Animal Carers and Careers: Jan Rosen at Washington Animal Rescue League
Jan Rosen, DVM, the Medical Center Director at the Washington Animal Rescue League, has kindly agreed to take some time out from caring for the animals to telling us a bit about her job:
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| Jan and her dog, Roxie, a WARL adoptee |
Dr.Jan Rosen graduated from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1989. She worked in private practice for 16 years. At the same time, she volunteered her medical services at a local shelter and surgical services in feral cat spay/neuter clinics. In 2003, she joined the League as Senior Staff Veterinarian in order to fulfill her original goal of reducing the suffering of stray animals. In 2008 she became the Medical Center Director.
The Washington Animal Rescue League71 Oglethorpe Street, NW | Washington, DC 20011
How would you describe your job?
It’s very satisfying. I love working with animals and with people who love animals. We do a lot of laughing. It can be really hard though, especially when an animal is in pain and we don’t know how to help it.
What was the path – or the passion(!) – that led you to working to animals in general, or this job in particular?
I always felt terribly sorry for homeless animals, especially cats. I felt that no-one cared about a lot of them and that made me really sad. I thought this was a way for me to make a difference in the world.
Did you have pets as a child?
I always had cats and they were my best friends. I think cats are the ideal pet!
Do you have an animal companion now?
I have two cats who I got as wild kittens. I also have a dog I got from the shelter (a mutt). They all constantly make me laugh.
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| Roxy & her best friend (a pit bull) |
What would your pet tell us about you?
They would probably tell you they adore me. What more could I ask for?
If you were an animal, what would you be?
A cat (obviously) but I would consider being a ring-tailed lemur too.
Any advice for people wanting a pet?
Make sure you want them for life!
Favourite animal books?
I don’t usually read animal books. I worry too much about the characters!
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| Roxy and Tutu |
Wendy Orr is a Canadian-born Australian writer. Her books for children and adults have been published in 27 countries and won awards around the world. Nim’s Island and Nim at Sea have also become feature films, starring Jodie Foster and Abigail Breslin (Nim’s Island) and Bindi Irwin (Return to Nim’s Island.) Her latest book is Cuckoo’s Flight, a companion to the highly acclaimed Bronze Age novels Dragonfly Song and Swallow’s Dance. Read full bio
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