Blood, sweat, tears, frustration, elation and accomplishment are only some of the emotions experienced in a single day by the new veterinarian at the Community Led Animal Welfare (Claw) organisation.
Marike Calitz (29) is the newest addition to the Claw family. She was born in Bloemfontein but has lived in Johannesburg since she was six years old. “Johannesburg is one of my favourite places and I would like to stay here forever,” she said.
The Claw clinic in Luipaardsvlei is a very busy place and the veterinarians have their work cut out for them. The job is tough and demanding and demands a lot of commitment and determination from them. Marike says that she is a very determined person who loves doing what she does.
A normal day in her life starts by waking up and driving to work. Upon arrival she completes the morning treatments for the animals at the clinic. Then she does surgery, averaging between eight and 10 sterilisations a day and even some amputations. If she has the time, she will have some lunch and continue with the afternoon treatments. After all this, she returns home and has some dinner while watching an episode of her favourite TV series. Before going to sleep, she unwinds by reading a bit.
With a busy day like this and experiencing the abuse and hurt done to animals the big question is: Why? Why does she do this job?
Her answer was simple: “To make a difference and show compassion towards a community which includes humans and animals.” She said she loves the human-animal interaction and has the skills and ability to preserve that special relationship between them.
When asked what she does in her spare time, she laughed and replied, “I don’t have much of that, but when I do have some, I love to sleep! Reading is also one of my favourite things to do. I also love spending some time with my animal children.” She has two cats, a bearded dragon and a three-legged Jack Russel.
Marike sees a lot of sad and horrible things happening to animals and yet she keeps on offering assistance where she can. The Record asked her what motivates her. Her response was: “The fact that I can make a difference in people’s and animal’s lives by prolonging a beloved cat or dog’s life for as long as possible.”
When she needs more motivation or is having an off day, she reads her favourite Bible passage which is Isaiah 43:1–2: “Do not be afraid – I will save you. I have called you by name – you are Mine. When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you; your troubles will not overwhelm you.”
She motivates other people by treating them in such a way that they are inspired to motivate themselves. She said, “By treating other people with respect you create a relationship that allows you to motivate them in small ways every day.”
Asking about her one vice elicited a surprised exclamation from Marike. “Only one vice?! It must be Coke and watching a series,” she laughingly answered.
Fake people irritate her the most, and she calls them mutton dressed as lamb.
To her, the essence of being a woman is someone who is caring, compassionate and nurturing.
Her message to women, especially the younger ones, is this: “You can do anything. Do not let anyone make you believe otherwise. You can do anything you put your mind (and hard work) to. Don’t sell yourself short. Believe in yourself and respect others.”
She left us with her favourite saying: “Remember, dynamite comes in small packages!”
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