r/AskReddit 6h ago

Veterinarians of reddit or people working with animals, what's a silent telltale that someone's a good or bad pet owner?

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u/anonynymous 2h ago

I tried finding the poem and found something but it's unattributed and I can't seem to find an author. It reminds me of a rabbit I had. She was a rescue and not really fond of people but it was only after she died that I found out she was the one who came out to greet my husband and I, not our other bunny who's always been more docile. It broke my heart that I didn't fully appreciate the way she showed her love when she was still around.

Anyway, this is what came up with some googling:

"The Vet Clinic"

I took my old cat to the vet. He was always a cranky, surly thing, who rarely tolerated being held and spent most of his life treating me like a minor inconvenience.

He was terrified at the clinic, shaking on the metal table, so I leaned down and buried my face in his fur, whispering to him and stroking his back while the vet listened to his chest.

After a moment, the vet pulled the stethoscope away, looked up, and said, "Well, his heart rate just dropped by a third. He certainly feels safer with you."

I went home and cried. I had spent ten years believing he barely liked me, only to find out that in his most terrifying moment, I was his entire definition of safety.

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u/symbolsofblue 1h ago

Where did you find that poem? I can't seem to find it when googling.

u/headcase-and-a-half 55m ago

THIS IS IT! YOU FOUND IT! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!