SJC Vet Tech Student Develops Virtual Animal Rescue Site

When Robin Nowotny began her animal rescue program in New Braunfels, Texas, she knew she needed to educate herself in the various health issues of animals.

“When I started www.ShelterMe4Ever.com , a canine virtual rescue, recovery and relocation website, I wanted to be able to evaluate the health care needs of these animals and know when I needed to seek further medical attention,” Nowotny explains.

The San Juan College Veterinary Technology Distance Learning Program was the perfect fit for the busy professional, wife of 21 years, mother of two and volunteer.

“The program is designed to educate veterinary technicians in providing specialized nursing care, surgical assistance and assistance in diagnostic procedures,” explains Sherry Hair, coordinator of the SJC Veterinary Technology Program. “It is intended to accommodate work and family obligations giving on-line students flexibility while earning a degree in veterinary technology.”

As opposed to the traditional on-line vet tech student who plans to work in a veterinary hospital, Nowotny wants to care for animals in shelters with rescues, recoveries, and relocation efforts.

In addition to earning her Vet Tech credentials, she is currently studying to be a first responder for the Humane Society of the United States. In the event of a disaster, first responder credentials would allow her to coordinate with FEMA, The American Red Cross and the Humane Society to care for injured and homeless animals.

Nowotny began SJC’s Vet Tech program in August of 2009 and hopes to complete the program with an associate’s degree in 2012. With the help of volunteers in the New Braunfels area, she has rescued and permanently placed 15 dogs since November, 2009.

“San Juan College is making a difference in helping me provide a better life for rescued animals,” Nowotny says with a smile.

Visit www.ShelterMe4Ever.com or go to ShelterMe4Ever on Facebook to see the progress Nowotny is making as a virtual canine rescue organization.

Firefighter Rescues Romeo

After more than 30 years working as a firefighter and paramedic for Littleton Fire Rescue in Littleton, Colo., Allen Henson has seen more than his share of animal rescues.

Not only does the response team provide emergency assistance to humans, it’s not uncommon for the team to assist pets as well. That was the case when Henson and his fellow firefighters got a call to rescue a dog that had fallen through the ice on a pond near Littleton in late February.

Henson is a student in San Juan College’s Veterinary Technology Distance Learning Program. “I was grateful for the training and education I had received in the Vet Tech program,” he says. “Although I’m only in the first semester, I had already learned skills I needed to assess the health of the dog following the rescue.”

The owner of the German Shepherd mix named Romeo called 911 for help after her dog chased a gaggle of geese onto a neighborhood pond. The center of the pond hadn’t frozen, and Romeo fell into the freezing water and was struggling to get out. When Henson and his fellow firefighters arrived, Romeo had been in the water for approximately 20 minutes.

“He was clinging to the edge of the ice, exhausted from trying to climb out,” Henson recalls. “After one of the firefighters distracted Romeo, another firefighter was able to get to the edge of the ice and pull him to safety.”

“I was able to assess Romeo for hypothermia and knew to check for blood circulation at the gum line, both skills I had learned in the vet tech program,” he continues. “Romeo was shivering and exhausted from the ordeal but otherwise in good shape.”

Henson hopes to complete four to five classes each semester, graduating with an associate’s degree in May of 2012.

“This program is a perfect fit for me,” he says. “The on-line program allows me to take the courses from home while accommodating work and family obligations.”