Every year, without fail, the end of the year arrives faster than I expect. No matter how many calendars I flip through, how many schedules I juggle, or how many times I tell myself this year I'll be more prepared, December still seems to appear overnight. One moment it feels like we're settling into the rhythm of the year, and the next I'm wondering how it's already time to reflect, wrap things up, and prepare to start all over again.
Working as a manager in an animal hospital adds its own unique pace to the year. The days are full, often unpredictable, and always meaningful. There are early mornings, long shifts, emotional conversations, and countless moments of teamwork that blur together when I look back. Caring for animals and supporting the people who love them is deeply rewarding, but it also means the year moves quickly. There's always another patient and client to check on, another problem to solve, and another team member to support. Before I know it, the months have flown by.
The end of the year is also a time when everything seems to converge at once. Work commitments ramp up as we try to close out the year strong, support our staff, and ensure our patients continue to receive the best care possible. At the same time, personal responsibilities increase—family gatherings, traditions, travel, and the emotional weight that often comes with the holidays. It can be stressful trying to be everywhere at once, to meet everyone’s expectations while still finding a moment to breathe.
Yet, amid the busyness and stress, I find myself deeply thankful. I'm grateful for friends and family who provide support, laughter, and understanding—especially during this hectic season. I'm thankful for the team I work with, whose dedication and compassion make even the hardest days manageable. And I'm thankful for the animals who remind me every day why this work matters.
The end of the year is also a natural time for reflection. It's a chance to look back at what we accomplished, what challenged us, and what we learned along the way. While there are always things left unfinished or goals still in progress, there's value in recognizing how far we've come. Sometimes simply making it through a demanding year is an achievement in itself. Make sure to take the time to smell the cocoa, read a good book, and meet up with friends! Whatever relieves the stress, schedule it!
As quickly as this year arrived and passed, I’m choosing to look ahead with hope. I'm hopeful for a great 2026—one filled with growth, balance, and continued compassion for both people and animals. I have a busy travel year starting out with two conferences in January and a steady travel pace until spring! While I know the next year will likely fly by just as fast, I hope to appreciate the moments as they come, even the busy ones. After all, if there's one thing I've learned, it's that time doesn't slow down—but we can choose how we move through it.
Leslie Boudreau, RVTg, CVPM, PHRca, SPHR
VHMA President
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