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Have you ever wondered what an average day in a vet clinic is like? As one of the receptionists at Glanbrook, I will tell you what an average day for me looks like. From puppies’ and kittens’ first vet visits to a beloved family pet saying goodbye, we are a part of everything—at least in some way. A day at Glanbrook starts 30 minutes before we open in order for me to look through our emails, voicemails, faxes, and texts to determine which matters require immediate follow-up. In addition, we make sure our waiting room is stocked with coffee, treats, and music playing for our clients to enjoy as they come in. Once the clinic opens and patients begin to arrive, the reception team records patients’ weights, notifies the veterinary staff in the treatment area, and checks patients in. As the day progresses, we focus on answering questions, processing medication refills, booking appointments and providing comfort and support to clients as they navigate their pets’ healthcare needs. Whether a pet is preparing for surgery, currently undergoing a procedure, beginning a new medication, or undergoing diagnostic testing to determine the cause of illness, the reception team is available to assist. Even when we may not be able to provide immediate answers, we make sure we do what we can to get them for you. While most of our time is spent up front answering questions, booking appointments, placing medication requests, and more, we also have the opportunity to interact with our patients. Either the ladies in the back will bring them up front for us to cuddle, or we will sneak away to steal some cuddles during their visits. After all, we are all animal lovers—and who doesn’t love a cuddle? Working at reception also means being present during some of the most difficult moments our clients face. When a cherished family pet is nearing the end of its life, we are there to provide guidance and support. From providing cost estimates and available products to simply being there to discuss what it may look like and offer comfort, compassion and understanding we are there to help. We assist families in selecting memorial products and ensure their wishes are respected. Although we may not be present in the room for the entire appointment, we share in our clients’ grief and recognize the profound impact these moments have on families. While this is the most challenging aspect of our role, it is also one of the most important, as it allows us to support both our clients and their pets with dignity and care. Our days are full of ups and downs, happiness and sadness, and can be crazy busy or a little quieter. I love doing this job and being a part of the Glanbrook family, helping where I can with our lovely clients and their even lovelier furry family members. Thanks for spending the day with me.

Have you ever thought about fostering a pet in need? Since rejoining the Glanbrook team, my own personal idea of it has been awakened. Dr. Heather works with a few rescues which allows the rest of the team to help get these guys on their way to a loving home. This is my experience of what it is like to foster. My first foster was a lovely adult dog who was rescued from a high kill shelter in the US and brought to Canada. The first time I actually saw him was when he was brought in for his initial exam to the clinic. Like MOST of the rescue dogs that have such a long journey, he was terrified. This is a very important thing to know when considering opening your home to a rescue. So, I asked myself some questions: How do I think I can help this guy? Can I afford to give him the help he needs? Do I have time and patience to allow him to work though ALL the issues he is carrying? I have other animals at home. Is this going to help or hinder his recovery? (Yes, rescue has a recovery process) Am I going to be strong enough to let him go one day, to a forever home? There are many other questions that you may want to ask yourself but these are a good start. After deciding yes to some, and maybe to others I decided being a temporary foster would be best, not only for me, but for the success of any rescue that would be under my care. I had my first rescue for 1.5 weeks. During that time we slowly connected. My only goal was to make this guy feel safe. I wanted him to start trusting that not all people are bad. I set him up in his crate and even covered it up with a light sheet so he wasn't being overstimulated with everything else going on in my home. He felt safe in there. He ate, drank and slept in there. He came out willingly to use the washroom and went back in quietly for 3 days in a row. I didn't force him or ask him to do anything but always spoke quietly to him and offered my hand to sniff as I'd walk by his crate. After that 3 day mark I started noticing small changes. I started to spend more time with him interacting outside. He had quite the goofy fun side just waiting to come out! Eventually he showed me that in fact yes, he does know how to be a real dog. He loved playing chase outside, fetch and sleeping as close as possible to me on the couch while watching tv. My heart melted every time he opened just a little bit more. These are just some of the examples I can give demonstrating how a little bit of time and consideration are required. Then, it came time to "let him go". I like to call it, "move him forward in life". I thought I could do this! It went like so. The rescue I was temporarily fostering for contacted me to let me know they had found a suitable long term foster. They put me in contact with them. We chatted and set a pick up time, and went over any information I could share with them to help them adapt. I didn't want to let him go! To be completely honest, as soon as the new fosters pulled into my driveway I was a blubbering, crying mess. Good news! I wasn't the only one! To my surprise, they started crying too!!! In my opinion he hit the jackpot! There couldn't have been a better couple for him. My only hope was that they would completely fail at fostering and adopt him!! They did! I am fortunate enough to still get updates from them, and I help them answer any questions they have. I'm grateful for this. They shared almost a similar experience with me when they told me the news of them adopting him. They had taken him to an adopt event held by the rescue to help all their rescues get exposure and adopted. It was then, they realized after 2 months that he could be gone one day. Just like me, they couldn't bare it and sent their adoption request in that day. Since then I have even been able to dog sit for them whenever they were away. This is a story with a very happy ending. But, fostering is an emotional rollercoaster. It is unexplainable. To fully understand you would need to do it. All I want to do is be a small step in helping those that can not help themselves on their way to a better life, even if it is not meant to be with me. Since then I have fostered a few more dogs for the same rescue always on a temporary basis just so they would have a soft place to land. I am unable to do a long term foster as I do have other pets at home who seem to get a bit upset at every "new guy" that comes into my home. My advice? If you can foster, please do! So many rescues don't have a facility to house the rescues at all and solely depend on fosters…..hopefully like you!

