Feb 01 2010
New Beginnings
The new vet office
On Sunday, Megan, Jonathan, a still-limping Lu and I met up to attend Dr. Karen’s grand opening of her vet office in Mendocino. It’s the first time she’s had her very own practice, and she put all her heart and resources into it. She renovated the little house you see on the left, so it now has a reception area, waiting room, and two exam rooms.
A boardwalk leads from the office to a barn, converted to a surgery:
The surgery has a digital x-ray machine which Meg says is better than the one the hospital has. The idea of having the surgery separate is that animals coming in for other reasons won’t have to smell the anesthesia and get scared or upset. The practice offers holistic medicine along with more traditional methods of treatment and care. In time, there will be outdoor kennels so patients can take the air when the weather is nice.
As you can see, the grand opening was packed. There were lines to write in the guest book, and you could hardly walk around in there for all the people wanting to congratulate Dr. Karen. I don’t think she has to worry about making it on her own any more than Mary Tyler Moore did.
I had the genius idea of giving her a gift certificate for a massage at a spa conveniently located a block or two from the office. I figured she was stressed as well as excited at striking out on her own and dealing with the reno, and thought this would be more welcome than a bunch of flowers. We all chipped in and I hope she has a wonderful, relaxing time. To me it’s much like having a friend who’s given birth. Everyone gives gifts* to the baby but nothing to the mother (other than flowers), who has been through hell for almost a year. I think Moms should have something special just for her, and I thought Karen should, too.
On our way home, I noticed some signs of approaching spring, including this flowering vine near Karen’s office:
and a lovely cherry tree beginning to blossom:
*From what I hear, people tend to give newborn sized clothes, so after a couple of months, the baby has outgrown most of his/her wardrobe.
7 Responses to “New Beginnings”
What a nice little office for a Vet, even nicer gesture on your part to take it consideration the stress of Dr. Karen and give her a very appropriate gift to relax. Wow, Spring already in your area, we still have at least 6 more weeks of Winter here and another 4 months before we see anything blossom, good for you.
Great to have such a good Vet. around. I bet she enjoys her spa treatment. What a kind gesture, Suzy.
Does the Vet need a receptionist ????
jxx
She has a super-nice receptionist, who gave us treats for our pets. Also met the sweet technician, who showed us an x-ray and explained how the fancy machine works. I imagine many, many people wanted to work with Karen!
It’s still rainy and wintry, but hopefully the groundhog is right and it’s only for 6 more weeks. I’m going to call it “liquid sunshine” like Joy does! 🙂
Good idea with the spa gift certificates.
Even though I’m child-free, I know not to give newborn clothes at baby-showers. And this will shock you, but I try to give something to the poor Mom. Last baby shower, I knitted the mother a cashmere (not 100% because I’m not rich), alpaca/merino lace scarf. She said she loved it.
You are the best friend ever! I bet the scarf is gorgeous.