In 1928, the association was founded in Logan, Utah as Intermountain Livestock Sanitary Association and was renamed Western Veterinary Conference in 1965. In 2014, the name was officially changed to WVC. It is a nonprofit organization that provides continuing education to the entire veterinary profession. Stationed in Las Vegas since 1963, their yearly conference boosted an impressive nearly 15,000 participants this year. I am delighted to have caught a glimpse of it.
The convention floor was simply enormous. PLPA, Pet Loss Professional Alliance, was exhibiting and I attended as part of being a member, and now also a committee chair for education. It was fascinating to see all the latest technology and advanced equipment. Couldn’t help but to notice Grumpy Cat’s cameo, though he did look a little “stuffy”. And all the other beautiful furry babies that graciously modeled different products and solutions. I was delighted to meet some familiar faces and also discover some new. It’s all about growth, education and the ability to provide the most helpful solutions and options to pet parents.
I had the pleasure of meeting veterinarian Dani McVety the day prior to the convention. She is the co-founder of Lap Of Love, a company that provides hospice and euthanasia for pets in their own homes surrounded by loving family members. It’s a service that is very near and dear to my own heart. I used their local provider here in Las Vegas, Dr. Toby Goldman, who was nothing short of amazing. He was a blessing in the true sense when the time came to say good bye to our Guardian Angel.
As I was walking around sipping my delicious cappuccino, kindly provided by Science Hills, I thought to myself, what an amazing path I have chosen and how fortunate I am to meet all these people dedicated to helping animals. Life is good!
