So today was a very good day.
Not only am I getting on top of my dissertation, in terms of getting all my data. But the Chairman of the Kennel Club came to my college campus with four of his lovely dogs to help add to my study group. After filming was done I took the opportunity to grab a coffee with him and ask him some questions.
He is a very lovely man, and he gave me some fantastic advice on how I can go about working with the Kennel Club as a vet. We shared some opinions too which I think he was pleased to hear just as much as me. Judges seem to be the priority to make changes to the show world rather than the breeders. I also took the time to talk vet, and was interested to see that although the development and veterinary medicine advances are cool and exciting, they are not necessarily better than what was around before. Vets and vet students seem to be getting very excited with all the new diagnostic techniques that are available and rather than using their skills, they are relying on tests. It can be described as "throwing hundreds of tests at the animal and seeing what sticks." Not only does this reduce the skill of the vet, but certainly contributes to the large increase in vet bills. Vet bills which dogs owner in particular are concerned about as of late.
We also spoke about vets and their relationships with their clients. Too often I think vets assume that a client just owns a pet, but knows very little about it. And dog breeders in particular are becoming very disheartened when they are not listened to. Vets can very easily become patronising by adopting a very simple consult manner, which pet owners, and myself do not appreciate. My family has left a veterinary practise in the past for that exact reason. Even when we told them that we have had dogs for years, that I'm a veterinary science student and that my mother is a dog groomer they still insisted on trying to simplify everything too much. At the same vet practise, even after I had told them my passion for dogs one of the vets came up to me with an Irish Wolfhound, looked down on me with a smug smile and said "Do you even know what this is?" Of course its an Irish Wolfhound. You really think a doggy person wouldn't know what the biggest dog breed is, let alone recognise one! I didn't return for work experience needless to say.
The chairman was very helpful, and even gave me his personal contact details offering to help me whenever he can, and even invited me to shadow the vets at Crufts next year. A chance I absolutely snatched up and I am going to make certain I use. It may seem like little steps compared to my ultimate goal, but how else do you start?
Life is about grabbing opportunities, not shying away from them or expecting them to come to you. Its very easy to say "I want to do this," but unless you act on your desires they will not become reality. I have a massive passion for dogs, veterinary medicine and science. A passion which is going to drive me to an ultimate goal. All my life people have made fun of me, called me a geek or a boffin for having this attitude. Because it is this attitude which means you work that little bit harder than average, you take the time to talk to the teacher after class, put yourself up for student representative, go out and volunteer in research labs, vet practises or grooming parlours etc.. All of which you can be made fun of for doing, but what does individuals don't understand is there is a much bigger picture surrounding all of those things. Some people may call it sneaky, but I call it taking the initiative and fighting for your place to be heard. People remember you, and this can be invaluable in times of career building.
Go from strength to strength, and don't be knocked back. Positive thinking guys! :)
