Getting to Know: Anna
October 6, 2013
This week we are getting to know Anna, one of the certified veterinary technicians at Grand Avenue Veterinary Center!
What made you decide to become a veterinary technician?
After high school, I went to the University of Minnesota. Unsure of what I wanted to do with my life, I took some general classes in science, philosophy, and child development but nothing really caught my interest. One day I was watching TV and saw a commercial for veterinary technology at MIM [Medical Institute of Minnesota, now Argosy University], and the rest is history.
Where did you go to school, and what year did you graduate?
I attended the Medical Institute of Minnesota, and it was so long ago I don’t remember the exact year I graduated! [To give you an idea, Anna recently celebrated her 20th anniversary with Grand Avenue Veterinary Center.]
Do you have an area of special interest in veterinary medicine?
I really enjoy assisting in surgery: Preparing patients, monitoring them during procedures and anesthesia, doing dental cleanings, and taking care of them during recovery.
Tell us about your own pets!
I have two dogs and three cats. AnnaBelle is a 9 year old lab cross. Her pregnant mother was fostered by Dr. Brownlee for the Animal Humane Society until her puppies were old enough to go to new homes, and AnnaBelle is one of the puppies from that litter. [You may remember that Dr. Browlee also kept two puppies from that litter, Hank and Daisy, and Office Manager/CVT Amanda adopted their mother, Sconni.] You would never believe that her mom was a lab, since she hates water and will not play ball! Delmon Margaret Pickles Von Corn Dog (aka Dexter) is a 3 year old terrier cross. Chris [another CVT at Grand Avenue Veterinary Center] fosters dogs for a rescue group called Second Chance, and he was one of her foster dogs that I just fell in love with. I LOVE having a little lap dog to snuggle with!
Our cats are Orangie, Pistachio, and Whisper. Our neighbors brought Orangie, an orange tabby who was a neighborhood stray, to me one rainy night and I told my husband we would keep him just until we could find him another home. Of course, fourteen years later he is still with us. Pistachio is a 10 year old siamese cross. Years ago, when my daughter went to a summer day camp at the Animal Humane Society, she fell in love with Pistachio and just had to bring her home so we adopted her. Whisper is a 13 year old cat who was also adopted from the Animal Humane Society.
Tell use about your history with Grand Avenue Veterinary Center
Students in veterinary technology have to do an internship at a veterinary clinic as the final step of their education. I did my internship at Grand Avenue Veterinary Center. A kind of funny story is that I found out I was pregnant with my first child the night before I was supposed to start my internship and I thought maybe they wouldn’t want me to start, but they did. In fact, after my internship and education were complete I was hired to continue on as an employee and have been here ever since.
What was your favorite food when you were a child?
Artichokes. My mom was a nutritionist so we always ate very healthy meals growing up. As a kid, I didn’t care for most of them but I always loved artichokes and the art of eating them. I’ve passed that on to my kids, who love them too.
What is one of your favorite quotes?
From Dr. Suess: “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”
What is your favorite outdoor activity?
Cross country skiing has recently become of my favorite outdoor activities. I’ve always been a downhill skier and thought cross country skiing was too much work, but now I love being able to grab my skis and go anytime I want. Plus, it’s a great workout.
What is your favorite time of the year?
Fall. I love the colors, the smells and the temperatures. It’s perfect!
What is your favorite form of exercise?
Bootcamp. I started a new outdoor class in May and I love it!
What sounds do you love?
The sound of waves crashing. I grew up in Boston and near the ocean is my favorite place to be.
If you could learn anything, what would it be?
I would love to learn climbing and to climb a mountain, but I am terrified of heights so it will probably never happen.
What is the best gift you have ever received?
For my 20th anniversary at Grand Avenue Veterinary Center, a trip to Disney World!
What do you miss most about being a kid? What do you like best about being a grown up?
I miss not having to be responsible. Just being carefree with no worries or concerns. And… I’m a grownup?
What was the last movie you saw?
The Muppets. I love the muppets! I have been watching them since I was a kid and I’m so glad they are coming back in style!
