A Vision of Hope: Iris’s Adoption Story
Every fall and spring semester, NOVA’s Veterinary Technology Department partners exclusively with the Frederick County Esther Boyd Animal Shelter in Winchester, Va., to provide necessary medical care for dogs and cats in need of a “fur-ever” home. Though all shelter animals face difficulties on the road to adoption, some have medical conditions that make adoption seem impossible. Whenever NOVA’s veterinarians and LVTs encounter these challenges, they advocate for the animals in their care.
When Iris came to our training hospital, her energetic personality was eclipsed by a rare developmental disease called anterior segment dysgenesis. Without intervention, Iris would lose her vision in one eye and endure a lifetime of severe pain. Our program veterinarians determined that for Iris to have the best life possible, her eye must be removed. However, this treatment plan required the involvement of a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist. Our veterinarians connected with Dr. Micki Armour VMD, DACVO, an animal ophthalmology specialist. Dr. Armour provided a unique opportunity for our Vet Tech students by allowing them to assist with anesthesia while she performed Iris’ surgery.
It was during Iris’s stay at our hospital that she caught the eye of one of our Veterinary Technology students, Camille Wetmore. Camille has graciously shared Iris’s adoption story below:
Describe the first time you met Iris.
The first time I met Iris was when we learned a feline towel restraint in VET-105 (Intro to Veterinary Technology) also known as the kitty burrito. Whenever I practiced wrapping Iris, she was so wiggly and wanted to explore the lab. During my kennel duty, she was very vocal about wanting attention and had so much love to give. I would come home and tell my boyfriend, Alex, about Iris and I eventually convinced him we needed a cat in our lives!
What was it like bringing Iris home for the first time?
Alex and I woke up early the morning of Iris’s adoption day to finish kitty-proofing our apartment. Once Iris got into the car, she meowed the whole way home! She spent the morning exploring our apartment, and I made sure to give her treats to help her feel more at ease in an unfamiliar place.
Now that Iris has gotten settled, what have you learned about her personality?
Iris has the funniest personality—she’s more of a dog than a cat! She gets lots of “zoomies” throughout the day and entertains herself with all the toys we got her (her favorites are balls and spring toys). She could sit and watch bird videos on YouTube for hours. She will also take time out of her busy schedule to groom your fingers, especially after a yummy meal like Chick-fil-A.
How has Iris become a part of your family life?
No matter what we are doing in the apartment, Iris is right there with us. She likes to sun herself on my desk while I’m studying or while Alex is working, and she sleeps with us every night in between our legs. Whenever we come home she runs over to the door and greets us (and we honestly greet her before greeting each other!). Alex and I are in love with Iris!
NOVA’s Veterinary Technology Department is so grateful for Dr. Armour, Camille and our program faculty and staff—their generosity promotes a vision of hope for other animals like Iris.
*Although NOVA’s Veterinary Technology Department is unable to offer veterinary services to the general public, you can learn more about how to adopt an animal by contacting the Frederick County Esther Boyd Animal Shelter at 540-667-9192. You can also visit their website to view pictures of the many animals in need of a home.
Submitted by:
Nicole Gagnon, Vet Tech Asst., NGagnon@nvcc.edu