I had so much fun hanging out with the doctors and observing their work during exams.  I even got to perform my own wellness exam on “Barry.”

Checked his ears..

And took his temperature!  Barry is in great health!

After practicing on “Barry,” I moved on to real pets.  Here, I’m checking Louie for ticks. Ticks are very hardy insects, with peak populations during the fall season.  During the winter they hide underground but emerge to eat and find a host during thaws.  For best protection, apply preventative year round and keep up those tick checks.

We get a little vet-wrap happy around the holidays, never passing up an opportunity to decorate bandages in holiday motifs!

One of my favorite areas of veterinary medicine is surgery! Since I wasn’t allowed to perform on actual patients, I practiced on “Barry.”

I also learned the importance of anesthetic monitoring during surgeries.  Just as the technicians monitor patient vital signs while pets are under anesthesia, I used the ECG machine to measure “Barry’s” heart rate and rhythm.  To learn more about how we are committed to making all anesthetic safety procedures safe and stress-free, download our Anesthetic Safety Guide.

Since “Barry” is still a puppy, he wasn’t neutered yet; Dr. Boyle helped me with the procedure.  The doctors at Leesburg Vet recommend all pets be neutered or spayed.  You can read about the importance of spaying and neutering here.

Using the hospital’s state-of-the-art diagnostic tools was fun too! Here I got to practice doing an ultrasound on “Barry.”

“Barry” was also a very good patient while I took X-rays of his mouth!

Because the hospital’s X-ray machine is digital, the veterinarians can review the results immediately and provide quick and precise diagnoses.

Speaking of dentistry, good oral hygiene is an essential part of your pet’s preventative wellness care plan. Besides trying to brush your pet’s teeth at home, we may recommend regular cleanings.  Dental cleanings include ultrasonic scaling, followed by polishing and a mouth rinse, all of which is designed to remove plaque and slow its build-up.

Taking a break from the medicine part of the practice, I also spent some time in grooming with Kim.   After our nightly back-and-forth trips  to the North Pole, “Barry” was ready for a bath.  Thinking about professional grooming for your pet? Learn more about our services, on our website.

Uh-oh…Golden Retriever “Annie” was on her way home from her grooming appointment when she caught me “hanging around” in the kennels.  I think it’s time I get back into treatment to see where I can help!

In treatment, I helped the assistants and technicians organize supplies…

And in reception, I rewarded patients with a few treats.

On the weekends, I held down the fort, keeping watch over everything from the treatment kennels.

My beautiful feline friend here was happy to share her space with me!

A quiet hospital on a Saturday night…what’s an elf to do? Catch up on his wrapping, of course!

On Sunday, I also helped organize lab reports for the doctors.

The week before Christmas was a busy time at Leesburg Veterinary Hospital.  The doctors were happy I could help make a few callbacks before the holiday!

Wow, the hospital sure was beautifully decorated for the holidays.  Did you see Barry and I checking out the displays?

Before we left, Barry and I had just a little more fun, making one last snow angel!

Christmas Eve…the time has come for Barry and I to wish you a fond farewell.  We are headed back to the North Pole to give Santa a final report before his big trip tonight.  We had a great time hanging out with the doctors and staff and getting to know all of their wonderful clients and furry friends!  We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!  See you next year!