Nancy Allen

A grouchy client leaves the practice with a smile on her face. A co-worker finishes inventory 10 minutes earlier because you offered a helping hand. Those may seem like small accomplishments, but Nancy Allen, practice manager at Olathe Animal Hospital in Olathe, Kan., says these efforts deserve a thanks.

How do you handle bad behavior from good pet owners? Use this advice to deal with your most difficult clients and keep messy exchanges to a minimum.

You have a whole week to recognize these blood-drawing, anesthesia-monitoring, animal-loving team members Oct. 15 to 21. Not sure what to do? Try some of these ideas from Nancy Allen, a Firstline Editorial Advisory Board member and the practice manager at Olathe Animal Hospital in Olathe, Kan.

Q. I've recently been promoted to a supervisory position. What's the best way to ease into my new responsibilities without offending co-workers?

A grouchy client leaves the practice with a smile on her face. A co-worker finishes inventory 10 minutes earlier because you offered a helping hand. These efforts deserve thanks!