when did you start working as a vet for wvs
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I finished vet school in 2012 and wanted to work for an NGO (non-government organization) so I volunteered for Mission Rabies. I joined WVS in May 2013 and I have been enjoying each and every moment!
why is working for wvs important to you?
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We work 24/7 for the animals. Animals can’t express themselves through words, so we try to understand their emotions and help them out when they have no one else. A good example of this is the when we find donkeys with wounds and treat them at our donkey outreach clinics. It is really nice to see how the wound closes in a few days and how it can drastically improve in a few weeks. I know then that I have made a real difference to the animal’s wellbeing.
Meeting a family from Karamadai who earn their livelihood from donkeys really fascinated me. There are three brothers and a sister, and they all work with donkeys. The sister used to take the donkeys to collect clothes from people for laundry and she also used to sell donkey milk. The three brothers work together and use the animals in farms for transporting materials. So the donkeys really are vital for the family’s work and I have never seen a family who love their animals so much. I’m just so glad I can use my skills to help them.
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what has been the highlight of your career?
The most challenging part is keeping updated with the newest techniques and treatment practices. The flap techniques for wound closures have been particularly challenging but really test my skills which is amazing! I am really grateful to all the participants and volunteers who come here - they teach me much more than I teach them! I feel like I am more of a student here than a trainer most of the time!
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what is the most challenging part of the job?
WVS is the place to work if you want to acquire knowledge alongside experience. The training is like a University on its own. We learn first, practice later by using these skills for real lifesaving work, and finally we teach. There isn’t a dull moment! Whether it is out at the donkey camps, improving their health through treating colic or harness wounds, or educating the families, to working at the ITC to improve surgical skills, we are always busy learning and helping the animals! It is the place to be for those who want to do something useful in society and thus make their life more meaningful by giving back to those who need it most.
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how would you explain wvs to someone new?
find out about the others!
ASWIN is a vet...
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