I am a Veterinary Technician, a profession that is rewarding in more ways than one, but a profession that can literally break your heart in two. I began working in an animal hospital in high school and at that time our small community has no humane society to speak of. Stray dogs and cats came in daily and often in groups of two or more. We did our best, and so did our small community, but with zero funds and just not enough homes to go around, we were forced to euthanize countless strays. There were days the staff would all be in tears, knowing there was just not enough resources to do the right thing. It was out of our hands.
I went off to college and later returned to the same animal hospital in the same small community. But things had changed; a small group of volunteers had formed Oregon Outback Humane Society and despite their small number big things were happening. At first the number of strays had not changed, but now we were not having to euthanize. Once it was determined there was no owner, these animals were being spayed and neutered and were being adopted in the community or being shipped all over Oregon to be matched with a new family. And in my three years at this hospital the number of strays that came through our doors drastically dropped. And not only were we not seeing as many strays, but owners were being financially assisted with spaying and neutering their own pets.
Oregon Outback Humane Society has done wonders for the animals and animal lovers in our small town. And not to mention this Vet. Tech. who doesnt get her heart broken nearly as often!