Getting to know: Sydney!
July 16, 2020
Next in our “catch-up” series highlighting our newest staff is Sydney, one of our amazing Veterinary Assistants! She’s worked for Grand Avenue Veterinary Center since September of 2018, and her flexibility and willingness to jump in wherever needed has made her a wonderful asset to our team!
What made you decide to work in this field?
I love working with animals! Being around them and helping them every day makes me so happy. I volunteered at the Wildlife Rehab Center when I was younger (Waterfowl and Avian) and loved working with the birds one on one. I think this really pushed me towards a career with animals.
Where did you go to school?
I grew up in Roseville, going to Parkview Center School, then Roseville Area High School. I started at Argosy to become a Veterinary Technician, but the school closed. I’m currently enrolled in an online program with San Juan College, and still working towards becoming a Certified Veterinary Technician.
Do you have an area of special interest in veterinary medicine?
Before I was working with in a clinic, I was very interested in wildlife medicine. I still am interested, but working at Grand Avenue Veterinary Center has shown me how much I also enjoy working with pets – cats especially. I’d also enjoy work with exotic animals, such as reptiles, birds, rabbits, ect.
Tell us about your pets.
I grew up with 1 dog, a yellow lab named Jack. I was an only child, so I felt very close with him, like he was my brother. I had some smaller pets like fish, frogs/toads and hamsters growing up, as well as a tarantula and Madagascar hissing cockroaches from my mom’s work as a life science teacher. There were always critters around and I loved it. When I got older my mother and I adopted a Lovebird who still lives with my mom her name is Cici.
When I was going to school at Argosy, I found a kitten named Jughead. I immediately felt a connection, so I adopted him, and renamed him Oliver. He is extremely affectionate and loving, always wanting to be around people and get belly rubs. He loves window watching and has dedicated many hours to squirrel watching. Unfortunately, he has a taste for my spider plant, so it stays very short and “trimmed” no problems with overgrowing. Thankfully, he doesn’t care for any of my other plant.
I had been wanting to adopt another young cat to be a play mate for Oliver, and last fall my co-worker Heather B. was fostering a cat who had a large litter. I fell in love with this tiny, spunky buff tabby kitten, and brought him home. His name is Buffy and he turned 1 year old on May 26th. He is a very affectionate cat, who gets himself into a lot of trouble. Extremely vocal and food motivated. He wants everything he can’t have… beer, chocolate, the food I’m currently eating. It took about a week for Buffy and Oliver to get use to each other, but now they are best friends. They play together, sleep together, groom each other, they are brothers.
I hope to one day have a large dog and snake!
What was your favorite food when you were a child?
When I was a little girl my dad would make my lunch, and every day I had the same meal: a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup, with Cheez-its, pickles, and a glass of milk. While I enjoyed my favorite meal, I watched my favorite movie the Lion King. EVERYDAY!
What is your favorite indoor or outdoor activity?
Shady outdoor activities because I am sensitive to the sun, but I love to be outside. I love hiking, laying in a hammock, sitting outside, playing tennis, boating, camping, and downhill skiing in the winter.
What chores do you hate doing?
I haven’t had a dishwasher in 5 years, so I am pretty sick of hand washing dishes!
What is your favorite time of the day/day of the week/month of the year?
I love May and June, when everything is alive and green.
What sound do you love?
I love the sound cats make when they angry eat. I see it a lot at the clinic. A cat that doesn’t want to be handled or poked but is so food motivated they let you do it anyway, but grumble angrily while eating!
What was the first thing you bought with your own money?
I don’t remember the first thing I ever bought, but I do remember doing weekly chores and getting a dollar a week from my parents. I would save up 5 dollars and buy a Kelly doll from the store. I had so many Kelly dolls. My dog Jack (yellow lab) would find them and chew them up.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
I would like the ability to communicate with animals or fly.
What are you reading now?
Currently listening to the Game of Throne series on audiobook.
What is the last movie you saw?
With the pandemic, I’ve been spending more time at home, so I’ve been watching a lot more movies and shows lately. Most recently just finished watching Picard, and WestWorld tv series.
Tell us about your history with Grand Avenue Veterinary Center.
I started at Grand Avenue Veterinary Center in September 2018. I work as a veterinary assistant. I have a wide range or roles: I work in the call center, at the front desk, as an exam tech, and have cleaning duties. I hope to one day become a Certified Veterinary Technician for Grand Avenue Veterinary Center.
