Do you want to be a vet?

[petlover]

I was just wandering. This is a stupid question. I know that being HERE I will probably not get a no on this pole. Just wandering. My first word was vet. That has been what I have been wanting to be ever since I learned what one was.:D

[GoldenRetrLuver]

Yes I do. I currently attend a high school that is a Veterinarian/Enviromental school. I will be taking a "Pre Vet" course in my senior year, and after I graduate I plan to attend U.C. Davis.

[RubyMutt]

No, but I highly respect them for what they do :)

I'll be attending a business school in a couple months.

[Tonya]

No because I wouldn't be able to stand seeing animals in pain. -Especially neglet and abuse cases. It'd be a depressing job for me. If I won the lotto tomorrow, I'd buy some property and open a huge dog rescue.

[binka_nugget]

I did before but I'm squirmish around blood. I would NOT be able to operate or even give vaccinations. I could not stand the idea of having to put an animal to sleep.

My current goal does revolve around dogs though. I want to become professional dog trainer (and hopefully, run some sort of independant rescue on the side).

[Kater]

Yes, I would.

I'm currently a Zoology and Chinese major at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

I'd like to attend Western University of Health Sciences Vet. School, (reverence for life policy, YEAH BABY!) Tufts University Vet. School, Colorado State University Vet. School, UC-Davis Vet. School or maybe Murdoch University Vet. School in Australia.

I would like to eventually practice complementary medicine in a private, small animal practice. I’d like to also expand my specialization to include things like alpacas, horses, birds, small animals and exotics but I don’t know if that will happen. That’s a heck of a lot of school! ;) I just know that I want to work with “pets” only and never any “industry” animals/racing horses/racing greyhounds, etc. In my mind animals are not ours to be used for food, clothing, entertainment, or experimentation. There is probably nothing I hate more than a factory farm!

By complementary medicine I mean taking the best from alternative and conventional systems of medicine. Conventional medicine has developed amazing surgical techniques, which can solve problems that alternative medicine could never touch. However, I agree with veterinarian Joanne Stefanatos who has said “There is nothing in conventional medicine today that treats chronic degenerative conditions as successfully as holistic therapies.” I've felt immense frustration with Conventional medicine throughout my life because on many occasions I feel it only addresses symptoms with short-term solutions and doesn't take “big picture” into account. This is why I would like to see it combined with the less invasive alternative solutions!

Growing up in Hawai'i exposed me to a lot of Asian culture and tradition. I have studied Chinese language since the 7th grade and am currently enrolled in Chinese 201 here at UW-Madison. I would love to go to China and learn Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture from a school there!

The prospect of getting into veterinary school really scares me. Half the time I don't feel like I'll ever get there....but I know I'll be a good vet and that is what inspires me. I've looked into other animal related careers ....including Wildlife Management ...but they don't appeal to me as much as working one on one with pet people and companion animals.

These upper level science courses are kicking my butt though! Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, Oh My! ;)

[RubyMutt]

Originally posted by Tonya
No because I wouldn't be able to stand seeing animals in pain. -Especially neglet and abuse cases. It'd be a depressing job for me.

That's the exact reason I couldn't do it :(

[Kfamr]

I used to. I think alot of little girls go through the
"I want to be a Vet" stage. Some persue it, some don't.
I know I oculdn't because I don't think I could put an animal to sleep - or watch them in pain.

[EssTer]

I think no... I respect vet job, because they help animals and often they save lifes.... But I couldn´t you know to send to sleep very sick animals..... :(

[Desert Arabian]

Yep. I am planning on becomming an equine vet, and working strictly with horses. That is only if I do not go with my first carrer choice: owning my own dog boarding kennel. :D

[wolfsoul]

It would be interesting, but no. There are only 2 vet schools in Canada, and neither of them are in my province. You need to have straight A's in your high school years to get in because there is such high demand. I don't like the length of the course. And it costs so much money to get in. Those are my reasons.

