by Elizabeth Holland, DVM

I can't believe how incredibly lucky I feel to have landed at Adel Veterinary Clinic 16 years ago this month for my first job out of veterinary school. Whenever new team members start, I always share that I have never worked at any other vet clinic (aside from shadowing, internships, etc) so they are likely to know different ways of doing things and that I am always open to learning and implementing change. Thankfully, they often share, and thus we have continued to grow and evolve, never straying far from the wonderful clinic I walked into on Day 1. 

When the amazing Dr. Rohret retired and I took over ownership, I spent a lot of time thinking about the thousands of lives he touched; pets he had helped to enter, live, and exit this world, carrying with that countless stories and experiences with their families; truly hallowed work. I clearly remember thinking that I wanted to be sure to cherish it all along the way and I didn’t want to wait until I retire to share my gratitude and acknowledge how wonderful it is to have the trust of and form relationships with so many wonderful people.

Recently, I spent some time with an adorable batch of puppies. A client had kindly offered for my children to come provide some socialization- think 3 rowdy boys! 😜- and it struck me, suddenly, that 16 years ago, when they walked into an exam room expecting a wise, gentle Doc Rohret and instead got me, that they had 3 kids basically that same age as mine are now. 🤯 It’s not far from reality to say that at that point I was checking a textbook after each appointment and that Jill and Brandy (and others) were teaching me something new with almost every case!  (Does this still happen? A resounding 💯, but I like to think the frequency has decreased… 😉)

At any rate, I clearly recall how kind they were, obviously bridging their trust in Dr. Rohret right on over into me. ❤️ In the years since, we have been through graduations, marriages, pregnancies (mine and their kids!) and many healthy and sick visits with their pets… and without a doubt, it is these relationships that bring me the most joy in vet med.  Seeing the mutual love between pet and family, but also living this life together in community. Knowing the highs (and some lows).  When you sit together in tears during the final breath of a life that brought true joy, happiness and unconditional love… it's a lot.

Online pharmacies and corporate buy-outs have me rattled and frustrated with veterinary medicine. Employee turnover, bad reviews, backorders and rising costs tempt burn out. But puppy love, kitten kisses, the Human-Animal Bond and humans connecting over mutual respect, kindness and genuine care has me coming back every day.

So here is my “mid-career” 🤞 thank you!  🎉

To all the pets that weasel their way into my heart. To those that have left me with scars (literally and figuratively!). To those that have taught me lessons that will help others. 

Thank you to employees past and present. Working hard side by side to improve the health and happiness of pets and their people has and always will be my first priority. I have learned so much from each of you, whether you worked here 2 weeks or have been here longer than me! 

But mostly, to the clients that have become friends. To those that I know trust me enough to know I might not have the answer, I might not be able to fix their problem, and that I may even make a serious mistake, but they know I will always try and I will always care. Your early trust in me helped me learn to trust myself. It has been the greatest gift of my professional life. 

I can't help but think back over all the changes in 16 years and recognize that nearly the only constant for me has been driving to Adel Veterinary Clinic each Monday morning with the hope that I can make a difference. For the dogs and cats, pet moms, dads and siblings, our wonderful community and for the amazing team members that work harder than most will ever know to do the same. Thank you!