In the United States, it is estimated that almost 150,000 horses per year are unwanted. What is “unwanted”? The term is used to refer to horses that are old, injured, sick, unmanageable, or fail to meet expectations. The horse may have a lameness or illness…or he could just be the wrong color or gender. His problem could be life-threatening…or chronic and manageable. He may have a mild behavioral problem…or a severe one.

This week we speak with Dr. Stacie Boswell, an equine surgeon and author of “The Ultimate Guide for Horses in Need,” a veterinarian who has dedicated much of her career to helping “horses in transition” and provide better care and welfare for all horses.

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT learn how Dr. Boswell became an equine veterinarian and why this topic is so important to her.

The trio also discuss the unique mental health and self-care challenges faced by large and mixed-animal veterinary professionals and how Dr. Boswell keeps her energy and enthusiasm high, despite the challenges she encounters.

Viewfinders, this is another wide-ranging conversation that offers us a glimpse into another side of veterinary practice. To learn more about Dr. Stacie Boswell and her book, “The Ultimate Guide for Horses in Need,” at: https://stacieboswell.com/

The Massachusetts State Senate recently approved a bill that ensures law enforcement officers' K-9 partners receive life-saving medical attention and transport in ambulances if they are injured in the line of duty.

The bill, known as Nero's Law, was drafted in response to the shooting that claimed the life of Yarmouth Police K-9 Sgt. Sean Gannon, and severely injured his K-9 partner, Nero.

This week our hosts, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, explore the impact such legislation could have and why veterinary professionals should be more involved.

Dr. Ward pledges his full support of Nero’s Law and expresses his surprise when he discovered the the majority of US states don’t allow injured law enforcement K-9’s to be transported in “human” ambulances.

Beckie shares her concern that veterinary clinics be fully integrated into the assistance of injured police K-9’s, including communicating and alerting emergency clinics of pending arrivals and for guidance on life-saving treatments.

Dr. Ward also encourages states to provide clear guidance on treating law enforcement K-9s exposed to narcotics and emergency administration of drugs such as naloxone.

Both discuss how the “devil is in the details” with this sort of legislation, and offer many tips to make the law more meaningful and helpful. And, yes, it starts with veterinary professionals!

Viewfinders, what do you think about this proposed law? What are your state’s rules and regulations regarding injured police dogs?

Tell me if you’ve heard this one before: Some pet parents are combining current conspiracy theories with internet medical misinformation and forming personal beliefs that are turning our veterinary exam rooms into “Debate Night” or “Fight Clubs!” Are we at risk of losing our ability to have civil discourse with clients and compromise? This week is all about the polarization of pet parents and their impacts on veterinary practice. This week, we’re not pulling any punches!

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT begin this episode by discussing a recent controversy over allowing pets, particularly dogs, into soem eating establishments. This controversy over allowing pets in restaurants spilled over into a large retirement community, and, as Dr. Ward says, “The real action was in the comments!” But dining with dogs isn’t what this week’s podcast is about.

Our hosts discuss how polarized the general public and pet parents have become over the past couple of years on pet-related issues from restaurants, travel, vaccines, and preventive care (we’re looking at you, heartworm and flea/tick preventives!). It seems more clients are looking for a debate or argument with veterinary professionals than ever before. And when asked about their stance on these hot topics, some of these disgruntled pet parents call in a social media “hate raid” on your clinic! What’s a veterinary clinic to do?

Viewfinders, this is another hard-hitting, wide-ranging conversation about an emerging challenge in veterinary practice. As Beckie always says, “NOW is the time to get ahead of it!”

Are you experiencing more heated conversations in your exam rooms? Do you think you’re seeing more extreme positions and opinions on many veterinary care topics? How are you handling this challenging situations?

International Human Animal Bond Day is November 8, 2021! What’s that, you ask? We’ve got the President-elect of the Human Animal Bond Association (HABA) this week to explain!

This week we’re missing co-host Beckie Mossor, RVT as she’s deployed helping animals in need with the ASPCA. We miss you!

That leaves co-host Dr. Ernie Ward to handle the mics this week with HABA’s incoming President, Dr. Patrick Flynn.

Drs. Flynn and Ward discuss the origins of International Human Animal Bond Day, future plans for HABA, and how veterinary professionals can participate.

Dr. Ward encourages HABA to challenge the definition of the “human animal bond” and shares his thoughts on why the term needs to transcend companion animal species and apply to all animals.

Dr. Flynn brings energy, creativity, and optimism about all things human animal bond related to HABA (and his “real job!”) and we think this wide-ranging (and sometimes provocative) conversation about veterinary professionals, the human animal bond, and animal welfare is an important one. Please share with your friends and colleagues!

To learn more about the Human Animal Bond Association, visit: www.humananimalbond.net

Share your human animal bond stories on November 8, 2021!

