When I was a tech for Jody in Bonham, Texas, I can remember the times at the clinic when something only mildly funny would occur and Jody could turn it into something so funny I could not work for the tears in my eyes.  It would sometimes hours before I could be in the same room and able to look at him without completely cracking up. As one might guess, this occurred most often when the other vet, who also was the owner, was away and Jody was on call.   Several times when that happened we couldn't even be in the same exam room, and either Jody would have to do his own pre-exam, or, I would do the pre-exam and ask the owner to hold the pet so I could get out before he came in.  All it took was for him to catch my eye and I would be a goner - didn't matter if the client was there or not.  Jody would catch me with client and dog, then get where the client couldn't see him and make faces at me until tears would roll down my face.  I would be laughing so hard inside while trying to get the exam done. And, all of you that knew Jody will appreciate this, if I was able to focus enough to ignore him and keep a straight face, out would come the friggin “Red Baron.”  At that point I would be a lost cause, it never failed.  Ever try to stick a thermometer in a poodle's butt when the dog is trying to run off the end of the table and you are shaking so hard from laughing, that the thermometer is just a blur?  Meanwhile having to try to hide it from a client with Jody, the  6’ 6” Red Baron peeking around the corner making faces at you.  It was great how he could be such a “kid at heart” and instantly, walk into the exam room, with only the “Professional Dr. Risser” visible.

  Ah, the challenges of being a vet tech for Jody – the memories are priceless.

~ David Bilbo ~