Hello everyone. As you all know, this is my first president’s letter. So I thought I would start off by introducing myself. I grew up in California, the youngest of four children and the only girl. My father was a teacher and my mother worked for the Department of Social Services. For as long as I can remember I have always wanted to be a veterinarian, except for the time when I was delusional and thought I could dance my way to Broadway. I brought my first cat home when I was three. Duchess, as she was named, was pregnant and had three kittens shortly after I brought her home. Jasper, Mamie, and Twerp became my first patients. Thank the Lord that those cats were so even-tempered, otherwise I would have more scars. This was just the beginning of the animals that I would bring home. During high school I branched out into large animals and raised a sheep for FFA. After high school I went to California State University at Fresno. I had planned on being a mixed animal veterinarian and returning to California. I graduated with a degree in animal science and then started work on my Masters degree while I applied to vet schools. I was accepted at KSU into the class of 1999. Those four years hold very fond memories for me. Our class was wonderful. They were a second family for me. I met and married my husband, Jed, while in Manhattan. Jed and I have three wonderful children and several critters. I have been an associate at Blackbob Pet Hospital in Olathe since April of 2000.

As I look back on the past 12 years, I am struck by so many memories. I will spare you most of them but want to share just a few. My first is of an eccentric technician who wore cat-eyed glasses and had a few cats as well. I met Melissa the first day of work. She was warm, welcoming and an amazing technician. I was fresh out of school, scared, and intimidated by her skills. I know she sensed my insecurities but never let on, and she helped me through those first scary days. She helped me to realize that it is okay not to know everything.

My next memory is one, that I am sure, is not unique to me, but one that I will not forget. One day at the clinic, I had a patient that was having a bit of a scooting issue. I went into the exam room to explain to the owner what was happening and found out I don’t always speak as clearly or as slowly as I should. When I started to explain that her dog was having problems with his anal sacs, the owner recoiled and informed me that her dog did not do that. It took me a few seconds to realize what had just transpired. I was bright red and thoroughly embarrassed. I still chuckle when I think of that day.

The last memory I want to share is about a wonderful chocolate lab named Boomer. Boomer survived an intestinal torsion and lived with terrible atopy. No matter what came his way, his owner always did everything he could for Boomer. They were truly the best of friends. Recently, Boomer was diagnosed with lymphoma. He went down hill very quickly and I had to euthanize him last week. Boomer was lateral when he came in, but as I said my tearful goodbyes he wagged his tail. This is the part of the job that never gets easier for me, and I hope it never does.

While in vet school I was active in the student chapter of the AVMA, so when my husband mentioned that Kathleen (Claussen) was looking for board members for the KCVMA I was excited about the opportunity. I started out as the KCVMA representative to the KVMA. That position was fun and very educational since I got to see how the KVMA functions as well. The day at the capitol was a day I will always remember. I was then vice-president and in charge of setting up our continuing education meetings. This position was challenging but I learned so much from it. Last year I was president-elect and now I am honored to be your president. During my years on the board, I have met many wonderful colleagues that I am now happy to call friends. I am also excited about getting to know the new board members in the coming year.

There are two last things I would like to leave you with. The first is to remind everyone that Dr. Whitehair is running for AVMA Executive Board Representative for District IX. Ballots come out March 1st and are due at the end of March. Another area candidate, Dr. Fobian, is seeking the office of President-elect. You’ll find more information about both candidates and the issues they will be working on if elected to office on page two of this newsletter. The second is, if you are interested in serving on the KCVMA board please feel free to attend one of our meetings.

I hope that everyone has a wonderful year.