I'd like to own an animal shelter. :)

[Amber]

I did, but not anymore. I know want to become a animal cop. Because the animal cop shows on Animal Planet inspired me. And I love saving animals and giving them a better life. and I would also want to own a no-kill animal shelter for all kinds.

[luckies4me]

Originally posted by Kfamr
I used to. I think alot of little girls go through the
"I want to be a Vet" stage. Some persue it, some don't.
I know I oculdn't because I don't think I could put an animal to sleep - or watch them in pain.


Sometimes that's the most gratifying part, is to euthanize an animal. I have PTS hundreds of pets, yes hundreds, and some of them are very heartbreaking but others are meant to go. It's a great feeling when you can ease the pain of an animal and let them go, know when it's their time, instead of being selfish and keeping them here in pain and agony.


I have seen several abuse cases, and it was my job to console these pets, to make sure their last time spent on earth was laying in gentle arms, and to feel love, even for one second. The look of thanks that they give you sends chills down your spine, they know you love them enough to end their suffering and for that they thank you deeply.




I just know that I want to work with “pets” only and never any “industry” animals/racing horses/racing greyhounds, etc. In my mind animals are not ours to be used for food, clothing, entertainment, or experimentation. There is probably nothing I hate more than a factory farm!

Are you a vegan? Do you go to the circus, or zoo, or aquarium? Why are you being prejudice over the animals? It's not their fault they are in those situations. Would you really turn them away if one should need your help? What about rescued greyhounds? Are you saying that animals bred for food deserve less? Why not help those animals and try to make their lives better, instead of turning them away?:confused: Do you wear leather, use glue etc?

The fact remains that humans are omnivores, we eat both plant and MEAT. That is never going to change.

[popcornbird]

I *used to* want to be an avian vet when I was younger, but I've changed my mind. I really don't think I could handle it.

[Kater]

Originally posted by luckies4me
Are you a vegan? Do you go to the circus, or zoo, or aquarium? Why are you being prejudice over the animals? It's not their fault they are in those situations. Would you really turn them away if one should need your help? What about rescued greyhounds? Are you saying that animals bred for food deserve less? Why not help those animals and try to make their lives better, instead of turning them away?:confused: Do you wear leather, use glue etc?
Woah, woah, woah--- I think you missed my point. My point is that I do not want to support these industries in any way, and it is my choice not to work for them. I currently do not support the industries that breed animals for food so why would I do so with my work? This is similar to "rescuing" puppies from pet stores--- the greater good is if you don't support the industry of puppy mills! I feel horribly for the animals that live and die in these wretched conditions and am doing all I can through animal rights work to make the public aware of what is going on behind the scenes.

Rescued animals??? Of course I would help these animals--- that situation would not involve supporting the industry and perpetuating their cruelty!

Many times vets who work for industries choose that line of work because it is especially lucrative and without question they pump racing horses full of painkillers (even though they are running with horrible injuries) and pump dairy cows full of antibiotics.

Yes, I'm vegan. No, I do not go to circuses (shudder), aquariums or zoos. No, I do not wear leather and I don't use glue containing animal products.

[cali]

wolfsoul I live in a provence with one of the vet schools and you certainly dont need straight A's! the university with the vet school in it cam,e to my school for a presentation I have the requirments for the school on the table, just a sec..
ok you need at least a 70% in these subjects:
a grade 12:an english 30A, and englich 30B, and a math 30A all of which are requirments to graduate anyway, and you need a bio 30, and a chem 30. just maintain a 70% average in those subjects and you can get in. anyway thats off topic.

no I dont want to be a vet and have never wanted to be one. I would howver like to be a dog trainer, and open a border collie rescue station. :D

[aly]

Originally posted by luckies4me
Sometimes that's the most gratifying part, is to euthanize an animal. I have PTS hundreds of pets, yes hundreds, and some of them are very heartbreaking but others are meant to go. It's a great feeling when you can ease the pain of an animal and let them go, know when it's their time, instead of being selfish and keeping them here in pain and agony.


