Tree Of Life For Animals

Petra was our volunteer vet for over 3 months in 2006. Read about her experiences at our hospital in India.

‘I heard about Rachel, and the great work she was beginning in India, while seeing practice at a veterinary clinic that she had left. I had planned to do some voluntary work after finishing university and this seemed like the perfect opportunity. During my studies I didn’t get to do much hands on work and my confidence in my knowledge and abilities was greatly lacking.

I whizzed off straight after my graduation ceremony, first to a charity clinic in Thailand. I got accustomed to working under less civilised conditions, adapting to a different culture and got my first bitter taste of animal cruelty. That said, NOTHING could prepare me for the extremes that I faced in India.

I had never travelled much outside Europe so the Indian culture fascinated and at times bewildered me. I got a unique insight into the Indian way of life from the amazing guys at the hospital, something you can never experience as a tourist. I had to make many adjustments in order to fit in, from leaving the vest tops behind to waking up early to spend over an hour cooking chapati and curry before work.

Being a new graduate and suddenly having the responsibility to run a hospital, knowing that if I didn’t do it no one else would, was a real test to my character. As time went on I became more confident and things that had previously made me want to run away on the next train to Delhi, like amputating a dogs leg, became almost routine. This was largely due to the confidence and support I got from Rachel, who really was an inspiration to me. My one month stay ended up being over three and that was largely due to the dedicated, hard working staff that work at the hospital, who never failed to put a smile on my face. They really welcomed me in and I got to take part in many personal things, which really touched me. The work at the hospital was the biggest challenge that I think I will ever face and knowing I got through it gives me strength to face anything that comes my way now.

I would highly recommend volunteering at TOLFA and not a day goes by when I don’t think of my time there with a warm glow. Whether you’e a new graduate needing that confidence boost, or even a more experienced vet or nurse wanting an exciting challenge, you will leave with no regrets, only amazing memories.

I find it hard to sum up my time at TOLFA in a few short paragraphs as I think my true emotions about the place only come out on my face when I talk about it.

Thank you Rachel for giving me this opportunity and allowing me to be a part of something so wonderful.’

Petra helping to treat a cow

Petra the vet relaxing with one of her amputee patients

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 12th, 2006 at 12:16 and is filed under Previous Volunteers. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.