For my COL project I decided to interview Cheryl Mander. She’s a veterinary hospital manager/owner at Ellwood Park Animal Hospital in Abbotsford, BC. I wanted to interview her because I think working in veterinary medicine would be very interesting and rewarding. Her job as a hospital manager has her wearing many hats: she manages all the staff and office procedures but also fills in when needed by assisting in surgery or dealing with clients.  I asked her what was the hardest part of the job and she said it was when they have to euthanize and say goodbye to a animal that they’ve treated since they were a baby. I connect with that answer because I have had many animals in my life and Cheryl has treated them. I’ve also had many pets pass away and it’s especially difficult if they pass without you having the chance to say goodbye. I also asked what obstacles she had faced in this job. She told me that there is not that many obstacles but one is when a owner is not able to financially take care of their pet. Sometimes the veterinary hospital will help pay for the care. I never thought about how some people might not have enough money to take care  of their pets and it is amazing how some vet hospitals will find a way to help. Cheryl’s advice to somebody who is interested in this field is to volunteer at a veterinary hospital so you can really see what it is like behind the scenes. There is a big misconception that the job is cuddling puppies and kittens all day long and it actually can be a very stressful and challenging environment. You have to be able to work with people when they are in a heightened state of emotion at times and have to make big decisions involving something they love. The last question I asked was about education does it take to be a veterinarian. She said that you usually get a bachelor’s degree in science and then go into a program for veterinary medicine for another four years. They are programs all over the world where you can get your degree. I can see myself being a veterinarian or working in veterinary medicine when I am older because I think it would be challenging but would give me many options

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