I have seen several abuse cases, and it was my job to console these pets, to make sure their last time spent on earth was laying in gentle arms, and to feel love, even for one second. The look of thanks that they give you sends chills down your spine, they know you love them enough to end their suffering and for that they thank you deeply.





Are you a vegan? Do you go to the circus, or zoo, or aquarium? Why are you being prejudice over the animals? It's not their fault they are in those situations. Would you really turn them away if one should need your help? What about rescued greyhounds? Are you saying that animals bred for food deserve less? Why not help those animals and try to make their lives better, instead of turning them away?:confused: Do you wear leather, use glue etc?

The fact remains that humans are omnivores, we eat both plant and MEAT. That is never going to change.

If Kate chooses not to work for those industries, it doesn't mean she doesn't care about those animals, nor does it mean she'd turn one away if one needed her help. She has strong beliefs and she stands for them, just as I'm sure you do yours. She is trying to make a difference in this world. I wish everyone would put forth the effort she has.

[wolflady]

I agree with you, Aly. :)

I also went through that stage of wanting to be a vet, but I never made it. All the work and schooling would kill me. I am working as a Vet Tech right now and am learning a lot, but there are just so many things that our vet does that I know I could not.

Heck, I don't think I could have passed all those Chem and Math courses in college, let alone make it to vet school! LOL :p

I did seriously think about switching careers from computers to being a full time vet tech, but now that I am in the vet tech field, it helped me realize that I really fit more in with the computer industry.
I know that sounds bad, but it's not that way at all. I admire vets, and being a vet tech is very hard work for very little pay. I would not be able to support myself with this job long term, because the cost of living here is so high. There are also situations that I don't particularly agree with, that vets and techs have to deal with with a smile. I have a hard time dealing with some of these situations because I have very strong opinions on certain things. So, all in all, it's not an easy job and it's not for everyone, but it is rewarding when you genuinely help the animal and comfort their owners.
:)

[CatDad]

I answered no, and I guess that it may be that I found something else first.

However the main reason that I could not do that is becasue I do not have the stomach for it. I would also be upset all the time becasue I really feel for animals in need and if they are hurt. Nobody wants a vet that is crying half the time.:o

I can't even volunteer at the animal shelter, because I feel so bad for all of the puppies and kitties.:(

[Uabassoon]

Would you really turn them away if one should need your help? What about rescued greyhounds? Are you saying that animals bred for food deserve less? Why not help those animals and try to make their lives better, instead of turning them away? Do you wear leather, use glue etc?

I don't think it's a matter of turning away an animal in need, but by working for a company like that you are helping to support them. Working for these industries that Kater mentioned, would be like her saying that it's ok to race animals or use them for our entertainment. That's almost like asking, why wouldn't you want to work at a puppy mill, those dogs need you too? People need to stop supporting companies that hurt animals, if you support them then they will continue to hurt animals.

[luckies4me]

I misunderstood her post. Of course she wouldn't work FOR them, but it also sounded as if she wouldn't treat rescues or anything. Remember, things get interpreted on the internet differently by different people. I misunderstood is all. I too would never work for such things, it's against what I stand for.

[Kater]

It’s OK Luckies. Misunderstandings are bound to happen! But I was pretty hurt that you would think I could be so cruel! :( Oh well, I’m glad it was just a miscommunication. :o

But for later reference ---- animals that have been rescued, be it farm animals, horses, greyhounds, etc. change from industry property to “pets” upon their rescue. At least that is how I define that change. :)

[Kfamr]

I don't think or see how anyone could think of you as cruel, Kate.
You're as sweet as sugar. :)

[wolfsoul]

Originally posted by cali
wolfsoul I live in a provence with one of the vet schools and you certainly dont need straight A's!
Well that's a good thing, atleast maybe there will be more people able to be vets. :) My friend who is a vet tech told me that you need straight A's to get in. I think what she actually meant is, you pretty much do need straight A's, considering there is such high competition you probably wouldn't be able to get in unless you can prove you are one of the best. :) She said that thousands of people from all over apply every year.

