So I started work at Cannington Vet hospital as a live in vet student since January this year. In exchange for my care for hospitalised patients, I get free rent. Previously, I wasn't exposed to vet hospital working conditions at all. After working for a few months here, I realised that this job is a challenging one, emotionally.
Having to see animals being put down because of clients' financial incapabilities or animals that don't respond well to treatment is just so disheartening. My job scope itself is easy but it is when I encounter animals crying throughout the night because they miss home or because they aren't feeling 100% well that leaves me feeling helpless. I try my best to keep them company after hours but there is only so much I can do. I tried things like bringing my books to study at the ward or even sleeping there with them but what I often get in return are dogs who constantly watch the door that his owner last brought him through. I can imagine how they would feel in this unfamiliar environment, scared, and perhaps even abandoned.
Besides these sick animals, seeing the vets and vet nurses being devastated over an animal that didn't make it through despite all the effort and time put in also gets to me. You know that they genuinely care for these animals but sometimes it can never be enough to keep them alive.
As much as I want myself to dissociate from all these negative emotions that I experience in this job, I don't want myself to get used to it. And I know I never will.
Although it can be hard at times, the emotional reward that I get from animals waking up after a major surgery and recovering well keeps me going. And of course, an awesome team of vets and vet nurses that can't be more supportive and kind :)
Meet Miss Stripey who I kidnapped and brought to my room over the long easter weekend. She broke both her legs but is recovering well after surgery :)
