Girl Sout= DVM? psh.

So in the past two months I have aquired a new job at Girl Scouts of WC Florida as a Program Pathways Manager. Basically I am in charge of all programs and activities in the entire county area. I was a Girl Scout as a girl and love that I am back in that area. I am good at what i do , and event though the mass  paperwork i am enjoying it because I feel that my thoughts are being heard and appreciated- unlike prior vet work. As a tech they tell you- you run the hospital- because you do a majority of work and oversee all. But yet when you give a suggestion- out the window.  But MAN, I miss my element- cathaters,  dentals, sx. BIG  Change.

But I adore the less stress, making my own schedule, working usually FOUR days a week. Ah, so good!

I see my friends in vet school- sleep deprived, sad, stressed and in major debt. I feel this is a good move, a good future family envioment and will still volunteer my tech skills to rescues and such.

My goal is to have a career that stands.

Timeline: So for the past few months, I have had a change in career plans. After deciding, and realizing I am one of the Animal Science kids that won't use their degree for its intended purpose, I have made a new path for myself. I can see it now... Amber, Girl Scout. Yes, Girl Scouts are for young girls to learn life skills.I want ot be the person in charge of those events. Or maybe Amber, Shelter Manager. I could be the person making all the protocols to help rescue animals. I say, whatever comes first!

Discussion:Is it depressing, sad, upsetting to choose another career? Initially yes. But I think. No 4 years additional schooling, no 200,000 loan, no being the newbie vet for x amount of years until you are able, if ever, to create your own practice. WHEW.

Future:In the mean time, working as a Vet Tech currently is still taking up a majority of my time! We recently just had a kitten epidemic of FIP or something, they were just croaking left and right. It was very disappointing, frustrating and when kittens die- no one is happy! One of my College roomies is getting married this year, so Bridesmaid dressing time. And... My bday in  a week-ish time!!!

Pyometra Puppies

Timeline: Things have been chaotic! Class, home, work, volunteering, dogs, cat, turtles ohay vay!

We ended up keeping the leukemia kitten we were fostering, still positive.  Man, that boy goes! Run , sleep, and pee.And pees a lot! (which i hear is a common side effect!)

I recently hosted a group of Girl Scout at the Vet Center I work it- it was amazing! Learned about parasites, xrays, poop, pet care and spaying and neutering. When we were explaingn the process to a bunch of 4-5th graders the subject of babies came up....
Girl: " how many times a year can they have babies?"
Tech: " When ever they .... go in heat ( whats that??)... when the get their period, you know what that is right?
Girls: "yeah!"
Tech:" well when they get their "period" they can have babies..."


at that point one girl whispers to another..."thats what that is about!!"

Kids say the darnedest things,I hope that doesn't bring up awkward convos at the dinner table!

Discussion:Recently we had a preggo pup that had a tough pregnancy. In the end , she delivered them, and 5 pug pups are here in the world !The O chose not to listen to our hails and let the pups continue to feed off of mom for too long, in which, caused mastitis- inflammation of the boobies!And then to top her luck started to get pyometra!- Spay ASAP and no more puppies!

 Future: Working on the next Operation Pawprint for Girl Scouts, ordering DH ( dental health) food for the dogs- amazing stuff-cleaning the turtle tanks .... anndd.... Going home next weekend!

Stoner, Struvite, Surgery

Timeline:Pup comes in with severe pee issues. Brown/amber colored pee issues. Urinalysis reveals basic pH, and a ton of crystals. X-rays revealed a huge stone. The two most common types of crystals generated are struvite and calcium oxalate crystals. These crystals start to clump together and form bigger crystals eventually leading to stones. Surgery had to be performed and this huge guy came out- with some other "sludge" ( the formal name of crystals and other debris forming a muddy substance). The full protocol of meds, fluids,antibiotics and hospitalization later,the pet recovered well and is on his way home!

Discussion:Some studies say hard water, diet, and/or genetics play a roll in crystal formation.Also, once a pet has this issue they are more prone to getting this issue over and over again.Remedies include special diets that regulate the pH and increase urine production to reduce the risk of crystals hitting each other, cranberry extract to acidify pH, apply juice to dissolve crystals. Any Favorite recipes/plans etc?

Future:Thanksgiving with fam-over. Christmas with fam-over. New Years with friends-over. Chemistry once again- starts on Monday! Chemistry has been my pit fall for not only my mental attitude but also my GPA. Vet school looks farther away but I know with my combined INSANE Amount of volunteering hours, Work experience and great people for letters I hope my GPA will be overcome with awesomeness.( think positive, think positive). I say there are people that become vets right in the perfect order of college ways, others later in life after other careers and most importantly the people that become vets when they try their hardest and overcome all the odd!