Allie Catalino: Why did you become a veterinarian?

At some point in their childhood, most little girls want to become a veterinarian.  The idea of helping animals in need is appealing and almost heroic in nature. 

I, too, have had this dream as long as I can remember.  My journey to becoming a veterinarian was set in stone when the family dog got sick.  I was in sixth grade, she was an old, fat, loud beagle named Snickers. 

On a Saturday morning, I noticed Snickers was not her normal active self.  Her ears were cold and when I brought her water she wouldn’t drink it.  We quickly brought her to our regular veterinarian who was open for appointments on Saturdays.  Dr. Armstrong met us and quickly assessed Snickers’ condition to be unstable and life-threatening.  Snickers had ruptured a tumor on her spleen which proceeded to fill her abdomen with blood.  If she had any chance of survival she needed surgery and she needed it FAST.  Dr. Armstrong new that sending us to an emergency hospital might not get her the help she needed before it was too late, so she decided to open her up with limited “Saturday staff” and perform a difficult life-saving procedure. 

Thanks to the quick work of the veterinary team, Snickers’ spleen and tumor were removed and all bleeding was stopped.  I remember sitting in the trunk of the mini-van holding her fluid bag up while we drove her to the 24-hour care facility for the remainder of the weekend.  Each time we got an update phone call from the veterinarians caring for Snickers, I would listen and write down everything they told me – including her Packed Cell Volume, bowel movements, attitude, and appetite.  My very first medical record!  Snickers made a full recovery and lived several more years. 

When I was old enough, I got a job as an animal caretaker at the hospital that saved my dog’s life.  I gained experience and friendships that will last a lifetime.  Most of all I gained several role models for the vet I hoped to someday become.  In college, I worked overnights at two 24 hour emergency and critical care facilities.  The cases that came in during the wee hours of the night were heart-wrenching and yet so rewarding.  Being a part of a team of veterinarians and support staff that worked as one harmonious team to very literally save lives was incredible.  Even cases with unfavorable outcomes became peaceful and rewarding as we helped families end the pain that their beloved pet was in.  

I worked hard through college as a biochemistry major with several jobs and being on the college riding team.  The veterinary school I attended was in Prince Edward Island, Canada, and is where I met the love of my life.  My first year out of school was spent at the Equine Clinic at Oakencroft working as an intern to get as much experience under my belt as possible before I hit the road alone.  I am happy to say that the stars aligned and I was able to stay on as an Associate Veterinarian immediately following my intern year.  

This job has proven to be as difficult but even more rewarding than I had ever imagined.  I work alongside some of the kindest, most compassionate, and brilliant people on a daily basis.  Most importantly, working with clients and their horses has re-ignited my own flame for riding.  Traveling to see everyone’s beautiful facilities and the bond they share with their pet and athlete has reminded me why I chose to be an equine veterinarian in the first place.