It has been two years since I chose to dedicate myself to a profession that would cause me simultaneous heartbreak and joy. As a veterinary assistant, I spend every day caring for critically ill patients, treating them with all the love and compassion that I would give my own pets. As I grow to love these animals and their families, their plights become personalized for me. I am honored and humbled to be a part of their animal's care during the difficult times. And through this, I greave right along with them, coming home every night & cuddling with my own cats, dreading the day that I might see them in such a condition. I hope sharing some of my stories will comfort those of you that have lost a beloved animal; knowing that you and your animals receive the utmost compassion and quality care during a very difficult time.

My first heartbreak was for a 15 year old Siamese cat in advanced kidney failure. I spent countless hours with him, giving SQ fluids, syringe-feeding, combing his once beautiful coat so that his owner would be reminded of happier, healthier times with her beloved pet. When his time came, I was relieved that his suffering was going to end, but I sobbed right along with his owner, knowing that the void he left would never be filled. I also know that he will live forever in her heart.
There was the cat that came in for a presumed broken leg... and was not able to leave with her owner that day. The break was caused by advanced bone cancer, and while her pain was eliminated humanely, there is nothing worse that thinking your pet will come home after an easy fix, only to find that she is gone, and your life will never be the same.
There are the happy times. I spent one very long day with a kitten that had drunk bleach, administering medications, and sitting with her for hours, begging her to eat. Finally, she began to lick baby food off of my fingers, and for the first few hours, that was the only way she would eat. She is now a healthy, playful adult cat; I am honored that I was a part of that outcome.
There are countless others who come in with a grim prognosis, followed by days of intensive care, only to make a comeback that gives their family anywhere from months to years with their beloved pet, who, let's be honest, is an important part of any family. I know that these patients will return, and most of these visits will be to send their beloved pet across the Rainbow Bridge, but I know that through the care we gave, they were allowed a to go home for a little bit longer, and were happy, comfortable cats.
I have been vomited, urinated and defecated on. I have held animals while they had seizures, stroked their heads gently while they were in pain, and cleaned up more messes that I can count. I have spent hours coaxing animals to eat, whispering words of comfort into their ears, and doing all that I can to make them comfortable.
I guess what I am trying to say is that these animals come into our lives, give us unconditional love, and are always there when we need them. They are a gift from God. And as much heartache as they cause us in the end, they are worth it. And I would not trade my animals, or my time spent caring for other people's animals for anything in the world. Thank you for letting me share this with the world.