That’s Farming’s take on what not to do when dating a farm vet.
- Do not expect them to land in the door at 5pm-6pm evening after evening;
- Do not think they do not want to make time for you – although that is what it seems like at times;
- Do not take last-minute cancellations to heart;
- Do not expect to be brought to a five-star hotel for Valentine’s Day – you might find yourself roped into assisting with the delivery of a five-star calf instead;
- When you do go out for dinner, do not bat an eyelid if there is a farmer somewhere ringing for them to calve a cow or lamb a ewe!
- Timekeeping: Do not be surprised if they turn up hours later than they had arranged: ‘I will be there in 5 minutes’ means I have not left yet, but you can expect to see me at some stage today;
- Do not take offence if they seem more enthusiastic and passionate about their work than you – that is not the case;
- Do not be surprised if they are not full of energy or enthusiasm – especially if they have been on-call all evening or weekend;
- Do not take everything word for word: ‘We will go there shortly’ may not even be this time next year;
- Do not take offence if they know client’s phone numbers or tag numbers off by heart but fail to remember your birthday;
- Do not expect them to be able to do things at the drop of a hat;
- Do not dare think you will evade tea and sandwich-making duties – even if you are no MasterChef!
- Do not take offence if they ring their clients more than you;
- Do not be surprised if your other half’s colleagues ring you when they cannot track him/her down;
- Do not be surprised if you become their vet assistant – You may have to sign them up for CPD online webinars/sessions or assist with TB testing or C-sections;
- Do not take it personally if they are bothered or on edge when they have a hectic schedule.
Other article on That’s Farming on what not to do when dating an ag contractor
