I really love writing for Tahoe Quarterly, and part of that is because of the people I get to meet. A few months ago, I wrote a story about the Incline Village’s Pet Network and, as the interview coincided with my district’s Fall Break, took three of my four kids along. It was a great trip, especially since my third daughter, Willa, has wanted to be a vet since she could talk, so it was very cool for her to be able to tour a shelter/hospital.
Even better, at the end of the tour, Pet Network’s executive director very generously offered to set up a shadow day with one of the vets so Willa could see what the life of a vet looks like.
It was, according to Willa, the best day of her life (tied, at least, with her past two bring-your-own-dog birthday parties). The director, Simi, paired her with Dr. Tremblay, who gave Willa her very own stethoscope, let her help with checkups, talked to her about schooling and showed her how various machines were used. Willa got a little queasy watching a cat get intubated, but she loved everything about the day, and is already hoping to go back again (once she’s ready for the tougher stuff, she says).
It was the stuff dreams are made of for my little dog-loving daughter, and reinforced why I love writing and interviews—which is an easier statement to make now that I’ve finished
my fifth (and final) article for the 2026 Home Awards. Anyway, a huge shoutout to Simi, Dr. Tremblay and the entire Pet Network team for being so amazing and accommodating and helping a little girl’s veterinary dreams come true!
Alison O. Bender 