Strokes from Other Pens

Doc Tempel,

It’s been four months without our beloved German Shepherd, Blade, and as we wind down for bed in our household — we continue to experience the oppressive grief of losing our pack leader. Most people would say that losing a dog is like losing a member of your family but I’d akin it to losing a limb. When Blade died, I told my family in full virtue that I didn’t love anyone like I loved that dog and they bore witness to my grief and knew I meant it.

Reflecting on the experience of losing Blade, it dawned on me that a veterinarian’s job is a complex one. As I thought about what I lear...