Somewhere Over the Rainbow

I got a little lost trying to find their home today. I thought I was going to be late, but while panicking I found the right street. I almost passed the house while looking for it. Thank goodness Dr. Schilling's white blazer was parked in the street.

I quickly pulled over and saw her outside with an older couple. The salt and pepper schnauzer stood on the green grass, and watched me ever so carefully as I pulled out an orange blanket from the back of my car. If you've ever met a schnauzer you'd know they can get sassy when they want. This girl was no different, she barked several times wagging her tail as I walked up to the drive way. I patted her on the head, and we instantly bond, as most schnauzers and I do.

Greeting the couple, Dr. Schilling and I walk into their kitchen. It is one of those older houses, that has been kept up really well. The house is filled with love I can tell. Pictures are everywhere of dogs, children, grandchildren, and sayings that say "Our Heart is with Our Home". I kneel down in the kitchen and place the orange blanket on the floor. I can't look anywhere else besides the orange blanket.

Watching the lady pet the little schnauzer on the head, I hurt. Because, I know it is her last time. I place the schnauzer in my lap and pet her while the rest talk. I notice how frail and skinny she is. I note to myself how brave the owners are. Will I be this brave one day?

Everything is prepped and ready to go. To be honest, I am not sure what to expect. One second I'm holding the schnauzer, and the other second I am holding my first lifeless body. The couple cry, as the Dr. reassures them this was the right thing to do. I keep holding her, honored I was apart of the last moments of her life.

As I walk out of the house, orange blanket in tow, the woman touches my arm. Tears filled in her eyes, she thanks me for my help. She knows the feelings are mutual as I wipe a tear from my eye. Dr. Schilling gives me a hug before I go - and I know I am so blessed.

I got a little distracted on my way home today. I thought I was going to be late, but I made it just in the nick of time. I ask for Reggie and Frankie. I am picking them up from doggie day care. I look through the window and watch all of the dogs there run and play. I smile, and think of all healthy happy pups with great parents. When I see Reg and Frankie run to me and lick my face, I know I am so blessed.

I feel whole again.

Somewhere between here and there

Ok - my last post was a mad one. But, it made me feel better, so sue me. I find myself strong in a lot of ways, but also am very weak when it comes to others. I usually take things too personally when really bad things are said about me. So I left that place with a very bruised ego and very little confidence in myself. I hate showing weakness, but that has to happen to make me stronger. God has a way of pushing me until I break, then I become more humble, things get better, and then I am suddenly being pushed again.

A vicious, vicious cycle I tell you.

I can say now life is on the mend. I found a better vet hospital who took me in with arms open wide. It has only been a week of me being there, but I think this is where I should have been from the start. I hope they feel the same way about me. I am still walking on thin ice, thinking it might crack at any moment. I think that will have to happen until I feel more comfortable and know they are not going to dump me for no real reason. They have to learn to trust me, and I have to learn to trust them as well.

Also, I survived August. It is always a freak show parade of birthdays. Between Brandons, Rons, Angels, Spencers, Trents and my birthday keeps me on my toes all month. Just when I feel like I can relax, Halloween is right around the corner.

I am ready for a new start, a new season, and my favorite holiday. I'm also way beyond ready to graduate and start being a grown up for real. I mean, after all - I am 24 now!

So Close/So Far Away

I would have graduated today. I would have been in a blue gown with my classmates, shaking some random persons hand and getting my degree. But, instead I'm sitting in my bed watching some dumb show.

I took a semester off last year to get married. Honestly I did it for all the right reasons, but I can't help but feel a knife in my stomach a little bit when I see my friends graduate before me.

I just am trying to have a pep talk with myself that sooner then I know it, I'll be graduating too. Sometimes it just seems so far away. Almost unachievable. I never thought I would be a college graduate. I have taken the long road that's for sure. Started out in a community college taking classes just to avoid paying rent at home. Had a few good classes, and a lot of crazy teachers. Then I took a intro to Vet Tech class, and knew I wanted to go farther. With the help of my parents I started at Broadview University at the end of 08.

