all a little attached to them. It sucks to be a stray animal, or a lost animal even.
If you are in Florida, specifically the Orlando area (although anyone willing to pick up the kitten is able to adopt) and are interested in adopting a baby kitten please let me know!!
I've also been pet sitting all week on top of coming home to care for my pets and taking my boyfriend to and from work. Oh and medicating all my pets including a sick bearded dragon. He's about 8 years old now and still very active. Busy busy busy week. This coming Wednesday my boyfriend is having oral surgery to place a permanent tooth implant--which I'm not even sure how we are paying for it. When he told me he scheduled it I asked him how we were going to pay for it and he said "I don't know yet." WHAT THE HELL? Um, so I don't know what the hell is going on. After tonight I get to come home for good from pet sitting, I can't wait to be back in my own place and just relax. 
Oh!!! I just found out last week that my boyfriend's family will be taking us on a 4 day vacation in the Bahamas. His stepmom works for a timeshare company so they get points and special deals. We will be staying in Atlantis at the Harborside Resort. I have been the last two times with them at it is just AMAZING. So yeah for vacation!! Less than 30 days to go. Which is also why I'm exercising more...hehe. I will be looking into international texting and data so that I can share some experiences, if I'm not too busy kicking back :) http://www.atlantis.com/default.aspx
Our original vacation dates we were unable to book so it is currently TBA when I will be going on vacation :( boooo! But it will be soon-ish I’m sure.
  

Healthy Dog Treats or Poison in Disguise??

So I just found out that the "healthy" treats I've been giving my dogs have been reported to cause illness several times throughout the last five years. In addition the FDA recently released a consumer report warning purchasers to be wary of pet food or treats manufactured in China--Specifically those containing chicken jerky.
I'm so upset!!! Both my dogs are fine and have been totally normal but I wanted to share this with you all as I was under the impression I was feeding my pups some excellent and tasty treats. 
Here's the scoop: 
I asked my family to purchase healthy treats for my dogs for christmas as River has IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) and is sorta allergic to chicken products. Wynnie can probably eat anything (she has a habit of stealing hot wings...) but I try to make sure they both eat healthy. None of their treats or food contain wheat or corn gluten. I usually give River raw veggies as treats--she would literally eat anything, she eats broccoli, lettuce, asparagus, whatever I toss to her! 
So my family purchased Cadet Duck wrapped yams and Chicken wrapped yams as well as two bags of plain Waggin Train Yam treats. (Think dehydrated strips of yam and jerky type meat.) This week I sat down to write a post about healthy dog treats on my blog, typed in Cadet yam treats and BAM recall information. No actual recent recalls but the FDA juuuuust released the above warning November 2011---a little too close for my comfort. So later I will be researching healthy dog treat RECIPES so that I can control the ingredients/quality aaaannnnddd it gives me a chance to share this super important info for pet parents! 
Here's a few more links with info: 
1. Initial Warning September 2007--FDA officially informing us that there has been reports of sick pets that have consumed chicken jerky treats. It goes on to state that some dogs have died. The FDA as well as several veterinary diagnostic laboratories are working to determine the cause of illness in these pets. They have done extensive chemical and microbial testing and have not determined a contaminant. (click here for more info)
2. Preliminary Animal Health Notification December 2008--FDA continues to caution owners against feeding their pets chicken jerky treats or if they decide to continue feeding them they instruct you to watch for lethargy, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, increased urination and drinking, etc. We are informed that these alleged contaminated treats are imported into the USA from China. The report also states that University of Sydney is investigating the association of these treats with sick dogs in Australia. They report that their treats also came from China and they have since been recalled in Australia. Still no known cause. (http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm054448.htm)
3. November 2011 Consumer Warning--FDA again cautioned owners about chicken jerky. They state in the last 12 months they have seen an increase in the number of complaints of dog illnesses associated with chicken jerky treats made in China--the amount of complaints has increased so much to the point they are as concerned as they were at the first warning of 2007. (http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm280586.htm)
4. December 2011 Consumer Warning is still up on the FDA home page for Animal and Veterinary. (http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm092802.htm)
So I will definitely be throwing away the remaining treats I have that have been manufactured in China. There are a few pet companies that I know I can still trust and will stick with those but otherwise I think I will be feeding more fruits and veggies and make my pets their own healthy poison free treats. Other food recalls have included rat poison or melamine contamination. A big problem is that the small companies that we trust are being purchased by the large companies and a lot of dog food/treat manufacturers actually use the same plant, so multiple brands of food/treats can be contaminated! More on pet foods another time.
If your pets have been ill after eating food or treats and it is unrelated to any medical condition please do not hesitate to contact the FDA. 
Food and Drug Administration
Center for Veterinary Medicine
Communications Staff, HFV-12
7519 Standish Place
Rockville, MD 20855
240-276-9300
240-276-9115 FAX
This is the website to file a complaint against a product: http://www.fda.gov/petfoodcomplaints
Update: So far all the chicken jerky treats I have looked at are manufactured/made in China. I would use extreme caution when purchasing—check the fine print!! Even publix’s (FL) chicken dog treats are made in China. I’m considering purchasing a food dehydrator to make treats.

