My answer would have been very different months ago. This time, I immediately knew what I wanted to learn if I had the chance. I had already started looking into it. I don’t know if I would take it further but the pain I experienced few days ago led me to know that if given a scholarship and time, I would want to study Veterinary Medicine.
I rescued two kittens abandoned by their mom three weeks ago. I didn’t know anything and resorted to the internet for their care. Then I unfortunately found my way to a Vet doctor with questionable backgrounds but I ignored the red flags.
This mistake cost me one of the kittens. I lost Mila. She died in my arms, wheezing and fighting to breathe. I don’t think I have ever felt that sad. It was hot and painful and the tears didn’t stop flowing out. This loss fueled my anger and determination to protect the one left; Asher.
Asher began showing same symptoms again and this time I had to look into different Vet clinics. The one I went to had red flags that became glaring when I asked one question that came in a negative response,
“Do you have a weight scale? I’d like to know her weight.”
“No, we don’t.”
The alarms immediately went off in my head. Even I, who knows so little about animal care, is well aware that a weight scale is a basic and yet important tool in any vet clinic. I knew I wouldn’t be coming back. I began to dig deeper, trying to save Asher’s life.
Finally, I remembered an acquaintance I knew from 2019 who was into pet projects and business. I haunted him down because I no longer had his number, scouring the X platform to find him. Finally, I did. Turns out we were following each other.
Then, we spoke and he shared a woman’s number with me. The clinic was very far. But I went with Asher. The woman looked at Asher, did some tests and she was diagnosed with Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP). Asher displayed all symptoms. Just like Mila. The difference is Asher’s was easier to detect because we lost Mila.
I paid deposit for her admission and tonight, I spoke with the Dr., she said Asher is not totally in the clear but there is hope. It had already gotten so bad because Asher had began to lose her vision and her stomach was so swollen. The Dr. also said Asher had gained more weight and it looks like she will make it. However, I should be prepared for the worst. I have been restless and I miss Asher a lot. I have scheduled to see her on Wednesday.
The main point of this whole story is that, I would want to learn Veterinary Medicine. The lack of certified veterinary nurses in my state is alarming. I love animals especially domesticated ones. I plan to pick up a dog in the future. I want all to be well with them.
I can assure you that there are no vets in this part of the world that have all the resources or even knowledge for caring for animals. I lost Jeff (a dog I picked up) to an ignorant person who just loaded him with medication and I was none the wiser - only 16. I was so desperate to save Jeff, I decided to ignore the fact that he referred to Parvo virus as “Pro virus”. Jeff died in my arms at six weeks. Even then, I didn’t cry. I have no idea why Mila’s death broke me down.
In conclusion, I am looking to see if Veterinary Medicine is something I can also add to my studies in the future. Although I would have to go to the basics and start again - with chemistry, physics and all the science subjects - if it would bring change to animal welfare within my environment, then I’m willing to.
Images are mine
