My Take Tuesday: Community

It was a cold mid-February day on the Palouse. I had traveled to Pullman this day for an interview at Washington State University. My chances were slim. I was applying for a nonresident position in the College of Veterinary Medicine’s class of 2009. My palms began to sweat as questions were asked about my qualifications and application. Organic Chemistry. Yeah, I had received my lowest grade in this class during undergrad and knew that I would be asked about it. I did my best to answer the question in a satisfactory manner.

The next question was unexpected.

“Isaac, what purpose does a veterinarian serve in a community?”

I paused as I thought about this inquiry.

My mind returned to my teenage years when I served on the Youth City Council for the small town of Castle Dale, UT. This rewarding time allowed me to give back to the community that formed so much of who I am today.

My answer was as follows: “A veterinarian has the obligation to be an example and a good citizen. The amount of good accomplished through this entirely depends on the effort a veterinarian puts into the community. Effort is reciprocated many times over when someone donates their time and talents through community service.”

I promised that, if I were lucky enough to become a veterinarian, I would do my best to give back to the community that I reside and practice in.

They apparently accepted this answer and a few months later I began veterinary school.

I have done my best to keep the promise I made in that interview nearly 20 years ago. I have grown to love Springville, the surrounding Utah Valley community and enjoy running my own small business. I look forward to coming to work each day.

Several years ago, I began volunteering at local rescues and animal shelters through a variety of services. One service is providing low-cost vaccination and licensing clinics in local communities. We have been able to provide vaccines for over 1000 pets in Utah County this year alone. This requires us to close the clinic over a dozen Saturdays we would normally work. Despite this, we are extremely grateful for our understanding clients that remain loyal without this periodic Saturday availability.

I also have helped train Animal Control Officers and animal shelter employees from all over the state the technique of humane euthanasia. This requires both in-class and hands-on training to properly learn to administer intramuscular and intravenous injections.

These opportunities have been so rewarding for me! I very much enjoy getting to know all of the people that dedicate their lives to caring for those without a voice. The immense joy that I have felt volunteering my time has rejuvenated my passion for veterinary medicine and has helped my become a more patient, kind and caring person.

Last year, I was invited to speak at the annual conference for the Utah Animal Control Officer Association. An awards banquet was held in the evening of the opening day of the conference. I was completely surprised to receive the association’s 2023 Volunteer of the Year Award.

This award is something that I am very proud of. It has been such an honor for me to work with such wonderful people. From my team at Mountain West Animal Hospital to every single animal control officer and shelter employee, I thank you for your often overlooked efforts that you make every single day. Many of the lives you change are the animals that you care for. You make the world a better place and I salute you for it.

Volunteering your time to support a cause you are passionate about is something you will never regret. It will enrich your life, familiarize you with your community, and connect you to people and ideas that will positively impact your perspective for the rest of your life. Helping your community is an opportunity for you to grow as a person and to better understand how you fit into the world around you.

I am excited for the future and for further opportunities to be able to share my knowledge and expertise with this wonderful community. I am my happiest when I am helping others.

I encourage everyone to consider serving the community in your respective spheres of influence. It is something that will provide you with unparalleled contentment and sense of purpose.

And that is my take!

N. Isaac Bott, DVM