‘Change is the law of life’: Manitoba student pivots from law to veterinary medicine

“My passion for animals truly ignited in summer 2019 when I volunteered at a guide dog training base,” says Gu. “I learned about canine behaviour, basic training and care from the professional trainers.”

Gu had just finished a Bachelor of Law degree at Southwest University of Political Science and Law in Chongqing, China. But with the goal of pursuing this new interest, Gu put aside her new degree and moved to Canada where she began seeking volunteer opportunities to increase her experience with various animal species. She also enrolled in the Network Administration Technology diploma program at Assiniboine College in Brandon, Man.

As a volunteer at some local mixed animal veterinary practices, Gu enjoyed the clinics’ diverse caseload. She also admired the veterinarians — their vast knowledge and calm, adaptable demeanor as they managed their busy schedules.

Gu greatly values the knowledge and practical experience she acquired while volunteering with two WCVM graduates — Dr. Rick Wiens (DVM’96) at Morden Veterinary Clinic and Dr. Neil Versavel (DVM’09) at Equi-Tech Veterinary. Both practitioners helped her to understand the expertise, resilience and interpersonal skills required of a mixed animal veterinarian.

“My previous academic paths led to office-based computer-focused careers, but I realized that I thrive more when working with animals and prefer a profession that combines intellectual challenge with practical skills,” says Gu. She also valued the chance to learn a wide range of skills while helping animals and their owners.

“Veterinary medicine is uniquely appealing as it integrates the roles of a family doctor, dentist, pharmacist, radiologist and surgeon.”

Gu also volunteered at Neepawa Bird Sanctuary and at Donfield Dairy Farm in Brandon where tasks such as caring for the dairy herd, dehorning calves and milking cows increased her confidence in working with larger animals.

Gu’s volunteer experiences gave her a realistic preview of the veterinary profession’s demands and daily realities. In addition, her move to Canada and her adaptation to life and work in a new country honed her resilience and her communication skills. As well, her legal education trained her in rigorous analysis, meticulous reading of regulations and case-based reasoning — skills that have prepared her for veterinary school as well as the logical framework of professional standards.

Since Gu began her first year of veterinary studies in August 2025, she’s enjoying the chance to learn clinical skills and to hear the instructors’ real-world stories about client communication. She looks forward to learning the science behind the practices that she observed while volunteering.

“I saw the ‘how’ — the techniques,” says Gu. “Now I’m eager to master the ‘why’ — the underlying principles of diagnosis and treatment — and to acquire those skills myself.”

Gu looks forward to discovering her specific strengths and passions during veterinary school. She’s also intrigued by a career in mixed animal practice — especially the variety and challenge of serving diverse species and communities.

Where does Gu see herself in five years?

“In five years, I hope to be a competent general practitioner in a clinical setting,” says Gu. “I aim to have started advancing my skills in a specific area such as pursuing certification in veterinary acupuncture, to integrate complementary therapies into my practice and enhance patient care options.”