VN November 2022

Vetnuus | November 2022 2 In the pastmonth, I was confrontedwithmymother-in-lawsuddenly crashing to the point that we feared for her life; a colleague and longtime friend undergoing an autologous stemcell transplant after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma, suddenly developing septicaemia and currently in a coma in ICU; another colleague and longtime friend in hospital so weak with severe cancer that they cannot administer chemotherapy to her; and another just being diagnosed with cancer. How blessed are we that we wake up every morning healthy and full of energy to do what we need to do? Do we say thank you and be grateful to our Creator for the blessing that He bestows upon us enough, or do we raise every morning contempt for the tasks at hand and negativity throughout the day? During a communication workshop for veterinarians held during the 11th SAVA Biennial Congress, the presenter asked the group how we communicate with a client bringing in a collapsed puppy that needs CPR. Do we scold the client, or are we short and to the point because the puppy needs urgent attention? Imagine a world where we first thank the client for their passion and care for bringing the puppy to a veterinarian, never mind the day and hour, for immediate veterinary care. Today I want to thank my Creator for saving me and giving me enough energy and strength to make a difference in the world and the lives of those around me. I am grateful for every day added to my life. Then to my wife, supporting me in my efforts to serve the veterinary community and the effort she put in for the monthly Vetnews, it doesn’t go unnoticed. To the input and support from my children, one a veterinarian and the other a wildlife forensic geneticist, your ideas are often out of the norm but always worth considering. I want to shout out to my fellow directors, who are always there when needed and have to listen and endure all my ideas. To every staff member at SAVA, without you, especially the matriarch, Elize Nicholas, there would not be a SAVA! I amgrateful for your diligence, friendliness and empathy. To Corne Engelbrecht and her team from SAVETCON that organised the 11th edition of the SAVA Biennial congress, what an event! You can be proud of what was presented. The first ever congress where the exhibition hall was too small, creating its challenges and general health streams were presented, streams that were well attended and definitely to be considered for the World Veterinary Association’s Congress in Cape Town in April 2024. There will always be those little pebbles in the shoe. Let those pebbles shape you for many more great events. And lastly, but most important, our members. SAVA is a voluntary association. Only through membership can we serve you and the wider veterinary and para-veterinary community. Actively participate and recruit members, making SAVA the family organisation we strive for. Your positive energy and thankfulness will show colleagues and friends that we are blessed to look after God’s creation. v With the utmost thankfulness and gratitude, Paul van der Merwe From the President Dear members, As with all commandments, gratitude is a description of a successful mode of living. The thankful heart opens our eyes to a multitude of blessings that continually surround us – James E. Faust 24-Hour Toll-Free Helpline: 0800 21 21 21