{TNTML} What do Vet Techs do??

I'm sure many of you have pets and have been to the veterinarian's office. Do you ever wonder what the veterinary technicians do besides hold the pet for the doctor? This is what most vet techs do around the clinic; keep in mind--not all clinics have "techs" (they have assistants which don't do as much medical stuff) and some just may not have all the skills below. Also for legality purposes all skills described in this post are performed under the direct supervision of the veterinarian on staff. 
Appointments: We take all the history and vitals including weight, temperature, and heart rate. We draw any blood or take samples that are needed as well as go over any estimates for recommended procedures/treatments/services. Prescriptions are filled at the clinic or called into pharmacies. If there is only one of us scheduled for the day the doctor helps us with radiographs (xrays) but generally we do those without assistance. 

Surgery: In preparation for surgical procedures blood work is performed to ensure the patient has no problems that would complicate surgery, an IV catheter is placed for IV fluids and for emergency venous access, drugs are calculated based on dosages the doctor provides. We prepare the surgical room for the patient, get all the necessary instruments and supplies, and set up the anesthesia machine. After the doctor performs a pre-op exam we are then able to induce anesthesia and prep the patient for the procedure. Sometimes the doctor helps shave and scrub if I'm busy setting up the monitors for heart rate, blood pressure, pulse oximeter (measures oxygenation), temperature, and depth of anesthesia. Once the doctor starts surgery we record vitals every 5-10 minutes (from the monitors as well as manually) and run the anesthesia. Based on vital signs I increase or decrease amount of anesthesia the pet is getting as well as administer additional pain medications or other drugs as instructed by the doctor. Once surgery is over we assist the doctor in discharging the pet at the end of the day by going over medications and home care instructions. OH! And sometimes in surgery if the doctor needs an extra hand (or two) I get to scrub and glove in!! So so so cool. I'd totally share photos if I wasn't worried some people would freak out over blood and such. 

Hospitalized Patients: Cared for by techs from doctor's orders. We do all of the treatments throughout the day. 

Emergencies: When they come the doctor performs the initial assessment and if the patient is stable he will go talk to the owners while we take vitals, place catheter, and start treatments. In cases of arrest CPR is started  the doctor is needed to access the patient and call out orders while one tech does chest compressions and the other is breathing for the patient.  
Dental Cleaning: This is the part that surprises everyone--and the inspiration for the post. Technicians perform dental cleanings!!! Yes that's right, when the pet is under anesthesia I get to clean and polish their teeth. If there are any extractions or dental procedures required the doctor does that, but yeah I clean their teeth. It's fun! Teeth are cleaned on all sides (which is why anesthesia is important and necessary--also all the tartar, bacteria etc should not be swallowed-so my stance on non-anesthetic dental procedures is NO), polished, fluoride foam is applied, and then if the owner wants we also apply a barrier gel which helps protect the teeth from build up of plaque and bacteria.
Besides the skills above I also discuss medical decisions with owners, end of life care, puppy training, food questions, behavior questions, and pretty much anything under the sun that an owner can think of and ask. If I don't know I ask the doctor. We take 99.5% of all the calls for the clinic and answer any questions, with the help of our veterinarian. Never EVER underestimate the power of veterinary support staff. And hey, thank your vet tech next time you are in the office--it means sooo much to us. (Seriously, I get so super excited when people genuinely appreciate what I do at work, so so so happy)
I plan to further my veterinary education soon, details to come :)