06/11/2026
I took my dog Reese to the vet today and, for Reese's own good, we ended up leaving without doing any of the procedures she needed.
While waiting for the vet to come into the room, an emergency alert to shelter in place went off on everyone's phones. Soon, booming continuous thunder started to shake the building. Poor Reese was terrified.
Nobody, including me, thought the storm would hit so soon. But there we were, at the vet in the middle of a severe storm. It was too late to give Reese her anxiety medication.
I got down on the floor next to Reese and started to pet her gently. I put on soft rock music to cover some of the noise from the storm. I switched from dry crunchy treats to soft meaty treats which are higher value to Reese, to encourage her to snack and activate her parasympathetic nervous system (to help her body relax).
I think Reese needs an x-ray on her front legs, and she is almost due for some vaccines. "It's close enough that we can do the vaccines early," the tech said.
I looked at Reese--body stiff, head raised, and panting. "Thanks but we'll have to come back for those. Reese is already having a hard time." The tech agreed and the vet came in for Reese's exam.
She kindly talked and took Reese's vitals over the music I had playing. Reese was glad to see her and gave a tail wag with a very reserved but snuggly greeting.
The vet confirmed what I thought--that Reese needs x-rays to begin diagnosing her limp. She looked at Reese for a moment and said, "Reese seems to be doing fine. I think we can probably do her x-rays now."
I looked at Reese. She is usually wiggly, alert, and wagging her tail during vet exams. She was stiff and laying still, panting with wide eyes. She appeared calm in that she was not trying to hide or escape (because she knew she couldn't), but I know her well enough to know that she was still afraid, and really struggling.
As much as I urgently want answers from the x-rays so I can alleviate Reese's pain and improve her quality of life as soon as possible...her limp is not life-threatening. Answers can wait a little while longer.
"We better reschedule," I said. "I know we're already here and the storm should pass soon, but this isn't a good time for Reese." The vet agreed without hesitation.
I asked some strangers to pet Reese on our way out (people are the only thing that cheers her up when she's frightened). She got some belly rubs and we saw that the rain had stopped. Before the door, Reese did a big full body shake to release her tension. Seeing her literally shake off her stress and fear, my body gave a big sigh of relief too.
My schedule is so busy these days. Is it convenient for me to come back another day? No. Is it easy for me to make time in my schedule for multiple appointments? No. Could we have gotten the procedures done for Reese, who is already a gentle dainty sweetheart and tolerates almost anything? Probably.
But Reese would have been afraid the entire time. Like most dogs and people, freedom of movement helps her feel safe...but because she's afraid, the loving staff would have had to hold her down to prioritize getting clear images. And since she was already so afraid, she was even more sensitive to things that make her uncomfortable…but she would have had to get needles in her skin and injections that sometimes make her feel unwell.
Reese has no voice. She cannot say,
"I am afraid. I want to go home."
“I changed my mind. I don't feel up to it any more.”
“I don't understand why this place is so scary now. It's never been scary before.”
It is our responsibility to advocate for our pets, even when it's not easy or convenient. Thankfully my vet staff agreed with me today, but I've had other vet teams argue with my boundaries before. It can be uncomfortable and difficult to stand your ground when you know that your pet needs something else in a stressful vet visit–whether it's extra time, less restraint, a different position, or rescheduling the appointment altogether. The vet’s team knows the medical stuff; sometimes it's the pet parent’s job to guide the vet team in handling the emotional stuff. You know your pet best. Don't forget that. 🩷
I will take Reese back to the vet again soon–but not for her x-rays and vaccines yet. I will take her back to the vet just so she can get cuddles and treats from the staff, to remind Reese that the vet is where good things happen. Reese is only 10. I hope we have many more years of vet visits in our future. And I hope they are as fear free as possible.
I am a Fear Free Certified Professional, and I strive to be a fear free pet parent too. My pets are my whole life. They deserve me at my best, most mindful, most compassionate self. I’m not perfect. But I hope I’d make them proud.
