From pet lover to pet healer
This animal lover made up her mind to study toward her passion and is proud to say all her hard work is paying off.
POLOKWANE – Veterinary Assistant Rose Maheya says love for animals from a young age prompted her decision to study toward her goal of becoming a vet and she is well on course to doing just that.
Rose is in her final year of studies in animal health sciences, which she is doing through Unisa. She is currently working at Capricorn Animal Health, a veterinary clinic in Witklip Street, which she says is the perfect start to building her career. She is gaining experience working with Dr Takalane Netshituni, who opened the clinic last year. She says she met Dr Netshituni during her work-integrated learning practical at the Polokwane State Veterinarian, and he in turn gave her a chance by employing her as his assistant.
“Working with Dr Netshituni has given me the best experience I could ask for. He is a wonderful mentor and I have learned so much from him,” she says.
Her role at the clinic is to prepare instruments during operations, assist pet owners by giving diagnosis, advising on the medication they should use and she also vaccinates dogs and livestock, on occasion.
“My favourite part of my work is being able to assist with operations. I have always wanted to be a doctor and I find the operations fascinating,” she says.
Rose says a positive aspect of working in the position she is in is that she is constantly inspired to pursue her dreams and she also gets to pay it forward by helping sick animals.
“I have always loved animals and helping heal someone’s pet is satisfying because you see the love they have for their animals, and that is all I want to do, to help others.” In her spare time, Rose studies but she also loves being out with loved ones and is an avid reader. “I can’t count the number of books and novels I have at home,” she says. In five years time, Rose wants to be a qualified veterinarian.