[rizzy]

I personally could never be a vet even if I really wanted to. I couldnt do some of the things they have to do, and I know its helping them but I cant stand seeing my babys get there shots, How would I ever be able to give them?lol :)

[luckies4me]

Originally posted by Kater
It’s OK Luckies. Misunderstandings are bound to happen! But I was pretty hurt that you would think I could be so cruel! :( Oh well, I’m glad it was just a miscommunication. :o

But for later reference ---- animals that have been rescued, be it farm animals, horses, greyhounds, etc. change from industry property to “pets” upon their rescue. At least that is how I define that change. :)

I would NEVER think your cruel, ever! :) Your one of my favorites here on Pet Talk BTW. ;)

[luckies4me]

Originally posted by wolflady



There are also situations that I don't particularly agree with, that vets and techs have to deal with with a smile. I have a hard time dealing with some of these situations because I have very strong opinions on certain things. So, all in all, it's not an easy job and it's not for everyone, but it is rewarding when you genuinely help the animal and comfort their owners.
:)

I have been in that circumstance so many times. At my first job we had a doctor there, Dr. Toledo who operated on a cat while it was waking up from anesthesia and it was very obvious that the cat could feel what was happening. He also sexual assaulted me, and in front of clients as well, grabbing my butt and trying to kiss me. That is one of the reasons I quick. I was 18 and he was 38. :eek: They also employed a veterinarian that was NOT licensed in the US, but in another country so it was illegal for him to practice in the US. He routinely did surgeries at that hospital. I am unsure whether or not he was reported.

There has been several instances that I had to euthanize animals because they didn't match the new carpet or the owner didn't want to pay 30 dollars for a bottle of CefaDrops. Things like that. How long have you been a tech? Are you an assistant or an actual tech? I have had 6 years experience working in clinics. :)

Surgeries will always remain my favorite thing to do. But I have had bad experiences. I have been attacked numerous times, including by exotics such as servals and racoons. The vet I work for specializes in exotics. Once a man came in looking for his chinchilla which had been PTS. Everyone in the clinic were looking for his chin and we could not for the life of us find it. We looked in the freezer outside, nothing. Finally Dr. Barrett came back from lunch and he had stuck the chin in the freezer inside which is used for medications and vaccines. He actually made me hand it to the man in the cold box, which I found very odd and uncomfortable. I have been put in situations like this all too often.

Have you been to tech school or taken any classes? I am hopefully going to be certified next year. :) You are right that is cannot be a career for most people. The most I have gotten paid for vet tech work was 11 dollars an hour, not much if you have a family to support. I used to want to be a vet but computers are really sparking my interst all of a sudden. I have thought about Zoology, have after start pre vet classes but am unsure whether or not that is really what I want to do. I find it hard not to bad mouth certain people who come in, and until I learn self control in those circumstances I just couldn't do it....yet. Plus all the things I like to do I can do being a tech.

[veegan]

my dad is a vet, and a specialist at that, so I have seen first hand what all it entails and I have known from a young age I never want to be a vet! lol TOO MUCH SCHOOLING FOR ME!!! plus I know a lot of people think "oh I love animals so I'll be a vet" but what I think a lot of people fail to realize is that its really about science and medicine. there are tons of other animal related careers that are better suited to people who are interested in being a vet for the animal aspect of it. or you could always become a vet tech. Ive been working just as a vet assitant for my dad for the past 5 months, and its really cool, but yeah, Id never want to be a vet. lol Im just not cut out for it.

[wolfsoul]

For you vet techs, how long was the schooling? The vet tech I know said she was only in school for 6 months, but I know that people have said four years. :confused:

[luckies4me]

It's three to four years depending on what school you go to. There are similar classes you can take that last about 6 months but you are not a full fledged tech, more like a licensed assistant.