In March of 2025, I signed my dog Rylee up for St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog program. She went through a behavioral evaluation and passed! We have been to nursing homes, hospitals, day programs, and more. I knew that our pets were so important for our mental health and well-being, however I never expected the amazing response a 1-hour visit would bring to people. Have you ever looked at your pet and felt your heart swell with love? Do you leave events early or rush home from work just to hang out with them? There have been studies that show owning a pet is associated with better mental health, including lowering anxiety, and depression. Pets provide companionship, unconditional love, and a sense of purpose. Interacting with them can trigger the release of mood-boosting hormones like serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin. Regular activity, such as walking a dog or riding a horse, also contributes to improved physical and mental well-being. Cuddling with your cat can literally lower cortisol levels, reduce blood pressure, and promote relaxation. The rhythmic sound and sensation of their purring and heartbeat can help with things like chronic pain, anxiety, and depression. Our pets have superpowers!

When I adopted my first Duck Toller, Indy, back in 2008, I had big dreams for the two of us. I had always wanted to compete in Obedience, and Indy and I were going to do just that. Over our two years of training and competition, Indy and I brought home a few ribbons and titles, and I have always been immensely proud of

Have you ever seen a cat that looks like they have extra large paws, like they are wearing boxing gloves? You may have been meeting a polydactyl cat – a feline with a genetic mutation that gives them extra toes. Poly meaning many and dactyl meaning finger or toe. Most cats have a total of 18 toes.

Do you test your dog for heartworm and intestinal parasites? Is your dog or cat on heartworm prevention? They should be! In April of 2022, we had a group of rescue dogs arrive in Canada from San Pedro, Belize. At the sight of one, originally named Miss Gina, I fell in love. I offered a place in my home for Miss Gina

As many of you know, Dr. Heather and I travel to Belize twice a year to volunteer at Saga Humane Society. Dr. Heather was first introduced to Saga 6 years ago now, which is crazy to think we’ve been so many times! Although we are used to the differences between Glanbrook and Saga now, I thought I could share some more

I have been very blessed to have had many experiences with showing a variety of animals, including horses, sheep, beef cattle and of course dogs. Showing dogs being the most amount of work, but the most rewarding.