Now, at the age of 27 years old, I am just starting my dream of helping animals of all walks of life. When I was 7 years old, my dog Brandy–a Golden Cocker Spaniel–passed away while I was spending the weekend with my mom. Brandy lived at my dad’s. I did not know until the weekend after what had happened. I was not there… to help, to show love towards my dog who played with me and watched me grow.
I could not help him… to be comfortable, to rub his ears, to soothe him. I knew then that I needed to help others in this type of situation. I needed to help others learn how to show affection to any animal that walks into our lives, no matter the circumstance. I knew with a burning passion that I needed to be in this industry. Being a Veterinary Assistant is what I am meant to do.
Pursuing the path of becoming a Veterinary Assistant has changed my life. It has stretched the lining of my heart to gain more love and understanding when it comes to animals. I love learning about their behaviours and why they choose to do or react the way they do. Being able to walk into this hospital every day, to see patients and clients, brings a smile to my face. I enjoy being able to start up a conversation about food or medication, being able to help answer these important questions. Watching owners learn to cope with a prognosis and knowing everything will be okay. Helping owners understand what we can do to improve the overall health of their pets and assist them through times like these–good or bad–is what makes this adventure unbelievably amazing. When our clients and their fur babies are happy, so are we. When they are upset or crying, so are we.
There are so many reasons why this job is the best; everyday kisses, the smile that transfers through the phone that allows the client to know we do care and that we are happy to help them. Veterinary medicine is evolving every day, with new medicine and technology to help the Veterinarians and Technicians improve their practice. Being a Veterinary Assistant is being a receptionist, office administrator, nutrition expert, customer service specialist, shoulder to cry on, and so much more. We can make an impact through the whole appointment. Being a Veterinary Assistant is the best job, we get to be there at the start to the finish of the appointment. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Written by Kate Conrad, Veterinary Assistant