If I look back on the road of my college life I am surprised how far I've gone. The worst is behind me, and my future is so close I could tongue it.

I only have one quarter left to go. A Vet Tech National Exam review class, and of course my externship. At the end of September I should be in that blue gown, shaking someones hand, and getting my degree.

It seems so close, but why does it feel so far away?

Awesomeness

I spent this morning doing anesthesia on a five month old puppy named Trapper. I was nervous, but even more excited to take all that information shoved into my head to good use. The little guy was neutered and for the day I was in charge of the following...

Pre-drug the animal and figure out the right calculations

Place a catheter

Set up IV fluids

Intubate (which is a little more tricky on an alive animal, just sayin')

Hook up to anesthesia

Monitor and write down stats every five minutes during the surgery

Once the surgery is over, I take away the gas

Wait for him to wake up

Extubate

and then watch and monitor his vitals while he starts to recover

That was a lot of things for me to do, but I got a good pat on the back from the Doctor and my instructor. I wasn't able to see the actual surgery this time because I was so focused on making sure Trapper was doing well. I mostly starred at this the entire time

But at least I got to give him some good attention after the surgery was over.


Isn't he adorable? It was so much fun, I'm looking forward to a lot more surgeries - but Trapper will always be my first!

Trapper is awesome

I am awesome

Today is freaking awesome.

The Cycle of Life

Yesterday was a very interesting day for me. It started out with a bunch of nerves of the unknown of what I was going to see or do with my school. Early in the morning we all met at an animal shelter, and I knew then that today was the day I'd be dealing with cats who were euthanized. It instantly made my stomach turn in knots. I think we all are afraid of death, and what little we know or understand about it. I wasn't sure what to expect.

Although, this day took a turn that I wasn't expecting. When their vet tech brought in the cat for us to work on the room was filled with silence. It was a very respectful silence. In the first few moments I thought about the cats life and what it may have seen or done in its lifetime. I felt a lot of respect for the animal, and gratitude that I was able to practice medicine on him to make me a better vet tech. There is something about holding a lifeless animal in your hands for the first time that changes you.

Later on in the day we placed catheters, which was my first time. Actually I found myself to be a lot more nervous about placing a catheter then intubating a cat. I was very lucky that on my first try I was successful. I am always so proud of myself and the animal I am working on, that I have to take a picture.


He got a lot of free rubs and a cute blue bandage out of the deal. Pretty great if you ask me, he was loving all the attention!

After a long day at the clinic and work I felt exhausted when I got home. As soon as I had a chance I was vegetating in front of the TV for a little R and R. Before too long I had a visitor who insisted on cuddling with me.


It is interesting how life comes full circle. I was reminded of it all yesterday.

Nervous Energy

So the time has come which I have dreaded for several months now.

The time where I have to try and figure something out with my work about school. I started the program I am in now, because everything was at night, and I could keep my day job. But, a law has now been in place that any animal put under anesthesia must have an x amount of people monitoring the animal for an x amount of time to make sure nothing bad happens. Because no one is staffed to watch the shelter animals at my school at night, any class you take with anesthesia in it must be taken during the day.

So, sure enough next quarter I am taking an anesthesia class, and a surgery class. Both during the day. Monday and Wednesdays from 10:40am - 3:40pm. Which is now conflicting with work. And of course I am in panic attack mode.

Hopefully my work will work with me into figuring out some type of schedule so that I can still work here, and go to school the days I need to. Although I usually always think the worst - that it will come down to me having to choose to do one or the other. Work or school?

Lets hope I don't have to make that choice, lets hope by the grace of God I'll get to do both still.

Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Where The Wild Things Are

The last two weeks I've been working on animals out in Eagle Mountain (which by the way, is ridiculously far away from civilization). I've done all sorts of things like

• Almost getting my head smashed in by a horse (twice, actually)
• Rounding up horses, llamas, and goats
• Getting blood samples
• Wrapping legs
• ...and trying not to get my head smashed in.

Maybe working in the Equine field is not where I'm headed. I love these animals, but it is a little scary to try and take blood from a 2 ton lb animal. It is cool to say however that I've done it, and was successful my first time. I think I was the only one last night who got blood from this horse.


