Veterinary Physiologist Interview Question:

Explain about a time when you used empathy to help another person cope with a difficult experience?

Submitted by: Muhammad

My best friend of five years and roommate Julia recently learned that her 14-year old dog with arthritis broke his leg, and the veterinarian found tumors that had metastasized all over his leg and probably to other areas of the body. Her parents decided to euthanize the pet. Julia was crying, and I talked with her for a few hours about her dog Sampson. I canceled my plans for the night so I could be there for her, and shared that I went through a similar situation with my dog C.J. the year before. I explained that no situation was the same, but I could see the deep pain she was experiencing and could relate well. I shared her tears that night as well as my own thoughts--that although death and loss are scary and permanent, she'd watched her dog sampson struggle for months walking with arthritis, and that he wouldn't be in pain any more. His quality of life would've been poor with a wheelchair, and although it's the most painful thing to do to decide to euthanize your beloved pet, Sampson would be free of pain. I canceled my plans for the next day as well so I'd be able to take her to the airport as well, so she'd be able to spend time with Sampson for the last time. I also gently let her know that I am there to talk or just be there whenever she needs me for support--that's what friends are for.
Submitted by: Muhammad