Would-be vet assists in first surgery, at 6
For some people it takes years of schooling and maybe even post graduate education and a trip backpacking through Europe before they figure out what they want to do with their lives. Even then, some never figure it out. And yet, for others, it seems they are born knowing just what they want to do and exactly how to get there.
Coastal Point • SUBMITTED
Walker Weis, 6, assists Dr. Jennifer Brunori of Ocean View Animal Hospital with his kitten’s neutering operation. Weis hopes to become a veterinarian when he grows up.
The latter seems to describe Walker Weis – son of Marti Weis, a local Realtor and single mom who adopted her son as a newborn. Walker, a 6-year-old kindergartner at Most Blessed Sacrament in Berlin, Md., recently “assisted” Dr. Jennifer Brunori of Ocean View Animal Hospital in his first surgery – a neutering of his kitten, Mittens.
“He’s always wanted to be a veterinarian,” explained Weis, who noted that she is not an animal person, “ever since he could talk.”
Weis added that, at 6, he is very mature and takes his interest in veterinary medicine and animals very seriously. It was his idea to get a kitten, and about two weeks ago, she said, he took it upon himself to ask Brunori if he could assist her with the kitten’s surgery.
“He has a lab coat and a medical bag,” Weis pointed out. “And he wasn’t scared at all. It was a very neat experience.”
Weis explained that, although Walker was strictly an assistant and an observer, Brunori made it as inviting and tangible an experience as possible, even lowering the examination and surgery tables so Walker could get a good look. And Brunori noted that “Dr. Walker” was a great help, as well.
“Dr. Walker was exceptional at monitoring Mittens’ vital signs,” said Brunori. “He continually assessed heart rate and respiratory function, hence demonstrating his compassion. We loved having him.”
Weis is happy that her son got to live his dream for a day and get hands-on experience in his field of choice, and she praised Brunori for making it happen.
“She said he asked all the right questions,” said Weis of Brunori. “‘[Is he] breathing OK?’ How much medicine does he need to go to sleep? She was just so kind. She really explained everything. He has wanted to do this his whole life, and she allowed him to see if that was what he really wanted. She is really so good with children, as well as animals.”
Weis added that she would like to thank Burnori for the experience for her son.
“With all the negative media these days, it’s nice to see professionals being positive role models for our children,” she said.
As for what “Dr. Walker” had to say, he was beyond thrilled with his learning experience.
“I love Dr. Jen, because she let me do what I have always wanted to do. I want to be a veterinarian and work for her when I grow up,” the 6-year-old said.
