My Journey
I was born into the dog show world. My family has bred Irish Wolfhounds for more than 50 years, and I'm the fourth generation to breed, raise and show our own dogs. I started in Junior Showmanship when I was little, and by twelve I was flying alone to shows to work for a professional handler. The show ring taught me poise and grit, but the daily work of caring for our dogs taught me even more. Along the way, I realized that the part I loved most wasn't the winning. It was taking care of the animals. That's what led me to veterinary medicine.
Why Veterinary Medicine
Irish Wolfhounds are the breed my family loves most, and they are also highly susceptible to osteosarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer. In 2021, I lost one of my grandmothers to breast cancer. Together, those experiences pulled me toward comparative oncology: examining naturally occurring cancers in animals, such as dogs and cats, to improve treatments for both veterinary and human patients.
I designed an Independent Study in Comparative Oncology at my school, and I reached out to Dr. Jaime Modiano at the University of Minnesota after learning about his lab's work with Osteosarcoma in Irish Wolfhounds. Today I join the lab's weekly meetings and act as a link between the researchers and AKC breed clubs, helping find dogs for cancer studies. It's a way to use my place in the dog show community to help research move forward.
TATUM - you need to close this with your statement of WHY?
In the Clinic
Working at Jackson Animal Hospital, a small practice, meant I was trusted with far more than I expected. I [handle patients during exams, take vitals during surgeries, …]. I have [observed / assisted with] TPLO surgeries performed by orthopedic specialists, helped care for trauma patients, and been in the room for euthanasia.
[One specific moment that stayed with you: what happened, what you did, how it felt.]
[What it taught you about being a veterinarian, in your own words.]
Giving Back
As a Junior Zoologist at the San Francisco Zoo's Animal Rescue and Conservation Center, I've spent 200+ hours on the behind-the-scenes work that keeps animals healthy: preparing specialized diets, cleaning enclosures and setting up enrichment. I also teach visitors about conservation during shows at the Wildlife Theater.
In the dog show world, I try to send the elevator back down. I host monthly mentoring sessions for younger junior handlers, teach free handling classes, and lead Show-Safe workshops that help kids stay true to their values, set boundaries, recognize adults they can trust, and compete with confidence.
Beyond the Ring
I picked up field hockey as a freshman having never played, and made varsity my junior year. I'll play any position the team needs. I used to be terrified of open water, but now I'm a certified scuba diver who has swum with sharks. My next goal is to dive with whale sharks like my grandmother does. I don't like sweets, so I bake for everyone else! And please don't ask how many times I've seen Taylor Swift on tour.
What's Next
I plan to major in Animal Science, building a strong foundation in biology, animal physiology and hands-on animal care, and then continue on to a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program. I'm especially excited to keep exploring osteosarcoma and comparative oncology and to find research opportunities early in college.