Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christmas! This week, we continue our annual Veterinary Viewfinder tradition of bringing you a special veterinary rendition of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, read Beckie’s poem that describes an all-too-familiar scenario for those of us who work in veterinary clinics!

We hope you enjoy this fun retelling of a holiday standard!

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas in the Veterinary Clinic (2023)

By Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the clinic,
were patients and clients with needs, all at the last minute;
Med refills were placed in their bottles care,
In hopes the requestors soon would be there.

The boarders were nestled all snug in their cages,
With instructions for care written across hanging pages

Vet Techs fill the orders their Docs have just written.

While passing around the new patient, a cute kitten!

When out in reception, there arose such a clatter,
Clients peeked from exam rooms to see what’s the matter.

Into the lobby, they filled like a wave,
Clients and pets, most not well-behaved.

Having waited all day, they came in with a scurry,
Did we have what they need, and could we please hurry?

When, what to their wondering eyes should they see,
Vet techs and assistants who anticipated their needs.

With ease they provided, so lively and quick,
The food, meds, and nail trims; These pets won’t get sick.
More rapid than eagles their needs were provided,
Through use and instructions, the clients were guided.

“It's like this, and not that, place here a few drops,”
The staff demonstrated on pets and even on props.
The clients, they listened, and took all the directions,
Ready for discharge they were and went to reception.

CSRs with their smiles and charts at the ready,

Answering phone calls, and questions, their workflow is steady.

They check out the clients, take payments, and such,

Not many appreciate what they do; it’s so much!!

And then in the lot, the cars, there were fewer,
Until it only contained staff cars and an Uber.

They made it through, the staff in the clinic
“And even on time,” said that one Doc, the cynic.

Another holiday down, in the books, so to say.
Now it’s time for the staff to frolic and play.
While many still work, health care doesn’t sleep,

There’s magic and joy and plenty to eat!

We hope wherever and how you choose to spend it,
The holidays bring joy, and you find them quite splendid.

For another year’s passed, it's about over and done.

If you spent it with us, we hope you had fun.

We on the podcast are sending love and well wishes.

For a season of joy, and of hope, and all your favorite dishes.