As the year winds down in the Roaring Fork Valley, many of us naturally start looking back—at our families, our accomplishments, and yes… at our pets. Our furry companions share every bit of our year: the busy mornings, the lazy Sunday afternoons, the joyful moments, and the stressful ones too.
At Alpine Animal Hospital, we’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to “do our best” for the animals who rely on us. This reflection isn’t about guilt or pressure—it’s about kindness, awareness, and celebrating the progress we have made while planning for an even better year ahead.
What Does “Doing Our Best” for Our Pets Really Mean?
For many pet families, doing their best looks different depending on life circumstances, finances, time, and a pet’s unique medical needs. This year, we’ve had countless conversations with clients who care deeply but sometimes feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start.
As a veterinary team, we want to honor the truth: pet care isn’t about perfection. It’s about partnership, effort, and making thoughtful choices.
Here are a few important areas we find ourselves reflecting on with our clients:
1. Health Maintenance: Did We Keep Up With the Essentials?
Life gets busy—appointments get postponed, reminders get snoozed, and suddenly it’s been a little longer than planned since that last checkup. And that’s okay. The important part is reconnecting and moving forward.
This year, many families took advantage of:
- Wellness exams to catch issues early
- Vaccinations to protect against preventable diseases
- Dental cleanings to keep mouths healthy (and less smelly!)
- Preventive bloodwork, especially for seniors
For clients wanting more structure, our Wellness Plans have made staying on track easier and more affordable. They’ve become a popular way to spread costs out and ensure pets get the consistent care they deserve.
2. Nutrition & Weight: A Gentle Check-In
One of the biggest topics we talked about in 2025 was pet obesity—not as a judgment, but as a growing health concern nationwide. Many families asked thoughtful questions, worked on diet plans with us, and made adjustments at home.
If your pet gained a little weight this year, you’re definitely not alone. A year-end reflection is a great moment to ask:
- Is their food still appropriate for their age and activity?
- Are treats sneaking in a little too often?
- Would a nutrition consultation help create a realistic plan?
Small steps can make a big difference in long-term health.
3. Safety & Preparedness: Microchips, ID Tags, and Home Readiness
July was our big microchipping focus month, and we loved seeing so many families participate. A microchip can be the difference between a temporary scare and a heartbreaking loss.
Even if your pet is already microchipped, the end of the year is a great time to:
- Confirm your microchip information is up to date
- Check that collars and tags are still secure and readable
- Review your home emergency plan (winter storms included!)
4. Flexibility in Care: Were We Able to Meet Your Pet Where They Are?
Something we’ve worked hard on this year at Alpine is making veterinary care feel less stressful and more accessible.
Our focus included:
- Offering same-day appointments whenever possible
- Presenting treatment options that respect different budgets and different medical paths
- Encouraging collaborative decision-making—not prescribing, but partnering
- Being mindful of pets’ emotional needs during visits
We know the veterinarian isn’t every pet’s favorite place. But we’re proud of the progress we’ve made toward destigmatizing the experience—for both animals and their humans.
5. Human Connection: Did We Support You as Well as Your Pets?
One of our biggest internal goals this year was to be a great place for both people and pets. As a female-owned, community-centered hospital, we value integrity, empathy, and genuine effort in every interaction.
We know that when our team feels supported, your family feels that care, too.
This year we worked on creating:
- A more aligned, positive work environment
- Clearer communication
- A space where clients feel heard and respected
Because veterinary care is emotional work—for everyone involved.
Looking Ahead: What Do We Want for Our Pets in the New Year?
A fresh year is a chance to reset with intention, regardless of what your goals are. We’re here to support you every step of the way. Doing your best for your pet is not about doing everything perfectly. It’s about showing up, asking questions, and making choices with love. It is our job to help you answer those questions, present you with your options and support you in making decisions that are the best for you and your pet.
And from everyone at Alpine Animal Hospital: we’re grateful to be part of your pet’s story this year, and we can’t wait to continue working alongside you in 2026.
Happy Holidays!!
