
lifestyle articles


Happy New Year!
I’m the type of person who loves new beginnings. It’s not so much starting over, because that sounds like there’s no forward motion. Rather, it’s taking a fresh perspective with the benefit of all the insight previously gained. And although I’ve traversed a few rough patches where I couldn’t wait to press the reset button,

Happy Holidays!
Tips for working relief during the holidays. Schedule fun time early! We know it can be hard for relief vets to say no when we’re in such high demand – especially at holiday time! Be sure to build in some celebratory events for yourself and your family and keep that time sacred. Decorate yourself! If

The Gift of Gratitude
With Thanksgiving two days away, it’s hard not to reflect on the year like no other. The tragedy of the pandemic, a historic election, and civil unrest within an imperfect democracy coming to grips with injustice has made even the notion of being thankful challenging to grasp. As an industry and profession, veterinary medicine has

Happy New Year From Relief Rover!
I’m the type of person who loves new beginnings. It’s not so much starting over, because that sounds like there’s no forward motion. Rather, it’s taking a fresh perspective with the benefit of all the insight previously gained. And although I’ve traversed a few rough patches where I couldn’t wait to press the reset button,

The Gratitude Positive Feedback Loop in Relief Practice
As I do every November, I’ve started thinking a lot about gratitude. I realize this should be top of mind every day. And it is, to some degree. But I’m susceptible to seasonal messaging so I obsess about candy in October, ramp up my gratitude in November, focus on generosity in December, and energize on

The Vacation Gig
Check out this interesting vacation gig in Lake Placid, NY on Relief Rover’s job board. The message popped up on my LinkedIn notifications. Would I be interested in coming to Lake Tahoe, California to cover maternity leave at a single doctor practice? Although I was living in Florida, as a UC Davis graduate I was

The Relief Vet’s Role in the Human Animal Bond
The notification vibrates my phone. “We met at a conference and I’m writing to inquire about relief coverage. I haven’t had a vacation in over 3 years.” Although this is text communication, I can feel the emotion behind the request. Because I’ve been there. Giving so much of myself to support my clients and patients.

A Gig for Every Chronotype
I just finished reading a New York Times article on chronotypes. In other words, your natural biological clock. Your innate sleep / wake cycle. Studies have shown that this hard wired mechanism dictates when you are most alert, active, and creative and when your body insists that you must wind down, sleep, and recharge your

Four Reasons I Love Being a Relief Veterinarian, and Why You May Too
I love to be helpful. One of the dictionary definitions of relief is “a means or thing that relieves pain, distress, anxiety, etc.” As we’re all aware, the unique stresses of this career can take a toll on our psyches and bodies. Regular breaks allow rest, renewal, and rejuvenation leading to increased job satisfaction and