When Molly’s mom (my much-loved niece Maggie) asked me to design a Future Veterinarian name badge for her daughter’s Halloween costume it made me smile.
It wasn’t just because I adore this little girl (I do, and I adore her 2 siblings as well) but I love it when a youngster has a purpose at such a young age. Especially when it centers around animals, one of my obvious passions.
Of course, I count many hundreds of veterinarians among my friends and customers. Not than I’m prejudiced towards that profession…(haha…of course I am)
I can’t wait to see if Molly maintains this interest as she grows older. I wouldn’t be surprised. She’s also a super skilled young wrestler. Now that’s something that could come in handy as a vet. I’ve seen a few big animals that might require some “physical persuasion” in a veterinary office.
Generations of Animal Lovers
My sister Holly (Maggie’s mom) is an animal addict too. This “animal addiction” seems to be hereditary. But thus far none of us has taken up an animal related field as a profession, unless my being an animal jeweler counts. (I think it should)
Our mom Kathryn was an artist as well as an animal lover. We had a houseful of critters as kids, including a hamster, a couple of turtles, tropical fish, a couple of Dalmatians and a tabby cat. And of course assorted tadpoles, salamanders, caterpillars and Daddy longleg spiders that really enjoyed liverwurst.
I found animals fascinating, and as a kid even carried earthworms around with me in a little satchel while riding my orange-tired bicycle up and down the sidewalks of our hometown. I’m not really clear what I had in mind at the time. But I’m pretty sure the worms didn’t mind. Who knows? Maybe they thought it was exhilarating.
Neither me nor any of my 3 siblings have been long without an animal companion of some sort.
And my grandkids, (though some of them are admittedly anxious around the creepy crawly types) love animals as well. They have grown up with cats. But that affection has definitely transferred and blossomed with the addition of our latest menagerie members, the lovely chestnut horse “Sweets” and her adorable (and increasingly fluffy as the days get colder) equine companion “Lena.”
Exotic Animal Pets
I never did get the skunk or duck or chameleon pets I longed for as a child. But luckily, I can feed my fascination with the more exotic types by designing them as jewelry. You’ve may have noticed a few when browsing through my website.
I think Vets treating exotic animals must have an interesting time of it. And I will forever be amazed, astounded and impressed with what it takes to be a veterinarian. After all, they are not mere doctors of one species like our human MDs and specialists. They have to treat a tremendous variety of body types, especially those handling reptiles, birds and so on.
So Molly, I wish you the very best in your future career. If your interest in Veterinary medicine doesn’t wane, you will be joining (in my opinion) one of the smartest, most caring professions on the planet.
And now, it’s your turn to tell me what your youngest family members want to be when THEY grow up! I would love to hear the range of careers your little ones are interested in.
Your Animal Loving Artist,
Merry
Lisa B Maidman says
Adorable! Your house looks gorgeous, by the way. Have to ask, how hot does it get where you live? Thinking of retiring somewhere other than Las Vegas, can’t take the intense heat of the summer. I can handle 80, but that’s about it. I also love the cold. Wear my Frenchie pendant along with my wombat, always get so many compliments, and I always tell them where to get theirs!! Keep up the good work, Still waiting on cockatiel charm, as I recently acquired two :). Happy turkey day!!!
Merry says
Hi Lisa, It does get pretty warm here in the summer, but only for a month or so. It always cools off a night, 50 degrees or so, even in the summer. So glad you’re enjoying your pendants, and thank you for sending people to my website! Maybe next year on the cockatiel…you never know!
Merry
Gail W Beck says
Very sweet! ❤
Merry says
Thank you, Gail!
Tammy Stumpff says
With growing up in such a deeply empathetic environment , I’m not a bit surprised she wants to be a vet. Being empathetic will serve her well in many professions and life in general, as well as a career in vet med. I was her age when I decided to be a vet and she reminds me of myself. Good luck to her ! Perhaps
She will be able to wear your vet symbol proud someday, like I do everyday. Thanks for all you do!
Merry says
What a lovely message, Dr. Stumpff! She will be thrilled to hear that. Thank you so much for your kind words. – Merry
Susan Dorsey says
My daughter was like this. She decided early on that she was going to be a vet. She became a junior zookeeper in the children’s zoo at the Dallas zoo. She volunteered at the city shelter. In high school, she was in a program where she could intern with a vet. She received a full academic scholarship to the University of Texas at Dallas where she obtained a degree in biology/microbiology. Then she was off to veterinary school at Texas A&M. She currently practices in North Dallas. Dreams do come true.
Merry says
What a lovely story! I will pass this on to my niece and her daughter. – Merry
Patricia Taylor says
My daughter decided at age of 8 that she wanted to be a veterinarian too. Today, she is in her final year of vet school! So very proud of her hard work & dedication to fulfill her goal.
Merry says
Wow, that is so wonderful! Your daughter (and you as an obviously proud mom) deserve much applause. – Merry