Today we’d like to introduce you to Annie Wells.
Hi Annie , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I graduated with a double major in philosophy and religion from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. I started my career in veterinary medicine over 20 years ago. I have two different certifications in class IV laser therapy, particularly the K laser. I have been a receptionist, Kennel attendant, inventory specialist, veterinary technician, stray, pet coordinator, etc. throughout my veterinary career. I am currently the main surgery tech five days a week at a local animal hospital. I monitor every single surgical patients vitals, calculate their drug doses, manage each patient anesthesia, manage the flow of the doctors, patients, technicians, and equipment throughout the surgery day. I am also the stray pet coordinator at this hospital as well. I have run my own pet sitting business on the side since 2015. I provide in-home pet care for vacation visits, medication administration, recurring medication, or fluid therapy, nail trims, etc..
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely has not been a smooth road. Being in veterinary medicine requires you to be exceptional at multitasking, taking initiative and compartmentalizing. Not only is there a tremendous amount of information to learn not only as far as actually practicing medicine goes, but in the handling and restraint of animals, the equipment that we have to use, the medication‘s. We have to be able to discern what is happening with our patients without them being able to verbally tell us. I have one of the most dangerous jobs in the world, as well as one with one of the highest suicide rates. We are covered in pee and poop and blood and vomit and hair and Anal Glands all day long. I’m a receptionist, a phlebotomist, a pharmacist, a radiologist, an anesthesiologist, a dental hygienist, a nutritionist, a grief, counselor, and so much more. And in the human world, just one of those jobs might get you aWe are covered in pee and poop and blood and vomit and hair and Anal Glands all day long. I’m a receptionist, a phlebotomist, a pharmacist, a radiologist, a anesthesiologist, a dental hygienist, a nutritionist, a grief, counselor, and so much more. And in the human world, just one of those jobs might get you a six figure salary… but in animal medicine, I might as well be working at McDonald’s. The emotional toll of seeing what humans can do to animals, not being able to fix every patient, dealing with the long hours or euthanasia is definitely taxing. Doing all this every day of the week and running my own business on the side can also be exhausting. Many of my Pettit clients I have been taking care of for the better part of a decade and I become attached to them as well as my patient at the hospital.
What matters most to you? Why?
Professionally speaking, What matters most to me is patient care. I will always treat each pet whether it is in the hospital or as a pet client as if they were my own. Client education is also very important to me. Most owners are really clueless about a lot of basic animal care to help keep their pets, healthy, and safe and to live a long life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.galpalspetcare.weebly.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DKRzD7vNh/
