Today I am grateful for a good nights sleep, dog cuddles in the morning, healthy, content horses, that I woke up today, that yesterday was a good day, and that today is whatever I make of it. How lucky is that?

One of my most favorite clients over the past few days are some folks who have a huge, beautiful Great Dane. I saw the dog 3 years ago, and told them then the dog likely had lymphoma, but, we could just try a short round of antibiotics and see what happens. The dog did great for three years. No bloodwork, no tests, no chemotherapy, just a little hope and prayer. It worked for a long time. Last weekend it came back. And the dog was uncomfortable, in pain, with a swollen face, and clients who are young and really not in a position to spend a fortune on an 8 year old giant dog. We had a heart to heart, tried a couple of meds, and didn't, again, do any tests or overly stress out the poor dog who was already so uncomfortable with his swollen face and chin. I am not sure how long, or if at all, we can keep him comfortable, but, the clients were so grateful and appreciative that I didn't force the dog into anything, and didn't force them into spending a lot of money on an elderly dog with a poor prognosis. They wrote us the sweetest thank you email note yesterday thanking us for our kindness and consideration. That, is what Aspen Park Vet Hospital is all about. Meeting people where they are in the journey with their pets. Actually helping people, and not just always exactly following the book.

Experience, and compassion, go a long way. So if you, or someone you know, is frustrated with the veterinary care they are getting with their vet, maybe a different, more holistic approach, is just what the vet ordered. Last week I realized I have been a vet now for 25 years, where has the time gone! I tell you one thing, I would not trade the wisdom, and experience, I have gained, for a 25 year old self still trying to figure it out. My message to you youngsters out there, is talk less and listen more, you will get where you are going on the back of the wisdom of someone who has already been there, twice as fast as trying to figure it out on your own. Wish I had known that, or had someone to mentor me so I didn't have to do everything the hard way, ha!

Today I wish for you all the wisdom in the world, to know when to talk, when to listen, when to breath, and when to dance. I hope you will do all of those things, mindfully, at least once, or all day! Take a deep breath, and hug or admire pictures of cute animals. Especially breathtakingly gorgeous ones like Natalia here in the video, who knows dang well she has me wrapped around her hoof, and that I will do just about anything for her. May you be so lucky.

​Have the most blessed, beautiful day, you Animal Loving Angel, spread some laughter, and joy, knowing that all we can do, is be a little better, in every way, each and every day. You got this!

​Check out my YouTube channel for a daily "Good Morning!" from the rescues and lots of free tips and training resources. https://www.youtube.com/@the1drq