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I met Marjo quite a few years ago now when she worked as a tech and helped out with rescue by fostering .
I have always been impressed by her dedication and warmth with animals and now with Vets without Borders, she just blows me away. And what a beautiful smile !
I am so proud to know her.
Marjolaine Perrault
Where in Montreal were you born?
I was born in Greenfield Park……in 1979. Stayed there 6 years and then moved to Dominican Republic for 7 years of my life.
Where do you live now and who lives with you? Humans and animals…
I live in Ste-Geneviève in the West Island of Montreal, I share my apartment with my 3 Pomeranians; Sissi, Lea and Conan, with my domestic cat Obi and a bird named Louie.
When did you first realize you wanted to help/work with dogs? How old were you?
As far as I remember I always wanted to work with animals, like most kids. But in my case this dream never changed. Like most kids I wanted to be a veterinarian but later in life I discovered the veterinarian technician profession…I have never regretted my decision!
What was your first experience in working with/helping dogs?
Hmm…..dogs in particular? One of my first memories from when I started working as an animal health technician is an epileptic dog I had to take care of at the hospital. It was a big case for a new tech and I was very nervous about it. With the support of the veterinarian I was working with ( Dr Normand Lawlor) I was able to care and treat this animal. It was very satisfying for me to see this patient go back home after being in the hospital for 2-3 days. I never forgot that dog and every time she would come back for a medical evaluation I made sure to take a few minutes to talk with the owner and give the dog a treat.
My first job as a technician was at Pierrefonds Animal Hospital and I stayed there 10 years. I was head technician when I left, it was a great team!
I also worked in a few different clinics and hospitals in Montreal.
I now work at Sherwood Park Animal Hospital. When I heard Dr Prévost and Dr Stiles were opening their own practice, I jumped on the occasion! I had worked with both of them in the past, and I knew the level of medicine, care and service they would offer was what I was looking for.
How did you get involved with Vets without Borders? Can you tell me about your experiences with them?
I heard about VWB because of Enid Stiles (VP), I’m a member since the very beginning of the organization in 2004. I liked their mission so I got involved in international project (Guatemala) as well as many fundraisers
In the Guatemala project. We work in a remote village, trying to control the dog population and rabies, for the well being of the people and their pets. I have now established a relationship with local partners and understand a little bit more their reality (at least I think!). Working in the community of Todos Santos has taught me a lot and I hope together we will be able to establish the foundation for a better tomorrow for the villagers and their dogs.
I invite you to visit VWB website and check out what were are doing all over the world! www.vwb-vsf.ca
What do you see in your future regarding helping animals?
….so much to do! I would like to get involved more on a local level. I would love to see the abolition of puppy mills…..if we can only accomplish one thing on the next 10 years I think it would have to be that. The level of animal suffering that goes on in these types of facilities has got to stop.
What would you like to tell fellow Montrealers about their dogs, good or bad, with your veterinary experience?
If you get a pet, not only a dog but any animal, it’s your responsibility for the rest of that animal’s life. They have needs and we need to make sure to give them what they need even if it means some sacrifices. We are responsible to take care of their physical, medical and mental needs. Whether it’s for 2 years, 10 or 20 years.
Mostly, be a responsible owner and an advocate for your pets.
Want to learn more about our wonderful Canadian Vets without Borders team as well as watch some webisodes?
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/vetswithoutbordersshow
TPK
”In rescuing animals, I lost my mind, but found my soul.” ~anonymous
