This is going to be the opposite of a rant, I suppose.

In my profession we see death, suffering, mourning, and the loss of loved ones literally daily. It might not be human death, but it's suffering on a scale that sometimes rivals that loss. The amount of emotional baggage you can be weighed down with can overwhelm you. Today I came in to work to find a hand written thank you card from a client who just lost their 10 year old Golden. She was the classic Golden Retriever, beautiful in form and a heart of gold. They are still suffering, but in their time of loss they thought to thank others for their feeble attempts at caring and consolation. To say it was touching is an immense understatement

I want to encourage those of you who don't send people hand written, snail mail "thank you" cards to consider doing so. Things like this are the recharge for some of us, the thing that offsets all the losses and the long hours, and restores us to try to move on to a new day. People are truly living "lives of quiet desperation," and sometimes to know that another person cares can make all the difference.

We all have people pop into our minds that are dear to us, or for whom we feel compassion. I encourage you, when you have that feeling, act on it, and don't just text. It'll come back around to you.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: slabsides45,

I agree wholeheartedly. I honestly don't know if I would still be practicing if not for that occasional thank you card. It's one of the few things that can fend off the compassion fatigue.

Tommy

We lost our chihuahua a few years ago. While we were at the emergency vet clinic (the only ones open at the time) we saw several other families going through the same. tears, loss, I was a bit overwhelmed myself.

Then I realized, as professional and compassionate as the staff was being with me and my lil pup, they deal with this a lot. I have no idea how they do it.
I sent them a note, and posted on their facebook page telling them how important their work is and how much it meant to our family.

I average about 25 per year to people I meet , know

I just had this same conversation a few days ago, not with animals and Veterinarians in particular, but in sending a hand written card, for various occasions and reasons.

I was speaking with a few family members about how everyone texts or emails nowadays, if they even do that at all.

It was discussed about how people seem to really respond well when receiving a hand written thank you note, or for whatever occasion. Even a hand written note attached to a birthday card is much more appreciated than someone just buying a card, signing their name, and mailing it. Bah humbug on that!

I have a few nice pens and it just takes a moment to write something personal (in real handwriting, nicely done) and sending that.

And by the way, Thank You Vets, and Vet Techs, who take care of our little companions. I don't know how you do it.
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EDIT TO ADD: I was just informed by the lady friends that I need to do better in buying stamps. Turns out I need to ask the postal clerk for the "pretty stamps" and not just the regular stamps. Hey, I'm a Man, what do I know about that sort of thing? Anyway, mental note made, I will now ask for the pretty stamps when mailing anything personal. Who'd a thunk that?
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A tip of the hat to all Veterinarians and Animal care workers out there for taking care of our kids.

I used to have nice cards and postcard notes with matching envelopes. But I've since put them away. I'm trying to digitize all my communications except for a journal I keep that I write on. I do get thank you cards from time to time in the mail.

But just like the post office has moved away from using ponies to deliver the mail, we can move to the newer methods to deliver our message.

I wasn't posting with the intent of glamorizing veterinary hardships, that was just the context from which I was making my point of view.

I get emails every day. I get texts, calls, etc. When I get a hand written, sincere card or letter from a friend, client, or relative, those are the ones I tend to appreciate most. I'd encourage you, Rey HRH, to pull that old stationary out and make another run at sending the old snail mail. Some things never lose their value, and cards and notes can be kept pinned to a mirror or in a shoebox for decades, a momentary reminder of your thoughts, where the email is gone or requires actively seeking it.

Not long ago, we had to send Ollie across the bridge. A week or so later, a sympathy card from the veterinarian and staff arrived along with Ollie's paw prints taken at the end. Each person took the time to write a little something. I very much aopreciated the gesture.

You make a great point, I should let them know it was well received.