The semester from January to May 2019 I went to this farm animal sanctuary for the first time with the Pre-Veterinary Student Association of my university. There I got to work closely for the first time with farm animals and horses. Later that summer, I got in contact with them and joined their volunteer association. From day 1 it was a hand on experience with each and every one of the giants and small animals that lived there.
I was able to work with horses, cows, goats, sheep, chickens, and even a parrot... in short, I was able to work with EVERYTHING. Assisted in both maintaining biosecurity and cleaning up common areas. Assisted in the treatment and rehabilitation of all animals, assisting with medical and nutritional care. I had my first experience using a stethoscope, using syringes, applying fluid therapy, and cleaning open wounds. I was able to see up close bullet wounds in horses, bone and muscle exposures, I was able to witness the birth of some goats, in short, I got involved in EVERYTHING.
Later I help in the administrative part, organizing events, and documents while keeping the emergency board up to date. Then, I help scout and look for new volunteers, where they put me as a volunteer leader. Where later, I had the opportunity to bring a project called Natura. Which was dedicated to using recycled materials and beautifying the sanctuary areas with flowers and reusable items. I can openly say that unfortunately, it didn't last long, due to weather conditions, and because it was a non-profit foundation, we didn't have a fixed income. Therefore, the priority was always food and medicine for the more than 100 animals that lived there.
I was able to learn so much in less than a year. I learned about the differences between a goat and a sheep, and the differences between Creole horses and Paso Fino horses. There were days that I only focused on organizing the laboratory and taking inventories, while other days I would leave covered in hair and mud from running through the mountains with all the goats and assisting in emergencies. I was able to see behind the scene how the horses were brought by the authorities like the police.
I had accelerated personal and professional growth. My vision at that time of what medicine was and even conservation, took a different course. Thinking more toward the ethical-moral side of the treatment that many animals receive in different environments. In this case, in the meat and production industry. Witnessing many abused and worn animals arriving at the sanctuary. That, when compared to the little experience I had in a clinic, was something super different and a COMPLETELY different joy and passion.
This volunteer experience which was from the summer of 2019 to 2021, in which I actively participated on-site. Help me open my eyes to see that yes I am curious about medicine, but the joy of going out to the field and getting dirty even behind your ears to protect and help animals does not compare in any way.
At that time I didn’t know why I felt so so happy every time I went to the mountains to look for horses or chase the sheep when they left the fold. But now I know, as much as I wanted to improve their health, I also care about giving them a voice within their environment and home. Giving them a voice and a stable position for all those who had never given them an ounce of love and affection.
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