My Veterinary Externship at Leader Dog

My full circle experience

Hi everyone! I’m Chelsea, and I’m thrilled to share my experiences as a veterinary extern at Leader Dogs for the Blind. My connection to this organization is both personal and professional, and it’s been a rewarding journey so far. From Leader Dog’s involvement in my family to my current role as a veterinary extern, I’ve had the chance to see the impact of this organization up close. Here’s a glimpse into my experience and what I’ve learned along the way.

Chelsea with Leader Dog Mom Piper, a yellow Labrador, the day she was picked up from Leader Dog.

Leader Dog Mom Penny, a black Labrador, with one of her litters of five puppies.

Family Legacy to Professional Passion

My story with Leader Dog began when I was quite young. My aunt Karen, who was a longtime client, received her first Leader Dog when she was just 20. Over the years, she had several Leader Dogs until she passed away in 2009. After her passing, my mom and I stayed involved with Leader Dog as breeding hosts.

I was only 11 years old when we took our first Leader Dog Mom Penny, a black Labrador retriever. After Penny retired, we hosted and later adopted Leader Dog Mom Piper.

It was incredible to witness the entire process from the birth of the puppies to their growth and development. I was so invested that I would even sleep in the same room as the puppies!

Chelsea holding a young Leader Dog puppy wrapped in a blanket inside the veterinary clinic at Leader Dog.

A unique experience

Now, as a veterinary student, my externship at Leader Dog has been an eye-opening experience. I’ve had the opportunity to actively diagnose and treat various conditions, administer vaccines and assist with ultrasounds and radiographs. It’s been a fantastic learning opportunity, especially in breeding practices.

One of the unique parts of this experience for me was the extensive dive Leader Dog takes into breeding. Most general practices only do spay and neuters, so breeding isn’t something I had been exposed to in my other externships. Plus, with Dr. McRae recently joining the team as a board-certified breeding specialist, I had the opportunity to ask her questions and learn a lot more about the latest science in breeding.

One of the most memorable moments was observing a C-section. While I’ve seen similar procedures in other contexts, seeing it here, within the framework of Leader Dog’s mission, added a new dimension to my understanding.

The Leader Dog Impact

What has truly stood out for me is the supportive environment and the chance to see Leader Dog’s mission in action. Working with the doctors has been incredibly rewarding.

Living at the residence has also been a unique part of my experience. It’s been amazing to see the journey from the birth of the puppies to their training and eventual placement with clients. This full-circle experience has been deeply fulfilling and reminds me of the significant impact we can have through our work.

Chelsea standing over a surgical table where a black Labrador Leader Dog is seen recovering from a procedure in the veterinary clinic at Leader Dog.

Looking Ahead

As I approach the end of my veterinary program, I’m excited about what the future holds. I’m set to graduate in May 2025 and am looking forward to taking my board exams. My goal is to become a mixed animal mobile veterinarian, running my own practice and traveling to see clients in their homes. I’m passionate about working with both small and large animals and providing accessible care to diverse communities.

Summing it up

My experiences at Leader Dog have been a blend of personal passion and professional growth. I’m excited to carry these lessons forward in my veterinary career and to continue making a difference in the lives of both animals and people. Thanks for joining me on this journey!

Leader Dog Graduate and Chelsea’s Aunt Karen with her Leader Dog JR.