Veterinary Emergency
Interview with Dr Rayya T-Malaeb from Rayya The Vet
Imagine getting an award for how much you love animals? Well, vet and animal blogger Dr Rayya T-Malaeb did!
This passionate dynamo is a true leader in the contribution for animal welfare. In 2013 she was granted the IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) Animal Action Award.
It all began in 2011 when she started her blog to create a common experience between pet lovers, owners and the vet team.
“We ultimately all share one big passion for animals and so we are advocates of the same cause and should play on the same team!” she explains.
Since then, her Facebook page has accumulated a huge following with over 145,000 fans and Rayya, despite the challenges of her job, considers working with furry and feathery friends her “calling”.
She was born and grew up in Lebanon, but currently resides in Castlemaine with her husband, nine month old baby girl, two dogs and a cat.
Despite her gruelling schedule, the cheerful doctor found time to chat to Open Colleges about what it really takes to care for animals and succeed in such a personally invested field.
I usually answer the after-hours emergency calls - speaking to distressed clients and filtering calls to organise who needs a vet dispatched immediately and who I can guide on the phone. It can be stressful to ensure the right doctor gets to the right animal on time, but my favourite part is assisting in emergency caesareans as I get to revive the puppies and kittens!
I had spent so many hours blogging in my own personal time and never expected anyone to really take much notice - so when I was granted the IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) Animal Action Award in 2013 for my veterinary social media work, it felt incredibly humbling to be recognised.
A veterinarian’s work in a mixed practice consists of treating a myriad of species - both at the clinic and on clients’ properties. I may examine a cat followed by a chicken and then get a horse outcall, all in a span of an hour or so!
This is a very demanding job, emotionally and time-wise, so I would look for someone who is absolutely passionate about animal welfare. The ideal candidate would have passion for the job, compassion for the patients and clients and dedication above and beyond the call of duty.
Ensure you volunteer at as many vet clinics, animal shelters and kennels as possible. You’ll learn so many tips from a variety of experienced people - and this will give you a definite edge.
I can’t bear the thought of so many gorgeous pets being put to sleep due to a misconception and lack of deep understanding of animal behaviour. The number one killer of perfectly healthy pets is behavioural issues, so my involvement in this niche is my next focus, as I hope to educate about, or even eradicate, the practice of healthy pets being put down for behavioural concerns that could have been resolved.
