Mentors, Inspirations....Friends.

Ode To An Inspiration

Roses are red
Violets are blue
JoAnne is the most awesome vet ever
And she's a damn good friend, too.



Yeah yeah...what were you expecting? My brain has turned to mush; vet school has sucked all of the creativity out of me.

I just realized this evening that I have written many blogs about my support staff here on The Rock, but I haven't said a peep about the one person who writes comments for 75% of my blog entries! I'm sure all of you out there (who don't already know this crazy cat JoAnne) were wondering just Who Is this Mysterious Lady who writes in ALL CAPS?

She is none other than JoAnne of the DMV fame (no, that's not a typo; you had to be there). When I was nothing but a fledgling groupie making $12/hr as a supervisor at the Humane Society it was JoAnne who saw promise in my curious gaze and convinced me I was smart enough to become a vet. When I stood over that metal table and pointed at various internal organs it was JoAnne who yelled "Don't touch the BLUE!" (and thus my introduction to sterility). When I helped out in the exam room too much (seriously? shelter staff can help TOO MUCH?), it was JoAnne who ruthlessly mocked The Hand so my anger would dissipate quickly. And when I needed anything, anything at all, it was JoAnne who would answer my call.

JoAnne's seemingly endless energy and constant drive for doing what is best for animals and people is what inspired me to become a veterinarian. I've worked with other vets, and they have ALL influenced me tremendously. But JoAnne's friendship, dedication to my goals, and support have been immeasurable.

I miss her every day that I am here, and cannot wait until the day we are working together again. I just hope we are both on the same side of the table when that day comes. And I only hope that I can be half the vet, half the person, and half the inspiration to future vets that she is for me.

I love you kid.