This is Kinick, and although she made me pretty nervous a few times, we ended up bonding and she let me do almost anything to her without moving around. Except, she doesn't really like to be given oral meds. But who really loves a massive syringe being shoved in their mouth?

I mostly worked with the horses, but this farm had a lot other animals.



Bulls, goats, sheep, ducks, pigs, and llamas (I really didn't like the llamas - yuck!) and that isn't even all of them. I had a great time trying something new and working with different animals. It really is a passion of mine to work with all sorts of animals, I'm really working towards my dream. I need to remind myself of that when things get hard.

Current Events

We interrupt your life for this breaking news - live from Lehi, Utah. It's Rachel's current events.

First off - being married is wonderful. I love knowing that I have Brandon forever (cheese moment). Although, him working nights and me working days/going to school at night, leaves very little time for us to see each other during the week. And that my friends, bites the big one.

Second - Yesterday was a little hectic. Ok, really this entire week has been hectic. I won't even tell you the story of the DMV, because its really depressing and I don't really want to talk about it. But, yesterday I found myself having to pick between going to Orlando for work next week, or staying here and not missing school. I went back and forth on it for a long time. Both had pros, both had a lot of negatives. Eventually I decided that I needed to stay in Utah and give myself some time to relax/recover after that crazy engagement/wedding stuff. Today I feel a lot better knowing I don't have this trip hanging over my head. I also don't have to miss a week of school - which is very important seeing how they would have never let me make up or turn in any assignments that week. Laaame.

Thirdly - Speaking of school, last night in my Hematology class (aka blood class) I for the first time, was able to draw blood from a cats jugular. I'm very proud of this, especially since most cats are from the devil himself. You have one person restraining the cat which isn't easy. They are small, and they squirm, and they have very sharp teeth and claws they are not afraid to use. Then I ever so swiftly have to dig through their massive amounts of hair, find the jugular vein (which is harder than it looks), and stick them with a needle, finding the vein and getting some blood. Looks a lot like this...


Have I mentioned how much cats like this? I have little love bites all over my hands to prove it. Either way, I got more blood out of him then he did me. Who is the superior species now?!?

Fourthly - I'm really looking forward to the weekend. Sleep, carving pumpkins, hanging out with family, bugging Brandon, and eating some Halloween treats is exactly what the doctor ordered.

Thats all for the current events. Stay tuned for an update on Reggie the dog. Has his owner disowned him because of his horrible behavior? We will find out after the break!

In case you are wondering...

X-raying birds is not an easy task. They are so fragile just the tinniest restraint could send them into a panic attack, heart attack, death.

I'm not kidding, they die if they are scared enough. (Just ask my sister, who stepped on my birds leg years ago, sending him into shock, and then dying.)

So because you can't really restrain a bird, and you can't be in the x-ray with the bird, you get a little something that looks like this...


Believe it or not, he actually liked being taped down to this cassette then having one of us hold him down. I just feel a little bad, it looked like we were crucifying him. But at least the x-ray turned out.



Pretty cool eh?

Only one more week until I get a three month break from school!

VT Woes

I have my on and off days when it comes to school. I guess you could call it a love and hate relationship. Does anyone else often wonder if what they are going to school for is the right choice? I probably sound like a broken record. However, after being over a year at this school I am starting to get the hang of things. This week I was able to draw blood from a puppy and not bat an eye lash.

People - I did it all by myself.

So maybe this is the right thing for me. School isn't so bad after all. Especially when I get to play with baby bunnies

A School Update

Well here I am, in my sixth quarter of vet tech school. Just when you think you are on the right path to getting that degree of your dreams, you get a class called...

Parasitology

(prepare to be grossed out)

For those of you who don't know what parasitology is, it is the study of parasites. Those creepy, crawly, bugs that get into your body and eat you alive from the inside out!! (Sorry, that was a little dramatic) This week we talked about Nematodes. And they look like this...

Mmm, just like Mom's home made spaghetti.

You probably know a very common Nematode called heartworm. Where literally a bunch of worms are living in your heart, eating all of your nutrients.


