GAINESVILLE, FL (October 5, 2023) – Kristen Swindle, a veterinary student in the class of 2027 at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. has been awarded the 2023 Walkin’ Pets Veterinary Scholarship. Walkin’ Pets, a NH-based pet mobility company, annually awards this scholarship to support the next generation of veterinarians who will provide compassionate care to animals.
Kristen has dedicated the last 13 years as a veterinary technician. Kristen’s decision to pursue further studies and become a veterinarian is driven by her passion for making a positive impact on the lives of animals and their owners. Kristen has first-hand experience with caring for a pet with special needs. “When my 15-year-old dachshund experienced back pain and lost the use of his back legs, my heart broke for him.” While surgery might have been an option in his younger years, her dachshund’s heart murmur and elevated liver enzymes made anaesthesia a risk. Kristen was determined to explore alternative options. She worked with her dog’s veterinary team to find the best plan for her pet and decided on a dog wheelchair. Kristen’s personal experiences with her own dog have helped to shape her thinking on the importance of a multi-modal approach that she intends to take as a veterinarian. “Ensuring extraordinary care for any animal in need involves a comprehensive approach that incorporates pain management techniques, modern medical tools, and innovative mobility aids like dog wheelchairs. By adopting a multi-modal approach and fostering open communication between veterinarians and pet owners, we can enhance the quality of life for senior pets and others. Extending their time with their families and strengthening the human-animal bond.”
Kristen believes that “Becoming a veterinarian will allow me to play a vital role in safeguarding animal health, a responsibility that extends beyond the individual animals themselves. Animals are integral members of families and communities, and their well-being directly impacts the overall quality of life for humans. With my expanded knowledge and qualifications, I will have the ability to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions, ensuring the welfare of animals and the happiness of their owners.”
Walkin’ Pets is honored to award the 2023 Veterinary Scholarship to someone as deserving as Kristen Swindle.
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