Daughter devistated that she's not old enough to volunteer at vets. - Wanda & Veronica ;. (WandaLou) Journal on ZooToo

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Daughter devistated that she's not old enough to volunteer at vets.

Posted by Wanda & Veronica ;. (WandaLou) in General

posted on:

Nov '08

2:31am

featuring:

I'm gonna be an animal cop some day!

My daughter has loved animals since she was a baby. She will be 15. She called me up on the phone crying hysterically & took a few min. for her to calm down so I could understand her. She came home from school & was so happy to see that the vet called her back. When she called them they asked her age. I felt so bad for her. She was still crying when I got home, a 20 min. drive. She has been trying to find different ways for 2 years now on how she can be around animals. Her goal is to be an animal cop & rescue animals from abusive familys & more. She wants to adopt every pet that she sees that don't have a home. We went to the Humane Society & she is going to start volunteering there Frid. The look on her face was something I will never forget. We will be doing this together. I'm proud of her for her determination. I love the idea that as a teenager, that she wants her mom with her & share in her dreams.

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6 comments found.

Posted by Wanda & Veronica ;. (WandaLou)
11 months ago

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The vet is saying that it has to do with
insurance.

Posted by Kristen H. (klhughes)
11 months ago

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ahhh... I guess I could understand that reasoning. If anything were to happen to her their insurance may not cover it if she is not paid employee.

Posted by Wanda & Veronica ;. (WandaLou)
11 months ago

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I can understand it to.

Posted by cully (Cully)
11 months ago

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Kudos to your daughter for having a passion for something worthwhile. Now on the specifics of the vet's phone call, you daughter learned a valuable lessen - you aren't obligated to answer someone's question without understanding the nature of the inquisition. When the vet asked, "How old are you," the best reply would have been, "Why do you ask?"

If the vet said, "Volunteers need to be 16," your daughter could have said, "I'm so glad you didn't say 17. You had me worried there for a second."

Technically, it's only a mis-direction or omission, not a flat out lie. And for a passion like hers, sometimes the greater good should win out.

I can just see the mothers of the world shaming me for this. Sorry moms, I couldn't resist.

Posted by Stacy B. (HCHS1136)
11 months ago

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I am not sure what area you are from but at our animal shelter, we have volunteers who are 15 years old and some that are even younger. We base their ability to volunteer more on maturity than age. Some 18 year olds act like 10 and some 12 year olds are very responsible. Consider volunteering at your local shelter. There is always much to do and it is a great way to be around animals. We currently have a 16 year old employee who is interested in becoming a vet. He began his experience at our shelter as a volunteer. He did such an excellent job while volunteering that when a position opened for a part time employee, he was the first person we considered. He got the job and is very dependable. I am sure your local shelter would be thrilled to have another volunteer! Good luck & best wishes!

Posted by Kristen H. (klhughes)
11 months ago

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Did they say why she couldn't volunteer at the vet? I started working at a small animal clinic doing kennel cleaning and basic stuff when I was 15. I assume some states have different rules but I'm surprised they wouldn't let her do at least the cleaning.