It really is a horrible disease to have, especially for our little animals. My friend's dog Chloe was recently diagnosed with heartworm, and has started the treatment process to get them removed. Take in mind this isn't your standard antibiotic drug and then your done. It's a painful, expensive, and heartbreaking process to go through. Prayers are sent Chloe and Angel's way to make sure Chloe comes out alive on the other end. Damn those worms! Get your puppies and kitties on heartgard already!

And don't even get me started on hookworms. I squirm just thinking about them. The pictures I've seen are still haunting me. Don't worry, I won't torture you with that one. But I can tell you I'll think twice before I go walking around bare foot again.

As if looking at all those worms isn't enough each week we do fecal floats, and direct smears which in human terms means playing in dog turd. A lot of dog turd. My gag reflexes have been put to the test! I'm grateful to say I haven't thrown up yet. But that isn't the same for some of my fellow classmates. On Monday while I was literally making some poop paste the guy next to me leaned over to say

"Makes you wonder why you picked this career in the first place huh?"

Well, I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels that way when it comes to the dirtier side of being a vet tech.

On a not so gross note, I am also taking a class called production animals. It is different then all the other classes I've taken. We learn about horses, cows, pigs, chickens, goats, llamas (yes Brittni, llamas), sheep, and any other barn animal you could think of. Later on in this quarter I will be able to go out and play with horses. People! I get to hang out with horses! This almost makes up for the poopy class, but not quite.

And in case you are still distraught over the nematodes, here is a picture of a cute piglet to clear the mind.

Mango Tango

Currently I am in a class every Wednesday night called Exotic Lab Animals. This means I am working with rabbits, guinea pigs, cockatoos, ferrets, snakes and...

Iguanas

This pretty girl is named Mango. Last night in class I was assigned to keep track of this feisty reptile. I had to put her in a burrito restraint which is really her wrapped up in a towel so she doesn't claw my flesh off (trust me, she can if she wants to). At first I was a bit squeamish. None of the pictures I have do her justice. Mango is 15lbs of pure muscle! Fifteen pounds people! Try to restrain her for two hours and see how you like it. After a while of her squirming around she finally gave up and was content in letting me hold her. Strangely it felt like I was carrying a baby around with two foot long tail.


Even though school takes up so much of my time these days, I am grateful for the hands on I have with all sorts of animals from all over. So the next time someone hands me a massive lizard, I'll know what to do with it.

And, I kind of want an Iguana for my own. I'd name it Spike.

It's the most wonderful time of the year.

Have you ever seen that back to school commercial for staples? Where that Christmas song is playing and the dad is running around the store in bliss getting things for his children who are far less amused walking slowly down the isle?

I am never amused when I see it. I'm like those two little kids pouting over going back to school. But guess what?

School is back! Whether I like it or not.

It started on Monday of this week. My schedule is the following...

Monday: College Algebra (kill me) 6pm - 10:30pm

Tuesday: Comparative Hematology & Cytology Lab 6pm - 9pm

Wednesday: Clinic shift 5pm - 6pm, Lab Animals Exotics & Pocket Pets 6pm - 10pm

Thursday: Comparative Hematology & Cytology Lecture 6pm - 8:30pm

And of course, I work full time as well during the day. Well, if you look on the bright side I don't have classes on Fridays anymore. Other then that my summer has gone right down the toilet. My social life is gone during the week, I gotta face that. I also was dreading going back to school, but I'm half way done this week and it isn't as bad as I thought it would be. I've actually sorta, kinda, maybe missed this place and all the animals. Plus they remodeled the place while we were all on break. Everything is much more clean and roomy. No more tripping over dogs and cats for me (I hope so anyway).

Last night for my Hematology lab we went to the shelter to collect blood. Before last night I've only drawn blood from animals twice. The first time I failed, and the second time I did it, but not really on my own. Needles to say I was nervous - will that feeling ever subside?

Right now I'm feeling on top of the Vet Tech world because I did a jugular vain blood draw from a dog last night and did it successfully on my own.

This is Tiger Woods. A beautiful rottweiler mix. He was calm and sweet and in a weird way made me feel as though he didn't care if I poked him or not. I can't help but take a picture of all the animals I work with at the shelter. All of them are so amazing and remind me why I am going to school for this in the first place.

