Spotlight: Shari Wenger LVT, CTMT, CCRP

We are so proud to spotlight some of our members for Veterinary Technician week. Currently a licensed veterinary technician, Canine Therapeutic Massage Therapist, and Certified Canine Rehab Practitioner at Resurgence Veterinary Mobility (https://rvmga.com/), Shari Wenger LVT, CTMT, CCRP has entered the chat

"I started my veterinary medicine journey late in life. After 15 years in the corporate world, I was burnt out and needed something more fulfilling. I wanted to do something that made a difference and be a part of the community. I knew my new career had to involve dogs but wasn’t sure how to make that happen.

I didn’t think I had the fortitude to be a vet tech. I always cringed at the thought of assisting in surgery. I wanted to do something healing, but noninvasive. I saw the benefits of massage on my own dogs, one had lifelong mobility issues. I started researching canine massage and how to get certified. I earned my CTMT certification, Canine Therapeutic Massage Therapist, through Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage (RMSAAM). I then started a mobile canine massage practice and thus began my journey!

While I was growing my practice, I needed some additional income and that led me to a local vet clinic. I started in the kennel, like a lot of us do. I spent my down time in the treatment area of the hospital and learned so much. I worked with some great techs who were willing to teach me the skills needed to be an assistant.

After about a year, I was working full time as a vet assistant. While working as an assistant, I was able to help with a patient that had a degloving wound on one of her hind limbs. She came in for regular bandage changes, and each time we saw her, she was moving better than the last visit. Her owner was taking her to a canine rehab facility in the area. The owner shared videos of her dog doing exercises at her therapy sessions. I remember watching those videos thinking to myself, “I want to do that!”

So began the next step in my journey.

I knew I wanted to work in canine rehab, so I started there and worked my way backwards. I wanted to take the CCRP, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner, program at University of Tennessee. To qualify for that program, you must be either a DVM, LVT, or human PT/OT. There was no way I wanted to pursue a DVM or PT certification, so LVT was my path. Back to college I went.

Working full time and going to school in your 40’s is not easy! It took a lot longer than planned, no thanks to Covid, but I was able to graduate and pass the VTNE. Once I had my LVT license, I enrolled in the UT program and that was the final piece in the puzzle.

It has been a very long road from my first decision to pursue canine rehab as a career to working in a rehab facility. There were a lot of bumps in the road, but the joy I get from my patients makes it all worthwhile. I always tell people you are never too old to make a change. If you aren’t doing what you love, change it. Never give up and keep improving yourself. Although, I am still not a fan surgery!"

Thank you for all that you do Shari. From calming screaming kittens during acupuncture to celebrating success stories at their graduation, your patience and compassion is a cornerstone of their journey. Veterinary medicine is lucky to have you

Happy Vet Tech Week