Photo Courtesy Ana Ayala
Veterinarian Technician at Four Paws Animal Hospital Ana Ayala said it took months of planning and a few health setbacks for 6-year-old Anahi Ibarra to step foot in the clinic to become a “Vet For A Day” on Sept. 25.
Ayala said the clinic held a white coat ceremony for Anahi, which resulted in her getting her own stethoscope, taking X-rays and even examining Edinburg Police service dog Domino.
The vet tech said her experience in helping Anahi’s dream come true was deeply personal.
“It meant so much to me because I was very close to her age when I wanted to be a vet and I’ve always known I wanted to be a vet. So, in that way, I relate to her,” Ayala said.
She added her most unforgettable moment came when Anahi looked up to her in admiration during the visit.
“I saw her look and it gives me the chills because like I said, I am her, like, I was her,” Ayala said
Edinburg Police Department Officer Arielle Benedict said the idea came from the staff of the veterinary hospital.
Benedict said when the hospital learned about Anahi’s dream, the clinic invited the Edinburg Police Department to bring along their therapy dog, K-9 Domino.
“Domino is our 4-year-old K-9 therapy dog, and he’s very gentle and he’s very sweet, and they knew that Domino would be the perfect fit for Anahi and we agreed,” Benedict said.
She added Domino serves as the department’s emotional support dog, comforting officers and dispatchers after tough calls, as well as visiting schools and hospitals in the community.
Benedict said during the event, Anahi examined Domino, took his weight and even treated him just like a professional.
“It was very tear jerking. I was choking back my tears the whole time. I just can’t even imagine what the family has gone through and what little Anahi has been going through,” she said. “We are here for her for whatever she needs in the future.”
Benedict said she hopes people remember to be kind and caring toward others, adding some words of encouragement on behalf of the Edinburg Police Department.
“We want the community to know that we are always going to be there for our citizens and if there is anything anyone ever needs, you know it’s not just for 911 circumstances, right?” she said. “We’re here to support the community in any way we can.”
