Positivity in the saddest of sads

A family sat on an exam room floor to say goodbye to their beloved senior pet today.

Almost every member of your team had seen and given that patient many head scratches over the years.

You saw more than one tech wipe away a stray tear or two.

As the vet, you know this wasn’t just an ending—it was an act of love.

You’ve helped that pet live a long, happy life, and now you’re ensuring their comfort to the very end.

For your team, that kind reminder helps that bittersweet moment become a memory of kindness and good veterinary care.

This ability to find the positive, even in the hardest moments, is a skill every leader in veterinary medicine must develop.

Why? Because it…

  • Shapes your team’s perspective. When you model resilience, your team learns to approach challenges with strength and optimism.

  • Prevents burnout. Positivity acts as a buffer against the emotional toll of the job, helping you and your team stay focused and energized.

  • Builds a supportive culture. A positive mindset fosters collaboration, compassion, and a shared sense of purpose.

  • Celebrates the wins. Highlighting the good, even in tough moments, makes successes feel more meaningful and keeps the negativity from compounding.

Positivity doesn’t mean ignoring the hard stuff.

It means choosing to find the silver linings and setting a tone that uplifts rather than drains.

Watch this video to see how this mindset can transform your practice.

Make today the day you find the good, even in the hard moments.

 

P.S. Visit my full video library to discover more actionable ways to lead with positivity and resilience.

Shirley Lockhart