To Vet Care Workers - Merry Christmas.

Over the years I've written several special Christmas columns. This one is a sort of Christmas gift to all the people that work for veterinarians - technicians and assistants, kennel workers, receptionists, and bookkeepers. They do so much to keep a practice working, but all too often, when things go well the veterinarian gets the credit, and when there are problems, the employees take the heat.

Don't tell them this, but most of these employees could probably make more money in other jobs. I would say compassion for animals is at least as common, and runs at least as deep in them as it does in veterinarians. Virtually all of them have several pets and some of them breed and raise dogs, cats or horses. One of my techs has had a veritable menagerie of dogs, cats, turtles, horses, goats, squirrels, and undoubtedly others I've not known about. Another has horses, dogs, and a whole tribe of barn cats that she has rescued. Two other employees raise registered dogs. Another has several dogs who live in a virtual doggie Disneyland. And I know from talking to colleagues this is not unique to my practice. A big part of why they work for veterinarians is because they love being around animals and taking care of animals.

For a veterinary technician or assistant, the workday begins early. They are often the first ones to see hospitalized pets. We count on them to spot problems we should know about. They sometimes have to risk incurring the wrath of a veterinarian's spouse with an early morning phone call. They draw blood samples, run tests on lab machines, take and develop X-rays, restrain dogs and cats for examinations and treatments, monitor anesthesia and assist in surgery, help keep records, enter data in the computers, and follow after the doctor, cleaning up messes and putting things away. They often work late, and sometimes must come in to help with after hours emergency calls.

Kennel workers also begin early and work late. Dogs that are boarding or hospitalized must be walked outside twice a day, rain or shine, winter or summer. Kennels and cages must be cleaned at least twice a day. There are cat litter boxes to change. They are expected to notice dogs and cats that are not eating, drinking excessive water, or have been vomiting or had diarrhea. There is also plenty of janitorial work to be done. It is a seven-day a week job, and most of this work needs to be done first thing in the morning or last thing in the evening. It is hard to find good kennel workers.

The receptionist is always on the front lines. Clients coming in for appointments, to drop off boarders or pets to be groomed, to pick up dogs and cats, people calling to make appointments, inquire about patients, ask for information, are all usually taken care of by the receptionist. She has to sort these things out and notify a doctor of things that may be emergencies. The receptionist also often has to take animals to and from cages and kennels, clean up "code yellows" or "code browns" on the floor, send faxes or emails, and make sure lab samples get sent to where they need to go. They need to check bills, correct errors or omissions as needed, present them to clients, and collect payments. It can be a very high stress job.

So I would ask you this Christmas to at least think kind thoughts about the people who work for your veterinarian. Or better yet, bring them a box of chocolates.