I write a lot about Dr. Fariello and the other vets I know, but I rarely mention the vet techs, who make practices run and who know and love animals in a very particular way.

I admire these people, mostly women, and many have become friends. They are the people I most want to care for our animals when we are away, they are ferocious advocates for the sick and injured animals that they see. Many are farm girls, they grew up around animals and have chosen a life of working with them.

They work long hours for low pay in intense circumstances. All my dogs love them instantly and intuitively. They are the ones who hold the dogs and do the hard work of assisting in surgeries and  explaining animal pills to frustrated people.

Gus has been getting acupuncture treatments for some weeks now, and while Dr. Fariello puts her needles in Nicole (and Cassandra) hold the dogs in a firm grip. Gus does not care for acupuncture treatments, but he loves Nicole, and while he squirms and sometimes  whines, he makes sure to shower her with kisses and thank her for being alive.

It is always a beautiful thing for me to see, but this photo seemed iconic to me, it captured the bond that  exists between these remarkable woman and the animals they are always helping and comforting.

In recent months – with Red’s illness and now Gus’s – I’ve gotten a long and deep appreciation for them. They are the most devoted, balanced and grounded animal lovers I know.

They are always there to answer questions for me, but they always respect the decisions I make the things I feel.