Cutest contest is what the doctor ordered

The blue funk I was in was growing when I entered my doctor’s office.

Didn’t want to be there. Didn’t want to hear that my iron level was low.

Next to the receptionist’s desk was a poster sitting on an easel.

At first I didn’t look at it. I was too busy pulling out my insurance card and co-payment.

Then my husband, Ed, started chuckling.

He was looking at the poster. On the top of it were the words in block letters, Employee Cutest Pet Contest.

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Instructions were also given. Patients were asked to vote for the pet they thought was the cutest. One vote per patient.

There was also a disclaimer. “They are all cute, so we know it is a hard choice!”

A bowl sat next to the poster filled with patient’s votes.

Ed and I started talking about the contestants.

There were dogs in all sizes and breeds. Some were in costumes. All were indeed cute.

The same could be said for the cat contestants.

Two chickens were entered. Each was in a funny get-up.

Four employees were also featured sporting animal ears and noses.

It took a few minutes for me to make my selection.

It came down to Gracie, a sweet looking cat and Ruby, a dog contestant, rocking a red skirt and black-and-white-stripe top.

Most people wouldn’t put a doctor’s appointment on their Fun Things To Do list.

The medical staff of Dayton Physicians Network at the Miami Valley Hospital South understands the Fun Things To Do list vs. the Today’s To Do list problem.

The operations manager, Katie Denton, RN, explained how their office morale committee tackles this problem.

The committee puts together activities that can distract from the medical concerns of their patients. The emphasis is on making the office environment fun and uplifting for both patients and staff.

For example, during the month of October, the office held a pumpkin-painting contest. Staff dressed up in costumes and passed out treats.

Katie said patients love theses types of activities. Smiles and changes in moods are plentiful in the waiting room.

When Ed and I were waiting to see the doctor, we heard several patients talking about the contest. We also heard a few laughs as patients signed in at the reception desk.

The pet contest ran the entire month of July, and 126 votes were cast.

The winners were Miley, a Lhasa Apso Pomeranian mix, and Ace, a Chow Yorkshire terrier mix.

They received a basket of treats and toys for their “cuteness.”

My blue funk dissipated as Ed and I talked about the contest.

We laughed as we discussed how funny the photos were of the staff wearing animal garb.

Ed said I wouldn’t have had a problem doing that, too. He was right.

We talked about what photos of Teddy, our dog, and Abby, our cat, we would have entered.

Animal photos usually bring out smiles and the occasional “awwwww.”

And this pet contest, as simple as it was, was a fun distraction from the Today’s Do List.

My iron level was fine. The contest didn’t help my lab results, but it sure helped my blue funk.

Ed won something from the pet contest, too. He didn’t have to listen to me analyze and re-analyze my iron level. I was too busy talking about my vote.

Karin Spicer, a magazine writer, has been entertaining families for more than 20 years. She lives in Bellbrook with her family and two furry animals all who provide inspiration for her work. She can be reached at spicerkarin@gmail.com.


Five dog competitions

1. Flyball

2. Agility

3. Fun: best dress, dog and owner look-a-likes

4. Obedience trials

5. Conformation shows

SOURCE: http://gooddogzone.com/competition/dog-competitions

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