Frito and Marie

A Golden Goat Story

Marie unlocked the door of the Sheets Pet Clinic at 7:20 and then locked it behind her. 10 minutes later she unlocked it again and let in the 5 people waiting outside. I was third in line with Frito - our semi-feral, probable sister to Cosmo who was more than likely knocked up at the ripe old age of 8 months.
Frito was getting spayed.

Frito

By 7:40 there were 8 people and 10 cats in the still growing line.

Marie announced in a calm, kind voice what forms needed to be filled out first and pointed out the clipboards with those forms, the pens and the name tags for each kennel or live trap.

One couple brought two live traps with a cat in each. I heard them say, “we’ve done this about 20 times.”

“Remember your place in line. Not everyone fills out paperwork at the same speed.”

She answered every question like she hadn’t heard them 32 million times before.
She explained the procedures in Spanish to the man with the blue kenneled kitty.
She was calm, capable and helpful. And she had authority.

It’s a comfort to walk into a stressful situation that isn’t part of your daily routine and immediately trust the person running the room.

I picked up Frito at 5:30.

There were 3 people ahead of me in line - waiting for their pets and two more joined the line in the first 5 minutes.

One of the examining rooms contained at least 10 kennels and a vet tech waiting to facilitate the reunions.

Marie was still there - on the phone this time. After hanging up she helped the woman who was picking up her doberman who was whining and whining and whining.

Then it was my turn.

I handed her a Golden Goat Card and said I was impressed with how she handled all the activity when I dropped off Frito that morning.

I noticed how patient, kind and competent she was.

I told her I saw that and I know it doesn’t happen by accident.
It takes effort and intention.
When someone shows up like that - in a stressful time - it makes a big difference. It becomes the best experience possible.
That’s how she affected my morning. By taking good care of everyone that walked through the door.

Starting at 7:20 and until I picked Frito up at 5:30.

That’s a long day.

Thanks for being awesome Marie. You are making a difference.

When I gave her the card, she teared up a little and said thank-you.

I could tell it meant something.