Two days down, with two more to go this week.

Bring it on.

My New Friend

Meet Sunny...

Her and I met for the first time last night. I was sent off to the local shelter to take blood from some of the dogs there. I was hoping to be paired up with a bigger dog because let's face it I didn't do so well my first time with a blood draw and bigger dog = bigger veins.

So, I walk in and before I knew it all the bigger dogs were taken and I was paired with Sunny the five pound rat terrier.

Great I thought to myself, I got the smallest dog here!

She is such a cute girl though. She instantly cuddled up next to me when I held her and was content. I wanted to take her home (p.s. - if any of you are in the market for a small beautiful dog, let me know because Sunny is the girl for you!). My other vet tech that worked with me that night (who is ironically named Sunshine - I kid you not) tried to get blood from her jugular vein. She tried twice only to get nothing. It was then my turn and I was nervous. My palms got sweaty again and I tried not to shake. My teacher was great and helped me know exactly what to look for and how to do it. The next thing I knew I had this...


Finally success! I got some blood. Sunny was a champ and let us poke, restrain, and give kisses to her all night without freaking out like most of the other dogs did. Sunny and I also became good friends.

I learned two things last night

1. Taking blood is not as scary as I thought it would be.

2. Don't judge a book by its cover. Sunny may have been small but was the best one to work with.

Drawing Blood

Last night was my first time drawing blood on an animal. I thought it would be no big deal until it was actually time. My hands were shaking, my knees were weak. I didn't get much blood - and wasn't very successful.

There is always next time though... right?

Smearing some Blood

I don't think I have official come out and said this so - I am going to UCC (Utah Carrier College) to one day become a Veterinarian Technician. I started the program in September of last year, my graduate date is in June 2011. Its technically a two year degree but I am only going part time. I'm not strong enough to go full time, work full time, have a social life, and have my sanity intact. So far the program has been great! Really hands on, flexible schedules and such... however this quarter just might make or break me. Often I keep asking myself...

Rachel, do you REALLY want to become a vet tech?

Some days I am able to say "Hell yes woman! I was born to do this!" - Other days I say "I don't know girl. You seem way over your head here."

As of right now my basic hematology class is kicking me in my shins, real hard! (Have you ever been kicked good in the shins? I've dropped down to my knees several times in blood curdling screams. Ah, the beautiful memories of being a soccer player.)

*Please note the sarcasm in this next paragraph*

My teacher is WONDERFUL! I just love it when she shows me all of these power points and is kind enough to read everything that is on the slide. Because, obviously I can't read it for myself. I also love it when she doesn't take the time to explain anything or repeat herself if I am trying to write down some notes. I'm glad she rushes through the lectures, that way I get the chance to really study hard at home to take her unmerciful quizzes the next week.

Last night consisted of me failing my first quiz in that class, trying to keep up with her short (but detailed) lecture, and then learning how to make blood smears.

For those of you who do not know what a blood smear is, how you make one, or why we need one, here is a run down - The blood smear is done so that you can take a look under the microscope to see what is going on with their blood. Trying to find any abnormalities. Our instructor would not let you go home until you were able to create 10 blood smears that were up to her standards - then dye two of them for research next week. To make them you take a drop of blood and smear it across a slide using this very "simple" technique...



Looks easy enough right? WRONG! Last night I spent two and a half hours doing that process over and over again to try and get just ten good blood smears. Other people got theirs done in about a half hour, some even an hour. But once I reached my two hour mark I had ENOUGH! When I get very frustrated my face turns red, and I end up looking like this -


Actually, while I was in class my face was a lot more red then that. That picture was taken of me when I got home and had a little bit of time to cool off. It is still embarrassing when my other classmates and teacher could see how upset I was getting over such a simple task. My face easily shows when I am mad, frustrated, or embarrassed.

Eventually though - I did it. It only took me two and a half hours to get ten good blood smears and dye two of them.

TA DA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think from here on out I will be a damn good blood smear maker. After all of that practice, how could I not be?