From Orlando

We're in Orlando this week at the North America Veterinary Conference. That means 3 conference centers, 400 speakers, 50 hands-on laboratories and workshops, 1400 hours of education over five days. That means 10 conference hotels, 40 buses running 7 different shuttle routes, 3 dollar candy bars, 2 very tired Scottsdale Cat Clinic employees, and K.C. and the Sunshine Band. Oh yeah!

So far, Dr. Karnia has spent an entire day learning new techniques and skills in a laser surgery laboratory. She's been to panels on chronic sinusitis, intestinal biopsies, and anesthesia protocols. Lots of fun.

I've been inundated with advice and recommendations on providing exceptional client services. I've learned about eye contact, body language and proper greetings. I hope next time we meet, I manage to say "Hello" in the proper manner.

We've walked the exhibit floor, talking to pet insurance brokers, software managers, and dental instrument hawkers.

And we still have three more days to go.

It's exhausting, but when we sit down at dinner or in our hotel room, both of us are very excited about all the new ideas we have to bring to you and especially to your cats. The NVAC is one of the largest conferences in the country, and the sheer amount of brain power is impressive. We're tapping into some of the best ways to treat your pet.

So we suffer through early mornings, bad coffee, way, way overpriced lunches, and long rides on seemingly endless shuttle bus routes. We do all of this to make your veterinary hospital the best it can be.

We look forward to seeing you when we come back home.

P.S. For being a southern state, it sure is cold down here. It may have something to do with all the presidential primary campaigning going on, but I can't be certain.