In these tough economic times as my husband and I try to run our veterinary hospital in the "black," (which is, I am told, the way you are supposed to run all businesses, crazy, I know!) I thought that I would share a recent discussion we had.
You see every January we spend a few days "going over the numbers" from the previous year. This past year, 2011, was a tough one for many. We are in the midst of one of the worst economic times in recordable history. There isn't one day that I don't hear a terribly heartbreaking story from one of our clients. I had no hopes or expectations as we wrapped up 2011. I was honestly just fine with us not being behind on our bills. I had no lofty expectations of meeting any "industry standard for a well-managed practice."
I was merely happy with still being in business.
When my husband, (aka "business partner") had crunched the 2011 figures he asked me to "Guess how I thought we had done for 2011?" I said "Well, I don't know what the numbers told you, but I can tell you that this year we received more cookies, brownies, and goodies than we have ever in the last 5 years combined. We have also plastered the front office with more Christmas cards than I ever remember receiving. So for me, I will say that I can measure our success on that."
He smiled, and said, "You're right honey, that seems as good a measure as anything else."
Here are some of my favorite 2011 cards. Enjoy! and may 2012 be a year of peace, love, joy, and prosperity for you all!
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| Leroy is one of my dear favorite boys, (you all know that I am already a big softy for Bassetts). His story is coming. He is even more incredible than it is. |
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| I love this incredibly photogenic kitty. His mom dresses him up often, and sends us photos. Love it! |
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| Stella, always the same, "pity me" face. A great client, a great family, all of them are very close to our hearts. |
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| My dear friend, Mrs. Andrews, who always sends us a Christmas card with her (real pet) pig dressed up. This card is as adorable as the rest are. It cracks me up. |
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| Mrs. Hagan, a wonderful person who donates much of her time, and her own resources to helping dogs in need. She even volunteered 1 day with us at the Pet Expo. Simply because she wanted to help. Thank-You! |
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| How cute is this card? Peanut is one of our rescues. She found the best home in the world. She is now a buddy for the most adorable, and definitely most spoiled pup (deservedly) on the planet, Chica. |
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| I have been lucky enough to watch the two cutie pies grow up with their dog sisters. I am lucky to be thought of as part of so many other peoples families. It is the most rewarding part of this life. |
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| Some of the dogs of all Shepherd Rescue. Some have been a part of our JVC family and gone on to find their own. It is so wonderful to sea them so happy and healthy. |
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| A great card, with every pet in the house included. |
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| Minnie is one of our rescues. You can read about her story here on my blog, titled, "Minnie's Meancing Gracile Grimace." |
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| From the owner who lost their loved "Toby" in 2011. |
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| And from Diedra, my sister, who lives 3 hours away, but knows every staff member in my clinic. And helps at every function we have. |
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