For the Love of Pinot Memorial Scholarship and Dr. Rocky J. Deutsch Tribute

It was always a surprise what animal I was ahold of. Some days it was lizards and frogs, other days it was a pack of stray dogs following me, watching eagerly as I placed a bowl down full of food and water. My earliest memories are with animals, at 2 months old I was already mounted on a horse my uncle had at his ranch. I loved going there. What others viewed as an untamed, rustic, old ranch I viewed as an amusement park, that was my Disney World. When I wasn't outside playing with dogs or picking up rocks and examining the rollie pollies under them, I would immerse myself in the world of The Incredible Dr.Pol to see what new animal he was treating or The Wild Kratts and the new mission Chris & Martin had to save endangered species from being exotic food or fashion. Although my young mind couldn’t quite understand what Dr. Pol was doing since it was in English, I knew I wanted to be like him. I knew I wanted to work with animals and make them feel better. It wasn’t until personal research in high school that I clearly understood what a Veterinarian was and the different animal careers I could pursue. Although I knew what I wanted, I never heard of this field in school. I felt odd, I was the only one wanting to work with animals in our grade. I tried to fit in by changing interests. Yet every day coming home, seeing the multitude of abandoned stray animals in my low-income neighborhood, many of which were abandoned for lack of money and no Vet nearby, made me feel helpless. Deep down inside, I knew I had to do something about it. This desire was confirmed when I was selected nationwide to work at Banfield Pet Hospital through the NextVet internship program. I would wake up with a smile eager to go to work. My manager would get on to me for staying past my scheduled hours, but I did not want to go home. Every day was something different, and every day I learned something new. Restraining patients, getting blood work, and providing care was a beautiful experience. Being able to see the progress of patients who came in with severe cases, such as Demodex, and seeing how they got better and better until they were smiling and wagging their tails again was something that touched me. I keep all the patients I helped treat in my heart because their paws left a mark on my soul. Of course, there were bad days, having to translate to Spanish-speaking clients who couldn’t afford the life-saving treatment was hard but it made me stronger and even more dedicated to spreading awareness about preventative care. This opportunity made me realize that there are two sides to the leash. You’re not only treating the patient but the client as well. It is so important to educate people and this gave me the courage to make a change in my school for the lack of animal career exposure by starting my own club, United Paws Animal Club. We have partnered up with the SPCA shelter of Dallas to provide community service opportunities, help shelter animals, bring speakers in animal careers to school, etc. But it doesn’t end here, I have many more ideas to continue helping animals. Every animal has their story and I will make sure their stories are heard. Animals are here with us, not for us. I am Estrella and I will continue being the voice animals don’t have.

Standing in the surgery room at Town and Country Animal Hospital, I prepared to be handed a puppy. Dr. Kyle Heasley was performing a C-section on an English Bull Dog. He dropped the first pup into my hands, and I began vigorously rubbing to stimulate it. Being responsible for this newborn creature was nerve wracking and exhilarating. As the mom recovered and the pups gained their strength, I felt fulfilled and grateful to have been a part of bringing new life into the world. This experience made me realize that I want to be the vet delivering newborn animals. Working at Town and Country solidified my drive to become a veterinarian. At this practice, I learned how to properly restrain animals, draw blood, take histories, and make pets comfortable. I have observed doctors diagnose and treat patients with compassion and efficiency. Dr. Phil Aquadro, the owner, takes the time to explain diseases, vaccines, and procedures to pet owners in a way they understand. Through Dr. Phil’s interactions his knowledge is evident, and I learn something each time I assist him. I have gained confidence in answering client questions and experience with common practices. Growing up in a rural area, I feel a drive to help animals of all species. Being a member of the FFA, I learned the importance of animal health and welfare. I had the opportunity to travel to a dairy farm with Dr. Deanna Trearchis. Here I learned about a cow’s reproductive cycle, and how an ultrasound is used to view a cow’s uterus. I had the opportunity to palpate a heifer and was thrilled to feel the “buzz” of the middle uterine artery which helped confirm the heifer was pregnant. I am excited to one day use an ultrasound myself to determine the stage of the estrous cycle of the cow. On a farm call with Dr. Kyle, I had the opportunity to help with five goat castrations during a severe thunderstorm. While making quick decisions, nothing distracted him from the animal’s welfare. I was fascinated by his use of a Newberry knife and Henderson castrating tool. As I helped prepare each goat for castration and handed the tools to the doctor, I learned the use of each tool and want to be precise and focused during procedures. As a member of the Schreyer Honors College, I am completing a thesis, with the help of Dr. Van Saun, on the transfer of colostrum from ewe to lamb. Taking the Sheep and Goat Production and Management class helped me learn the importance of colostrum. This knowledge was useful while I processed samples in the lab weekly. Contributing to the veterinary field, even if it may be in a small way, is rewarding. Although the process of becoming a veterinarian is demanding, I am prepared to take on the challenge. I have always been driven to help people and animals and want to continue doing that by becoming a veterinarian. Whether it be welcoming new life into the world, treating sick animals, or helping animals have a painless passing, I am eager to learn and care for animals and their owners.