My Life's Not Just Puppies and Kittens: Insights into a Small Animal Vet's Life

Follow MJ Wixsom, DVM MS MBA for a second year of her highly respected newspaper columns. There is information about life behind the scenes at a small animal private practice, tales of the pets she treats and a glimpse into her private life.

After all: Veterinarians have a dream job. They get to play with puppies and kittens everyday, prevent pain and suffering of animals, help family members, save lives and be a hero. A veterinarian is a pediatrician, family care doctor, surgeon, ophthalmologist, physical therapist, counselor and hospice care doctor. Another real part of the job is not all animals can be saved, owners don't always listen and animals sometimes don't want to be helped. Add also that veterinarians must deal with clients who cannot pay, yet find the money for the mortgage, do maintenance and repair and you will soon learn that it's not all puppies and kittens.