[wolfsoul]

Originally posted by luckies4me
There are similar classes you can take that last about 6 months but you are not a full fledged tech, more like a licensed assistant.
Ooh, do they do the same things a regular vet tech does? :)

[luckies4me]

Originally posted by wolfsoul
Ooh, do they do the same things a regular vet tech does? :)

They do but their schooling is all lab work, and they don't get hands on experience.

[CathyBogart]

I used to want to be a vet, but I couldn't deal with irresponsible owners. I already barely tolerate them at work. I'm going into herpetology and hopefully herp rescue!

I have a reptile sanctuary all thought out in my mind, now I have to make it work...

[tikeyas_mom]

I used to want to be a vet tech for over 4 years!! but recently I have desovered my love for dog training and now I am going to be attending college for it :D.. I cant wait..

[zanzanfergie]

Originally posted by cali
wolfsoul I live in a provence with one of the vet schools and you certainly dont need straight A's! the university with the vet school in it cam,e to my school for a presentation I have the requirments for the school on the table, just a sec..
ok you need at least a 70% in these subjects:
a grade 12:an english 30A, and englich 30B, and a math 30A all of which are requirments to graduate anyway, and you need a bio 30, and a chem 30. just maintain a 70% average in those subjects and you can get in. anyway thats off topic.

Oh I want to live in CANADA! Here the enter score is 99.4% into the selective veterinary science courses, and I'm working my derriere off to earn those sweet sweet As. Plus there are the subjects, that can sometimes get like wet sand to wade through (chemistry, physics and biology oh my! LOL Kate ;))

Yes I want to be a vet, and have all my life. In June I did my work experience at a vets, and despite a short (very embarrassing) fainting incident in the surgery theatre it was wonderful, and confirmed that this is my chosen career.

As for the discussion on putting animals to sleep...well, while I was doing work experience two dogs were put to sleep. Mostly, I was just surprised at how quietly they go, and how peaceful it. Yes, I cried a bit. But like Luckies said...if I knew it was for the good, and it was putting the animal to a more peaceful place, out of fear and pain...then I think I could do it.

[wolfsoul]

Originally posted by zanzanfergie

As for the discussion on putting animals to sleep...well, while I was doing work experience two dogs were put to sleep. Mostly, I was just surprised at how quietly they go, and how peaceful it. Yes, I cried a bit. But like Luckies said...if I knew it was for the good, and it was putting the animal to a more peaceful place, out of fear and pain...then I think I could do it.
I;d be able to do it if the animal was suffering. But otherwise...:(

I watched a movie that showed tons of animals being PTS. I never knew they shuddered before they collapsed. It was terrible. :(

[veegan]

"I never knew they shuddered before they collapsed. It was terrible."

hmm, well Ive never seen an animal be PTS, but I know at work when we sedate animals most of the time they shake because their muscles are getting weak and they are fighting off the sleep.

[CamCamPup33]

Yes, i do want to become a vet, have been ever since the early ages! Then i went through a phase where i wanted to ^rescue^ animals by being an animal precinct officer.. BUT now i think i want to help them get better instead of see them as worse.. I really am looking into junior vet tech programs they have here.. Unfortunately they dont have anything like julie has at her school in my school.. But yes i do plan on become a vet

[wolfsoul]

They have health science at my school. You need to hand in a resume and everything. I was thinking of going into it, but realized that I'd have to disect a rat at some point.

[GoldenRetrLuver]

Originally posted by CamCamPup33
really am looking into junior vet tech programs they have here.. Unfortunately they dont have anything like julie has at her school in my school.. But yes i do plan on become a vet

That's too bad. :( There's only a few in my area. My high school is about 45 minutes away, and I have to take the bus. I wouldn't have even thought of going there, it is wasn't for the "vet program". ;)

[Kater]

Originally posted by wolfsoul
They have health science at my school. You need to hand in a resume and everything. I was thinking of going into it, but realized that I'd have to disect a rat at some point.

Just so you know for future classes and training, dissection is something you can opt out of if you go about it in the right way. I will include links to some helpful websites and any of you that think dissection is necessary for your career and education can look at them and realize that we have a choice.... conscientious objection! I for one will never dissect any creature needlessly. It is an outdated and CRUEL technique and I cannot see its place in classrooms in this day and age!

