Fast-Paced First Day

The bell rang signaling fifth period was over. As everyone ran to get to class on time, I ran to my car to make sure I wasn't late on my first day at my internship. I ran home and changed into my new, pink scrubs then went straight to the Tassajara Veterinary Clinic.

I got there early, but decided to go in anyway. I was told to go on ahead into the back and wait for Dr. Dowd to get out of the appointment she was currently in. I didn't mind waiting because I got to explore the clinic a little. I read all of the notes that were posted about what types of medicines were scarce and articles on recent veterinary medicince discoveries and cases. I also checked out all of the dogs and cats that were in holding, waiting to go home. After 10 minutes Dr. Dowd came out and we were on the move.

We went straight to her next appointment which, to my excitment, was with a shih tzu puppy. It was a quick check up that was soon over and then we went on the the next appointment and then the next appointment and so on. Each appointment was with a brand new breed and a brand new problem.

About an hour into my shift I experienced the one thing that has stopped me from locking down on the idea of becoming a vet. Euthanization.

I have never seen an animal get put to sleep, neither did I ever really want to.. Though I knew I would have to witness it someday if I wanted to become a vet, I didn't think it would be on the first of my internship. Nonetheless, it was something I had to experience and the other vet techs were very nice and explained the process to me the whole time while reminding me that the animal doesn't feel a thing and it was the last thing they could do to take away the pain.

I left that day feeling a mixture of things. But I survived.

I drove home with a little more faith in the idea of me becoming a veterinarian and I can't wait to experience even more.

Love at First Meet

On Monday, I finally got the oppurtunity to meet my mentor that will help me make sure becoming a veterinarian is really what I was meant to do.

My mentor, Dr. Dowd, was able to see me right when I arrived and seemed as excited to help me with my journey as I was. We talked about my past experience with animals and even discussed my two dogs at home. We then talked about my intentions and goals and she informed me that I would not only get to watch the day-to-day life as a vet but I would also get to experience it as she was planning on teaching me things as we go along. This got me really excited.

After all the talking she took me on a short tour. The clinic is quite small compared to the one I take my dogs to, but I thought this might be good because there was a smaller chance of me getting lost. When we got back to the reception area I met with the rest of the staff. They were all very nice and easy going which was yet another plus.

Before I left,  Dr. D told me that I should probably go get scrubs so I don't have to worry about a dress code. I happily agreed and we shook hand and she said "See you Friday!"

I was so happy when I walked out. I never thought I would get an oppurtunity like this especially being under 18 with no vet med experience. The one and only downfall to the whole meeting was probably Dr. D telling me how every person she has mentored ended up not wanting to be a vet after they were done interning with her.. This would be discouraging for some, but for me it is great motivation.

For I want to be her first intern to graduate vet school.

My Intentions

There is nothing I love more than taking care of animals and to make that passion into a career has always been my dream. Having worked with shelter animals these past four years, I have yet to experience working in a vet clinic where I know all the animals I meet have loving homes to go back to.

My main intentions for this internship is to experience the day to day life of a veterinarian and to make sure I enjoy this career as much as I enjoy the idea of it.