My Take Tuesday: The Universal Human-Animal Bond

A few years ago, I had the privilege of spending several weeks in Mexico as a veterinary ambassador. What I experienced there left an indelible mark on my heart—not only as a veterinarian, but as a human being.

Our team began in the outskirts of Querétaro, where we set up a pop-up wellness clinic beneath a row of tents. From dawn until dusk, we vaccinated dogs and cats—each animal brought with care and hope by the people who loved them. In the days that followed, we continued in Guadalajara, where we served even more families. Over the span of three long, hot days, we provided vaccinations and preventive care to the beloved pets of more than 1,800 households.

We met with every individual, one by one. We listened to their questions, learned about their animals, and shared knowledge about preventive care. These were some of the longest, most physically demanding days of my career—but the joy and gratitude that filled those hours far outweighed any fatigue. It was profoundly moving.

What struck me most was not just the volume of pets we treated—it was the universal love people had for their animals. In each village, families brought their dogs and cats however they could: tucked gently into shopping bags, wrapped in cloth, or carried tenderly in their arms. Some children waited in line for hours under the scorching sun, determined to ensure their furry companions received care. I saw in their eyes the same love and concern I see every day in my own community back home.

In many places we visited, the cultural understanding of pet care differed from what we’re used to. For example, many families viewed leashes as cruel and instead guided their dogs by lifting their front legs and walking them gently on their hind limbs. It was clear these animals were cherished—and remarkably patient.

The scenes were humbling. Lines stretched around city blocks. Families waited without complaint. The sense of devotion, even in the face of scarcity, was unmistakable. It was a powerful reminder: the human-animal bond knows no borders. It is stitched into the hearts of people everywhere, regardless of language, culture, or circumstance.

I believe that when we serve others, we are always given something in return. In Mexico, I went to give—but I came home with more than I could have imagined. The reciprocity of service is real: the effort we expend is returned to us tenfold, not in material things, but in connection, fulfillment, and purpose.

Veterinary medicine is more than a profession—it is a calling rooted in compassion. It asks us to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves. It requires not only clinical skill, but also heart. To truly make a difference, one must care deeply—not just for animals, but for the people who love them.

Dr. Seuss, through the voice of the Lorax, once said: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” In this line, I find truth that echoes through the work we do each day.

At Mountain West Animal Hospital, this belief forms the core of everything we do. We care—deeply. We stand for life, for dignity, and for the right of every animal to live free of pain and suffering. Our mission is not just to heal, but to uplift—to honor the human-animal bond wherever we find it.

Because that bond, in all its beauty and universality, is one of the most profound connections we will ever know.

And that is my take.

N. Isaac Bott, DVM