Carlin Jones: Why did you become a veterinarian?
Why I love being an equine vet.
At least once a week I have a client tell me that they always wanted to be a vet, but circumstances kept it from happening. In all honesty, there have been days where I think “If only you knew what I have been through today….” Most often though, it reminds me that I am so lucky to do what I do.
Caught up in the daily grind of appointments, emergencies, paperwork, phone calls, and everything else we fit into a day it can be easy to lose sight of how lucky we are. So many people envy my job, my career, the profession that I sometimes take for granted. Sometimes at night, laying in bed, the day running through my head, replaying the things I wish were different, worrying about what is on tap for the next day, feeling all the bumps, bruises, and strains accumulated that week, it can all be too much, and sleep eludes me. So at those times, I try to do what Bing Crosby says, and “count my blessings instead of sheep”. (I freely admit to being a sappy Bing Crosby super fan). I have many blessings in my life. I have a wonderful family, the most awesome dogs, my health, a new Kitchen Aid mixer, and the privilege of being an equine vet.
So what are the blessings of being an equine vet?
I spend my day with horses.
These amazing animals embody the loyalty of dogs, the independence of cats, the strength of oxen, the athletic ability of a tiger, the sense of humor of a child, and the tolerance of your grandmother. The relationship you have with a horse is unlike any other relationship you will have. Period. And I get to spend my day with them. All sorts of them.
Broodmares and foals and senior horses in their sunset years.
Priceless children’s horses and elite athletes.
Faithful trail warriors and beloved companion horses.
Each one is different, and all make me smile. There have been a teeny handful of horses I would say I just didn’t like in many years of veterinary practice, the vast VAST majority have made me smile, even when they were not so happy to see me! Now many of my clients also spend their day with horses, but only vets and farriers see such a diverse group of horses, and the diversity makes you appreciate each group more.
I get to spend my day with horse people.
Horse people are my favorite kind of people. Horse people are special and different and many “civilians” as I like to call them would say that in a bad way, but us horse people know it’s a compliment. Horse people are kind, generous, passionate, a bit kooky, and yes sometimes we smell, but they share a love that you either get or you don’t. I can talk to horse people, laugh with horse people, cry with horse people, and celebrate with horse people even if we have just met. That is just cool.
I get to help those horses and those horse people.
I cannot fix everything, I sometimes cannot fix anything, but when I see a horse get better, a mare get pregnant, a horse gain weight, it makes me feel good. That is not very altruistic I know but it’s true. When I can come up with a plan and see a look of relief on an owner’s face I feel like I’ve done something good. I also feel a huge sense of responsibility and know that this owner’s heart may break if things do not go well, but at least that person has a smaller weight on their shoulders, if only temporarily.
What more can you ask for in a day, to spend it with people who share your passion, animals that inspire you, and try to make their days a teensy bit better? Thank you to all the clients who let me do this, I am blessed.