The DoorDashed Pillow

I think a lot of veterinary professionals can feel intimidated by the idea of clients observing every procedure we do. I was worried about it too. I still remember the first time I gave subcutaneous fluids to a boa constrictor, my stomach did literal backflips. So when I think about what clients might experience while watching us work with injured tissue, wounds, or critically ill patients, it can be a little mind-boggling.

That said, seeing the effect it has on both our patients and their families when they get to stay side by side is incredibly impactful.

One of our patients was recovering from a very invasive and intense procedure for gastric dilatation-volvulus, or bloat. These patients are true emergencies and require immediate surgical intervention to survive.

The client was extremely scared for her pet and had traveled a long distance to get care. I remember feeling her fear that she was going to be asked to leave the clinic and wouldn’t be able to stay with her loved one.

The relief she experienced when we told her, “There are no limits to visiting hours here. You can stay all night if you want to,” was immediate.

Well, she took that literally.

She DoorDashed a pillow to the clinic so she could stay by her loved one.

I know it sounds like a little thing, but sometimes it’s the little things that keep us whole. And for that client, in that moment, it meant the world.

By the way, the patient had a great recovery and went home the next day.