There’s a saying that fate takes us where we’re meant to be, and then the rest is on us. It’s our actions in the face of adversity and challenges that show us who we truly are. So it was with a special dog named Bodj and a special young woman named Emma.
For twelve years, Bodj shared her love, loyalty and zest for living with her family. She was a social butterfly, delighting in being with other dogs and in meeting new people. She was also always on duty to care for her loved ones. When Bodj’s dad, Sir Paul, was diagnosed with ALS, she went above and beyond to comfort him, even as her own health was declining. Bodj actually saved her dad’s life on four documented occasions! It was as if Bodj was meant to be there.
When Bodj passed away, the family was devastated. She had left huge paw prints on their hearts. They looked for a meaningful way to honour her caring spirit and intelligence, yet be of practical use. Through the SPCA, they created the Bodj von Grunfeld scholarship in her memory to help those pursuing higher education in the field of animal welfare. Each year, a deserving student is awarded $500 towards their education. After receiving many outstanding applications, Emma Nauss was selected as this year’s recipient. Emma is pursuing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree at the Atlantic Veterinary College, UPEI.
Emma told me that she has always loved animals and feels a strong connection with them. “Growing up, there was always a pet in the house. We have had cats and dogs, and we also raise chickens. I still like to go home in the spring to meet all our chicks and watch them grow into their unique personalities through the summer. Currently, I have two amazing dogs – Oscar and Izzy – and three awesome cats – Greta, Ginger and Cargo.”
I asked Emma when she recognized her calling to veterinary medicine. “I have always loved interacting with animals, and I also had an interest in medical sciences. Growing up, I never saw these interests going hand-in-hand, but once I reached high school, things really fell into place for me to see the opportunities with these combined interests. I spent a month volunteering in veterinary clinics, shadowing staff and learning about the different roles in a clinic environment. I got to assist with procedures and learn about everything that they do in the course of a day. After volunteering for a month, I ended up being put on payroll, which kicked off my career in veterinary medicine! I am very grateful for that opportunity.”
Prior to her DVM Program, Emma broadened her foundation of knowledge by volunteering with various animal rescues, including the Atlantic Canadian Dachshund Rescue and Wee Ones Animal Rescue. “In these rescues, I sat on Fundraising Committees to plan events and also worked booths during the events.”
The scholarship in Bodj’s memory resonated deeply with Emma. “The loving story of a caring and loyal pet definitely touched my heart. I felt compelled to apply for the scholarship since it placed substantial weight on animal welfare, and I believe strongly that all animals deserve good welfare and the best chances in life.”
In the second year of her DVM program, Emma’s studies are going well. “School is definitely challenging, but also so rewarding. I am actually in the most demanding part of my degree program, but I love it. I’m learning more in-depth concepts that I will use every day once I graduate. I’m focused and determined, and I know this is exactly where I’m meant to be.”
In spite of how rigorous the DVM program is, Emma’s volunteer spirit led her to assume the role of vice president of the school’s Animal Welfare Club. “Through the club, we raise awareness and educate our fellow students about welfare concerns and how to improve animal welfare in your everyday life. Some lunch lectures we have hosted to-date this year include: Marine Animal Welfare, Rural Area Veterinary Service, and the roles and involvement of Animal Protection Officers in PEI. These lectures help to educate students on some of the concerns and challenges they may face after graduation regarding animal welfare and how to handle them. We also raise funds through this club to get more enrichment for the teaching animals in the hospital.”
After graduating, Emma hopes to bring her much-needed knowledge of exotic pets back to rural Nova Scotia. “I feel as though ownership of exotic pets has grown quite rapidly in recent years. I have noticed that most exotic pet owners face greater barriers in access to care and even basic education as compared to those who own cats, dogs, and even horses. I think that it is unreasonable to have to be referred and/or have to travel to receive veterinary care for your pet just because it is not the standard. It is super important for their welfare that there are fewer barriers to access of care as well as more readily available education around husbandry practices.”
Even though a veterinarian’s job is demanding and heartbreaking at times, Emma says that the experience she’s had is very rewarding. “The most rewarding part for me is not only being able to help people and their pets, but as well, being able to educate and empower people to be involved in their pet’s health. I love helping people to learn things like desensitization training, where you help your pets get used to people touching their ears and paws, muzzle training, or even giving their pet positive reinforcement during each visit to the vet clinic. This allows owners to be involved in making their pet more comfortable receiving care, and makes the experience more positive for all involved, while building on the human-animal bond.”
When asked how the Bodj von Grunfeld Scholarship has impacted her life and education, here’s what Emma had to say. “The scholarship has helped me to focus on succeeding in my studies and to worry less about mitigating student debt through part-time jobs. Being able to take some time off helps with mental health and gives me a chance to decompress.”
Emma expressed her gratitude to Bodj’s family. “Thank you so much for helping to encourage people to choose this career path and for bringing attention to the importance of animal welfare. Your support has helped me and will continue to help others after me in achieving their goals of helping people and pets through education and action. Bodj’s memory will forever be associated with bettering animal welfare, and I think that that is an amazing thing. I am sure he would be so happy to know he’s helping us help other animals live their best lives.”
Emma encourages others to pursue a career in animal welfare, particularly in these times when we are facing a shortage of veterinary professionals across the country. She also paints a realistic picture of the field. “I encourage anyone looking to pursue a career in veterinary medicine, especially when interested in animal welfare, to focus a lot on building their resilience. This career path is a very challenging one. It is so competitive to apply to this program, to interview and be declined. It is such a challenging degree program to be in with such dense material in what feels like such a short time frame. Choosing this career and working in it is a demanding experience. Being involved in an animal’s care and having to see such emotionally charged cases every day takes a toll on you physically and mentally; it is so important to take care of yourself and be able to come back the next day. This career has a high burnout rate. I truly believe that the most important thing you can do to continue helping others is to first help yourself.”
To find out more about the Bodj von Grunfeld Scholarship or to apply for this amazing opportunity, click here. The application window is open now and closes at the end of June.
If you would like to honour the life and memory of a treasured pet and explore the establishment of a scholarship that lets their legacy live on, please reach out to the NS SPCA for help.