Heather Graham’s duties have expanded a lot since she joined our team nearly three years ago as a receptionist, but one thing hasn’t changed. When greeting patients, she’s a light! She says, “I always try to keep a smile on my face. I’ve had some clients ask me, ‘Why are you always so happy?’ My attitude is, ‘Why not — right?’ That is how I choose to feel today.” As a receptionist, Heather focuses on providing great customer service, checking in patients and setting appointments. “The pace is always fast. We go from busy to really busy,” she says. Her role has expanded to training new staff, helping monitor patients’ vital signs, drawing blood, and giving injections. This is valuable experience for Heather, who is studying to become a registered nurse. She has already earned her certified nursing assistant (CNA) license and attends classes at Colorado Mesa University part time. “I have always worked with people in the past, but working with animals was something I wanted to try. I do love working with animals, and I have lots of my own,” she says. Heather currently owns a tortoiseshell cat, a 14-year- old toy Australian shepherd named Lady Bug, and a retired Belgian draft horse named Molly. She and her husband moved from California to Colorado a few years ago, and they have found small-town life in Colorado suits them better. Relationships feel more personal. “My 12-year-old daughter is in seventh grade, and her teachers all know her,” Heather says. “I see some of them here at the clinic.” People Skills, Pet Skills, and Smiles Upbeat Energy
We all know a family pet can bring a world of fun, but animal companions are actually proven to do much more than that! Pets are more than just your kids’ companions; they play a significant role in child development. Here’s how every child can benefit from growing up with a furry (or not-so-furry) friend. Social Skills and Empathy Pets often serve as a child’s first friend and confidant. Interacting with a pet requires a child to read nonverbal cues and respond appropriately, which can enhance their empathy and understanding of emotional states. When a child learns to care for the needs of their beloved pet, they learn that other people also have needs and emotions that must be cared for. Health Benefits Numerous studies have shown that children with pets are less likely to develop common allergies and asthma. Surprisingly enough, it didn’t matter whether these kids grew up with cats or dogs; both were equally likely to help prevent asthma and certain allergies. Of course, children who have already been diagnosed can have their symptoms triggered by their furry friends. That’s why parents should consider introducing a pet as early as possible! Emotional Support Pets provide a unique comfort that can sometimes elude even the closest family members. During challenging or stressful times, a pet can comfort a child. A pet’s presence can be incredibly soothing and reassuring, providing a silent strength without the complication of human emotions. Fun and Adventure Let’s not forget that pets are fun! They bring laughter and joy to a household. Kids’ adventures with their pets — from exploring the backyard jungles with a trusty dog to hosting a tea party with a patient feline — can foster creativity and imagination. Pets truly make a home more vibrant and livelier. They teach lessons in love, life, and the joy of simple things. So, if you’re contemplating adding a pet to your family, know that the pitter-patter of little paws can benefit your child’s development. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want an extra dose of unconditional love around the house? The Integral Role of Pets in Enhancing Childhood Development The Pawsitive Effects
This summer, Heather has taken time off from college classes to vacation with her husband and daughter. A favorite destination is
Ridgway Reservoir south of Montrose. Her daughter loves swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding there, Heather says. “She is a waterbug.” And just as she does at our clinic, Heather says, she enjoys “making sure everything goes with the flow.”
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