LINKS

Conscientious Objection Resources:
http://avar.org/avar_a_knight_book.html

Conscientious Objection to Using Animals: http://www.interniche.org/conshi.html

Humane Students: http://www.humanestudent.org/

Conscientious Objection in the Classroom - Colleges and Universities: http://www.pcrm.org/issues/Animal_Experimentation_Issues/college_alternatives.html

Conscientious Objection in the Classroom - Elementary and Secondary Schools: http://www.pcrm.org/issues/Animal_Experimentation_Issues/elem_sec_alternatives.html

And these are just the tip of the iceberg! There is more information about conscientious objectionon all over the web!

I also know someone personally who is very involved in conscientious objection and I think he would be happy to answer via e-mail any questions any of you might have.
Andrew Knight – [email protected]

Those who truly love animals should never be dissuaded from the careers that help them!!! :D

[veegan]

wow thats really awesome kate. im glad you posted all that info! i was wondering about it myself. Ive had to disect in several classes throughout middle & high school. I know I will never dissect ever again. not even a poor little wormy. :'( at my community college the biology class has to dissect cats!!!! *sob* it just breaks my heart to think they do that. ugh. its so disgusting.

[wolfsoul]

Thanks for yoru response Kate. :) I actually tried to make a petiton against dissecting on the internet but it didn't work. Maybe I'll start a new website and just get people to sign my guestbook.

This year we are supposed to dissect a rat, a pig, a mussel, some starfish thing, and a grasshopper. The rat and the pig will be the difficult ones for me. What's really stupid and that sickens me, is that I'll fail the entire thing if I'm not in the room watching my partner dissect. So, what does she want me to do; stand there crying my eyes out, being forced to watch poor little babies being ripped open and having their insides played with for nothing but -- uhhh...there is no reason to do that! The rats they will be dissecting an entire week. I'm incredibly biased because I have rats...And it makes it even worse because they are my own. I HATE school.

[Kater]

I just read some *FABULOUS* news about UC Davis. Read on......

Vet classes at UC Davis no longer fatal for lab animals
By Cynthia Hubert -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 a.m. PST Monday, November 10, 2003

Veterinary students at the University of California, Davis, no longer will perform fatal operations on dogs and cats from the Sacramento County animal shelter, ending a controversial practice that has existed for decades.

The College of Veterinary Medicine is making significant changes in its surgical training program in response to concerns by students, advocates and members of the general public, officials said.

Dogs and cats from the shelter still will be used to teach students surgical techniques, including spay and neuter procedures, but healthy animals no longer will be purchased from the county, used as training tools and then killed, they said.

The change illustrates a shifting philosophy about the ways in which creatures are used in veterinary training around the country, and represents a major victory for local advocates who have pushed for an end to the use of pound animals in terminal procedures at UC Davis.

"This is a very important step in the right direction," said Teri Barnato of the Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights in Davis. "We have been working on this for years. We think it's fantastic."

UC Davis, like most of the nation's 28 veterinary programs, has long looked to shelters to acquire animals used in surgical training, said John Pascoe, the school's executive associate dean and a professor of surgery. But over the years, the practice has become increasingly controversial, particularly when healthy dogs and cats, many of them former pets, are killed in the interest of education.

Currently, Sacramento County's shelter is the only one in the state that allows the practice known as pound seizure. In addition to selling hundreds of animals per year to UC Davis for about $75 each, the county also has provided a much-smaller number of creatures to Sutter Medical Center for training purposes.

"It's totally inappropriate," said Jennifer Fearing of United Animal Nations, based in Sacramento. "These are animals that once were pets. If we cannot find a good home for them, they deserve the quickest and most painless end to their lives. Picking them up, putting them on a truck and driving them across the causeway so that they can have procedures done on them and then be killed is not the answer. I honestly would much prefer that they have a humane death at the shelter."

