As an only child that grew up with basset hounds as my “siblings”, I’ve always had a close connection to dogs. I started my life with a nurturing basset hound named Bailey. He was quite literally always by my side as an infant and toddler, protecting me from any potential danger. Tucker, the most headstrong basset I have ever met, joined Bailey when I was 7, and he continues to push my buttons every day. Bailey unfortunately passed a couple years later, but Tucker is still kicking today at 13. Tucker went through the hardest time in my life with me, my parents’ separation and divorce, and I cannot fathom what I would’ve done without him. With reluctance from Tucker, my mom and I brought Phoebe home when I was 12. She lit up our once grief stricken home with joy and comic relief. Fittingly, she is Phoebe Buffay’s personality in a basset hound body. My love for animals can be credited to these three fine bassets I have grown up with, and my passion for veterinary medicine stems from that love as well as my compassion for humans and my fascination for science and medicine. I have experienced the endless love that animals offer to humans, and I believe that they should be given the same amount of love and care back. Working with animals and their owners on a daily basis will give me the opportunity to impact the lives of many. I know, firsthand, how special the bond is between owners and their pets, and it is absolutely heart wrenching to know that your pet is in pain, but you cannot communicate with them to fully understand it. That’s why I believe the role of a veterinarian is so unique and essential as they act as the translator, helping owners better understand why their animals are feeling the way they are. My ultimate goal is to become a small animal veterinarian, and I hope to provide the best quality treatment to animals and a sense of peace and transparency to owners. Communication is so important in the veterinary field because the relationships and interactions with owners are so important to helping treat their animals. I see the job as a privilege and honor as I understand how hard it can be to trust someone else with your beloved pet. With my senior basset, Tucker, it can be stressful taking him to the vet due to his anxiety and various other health issues, so having a veterinarian who sincerely understands our concerns and has patience with his complicated personality means a lot. Tucker is the sweetest, most loving dog to me and my mom, but his anxiety can be heightened and turn into aggression when he is meeting new people, especially if he is also dealing with his limited mobility. He has allowed me to widen my perspective and take a more considerate approach as I learn how to interact with each animal and owner that I come in contact with. Therefore, it is my goal to establish a reputation as a veterinarian who truly cares for the animals I treat, being an advocate for them, and helping them as though they are my own. In the same way, I want owners to feel assured that I am on their side and that I can help them give their pets the best quality of life possible.