The Rainbow Bridge. The safe, happy
place our beloved pets go after they have brought so much love. No one wants to
think about a pet’s passing, that they will ever leave us. I’d like to think
that my pets will outlast me.
My husband and I are surrounded by
happy critters: our dogs, Copenhagen, Tilly and Philo, and our cats...Stella
and Sambo. Each day we have the pleasure
of returning home to be greeted by these happy, four-legged kids.
As a veterinary technician, I have
the opportunity to share joyous moments with clients daily. I get to hold and
snuggle puppies with a pocketful of treats to hand out, even if my patient
jumps on the cupboards. I walk into the hospital every morning, knowing that
there will be clients to teach and pets to care for. But as vet techs, we are
also there to comfort.
Yes, first time puppy ownership is
scary--- we are there to answer those not so silly questions. Vaccine pokes and
bloods draws are terrifying--- we are there to hold and comfort. The dreaded
scale! Don’t worry, we will be right there. Vet techs help loved ones trust
that everything will be okay. Comfort isn’t something we do only for our
patients, but that we do for clients as well as we build strong relationship
with them every day.
So the question is why am I writing
about trust and comfort between clients and veterinary technicians? Because I
have wanted to---simple as that. Yes, we get to see all the happy times, and
some of the scary times. But, we also see the pain of broken hearts when it’s
time to let our pets go.
Just a little about me...while in
high school, I loved working in a small town veterinary clinic. It was the
highlight of my day. I didn’t have technician training yet, but I did my best
to learn fast and help in any way I could.
There was one Monday I’ll never
forget. I had a final exam that afternoon and it was the only thing I could
think about. The veterinarian told me a euthanasia was scheduled that morning and
that I would need to assist. When the family and their Labrador arrived, they
were in tears. I put my head down and followed them into the room. They said
many good-byes as I held the beloved dog for his last breaths while the doctor
administered the injection.
But, wait…why did I not feel the
same way they did? I know I said that I would keep them in my thoughts and
prayers, but did I mean it?
Time went on, and I helped with many more euthanasias, thinking
that same thing, and going on with my day. Then something changed.
My first dog was a Siberian Husky
named "Holly." She was a blessing to my family, and she was 13 years
old when cancer consumed her body. Now I’m the family in the exam room with
tears flowing, and I realize I’m looking for comfort, comfort and trust. The
first face I see is that of the vet tech. The way she was there for us was eye-opening.
There were no hugs or words shared, just comfort knowing that my Holly was
going to be okay.
She then crossed it...Holly crossed The
Rainbow Bridge.
From that day, I knew why I wanted
to be a veterinary technician. I wanted to help the patients, but I also wanted
to be there for the clients. I want them to know I am here to help, to hold your loved one
through your good-byes and tears. I now find myself weeping with families, then
hiding in the bathroom at work until my eyes dry up.
We hurt with the families, and our hearts
break, too. We do it because we are needed most in those moments. Some days I
wish my job was to just play with fluffy animals. But, instead, I get to help.
I get to comfort.
Those last moments with our furry
family members are not something we want to think about. But know that if you
want hugs, we have open arms. If you want to cry, we will be there with comforting
words and tissues. And, if you want to talk about good times and laugh, we will
find Dr. John to tell some jokes.
Just know, you are not alone. It’s
not scary. Our pets will be free of pain and suffering as they cross over that
bridge. And know that there will be a
vet tech with you the whole way.
Sarah (Koeneman) Burford, VT is a graduate of the Vet
Tech Institute of International Business College in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She
provides care and comfort to the clients and pets at Delphos Animal Hospital.
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