Opening: TBD
Happy 2015 from the Fur-babies (Ari, Trixie & Blinken)
I wish I could tell you all that we will be open on an exact date in the future. The #1 question that I was asked by all family and friends this holiday, was “when is your opening day?” Sorry, people, but I don’t know. Right now, my architect is waiting on contractor bids for my tenant improvements to the property. I’m used to living on the east coast, where things are usually done in a timely matter with lots of back and forth. Out here in California, especially Santa Cruz, not the same. Right now, I am hoping that we will be opening our doors in April. I was joking with my aunt that this would be a good birthday present (end of June), but I hope it doesn’t take that long.
So, what am I doing in the meantime? Well, we’re getting ready for the big koi show at the end of February. If you haven’t heard about it, check out the ad at the bottom of this post. I’m flying my marketing manager from the east coast to help with this event since it’s really hard for me to continue talking to people all day. And to have someone to cover the booth for lunch. We have swag to give out, hopefully a fun game for the kids, and lots of promo materials. I’d love to give out something for the new hospital with a date on it, but see paragraph #1. If you have some free time on Saturday, Feb 28 or Sunday, Mar 1, come on by San Jose and pay us a visit.
I’m still seeing appointments, which is awesome, but they’re pretty sparse. Club meetings are high up on the list of to-dos, but they always seem to fall on evenings I have to drive up to SFO. I’ve had lots of student requests for mentoring recently, and I love it! I would have loved having someone to talk to when I was contemplating vet school and vet careers, but I had no idea where to look. So, in addition to maintaining an aquatic experience database, I’m answering any questions they have.
2015 is a big year. It’s only Jan 21 and my calendar is almost overflowing. I’m not sure when the business will open, but in the meantime, I’ve been organizing my seminar calendar. In the fish vet world, there are 4 conferences worth going to:
Eastern Fish Health Workshop – Charleston, SC – March 2-6 – sorry guys, ain’t gonna make it. I would love to go, these guys are lots of fun, but 2 out of 4 ain’t bad.
IAAAM – Chicago, IL – April 6-10 – way too expensive and usually way to heavy in the mammals (personally, I think they should rename the whole group: International Association of Aquatic Mammal Medicine)
American Association of Fish Vets – Chicago, IL – April 11 – I’ll be there! I’ve been asked to give two case presentations (one giant eye tumor with happy ending, one giant face tumor with sad ending)
American Veterinary Medical Association (where WAVMA meets up) – Boston, MA – July 10-14 – I applied to give a talk about how I started my aquatic vet practice almost 6 months ago, and I was accepted! Woohoo free registration and travel money! Be sure to come Saturday, July 11 at 4pm!
And in other travel news, I get friends and family events speckled all over. Another trip to the west coast in August then off to Mexico. In addition to mixing in outrigger canoe races about every month or so starting in late spring, I’m gonna take some down time now and enjoy spending time with my family. It’s a silly family, with one amazing guy, three fuzzy kittens and an awesome aunt and uncle when I can squeeze in a trip north of the city. Ski trip this weekend with my Dad (all the way from Connecticut!). Every time I start feeling like I need to be running all over promoting the new business, I look at my calendar and enjoy my limited “free” time even more.
So, in conclusion, I don’t know when the business will be open. Once I do, you will see it here, I promise. The guest list for the open house party is growing steadily daily, so if you want an invite, let me know now and I’ll get you on the list. It’ll be Friday and Saturday… whenever we get around to opening.
Koi show flyer for you locals:
Dr. Jessie Sanders 