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Riley had been ill for quite awhile. He has been a part of Amanda’s life for 14 wonderful years, and the reality of deciding, with Dr. Pfeiffer’s help, to euthanize her boy was harder than she’d dreamed. Today, the time is here. Amanda doesn’t even recall how she drove to the practice. Walking Riley into the waiting area and sitting down with other owners was the most excruciating thing she’d ever done. Their laughter made her want to scream, “Stop it!

When Kate interviewed, she was impressed with Westview Animal Hospital. The team appeared competent and seemed to work in close synchrony—a plus to an eager new grad. After 3 weeks on the job, Kate has a different perspective. The team that appeared from the outside to function like a well-oiled machine has left her feeling just that: outside. When she tries to help out a colleague, she never seems to get it right. Her attempts to take initiative and bring some new ideas into the practice have resulted in nothing but eye rolling and head shaking.

Mrs. O’Donnell loves Dr. Givens. He’s compassionate, knowledgeable, takes the time to address her concerns, and always gives Peaches a treat. And once, when a late-night encounter with a porcupine left Peaches with a face full of quills, he met her at the clinic. He’s everything a veterinarian should be...except he stands so close!

Mrs. Olsen was anxious. Her dog Pepi had been vomiting all night and was lethargic. So, after bundling the children off to school, Mrs. Olsen set off for a veterinary clinic she’d seen nearby. She knew this wasn’t the best way to find a new veterinarian, but she had just relocated to the area and was tired and desperate.