THE RECESSION. That is the best way to describe our fifth year. This has taken a heavy toll on many of our clients and their lives. We were not immune from this. We have been lucky to survive it with few changes. We view our staff as part of our family and we are always concerned when we need to make decisions that effect them.

There were many tough times in 2009 but what it did was make us understand the meaning of community. This past year drove us to be more understanding of those around us. Instead of worrying about what we didn't have we started worrying about others. Our staff took on a food drive for their service to the community. They collected over 1000 canned goods for the local soup kitchen. In our personal lives we addressed the need for helping the homless and helped bring "Room in the Inn" to our church. This was a program of housing 12 homeless people for a wekk this summer. Then it continues during the winter month one night each month. The lessons we learned from these two simple out reach programs really helped us be part of the cure instead of standing on the side lines. It also made us believe that if we help others it will come back to you in a positive circle.

What we talk about to many of our clients is how we change the normal protocol and get the animals the preventative medicine they need so they don't fall behind and loose sight of how to catch up. This may mean a vaccine a month to be able to budget. It may also mean that we decide what is the most important thing now and what can we work into as the times change. Listening to the client is always the way we can help them. We should never criticize anyone until you have walked with them in their lives.

We have had another wonderful year with our kids. They have grown so much and accomplished so much. They got to experience baseball, and learn how to play basket ball. They have progressed to all being able to write and two of them to read. They have an adult dog, Newman, who now can battle back and sometimes even win. We are so blessed to have children that are growing in their faith, their ability in school and atheltics, and in their community.

We look ahead to 2010 with anticipation of a better economy for all. We wish, hope, and now plan on how we can help others. If we are not in there making the change then we have failed all around us. We are thankful for our clients allowing us to be part of their lives and their animals lives. It is hard to believe some days, that this is our job. We enjoy it so much it often doesn't feel like work. There are so many special people and animals that have come into our lives that we feel blessed everyday to be able to do this job. Our kids, our pets, and our staff want to thank all of our clients for their continued support of our animal hospital and we hope we can return the blessing to all of them.

Mark and Sarah