It’s a shame that there aren’t enough thank you poems out there for veterinarians and their staff, for that matter. After all, they’ll know your animal’s name long before yours. They get excited to see the particularly special ones. And what’s more, they become just as heartsick when your animals are sick or injured.
Jump ahead to these sections:
- Thank You Poems for a Veterinarian After Your Pet’s Procedure or Check-Up
- Thank You Poems to Share with a Vet After Your Pet Passes Away
- Thank You Poems for a Retiring Veterinarian
Poetry, particularly for veterinarians, is unfortunately limited. However, we discovered some thank you quotes and poems to fit the needs of almost any situation you’ll run into, including when your favorite veterinarian retires.
Thank You Poems for a Veterinarian After Your Pet’s Procedure or Check-Up
Not all poetry needs to be written or read as though it’s in your voice. Some of the most effective poems take on another’s voice. So why not your pet? Take a look at a few of the ones listed below where you might imagine that your dog, cat, or any other pet might have said the words.
1. "From the Lorax" by Dr. Seuss
The final quote of the Lorax reads like a poem. And due to the very nature of this young adult book, it fits for the selfless veterinarian working to secure the lives of our most precious family members. It reads:
“Unless someone like you
cares a whole awful lot,
nothing is going to get better.
It’s not.”
2. "How it Begins" by Mary Oliver
Mary Oliver's poem brings the "I want that one" moment to life. That makes it the perfect one to send to a veterinarian right after your new puppy's first check-up. It's only eight lines long, but it says so much about how a puppy quickly becomes the apple of your eye.
3. "We Thank Thee" by Ralph Waldo Emerson
Emerson's poem has a religious tone to it. So, to make it appropriate for the audience, leave out the lines referring to "Father." Then, imagine it as what your animal might say about being given a second chance at life.
4. "Holding on to Benjamin" by Mary Oliver
"Holding on to Benjamin" is a sweet little poem about the instinct of your dog when it comes to the “chase.” You may want to save that raccoon, but they're intent on trying to convince you otherwise. Use it if your pup wins the argument and needs some bandages.
5. "I Thank You God for This Most Amazing" by E. E. Cummings
"I Thank You God for This Most Amazing" works if you can imagine it written from your horse’s perspective. After surviving a harrowing experience, you might note that they appreciate the trees, sky, all that surrounds them. Just switch “God” for “vet.”
6. "Percy" by Mary Oliver
From shoes and plastic watch parts to sofas and prized possessions, puppies eat things that will equally scare and flabbergast their humans. Even if each chew is so surprisingly meticulous that you would otherwise grant praise, sometimes a trip to the veterinarian is warranted.
7. "No Doctors Today, Thank You" by Ogden Nash
This lighthearted poem works if addressed to the veterinarian but signed by your pet. The impression made is that there’s a euphoria an animal might feel after coming out of an extended illness or challenging surgery.
Thank You Poems to Share with a Vet After Your Pet Passes Away
Coping with pet loss is a miserable experience for both you and your veterinarian, especially if they've grown fond of your pet, too. That's why it's essential to offer a kind gesture and let them know you're grateful for the support they gave you when your pet passed away.
8. "Bazougey" by Mary Oliver
Some of Oliver’s poetry is focused on the dog-ness of life, living, and even loss. In “Bazougey,” she asks, “Still is he gone from us entirely, or is he a part of that other world, everywhere?” Out there, she reminds the reader, is where the abundant “forever gifts” thrive.
9. "A Wonderful Dog" by Dean Koontz
Although it’s not a gratitude poem, the following quote about dogs from Dean Koontz makes an appropriate addition. Just add a thank you at the end.
“Dogs’ lives are short, too short,
but you know that going in.
You know the pain is coming,
you’re going to lose a dog,
and there’s going to be great anguish,
so you live fully in the moment with her,
never fail to share her joy or delight in her innocence,
because you can’t support the illusion
that a dog can be your lifelong companion.