Others have argued that the practice, backed by the Board of Supervisors, is acceptable given the fact that thousands of unwanted shelter animals must be killed every year anyway for lack of room.

Pat Claerbout, director of Sacramento County's Department of Animal Care and Regulation, which operates the shelter, was reluctant to address the issue.

"The fact is that we wouldn't even have to think about this if people would just spay and neuter their animals," she said. "We have a major overpopulation problem."

More than a decade ago, partially in response to student discomfort, the UC Davis veterinary school stopped requiring courses that involved "terminal surgeries" on animals, Pascoe said. Students who opted out of those courses performed only "survival" surgeries, in which animals were treated and returned to the shelter, and worked on cadaver animals.

But the school continued to offer an elective course in which ultimately fatal operations were performed on healthy animals that were considered "unadoptable" by the county shelter.

That practice has been halted, and the school has made other changes as well, Pascoe said.

In addition to spaying and neutering animals from shelters in Sacramento, Solano and Yolo counties, the school's new surgical training program will include providing broader treatments for the creatures, including treating wounds, repairing fractured bones and removing foreign objects. Animals will be returned to the shelter after they heal, Pascoe said.

UC Davis also hopes to forge alliances with area veterinarians for referrals of animals whose owners cannot afford costly private treatments, allowing students to operate on those animals at a discounted price, he said. The university is looking for funding to build an endowment for that program.

"I think we're gaining a whole lot," Pascoe said of the new teaching plan. "I think we'll get much better quality veterinarians in terms of surgical training, and it's good for the community as well. It's the right thing to do, and we think it will be a model for others around the country."

With the changes, UC Davis becomes one of only "four or five" veterinary schools in the nation that have stopped "detrimental use" of small animals, said Lara Rasmussen, a veterinarian and animal advocate who teaches at a new school in Pomona.

Rasmussen, who graduated from UC Davis in 1993, said the changes are overdue.

"Using live animals in training veterinarians is crucially important," Rasmussen said. "But it's not necessary to harm them or kill them in the process."

Rasmussen's school, Western University of Health Sciences, is an independent, nonprofit institution that has adopted a "reverence for life" philosophy emphasizing compassion toward animals used in veterinary education.

Western University's students train on live animals but never perform "terminal" procedures, she said. The school teaches students to perform surgeries as painlessly as possible. Students and staff members do outreach work, seeking sick and injured animals from area shelters as well as pets of impoverished people, seniors and housebound residents, to use in training
programs.

"It's a moral development issue," said Rasmussen, the school's director of surgery. "It's very difficult to create an empathetic, compassionate health-care provider when you are asking people to kill something and just forget about it."

In the early 1990s, Rasmussen was among a vocal group of UC Davis students who spoke out against the practice and refused to perform terminal surgeries.

"I found it shocking and bitterly ironic that you struggle to get into veterinary school to help animals, and on the very first day you walk into an anatomy cooler and there are hundreds of animals stacked like cordwood or hanging from the ceiling on hooks, all of which have been killed in the name of education," she said. "Those animals are pound animals. To treat them like that is just wrong."

The Bee's Cynthia Hubert can be reached at (916) 321-1082 or [email protected]
http://www.sacbee.com/content/lifestyle/story/7760942p-8700024c.html

[GoldenRetrLuver]

Thanks for pointing me to this. ;)
That's GREAT news! But...I don't see how they could do something so horrible like that in the first place. :( I realize it's for training purposes, but it's not right at all. Don't veterinarians want to END suffering of animals in the painless way possible? Not cause it...
I'm relieved to hear they decided to stop.

[Twisterdog]

I could never be a vet. Never. I would never be able to deal with blood and guts. Nope.

I'm not a fainty type of person about most things, but I don't want to see internal organs. Nope. I can't even clean a fish. They are called "internal" for a reason, they belong inside.

*faints*

:p

[G.P.girl]

i used to want to but i don't think i could handle the bad pet owners who just want to put their pets down for stupid reasons. i htink i'll be a lawyer and rescue a bunch of animals