DR. NEIL WELCOMES OUR NEWEST TEAM MEMBER It’s a Boy!
There’s something magical about stepping outside into a hush of freshly fallen snow, pitching your tent beneath stars that feel crystal‑clear, and inhaling air so cold it feels pure. Winter camping allows you to experience nature in slow motion. The frozen landscape creates a peaceful stillness you won’t find on summer outings. Layer smart to stay cozy. Whether you’re trudging into a snowy clearing or setting up camp under a frosty sky, your number one ally is layering. Start with a snug “base” layer that traps warmth against your body. Next, add something insulating, like a fleece or down. Your final layer should protect you from wind and snow. Skip cotton because it soaks up moisture, and getting wet accelerates frostbite. Create the Ultimate Winter Camping Experience FROM FROST TO FIRELIGHT
Our clients have long been accustomed to seeing children at the clinic. The Hirschs’ four children, now in their teens and 20s, practically grew up here. Dr. Neil often brings her daughter Ottilie (aka Tillie) to work with her, as well. Now, we’re delighted to welcome a new tiny team member: Lane Everett Neil, born on Dec. 9. Lane is a healthy newborn and, based on Tillie’s first meeting with her brother, an instant charmer. When Dr. Neil’s husband, Tanner, brought Tillie to the hospital to meet Lane, she eagerly climbed onto the bed while Tanner held the baby so she could get a closer look.
“It was the coolest thing”, Dr. Neil recalls. “We were all talking really softly, and Tillie looked at me and said, “He’s nice!” And I said, “Yes, he is nice!” Tillie has been gentle with her brother and even asks occasionally to hold him.
Keep your feet dry. Wet socks are the quick route to misery in cold weather. Snow melts,
Tillie spent much of her life as an infant and toddler with us at the clinic, attending staff meetings, having her breakfast and lunch in the breakroom, and enjoying regular naps. So far, Lane appears well-suited to succeed her in that role.
boots get damp, and you sweat while hiking. So, aim to stay dry from the get‑go with waterproof boots, gaiters, and maybe even snowshoes if you’re in deep powder. Ground protection matters. You’ve hauled all this gear out into the cold, so don’t let the frozen ground steal your
The biggest adjustment to becoming a family of four, Dr. Neil says, has been helping Tillie stay busy and engaged at home while she cares for Lane. Fortunately, the timing of Lane’s birth meant Tillie had a lot of fun Christmas gifts to keep her busy while she got used to having a sibling around. Now, “we are settling into life and starting to find our rhythm,” Dr. Neil says. Lane is growing accustomed to eating and sleeping on a consistent daily schedule. She plans to ease back into work, bringing Lane along and having
warmth. A solid sleeping pad acts as insulation between you and the ground. Choose one with a decent R‑value (thermal resistance) or layer two simpler pads to block the chill. Then add a sleeping bag appropriate for the low you’re expecting. If your bag is rated for milder temperatures, a liner can extend its comfort zone by several degrees. Choose your spot wisely. A beautiful winter campsite still requires a smart choice. Avoid the bottom of slopes (cold air settles there) and the top of ridges (wind bites). Instead, look for flat terrain, shelter from the wind, and a nice snow‑bed you can compress by walking on it before you pitch your tent. Your tent door should face away from the prevailing wind. Make the evenings cozy. Once the sun dips and temperatures slide, it’s all about comfort! A warm drink by the campfire, flipping through a good book, chatting quietly while the stars shimmer overhead: These are the moments that make winter camping memorable!
Tillie visit occasionally.
Dr. Neil says she always appreciated the warm welcome Tillie received from clients, who typically enjoyed seeing and greeting her. And now, she’s grateful for the flexibility to continue to care for our pet patients while raising her family. “I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to do both.”
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