This story is not from today, but from several months ago when Dr. Soethout was a brand new veterinarian at the practice.
We were all getting a little overwhelmed, probably New Doc because everything was, well, new, and the rest of us, because seeing the mortality and morbidity of pets and sharing in the grief and uncertainty of the people who love them most sometimes can be just a little more than our hearts can bear.
We reached this point fairly early in the morning.
The wonderful dentist who works on the other side of our building ran over to the veterinary side of the building, down dove held gently in both hands.
Sarah took her. Dr. Soethout examined her. She had crashed into their window mid-flight. She was shaken but not broken.
Same little dove.
We watched her all morning as she gathered her tiny little bird wits and her mentation stabilized, grateful for Nebraska Wildlife Rehab in the wings (haha) but hopeful we would not need the transfer.
Mid-morning, with a hospital full of patients and their families - all understanding we needed a tiny win because they too needed a win - the entire team went out back by the trash cans and picnic table and opened the box.
The dove nestled in and waited.
Dr. Soethout picked her up gently, and still she waited. “You got this Snow White!” I said.
I bet you are grateful the nickname did not stick, huh Doc?
The dove nestled in further and waited still, seemingly comfortable with her rescuer. He set her gently on the ground. She looked behind her and then ahead and flew off without a hitch.
We all laughed in relief and got back to work. The day seemed lighter.
That night I posted this below on Facebook. That case still gets me through sometimes. Thanks Doc. Thanks Sarah. Thanks team. I am so very blessed to know all of you and walk through this career with you 🤍
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Sarah and Dr. Soethout saved a mourning dove who bonked her tiny noggin on the neighboring dentist’s window first thing this morning, and we all stopped in The Middle of Everything and went outside to watch her be released, and that is just the Noah’s Ark miracle minute we needed to keep going in this FREAKING week. 🕊️
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Thank you to the amazing Barb Ericson and Russell Finch for these beautiful photos! 🤍