LITMIR.BIZ

       Kara M. Burns

It has been an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to write a textbook for veterinary assistants. I can only hope that this second edition continues to teach and inspire students to become loving and caring professionals.

      I have been very fortunate to have the support of friends, family, and colleagues throughout the writing of this textbook. These individuals have provided the assistance and encouragement necessary for me to successfully complete this book. To all of them, I express my sincere thanks.

      I would like to thank my parents, Marilyn and Joe Renda, for always believing in me, encouraging me, and supporting my love for animals, and for allowing me to keep all the little critters that I snuck into the house. Mom’s heartfelt encouraging words and Dad’s strong work ethic and persistence taught me that working hard for things you want will be worth it in the end.

      I would also like to thank my sisters Wendy and Shelly, my son Brad and daughter‐in‐law Jen for being by my side encouraging me. Most of all, I would like to thank my husband Steve for the incredible sacrifices he has made to ensure I was successful in this endeavor. Steve, you are a great husband and wonderful father. Thank you for your love, dedication, support, and encouragement and for believing in me even when I did not believe in myself.

      Thank you to all of the contributors of this book. Most importantly, thank you to my wonderful staff members, who always support me through all of my endeavors, and to my students, who continue to teach me as much as I teach them.

      In addition, I would like to thank Merryl LeRoux and Erica Judisch at Wiley Blackwell for their patience and guidance, and a very special thank you to my co‐author and good friend Kara Burns. It has been a true honor working on the second edition with someone I admire and respect so much. The idea for this book came about because of the love that we share for veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants. I pray that we can inspire students to reach their goals.

      Finally, I am grateful to God for His gracious blessings and guiding hands.