A Lifetime of Fur, Scales, and Chaos

Welcome!

Helene Smith-Vet Tech

I always knew I wanted to work with animals. While other kids dreamed of being astronauts or pop stars, I was the one rescuing stray cats, trying to befriend every dog I met, and convincing my parents that just one more pet wouldn’t be a big deal. At 16, I landed my first job at a pet store, taking care of reptiles, rodents, and fish—basically, a dream job for an animal-obsessed teenager. But that was just the beginning.

Fast forward to today, and I’ve spent over 20 years as a vet tech, working in general practice, ICU, triage, surgery, and emergency care. I’ve handled everything from routine vaccinations to life-or-death emergencies, wrestled more than my fair share of “sweet but nervous” pets, and learned that if a dog can eat something, it will eat something (and it probably won’t be edible).

And now? I’m bringing all of that experience—plus a good dose of sarcasm—to Meds, Muzzles & Mayhem.

So, What’s This Blog About?

Let’s be real—owning a pet is equal parts love, chaos, and financial regret. One minute, they’re the best thing that ever happened to you. The next, you’re Googling, “Can a dog survive after eating an entire sock?” That’s where I come in.

This blog is for pet owners who want straightforward, honest advice from someone who’s been in the trenches. It’s not just about medical care (though I’ll cover that, too). It’s about all the weird, unexpected, and sometimes downright disgusting things that come with sharing your home with an animal. Think of me as your vet tech bestie—here to give you the real talk, help you avoid common mistakes, and maybe even save you an expensive emergency vet visit.

Expect practical pet care tips, behind-the-scenes stories from the vet world, and plenty of “you won’t believe what this pet did” moments. Whether you’re a seasoned pet owner or just got your first puppy and are wondering what the hell you’ve gotten yourself into, you’re in the right place.

So, welcome to the madness! Grab some coffee, or an ice-cold Pepsi and let’s navigate the wild world of pet ownership together.