In a recent episode, we asked the Viewfinders if veterinarians were “real doctors” (and also if vet techs were “real nurses”). We received a flood of comments and DM’s and witnessed many social media threads and posts discussing our comments and questions. Thank you!

But some of the reasons and arguments supporting vet professionals as “real medical professionals” seemed, at first, to be solid, but after closer inspection, began to crumble, metaphorically speaking. This week we explore a few of the more popular answers and rebuttals with, well, more questions.

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT begin with a spate of threads and comments that misunderstood or misinformed readers about state laws governing the terms and roles of licensed veterinarians and veterinary technicians. Beckie encourages every veterinary professional to begin by knowing their own state veterinary practice acts and pertinent rules and regulations.

Dr. Ward revisits the risks and pitfalls of directly comparing veterinary professionals with human medical professionals. Dr. Ward rallies all veterinary professionals to celebrate our unique and powerful contributions to society and discontinue arguing we’re “the same as them” when we’re (clearly) distinct and (arguably) better (that’s our opinion, Viewfinders!).

Beckie cautions us to be careful with our words on social media and avoid “hate raids” that we complain about when vets are targeted online.

Limited veterinary licensure, public perception of veterinary professionals, and do we truly treat all animal species are also addressed in this episode. Dr. Ward shares his animal welfare crusade against ventilation shutdown (VSD/VSD+) and how these experiences have exposed him to accusations and criticisms from colleagues and some of the lessons he’s learned that may help any vet professionals receiving online denunciation. (Visit www.vavsd.org to learn more about this important animal welfare issue).

Viewfinders, this is a continuation of a hot topic discussion that we believe makes our beloved profession stronger and more inclusive. Let us know what you think and share with a friend! Talk to you next week!

Are veterinarians “real doctors”? What about vet techs? Are they “medical professionals”? A recent veterinarian versus Peloton quarrel over a "medical professional discount" went public on social media, and we’ve got all the feels…

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward (a proud Peloton papa since the beginning) and Beckie Mossor, RVT (not in the Peloton fam) tackle the issue of what to do when the public fails to recognize or respect veterinary professionals was “medical professionals.” This issue is a whole lot bigger than a stationary bike.

Beckie shares the recent social media outrage and ”Peloton punching bag” that has dominated many feeds the past week. Beckie postulates that this week’s Peloton pushback follows a long history of vets being dissed, that hearkens all the way back to Dr. James Herriot.

Dr. Ward urges our colleagues to take meaningful steps to make positive change, rather than solely engage in online emotional outrage. He also encourages our veterinary organizations, particularly the AVMA and NAVTA, to issue statements and his in elevating the public perception of veterinary professionals.

Both our hosts share personal stories of how they’ve been slighted in public, and Dr. Ward reveals how he stopped comparing himself to human doctors early in his career and why veterinary professionals shouldn’t “take it personally.”

Viewfinders, this is a jam-packed conversation that covers a lot of tough topics. Let us know your thoughts!

For the past year, controversies surrounding COVID-19 vaccination have dominated the news. Vaccine skepticism and hesitation is being reported at all time highs. Will COVID-19 vaccine skepticism cause an increase in pet parents refusing veterinary vaccines. We share our thoughts in this week’s episode.

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT tackle the tough topic of vaccine hesitancy faced by veterinary professionals. The pair reveal several conversations they’ve had with colleagues concerned about an increase in clients questioning pet vaccines. They also discuss the growing threat of online attacks on veterinary clinics recommending certain vaccine protocols.

The duo offer simple tips on helping clients better understand vaccines and preventive care. Dr. Ward offers his time-tested “no debate, everyone wins” attitude toward hot topics such as vaccinations and other preventive care topics. And once again, our hosts implore managers and owners to provide better support and resources for their staff.

Viewfinders, the key message for this topic is “Prepare now!” This episode stresses how your veterinary practice team can prepare now for the future challenges quickly approaching.

Viewfinders, are you seeing more clients refusing pet vaccines? Do you think clients are more volatile and prone to outbursts over seemingly innocent recommendations than ever before? Share your experiences with us!

National Veterinary Technician Week is October 17-23, 2021! Can we get better working conditions, please? And other ways to celebrate your credentialed veterinary technicians in 2021.

This week hosts Beckie Mossor, RVT and Dr. Ernie Ward share their tips for celebrating your credentialed veterinary technicians in honor of the 28th annual NVTW (started in 1993, for all you veterinary medicine history nerds). In addition, they tackle a ton of tough topics facing vet techs and the veterinary profession. You knew we couldn’t stop at “pizza party!”

The duo dive into the poor representation of vet techs in organized veterinary medicine, starting with why the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) isn’t accurately named. Dr. Ward offers some simple tips for making the AVMA more inclusive and representative of the “American veterinary medical” system. Beckie explains why this is actually important for the future of our profession.

