I've applied to six different places last week, and at least 4 out of 6 perfectly match my qualifications. The other two, well, not so sure. It's in my nature to take a chance, provided that there are no spelling and grammar errors in my documents.
One job posting seemed out of the ordinary, but because I have a secret desire to work in veterinary medicine along with previous experience, I applied for a receptionist/vet assistant position at a nearby animal hospital. There is something about drawing blood, SQ fluid therapy, processing fecals, along with the rest of the science and protocols, draws me to this profession. Of course, I'm also a huge animal lover, and coming up with an end result that is positive makes it worthwhile to suffer through the bad elements. During my brief tenure at my last veterinary-related gig (I ended up leaving for personal reasons, but still retain a very good relationship with them), I learned a lot. I'm not just referring to the science aspect, but also emotional. You learn in a hurry, not neccessarily instituted by choice, about emotional obstacles. You learn huge lessons about acceptance. You have to learn control your anger towards someone who wants to put their cat down because of a urinary tract infection (and the doctor who agrees with her). And this reminds of a story. I will never forget Cosmo....
Cosmo was a 6-8 week old kitten who was a longtime patient at the hospital where I previously worked. He was something fierce. He was a little thing but was all attitude. If he had the ability to talk, he would say, "Come on! I DARE you! I triple dare you! You can't outplay me! Lookit...I'm chasing my tail. Awesome!!" Cosmo didn't care if you didn't like him. If you even look at him, he will try with all his might to steal your heart. Dogs are certainly no exception. One day, Cosmo was extending his paw outside his kennel. He extended his paw low enough where the neighboring dog from below bit Cosmo. We had to clean the wound and apply the dressing. Do you think Cosmo cared? Hell no! I think he was glad that he provoked the dog just enough to bring out the dog's weakness. Cosmo certainly enjoyed the company of anyone and everyone, and loved to challenge you. At the end of a long day, he succombs to his kitten mode and purrs loudly as you're petting him. Cosmo loved everyone.
Unfortuantley, Cosmo was very sick. He had ringworm. During my shift, I took over as his caretaker. Fed him, medicated him, kept him company. This is one of the many challenges about working at an animal hospital because it's too easy to become emotionally attached. I couldn't help it. As sick as he was, he was a real fighter. I admired that about him. With admiration, comes observation. I noticed that he was wheezing a lot. I notified the doctor right away. He seemed to have taken genuine interest for a few minutes. Checked his heart, his lungs. He didn't seem to concerned after the brief check-up. I figured he knew what he was doing. After all, he has the all-important, almighty initials after his last name. Clearly he must know what he's talking about.
One day, Cosmo's "guardians" decided they wanted to conduct a declawing surgical procedure...on ALL FOUR PAWS. This is an issue that I'm very strongly and adamently against, but it's not my place, nor my business, to question their motives. The declawing procedure is scheduled.
On the day of the procedure, I told the surgery tech (who is also a very good friend) to inform me how it went, and what I should be expecting (I was scheduled to work later on that afternoon). That day I was very anxious, like a mom sending her kid to school for the first time. Then I realized I was over over-reacting. Cosmo's too stubborn, and too much of a fighter.
My pal called. She was crying. Cosmo didn't make it through the procedure. His little heart gave out.
That was the biggest lesson I learned during my short stint at the animal hospital. For a little furball, he had a colossal amount of bravery. He taught me a lot about love, fighting for everything you believe in, and acceptance. That was two years ago. I still remember and cry over Cosmo to this day. I suppose that is why I secretly desire to enter the profession once again. You just don't get those kind of lessons anywhere else.
