Leap of Faith

I regret the long lapse of time since my last post.  Thanks to all who have waited patiently while I gathered myself and altered my path.  The changes were certainly a huge distraction over the last few months and left me with little free time to blog.  I am happy to report that I am in a much happier place in my life now and would love to share a bit of this journey with you.  Shall we?

You may recall from a previous post that I suffered from significant burn out, a common malady in my field.  After undergoing exhaustive analysis of the causes of my burnout and much discussion with my family, I decided to follow a conviction, take a big leap, and try something radical.  Midlife crisis?  You decide.


Animal Aid opened its doors to the public in November 2011.  It is a non-profit full service veterinary hospital serving McMinn and surrounding counties.  This hospital is the first of its kind to offer the Pet Assistance Program (PAP), sliding scale fees so that everyone will be able to afford proper care of their pets.  Fee scales are based on income and are similar to those used to qualify one for programs such a TennCare.  Qualified applicants receive discounted services at up to fifty percent off the average cost of care in our area.  PAP members have access to our food pantry to ensure proper nutrition to those who are unable to afford quality pet food.  Animal Aid also offers a low cost spay/neuter program. Within the next five years, Animal Aid aspires to open a no-kill shelter in our area. Currently our county shelter euthanizes two thousand to twenty five hundred dogs and cats per year.

How will we be able accomplish all of this?  We have opened our doors to the general public.  This means that anyone, regardless of income may visit us for veterinary care.  Those not on our PAP program pay fees competitive with hospitals in our area.  The difference is that any profit generated from these visits will go into the general funds to cover our operating costs, thereby helping those pets in need and assist in establishing the no-kill shelter.

Additionally, we follow the strong belief that in order to reach those in need, we must network within our community and help our friends.  For this reason, we have a monthly community service project to aid local organizations who assist those in need.  We hope to succor the domestic abuse shelters, homeless shelters, food banks, and those who assist the disabled, elderly, and those who have recently lost their jobs.    We want these organizations to help us reach those who need us most.

I am so pleased to report to you that this endeavor has already proven to be an enormous success.  Since opening our doors a few short weeks ago, we have been booked with appointments and have already had to add an additional work day and extend our hours of service to meet the needs of our clients.

Since these doors have opened, I have been able to counsel those who could previously not afford veterinary care. I have had a grown man hug me and tell me he prays for me every night for helping him fix his cat's broken jaw when others could not make it affordable.  I have had a woman bring me a thank you card, sit down, and weep in my lobby because previously she could only afford a doctor to tell her what was wrong with her dog and was unable to afford the treatment.  Now her dog is finally well and happy living with her and her son, both disabled.  I have been able to assist rescue groups to adopt healthier animals to new owners.

And while I have worked harder and longer hours than previously in my relief jobs, I have left work content.  I have worked alongside team members who share a common goal in loving our neighbors and each other and making a change in our community and the lives of these animals.  I have slept well at night.  I have been able to take the time to hold lonely old widows' hands and ask them about their day.  I have looked forward to going to work. I have been uplifted by the generosity of our clients who want to participate in our community service projects.  I have prayed with sincerity for our endeavor, clients, and patients.  I have fervently given thanks.

I foresee this new job to be the source of many inspirational and heartfelt blog posts.  Stay tuned.

I would also like to thank those who have taken interest in the dolls from the the previous blog.  God Helps Those Who Help Themselves inspired many readers to email me.  Many shared their own similar stories.  Others simply wanted to help this lady in need.  Some have sent cloth, yarn, and other supplies.  I am pleased to report that I've been boxing up little dammit dolls and shipping them near and far.  Also, many people have donated money toward her dog's account for future care.  No words could adequately describe how grateful I am to you, dear readers, for helping this sweet lady.  A simple thank you seems sorely inadequate.

Finally,  I give you a number.  60,000!  Fourteen months ago, I could have never dreamed that the readership of this blog would have approached this number.  I am beholden to you for reading my words and pledge to try to end the recent dry spell between posts and offer you a glimpse into the life of one who is, once and again, happy to be in the practice of veterinary medicine.