A twist on noisy children in your veterinary practice

When charged-up children come into our practice with their parents, the 100-calorie packs of pretzels we offer them are a winner. Parents like them because they're not candy and they keep kids occupied. We keep a basket of them behind the reception desk. They're such a hit we've had kids ask for them on repeat visits. The added bonus is that they generally quiet down children who may bother others in the waiting area, especially older customers and those with very sick animals.

—Brent Dickinson, business manager

Dickinson-McNeill Veterinary Clinic

Chesterfield, N.J.