Name: Jennifer
Tolley
Country: Australia
Title: Vet Nurse
What type of practice ? Practice Management/Vet Nursing 33 years
Project Name: Vets Beyond Borders SARAH Program
Project Location: Gangtok Sikkim, India
Tell us about your volunteer experience?
It was a fulfilling experience. We spent 4 weeks in Sikkim in April 2008, 2 weeks in Gangtok and 2 weeks operating under ‘fresh air’ conditions in the country which was fascinating. We operated in the middle of the road where the road ran out, in the forecourt of a school, under the verandahs of local cottages and the car park of a monastery – following the shade, even though it was only about 23 C degrees. Roads are a bit challenging, but the people are delightful and we felt quite safe in the capital and the countryside. Accommodation is basic but adequate, in fact it was better than we expected. Food was predominately dal and rice with a few different veges which was quite filling.
What do you think is the best aspect of the program?
The Program has a legacy of well trained local veterinary surgeons and vet aids as well as making a significant contribution to the health of animals and increased awareness of animal ownership responsibilities. The longer term benefits of controlling animal numbers will be a little slower being evident, but to have desexed over 11,000 animals in 2 years is an extraordinary effort.
What do you like most about being a volunteer?
Trying to make a difference.
Country: Australia
Title: Vet Nurse
What type of practice ? Practice Management/Vet Nursing 33 years
Project Name: Vets Beyond Borders SARAH Program
Project Location: Gangtok Sikkim, India
Tell us about your volunteer experience?
It was a fulfilling experience. We spent 4 weeks in Sikkim in April 2008, 2 weeks in Gangtok and 2 weeks operating under ‘fresh air’ conditions in the country which was fascinating. We operated in the middle of the road where the road ran out, in the forecourt of a school, under the verandahs of local cottages and the car park of a monastery – following the shade, even though it was only about 23 C degrees. Roads are a bit challenging, but the people are delightful and we felt quite safe in the capital and the countryside. Accommodation is basic but adequate, in fact it was better than we expected. Food was predominately dal and rice with a few different veges which was quite filling.
What do you think is the best aspect of the program?
The Program has a legacy of well trained local veterinary surgeons and vet aids as well as making a significant contribution to the health of animals and increased awareness of animal ownership responsibilities. The longer term benefits of controlling animal numbers will be a little slower being evident, but to have desexed over 11,000 animals in 2 years is an extraordinary effort.
What do you like most about being a volunteer?
Trying to make a difference.