There’s such beauty in the hard honesty of that,
in accepting and giving love while always aware
that it comes with an unbearable price.”
10. "When the Pet was Put Down" by Tamsen Butler
Take a look at Butler’s poem for an example of how brief poems can fulfill all you need to say.
“You relieved him of his pain
You helped him move on
Your love for each other won't wain
Even though he's now gone.”
11. "The Revenant" by Billy Collins
If your veterinarian understands that you have a dry sense of humor and that you loved your pup like a human child, this poem will go over well. It's sweet but perfectly cheeky. And it's for that fantastic dog that loved you back, despite the silly sweaters you made them wear.
12. "Kindness" by Naomi Shihab Nye
In Nye's poem, you'll read about how one comes to understand one thing by the lack of another. To understand empathy, one must know loss and sorrow. To understand compassion, one must see mistreatment. The entire poem works, but the third stanza is sufficient.
13. "The Peace of the Wild Things" by Wendell Berry
Wendell Berry's poetry will remind you of literature’s great environmental writers. In "Peace of the Wild Things," Berry describes what gratitude is all about instead of merely writing the words. It's an appropriate poem for any pet who roamed freely outside.
Thank You Poems for a Retiring Veterinarian
Along with some poetry, consider an appreciation gift for all the years your retiring veterinarian took care of your loved ones. If you’re not sure what to give, ask around their office for some ideas.
14. "On retirement" by Dr. A. Celestine Raj Manohar, M.D.
Although not uncommon, "On retirement" was written for that vet who resists retiring. The theme is about reassuring them that not only is it the right decision, but they'll also be in God's hands, so there's nothing to worry about.
15. "Retirement" by Henry Vaughn
After a busy life, retirement is a welcome prospect. As Vaughn compares the busy city life with the sojourn of the countryside, it becomes clear why one would choose solitude. It’ll work if your pet’s veterinarian is leaving the pavement for the fields.
16. "On Retirement" by Philip Freneau
“A hermit’s house beside a stream
With forests planted round,
Whatever it to you may seem
More real happiness I deem
Than if I were a monarch crowned...”
17. "Taking it Easy in Retirement" by Mavis Ellen Jackson
Mavis Ellen Jackson writes that if you think you're going to have time to relax and watch television, you're in for a shock. As she lays out her weekly schedule, you see, there's very little room to sit down.
18. "Enjoy Your Retirement" by David Ronald Bruce Pekrul
While there's nothing wrong with talking about lounging in one's underwear, it's a poem best suited for someone you know well. Otherwise, you might risk offense. Use it if your friend has a good sense of humor and won't mind the reference.
19. Untitled Haiku by Carl Setzer
“Laughter, love, and joy
Elements of the best life
I feel gratitude.”
Powerful, poignant, and shorter than most poems is the Haiku. It has few words but often a significant impact, fitting for the furry little loved ones roaming your home.
20. "Retirement Plan" by Linda Stitt
Stitt’s retirement plan includes being able to speak freely, care little about things, have an attitude, and live until she’s decided it’s time to die.
With all of these antagonistic behaviors, the perfect recipient might be the kindest veterinarian you’ve ever met.
Gratitude for Veterinarians
Veterinarians don’t have emotionally easy jobs, especially when they meet so many wonderful pets out there. That’s why it’s so important to let them know how grateful you are for the work they put in to keep your pet healthy.
Looking for more? Rdad our additional resources and help on how to write a thank you note to your veterinarian.
Sources
- All Poetry. (n.d.). allpoetry.com/
- Collins, B. (2005). The Songs of Johnny Go. thehefner.dreamwidth.org/247897.html
- Poems - Quotes - Poetry. (n.d.). www.poemhunter.com/
- Poetry Foundation. (n.d.). www.poetryfoundation.org/
- Poets.org. (n.d.). poets.org/
- Retirement Poems and Poetry. (n.d.). Famous Poets and Poems. famouspoetsandpoems.com/thematic_poems/retirement_poems.html