New Job

Well, I've started my new job at Golden Valley Humane Society and it is pretty fun so far. It is very well organized, unlike the last humane society I worked for, and I was happy to hear my supervisor say that they staff a lot of people in the summer to prevent the employees from becoming overwhelmed. What I really like about this place is that they have a program in place to help those dogs and cats that are scared and need extra attention. Volunteers take time with these animals to help them come around and be ready for adoption. Many of these animals would be euthanized if this program wasn't in place. There are a few dudes that work there too, although it is still mostly women. Everyone seems nice, but when you're new you can feel everyone sizing you up. I think women do this especially (I do it too!). "Is this new chick prettier, skinnier, younger, etc. than me?" *hissssssssss* Oh well, I can't help it if I got it goin' on :). My job will entail examining dogs, cats, and little pets (i.e. rabbits), vaccinating, and running diagnostic tests (i.e. heartworm tests). Also, I will have to give treatments to all the sick animals. There are so many that it takes all day! After getting good at the exams, I will get to rotate through and help with surgery. I think that will involve getting the animals ready for surgery, recovering them, and cleaning instruments. They do 50-70 spay/neuters a day so it is busy in surgery! Maybe I'll get to do a neuter. It is pretty crazy dealing with such a large population of animals, but I'm sure I'll learn a lot. I am excited to become profficient in my exam techniques and blood draws. Yay for experience and double yay for good pay!

1/4 doctor, 3/4 mortal

I have (successfully?) finished my first year of veterinary school!!!!!!!!!!! This round of finals was physically, emotionally, and psychologically abusive but I made it. I think I learned a few things. One life lesson I came away with is that vet school is kind of like puberty. One day you feel like you can do anything, and the next you've hit rock bottom and feel fat and ugly. I didn't experience any physical changes but maybe some of my classmates did. Your world changes dramatically in how you think, talk, and act and how you are viewed by society. For the book knowledge, I can probably sum it up in two sentences: 1) The liver does everything. 2) The hypothalamus controls everything. Funny thing is, this knowledge cost $15,000. (E.T. says, ouuuccch.) Now, a summer of working as a vet tech at the Golden Valley Humane Society to hone in my skillz. Don't be trippin' on me b/c I put a z on skills. More fun to come next year, like parasites and spays/neuters. I can see Bob Barker now, with a little tear in his eye, gazing warmly upon the next generation to "help control the pet population". I was going to sum up the year with a poem, but I'm too tired right now. Maybe later. But most likely not. Anywho, I am 1/4 doctor, which I attribute to the acclimation to being very busy, stressed, and sleep deprived. Even so, I still love it more than ever and know God can help me take whatever they dish out!

Meet Stewie

Okay, so I am prematurely becoming the crazy cat lady. But, seriously check out this little guy. He is just adorable!

Prematurely...ha! I was there years ago. I'm just fostering him until he is two pounds, then he can go up for adoption. I got him when he was two weeks old, and now he is about four weeks old. Here is another cute pic; Stewie is wondering why this other "kitty" won't play with him!

Steph, if you are out there and read my blog, you and Matt should adopt this little guy!