That Wasn't A Tootsie Roll!!!!

My favorite scrub tops were the ones that had two pockets on the bottom. My hands could rest in there very easily. They were also convenient for things like pens, chap stick, hair ties, thermometers, fecal loops, etc. Most of the scrubs I owned had these pockets because they were so darn handy.

We had a cat come into our veterinary office one day for her annual check up. Being promoted from Kennel Rat, I mean, Technician I was able to assist the veterinarian in many visits just like this. My job would be to go into the examination room first. I would get basic information such as weight, diet, temperature, flea control, and other very many important details. The veterinarian would then come into the room. She examined the animal, talked to the owner, and took various samples for the standard tests (with me assisting of course).

Well this particular cat was finished with her annual visit. She had a clean bill of health! She was also a little grumpy at this point. Since her mom didn't have a pet carrier I helped carry this healthy puss to the front desk. Her mom checked out and paid her bill. At this point I gave kitty kitty back to mommy, and we said our goodbyes. Since I was already up front, I took the next set of clients to the back.

This time I had a larger dog. I don't remember the breed exactly. While the owners were getting settled in the examination room, I took the time to quickly clean off the scale and exam table. I then started to get the basic information needed for the dog. As I'm talking to the owners I'm digging around in my right pocket. This is the pocket that normally holds my pen.

These owners know their dog. They are giving me all the information that I'm needing. I still can't find my pen though. As I'm speaking to them I feel around making a mental note of what's in my pocket.

"What type of food are you feeding him? (Okay there's the chap stick) Is he eating and drinking normally? (Hmmm uhhh there's a fecal loop) What are you using for flea control? (Why is there a Tootsie Roll in my pocket?) Is he on any heart work prevention (This is a very squishy Tootsie Roll. Kinda warm too.) What do you use to bathe him? (Wait, where's the wrapper?!?! Oh no I don't think this is a Tootsie Roll! I better actually look in my pocket) Well, it seems like your dog is doing pretty well (I look in my pocket). If you'll just wait a few moments I'll be right back. Apparently the cat in here before you pooped in my pocket while her mom was checking out. I'm going to wash up and then we'll get your dog's weight."

I calmly exit the room and pull my hand out of my pocket. It was smothered in cat feces. While I was feeling the "Tootsie Roll" in my pocket I smashed it all around my contents. My chap stick and hair tie had to be thrown out and the fecal loop was put in the sink for disinfecting. Luckily, we are used to getting gross things on our scrub tops in the veterinary business, so we keep spare clothes in the back. I washed my hands and under my nails real good with the soap we use to scrub up for surgery. I changed my scrub top and threw the dirty one into the laundry pile.

I join the dog and owners and complete getting my basic information. They found great amusement in the cat poop in my pocket. They didn't pick on me too bad though. They were mainly grossed out by it and said they would have screamed if their pocket had poop in it like that. Lucky them, I'm a master veterinary technician and can keep my cool under pressure!

Oh and where was my pen you ask? It was by itself in my left pocket! I found it when I threw my scrub top into the laundry pile. The joys of working with animals.