The Case of a Petless Individual

[pete9212]

Hello all.

I know this may not be the peak time of the year when members come by and read posts (other than the discussions and readers of the top 200 receiving interviews and such), but I feel that if I didn't write this down somewhere right now, I would forget about it. It would stay on this forum anyways.

So this is somewhat relevant to volunteering and veterinary experience - I'm a case in which I was not raised amongst pets for the many years of my life. My experience with personal pets is the few fish I came to keep for a brief time and some reptiles of that I can barely remember. It seems to me that it is the usual case of someone aspiring to practice veterinary medicine because their experiences with their pets and likely their experience with their own vets have caused the individual to pursue the same path for the sake of animals. I don't seem to fit in this, and I feel that there really isn't a lot of people like me.

I chose veterinary medicine over many other things because of the opposite case - many interactions with animals were what I wanted for a long time. If I could expand on that... maybe I'll hone my essay for that

The bottom line is, I'd like to know if I'm someone in a disadvantaged position because of this reason. Volunteering at a veterinary clinic over the past two summers have been hard work yet an exciting experience. I will be in my third year of undergrad at Guelph this Fall (Fall 2012), and although this small-animal clinic has been my only veterinary experience so far, I am determined to explore and get out there to see what else is in store and what more I can experience.

So... thoughts?

[vmurthy]

Hey there! I actually come from a very similar situation. I grew up moving around a lot and never had pets of my own too. I didn't even have fish or reptiles like you did. I also was among the few that decided only after high school, that I wanted to do veterinary medicine. Compared to most of my class, I am in the minority in regards to those 2 things.

I had multiple reasons for my wanting to be a vet. I found events and experiences in my life that guided me in my choice and I know it is the right profession for me. I did choose this profession partially because I saw what everyone else had- that human-animal bond was, and is, a beautiful, appealing connection that I have never had the joy (and sorrow) of truly experiencing for myself. I felt a push to help others maintain and enjoy what I didn't have.
Do I regret not having pets? Of course. Did it put me at a disadvantage? I don't think so.

Bottom line is, I was in the same situation as you. And I got in. I'll be starting Phase 2 in Sept. Don't think yourself disadvantaged in any sense. It comes down to your passion for the profession and how you can show your interest and dedication.

Also, remember- pets are not the only area of study in veterinary medicine. There are many other aspects to this multifaceted profession that you might find very interesting. Not having a pet should not put you at a disadvantage. Work hard, experience as much as you can, and hopefully, I'll see you on my side of the fence in the coming years!

[pete9212]

vmurthy,

I am content that all of my doubts of being alone in such issues have been quelled! It's remarkable in my part to actually hear about someone that is in a very similar situation as me, ended up getting in. I acknowledge that it is the commitment and passion that you apply into the field that gets you what you want, and hopefully I'm going to end up over that fence.

Have you at times questioned yourself as to what you have gotten into (pertaining to this field)? Say, while gaining veterinary/animal experience, you were wondering if this was the best choice - has that ever come across your mind? I had doubts, but not anymore, as I thought I just didn't put enough dedication for it until now and that being raised in a petless background relatively hindered my goals.

[vmurthy]

Have I questioned myself asking what I've gotten myself into? haha, come my first Histo exam, or come 12 finals in 3 weeks- yes. Yes, of course!
Hahaha, it can be easy to get dragged down into feeling that way with school, but take the time to volunteer or work to remind you why you got into this profession. Work-Life balance is one thing, but vet theory/practical balance is another big one.

I can honestly say, I'm sure I made the best choice