Lets Get This Forum Going......

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

Iain

Semental Blanco
7+ Year Member
15+ Year Member
20+ Year Member
Joined
Nov 16, 2001
Messages
379
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Age
42
Location
MA
Website
www.iainholmes.com
I am not sure why this forum lacks the activity all the other forums have - maybe it is because many pre-vet/vet students skip over SDN as a pre-med/med site, maybe it is because pre-vet/vet students are far busier studying then their medical school counterparts, or it could be something I am totally oblivious too. Regardless of the reason, I have decided to single handedly try and get this forum up and running. I admit my motives are selfish - I want this place to be active, for me - however it is inevitable going to attract and benefit many others.

So how are we are going to get this forum started? This is the part, which I struggle with. We could post pictures of scantily clad models - however that is likely to attract more med/pre-med students who will use this as a place to ask questions about sick Fluffy/Rover.

It would likely be beneficial to post more of an introduction. I am getting ready to endeavor on a post-bacc program. I graduated University in England, with a business degree at the age of 19. At that time I wanted to be Mr. Businessman. I am now 21, and doing quite well for myself - I am working in Sales, have gained some good accounts, top performing salesman, company loves me, etc - however at 5:30 everyday I am itching to get out of there and get down to the barn to see my horses. The way things have progressed over the last 6 months I came to the conclusion that I would really enjoy to be vet, to take care of animals, and I would be foolish not to give it go. I have filled out my application for a post-bacc program locally and just waiting on letters of recommendation, and transcripts to arrive before I can send it off. I am also in the process of organizing volunteer work, both at the local vet, and at the local zoo (in the petting area, with the sheep and goats). I also have to work something out with work, to allow me to have a flexible schedule - I am not particularly concerned about this aspect, as although I am certain my current employer will not allow this (they are far too structured), finding a company that will should not be particularly difficult.

As far as pets, right now I only have 1 dog. His name is 'Wilson' he was meant to be a charity dog for the CCI, however he failed. He is our first failure; we had 7 success stories with Hearing Dogs For The Deaf in England – we like to think he does not understand commands with an American accent. I am also an avid polo player. I have 7 horses I ride and look after. 5 are only part time when their owner is out of town (like today, when I was up at 7:00 to meet the farrier) - the other 2 I ride regularly. I grew up riding horses, and horses are my number 1.

Here are some picture:

WilsonMinime1.jpg

Wilson (My GR)

Dscn0001.jpg

Playing Polo In Australia

misc2.jpg

Riding a Giraffe in London

My goal right now is to get into the post-bacc course, and get exceptional grades. It has been a while since I studied science/math, however I excel in academia I know I just need to plant my head in my books, and I will do fine. Right now I am very excited, a bit nervous (I am leaving a good paying job) but I just want to get the ball rolling and get on my way!
 
I've noticed how slow this forum is too. I'm on a dog forum that I have to go to several times a day to keep up, usually spend a few hours a day on it. But here it seems I just check up on it about once every couple of weeks or so. I guess I would rather talk about my dogs and other people's dogs rather than my schooling *yuck*.

I love dogs and horses. I've always had dogs but I've never owned my own horse, though I have ridden quite a bit. I used to think that I was going to specialize in an area involving horses, but I am now planning on specializing in small animal behavior, mainly dogs. I'll graduate undergrad this year and hopefully get into Oklahoma State for vet school next year. I have five dogs right now, I did have six but one died a few weeks ago from an infection caused by whip worm.

Here's some pictures of my dogs. The three together from left to right are Romper, Patches and Ginger. The two Lab mixes are Gemini in front and Mystic in the back. The last one is Ruffles, he's the one I lost. Right now I go to college in Kentucky so I really miss my dogs while I'm in school. But when I go to vet school I'll be much closer to home so I can be with them more. Only one more semester, it's hard to believe. Can't think of anything else to say so I'll just leave you to look at my beautiful babies. 😀
 

Attachments

  • threeDogsSmaller.JPG
    threeDogsSmaller.JPG
    5.9 KB · Views: 361
  • Gem-MystSmall.JPG
    Gem-MystSmall.JPG
    12.7 KB · Views: 192
  • rufflesClose.jpg
    rufflesClose.jpg
    32.8 KB · Views: 218
Yes, I've noticed too - perhaps if we posted a little intro as Iain has done, then maybe that would help.

Myself - I'm a 36 year old mom of two, finishing my undergrad late in life after getting extremely burnt out as a bank supervisor. Like business, just no challenge in it anymore for me. I've always loved animals. Can't remember a time when I didn't want to be a vet - just life and a weakness in math got in the way. I've had horses, dogs, cats, fish, snakes - you name it, I've had it. Currently, I have a 14y/o mixed breed dog, a 10y/o cat, and around 4-5 fishes in my pond (I think - they keep multiplying!!).

Anyway - that's me in a nutshell. I'll post some pics of my animals when I can!! Cheers!
 
Hey, this looks like fun! (love the pic of you on the giraff, btw)

I'm 24 yr old Canuck starting my second year of pre-req for the DVM program at Saskatoon. I might be able to go to the new vet school opening in 2006 here in Calgary, but they are only doing large animal vet.

I have a black DSH cat (male) named Cowboy, a bearded dragon named Icosane and various snails and fish. Oh, and a silkworm colony that I'm trying to get off the ground. It's hard to breed them, but I think I've got a female that bred last night and is laying (hopefully fertile) eggs today.

I'd like to do exotics, but will possibly have to do some large animal first; one of the drawbacks of living in cattle country.
 
Hi everyone,

I'm 33, live in Berkeley, California, am changing careers. I originally majored in History at a small liberal arts college. After working as a non-profit administrator, a computer programmer, a web developer and now a university data analyst, I have decided that I cannot, will not spend the rest of my working life in a cubicle. I've been considering becoming a veterinarian for years, and have decided that now is the right time to begin working towards that goal.

I feel slightly guilty, like I'm getting away with something, because in February 2006, I will be attending Massey University's pre-selection semester -- and then hopefully their professional program -- instead of taking the long and costly UC Davis route.

My New Year's resolution is to learn horseback riding, so seeing Iain so nimbly astride his polo pony makes me green with envy!

I've attached a photo of my 10 year old Australian Shepherd Silas. My digital camera has since broken, otherwise I'd share a picture of my ducks and chickens, too.

Cheers,

Laura
 

Attachments

  • SilasBillyGoat300H.jpg
    SilasBillyGoat300H.jpg
    23.2 KB · Views: 188
laurafinn said:
My New Year's resolution is to learn horseback riding, so seeing Iain so nimbly astride his polo pony makes me green with envy!

Good stuff - you will really enjoy it. Lots to learn, but lots of reward and lots of fun. My only piece of advice is to find a nice quiet horse that you can master the basics on, and build your confidence on. Down here in California I see so many people so badly mounted it is amazing. I think if I see another 20-25 year old girl who 'rode when she was younger' buy a young one with the idea to bring it on - I will explode!
 
Iain said:
find a nice quiet horse that you can master the basics on

No worries there! I'm going to ask for the slowest, most docile horse the school has. My goal for this year is modest: learn how to care for a horse and how not to fall off. 🙂
 
laurafinn said:
No worries there! I'm going to ask for the slowest, most docile horse the school has. My goal for this year is modest: learn how to care for a horse and how not to fall off. 🙂

Just try and spend as much time down at the stables as you can - the more you see the more your learn. Do not be scared to fall off, we all have infact in polo if you do fall off a couple times a season - you are not trying hard enough!
 
Top Bottom