
I'm Dr. Gail Cutler, and I am a Veterinarian - which means that I am an animal doctor. I studied medicine in school just like your regular doctor, but learned how to treat animals instead. My training included large and small animals as well as birds and snakes. I'm a doctor for dogs and cats.
Why did I become a Veterinarian? Like many people, I love animals and enjoy being around them. I couldn't think of a better job than seeing puppies and helping sick pets get better. However, the decision to become an animal doctor happened when I was 11 years old. I thought I had killed my dog.
Bitsy was a very active Beagle mix who was my constant companion. I did not have brothers or sisters so she was great company. I dressed her up, took her for bike rides, and went skateboarding with her.
My parents came from a farm, where most animals just roamed around. They did not believe in keeping a dog in the house and she was very good at escaping from the backyard. Bitsy would wander the neighborhood and eventually come home after her adventures.
One day I called for her and she came running across the street towards me. Suddenly, I heard the screech of brakes and she cried out. In the blink of an eye, I had lost my best friend. I felt like it was all my fault and I was heartbroken.
It was then that I started playing doctor to my stuffed animals. I would bandage them up and give them medicine. I had never been to a Veterinarian's office, but decided that I would be an animal doctor someday.
I know now that I was not at fault for Bitsy's death. She should have been kept safe in a secure yard or with her family in the house. As a kid, I did not know better. Today, we have so much more information available to everyone. I'll be here to answer your questions and write some articles so that we can all learn more.
Dr. Gail