Sam Olson is beginning her final year in the Veterinary Technology program at Kent State University at Trumbull. In doing so, she has decided to make her final fall semester a memorable one.
After seeing four one-week-old kittens that were dropped off at the Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County, she decided to put her acquired skills into action.
Olson completed paperwork to become a foster parent to the four kittens. She is essentially trying to nurse the kittens to adoption age, which means around-the-clock care. Kittens require bottle-feeding every two to three hours.
“I have always loved animals, so the Veterinary Technology program is a great way to turn my passion into a career,” Olson says. “And taking care of these kittens is excellent hands-on experience.”
The Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County supplies Olson with food and other resources for the kittens. Melissa Best, program coordinator for Kent State Trumbull’s Veterinary Technology program, provides expertise.
“Young kittens have a difficult time surviving without their mother,” Best says. “Sam is using class and clinical skills to give these kittens their best chance to survive.”
If Olson is successful, all the kittens will return to the Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County to be placed for adoption.
“This is one of the ways we are helping to meet some of the needs in this community,” Best says. “Through the Veterinary Technology program, we are developing this great relationship with the Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County.”
Kent State Trumbull’s Veterinary Technology associate degree program prepares students to become registered veterinary technicians who provide professional care in the challenging and widely varied field of veterinary medicine. Students learn the critical thinking skills and clinical competence needed to become an integral member of a veterinary healthcare team. They gain experience interacting with clients, performing initial physical examinations, taking and developing X-rays, collecting blood samples and conducting laboratory tests, administering anesthesia, and providing nursing and surgical support and assistance.
For more information about animal adoption or becoming an animal volunteer or foster parent, contact Kayley Frost, volunteer coordinator for the Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County, at 330-539-5300 or email infoawl@dtinc.net.
