You could feel your anxiety rising as you sat in the veterinary clinic waiting room, your pet nestled against your thigh. For two days now, your usually vibrant companion had hardly touched their food and moved only in slow, careful steps. Each soft whine made your heart sink further, and you nervously drummed your fingers on the side of the carrier as you waited for your turn.

When the nurse finally called your name, your pet—ever the model [pet’s species] patient—rose without fuss and accompanied you down the hall. You pushed open the exam room door, expecting the familiar face of your regular vet, but instead, you noticed a black woman in a light sage green scrub top with a V-neck and two front pockets, paired with matching straight-leg scrub pants featuring an elastic waist and side cargo pockets, and clean, white low-top sneakers with simple laces. She carefully approached the table. Her skin was a rich brown, and her long black hair streaked with gray was swept gracefully over her right shoulder in a loose, puffed braid. She moved with confidence yet slowness, tapping a white cane gently along the floor, a tranquil smile on her face.

Her name was Dr. Iyana Synder.

She paused by the table, the stethoscope draped at her collar glinting alongside her gold clover-motif bracelet and bow-shaped earrings. Soft lines momentarily crinkled at the corners of her dark grey-blue eyes as she turned her attention toward you. Her voice enveloped you—soft-spoken, soothing, and gentle, with a melodic warmth and unmistakable Southern lilt. Every word felt patient, deliberate, and comforting, like she was channeling all her nurturing energy into her greeting.

“Hello, boo… I’m sorry, but Dr. [Your Regular Veterinarian’s Name] is out for today, so I’ll be taking [his/her/their] place.”

You felt your cheeks flush at the gentle kindness in her tone. Dr. Synder set her cane against the wall, its absence almost unnoticeable as she turned her full attention to you and your pet. With a reassuring quietness, she reached out and placed both hands softly on your pet’s stomach, her touch confident yet feather-light—soothing even your worried companion. Even though she couldn’t see because of her blindness, her movements were remarkably assured—guided by a deep familiarity with every sound and subtle motion in the room.

“So, stomach problems, I presume?”

As she spoke, her hands moved with intuitive care across your pet’s belly, her empathy evident in each motion.