Just like that... Abigail Penney-Wiseman
August 21, 2026
Abigail Penney-Wiseman, AVC 2027, travelled to Port Hope Simpson as one of the student participants on the Chinook Project. As part of the experience, the students craft various pieces of writing.
Just like that, the adventure I had looked forward to for so long has come and gone, but the memories I made and the people I met during my time in Port Hope Simpson will stay with me for years to come.
From the moment our team arrived, we were welcomed with warm smiles and incredible support from the local volunteers who helped make our clinic possible. Their kindness was evident from the very beginning, and it set the tone for an unforgettable week.
The first day of the clinic was a busy one, with a steady stream of pets and their owners coming through the doors. Although we were working in a new environment, the patience and encouragement of everyone involved helped us settle in quickly. Before this trip, most of my veterinary experience had been in traditional clinic settings where everything we needed was already in place. Building a temporary clinic with only the supplies we could bring was a completely different experience. It made me appreciate how much we often take for granted in a regular veterinary hospital and reminded me that providing good care depends just as much on teamwork and adaptability as it does on equipment.
The dedication of the local volunteers was inspiring. Every day, community members generously gave their time to help keep the clinic running smoothly. Whether they were checking in patients, sterilizing surgical instruments between procedures, helping owners, or lending a hand wherever it was needed, their support was invaluable. Behind every successful surgery and every happy patient was a group of volunteers working tirelessly behind the scenes. Their enthusiasm and willingness to help made them an essential part of our team, and we truly couldn't have done it without them.
One of my favourite parts of the week was working so closely with pet owners. We invited many owners to stay with their animals and watch procedures, and while performing surgery in front of an audience was a little intimidating at first, I quickly realized they were some of our biggest supporters. They asked thoughtful questions, celebrated each successful surgery, and shared stories about their beloved pets. Those conversations made every day even more meaningful.
Outside of the clinic, we were spoiled by the generosity of the community. Every day, local volunteers and clients shared homemade meals with us, introducing us to Labrador favourites like cod, bakeapples, and scallops. During our visit, we were also fortunate to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day with the community. It was a wonderful opportunity to enjoy fresh crab and capelin, both firsts for many of us, and to experience the culture, traditions, and strong sense of community that make Port Hope Simpson such a special place. Being welcomed into these celebrations was truly a privilege.
While we travelled to Labrador to provide veterinary care, I left feeling that I had received just as much as I had given. The kindness, hospitality, and generosity shown to our team made this experience far more than a veterinary placement. It became an opportunity to build connections, learn from the community, and experience a part of Labrador that I will never forget. To everyone who welcomed us, shared a meal, trusted us with your pets, or simply stopped by to say hello…thank you.
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