WARNING: This post contains graphic images not meant for those with weak stomachs. (Mom, this means you. You'll probably want to skip the first few pictures.)
Steph is veterinarian - but not just any vet. Yeah, she works out of a clinic that treats the usual dogs, cats, rabbits, whatnot. But the other part of her job, and her true passion, is working with larger livestock. We give her a hard time because her specialty is pigs. She has traveled all over the world to learn from the best sources. She has a ridiculous amount of certifications and awards, not to mention her 2 doctorate degrees. She is the most highly regarded livestock vet in the area and treats animals at hundreds of farms - hundreds of animals on each farm. You can do the math. When we are driving somewhere, it's not uncommon for Steph to point at a pasture and go, "I know those cows."
Steph let me go with her to work and shadow her throughout the day. I was in for way more than I bargained. First, she had a gruesome surgery planned on a dog whose owner had let it live with a tumor the size of a beach ball. Next, she was called out to a farm to help a cow who was having problems delivering its calf. So, with our rubber boots and plastic smocks on, we drove out to a farm and ultimately she had to perform an emergency C-section to save the calf. Luckily, I thought to bring my camera with me. These are some of the less graphic pictures...
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| The ridiculously large mass hanging out... that's the tumor this poor dog was living with. |
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| The C-section begins. |
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| She's so bad ass. |
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| Success! It's a miracle every time! |
On a happier note... (Mom, you can look now)
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| Someone brought in the cutest Chow puppies for a checkup. | | |
Needless to say, I was in complete awe of Steph, who continued to impress me throughout the day. Not only is she an expert at what she does, but she absolutely loves her work, which makes it all the more inspiring.
Love Love
Lo