Beckie explains why $15 an hour isn’t really a “living wage” and both offer insights into what better pay and benefits for vet techs should - and could - be. Beckie also shares why title protection is essential for the growth of credentialed veterinary technicians.

Finally, our hosts offer gift and recognition ideas for veterinary practices interested in celebrating their credentialed vet techs this year. Viewfinders, there’s a lot to think (and take action) about in this episode!

Lately, we’ve been hearing stories of veterinary practice managers and owners making departing staff feel guilty for finding a better job. After a team member puts in their notice, they then face a barrage of guilt-inducing blame and judgment, further eroding their self confidence and assertiveness. But it doesn’t end there.

Hosts Beckie Mossor, RVT and Dr. Ernie Ward also share their concerns about the rapidly approaching holiday season and the impact "holiday time off" may have on our already overwhelmed teams' morale, productivity, and patient care. Ho, ho, hold on for this one, Viewfinders!

This week our hosts discuss the importance of respectfully and professionally handling an employee leaving their job for another, and why exit interviews may, “help you save the rest,” as Dr. Ward puts it.

The pair also tackle the topic of holiday time off and each share real-time vacation dilemmas they are hearing from veterinary colleagues around the country. Beckie advises, “Get ahead of your holiday planning now!” We explain…

Viewfinders, once again we cover A LOT of territory in this half-hour conversation. Share your thoughts by email or direct message!

There’s no shortage of veterinary job listings these days. As competition for veterinary professionals heats up, are some of these employment ads potentially misleading or misrepresenting their workplace reality? We tackle that tough topic and job search woes in this episode! Plus, we give our thoughts on creating better, more truthful job postings and why making employees your top priority is the best strategy of all! Viewfinders, hang on to your noggin’ for this one!

Hosts Beckie Mossor, RVT and Dr. Ernie Ward discuss the recent escalation in the appealing language and messages in veterinary job ads. The pair offer advice to applicants seeking to sift through the fluff and get to the truth.

Our hosts also share several recent stories of vets and vet techs who discovered a new hire was being paid more than established staff, and the impact that had on team morale.

Dr. Ward revisits his experience and philosophy on his switch in the 1990’s to paying staff much more than “industry standards” and how that move affected both revenue and quality of life for him and his team.

Beckie stresses the importance of protective the title of “veterinary technician” in employment listings and how to handle a boss or manager not playing fair with pay and benefits.

Viewfinders, we hope these tough conversations continue to spark change within the veterinary profession. We had a blast recording this episode and would love to hear from you!

A recent pet parent survey found that 47% experienced “separation anxiety while away from their pets.” 76% of respondents claimed their dog suffered from anxiety behaviors while they were away. In addition to these stats, there’s been a growing number of media stories examining “the high cost of veterinary care,” and increased requests to “return” or relinquish adopted “pandemic pets.” This week we explore the interconnectedness of these stories and how we can help as veterinary professionals.

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT review a spat of news stories that describe current challenges faced by pet parents. From fears of leaving pets alone when returning to work post-pandemic, to financial challenges of veterinary care, and how some animal shelters are responding to requests to relinquish pets, this episode tackles a LOT of tough topics our profession is facing in late 2021.

Our hosts offer steps every veterinary clinic can take to address complaints about money, initiating conversations about behavioral issues, and how to help pet parents worried about leaving their pets at home. And MUCH more!

Viewfinders, how are you handling separation anxiety worries with your clients? Are you hearing complaints about cost of care? What about the return of “pandemic pets” to shelters? We’d love to hear your experiences!

This week co-host Beckie Mossor, RVT reports to us from the Western Veterinary Conference (WVC) in Las Vegas, Nevada where there’s a lot of talk about the big veterinary corporations and pet retailers and the impact they’re having throughout the profession (spoiler: a couple are engaged in a battle of lawsuits amongst other issues).

Co-host Dr. Ernie Ward talks with Beckie from deep within his home podcast bunker and the pair muse on how quickly changes are happening in the pet and veterinary industries as we (hopefully) begin to see a little post-pandemic light ahead. Well, at least a few in-person veterinary conferences are happening, so there’s that.

Beckie and Ernie discuss the lessons veterinary professionals can learn from some of the more well-organized (and funded) large corporate practices and pet retailers, and what independent practices can do to remain competitive for staff.

Beckie drops gems such as “veterinary technicians are going over you or with you” and “ride not resist” when it comes to positive changes, while Dr. Ward applauds veterinary technicians and support staff for standing up for self-care, mental health support, and better working conditions.

Viewfinders, there’s a lot to unpack from this trip to Vegas! We’d love to hear your thoughts. Don’t forget to stop by your favorite podcast player and drop a brief 5-star review! It helps so much! Thanks and we’ll talk to you next week!