“To hear someone say, ‘Oh, this? We got this,’ is something a lot of shelters dream about. Here, we go the full mile. Always.”
Naadia, Supervisor of Veterinary Services, has been with HSSV for nearly a decade, but her journey started even earlier. When HSSV moved from Santa Clara to its new Milpitas facility in 2009, Naadia was just a visitor at the grand opening. During a tour, she found herself transfixed by a viewing window, watching a live surgery unfold.
“I remember thinking it was amazing,” she recalls. “A part of me stayed that day.”
Eager to be part of the shelter environment, Naadia took a chance and joined HSSV as an Animal Care Technician. Although she wasn’t yet part of the medical team, she immersed herself as much as she could — taking home medical fosters, observing treatments, and assisting on the spay and neuter bus. Her dedication didn’t go unnoticed. One day, someone asked if she wanted to do more and train for this. Without hesitation, she said yes.
In honor of Veterinary Appreciation Day, we interviewed Naadia and asked her about her career and experience:
HSSV sees some complex medical cases. What is it about HSSV’s Medical Team that sets it apart from the rest?
“To hear a vet or, even a tech, say “Oh this? We got this.” are words a lot of shelters want to hear. I work with a team that is full of heart and confidence. There is no animal that we don’t go the full mile for… to be a part of a team that can really do it all – it’s unbelievable.”
Tell us what makes HSSV special?
“The amazing team of doctors. The amazing shelter staff that gets it. Our ACTs who grind hard every day – still smiling through it all. The techs give their heart and soul into their patients – you can’t find that everywhere. You can’t find a large team like this everywhere. These are special people.”
You’ve helped a lot of animals. Can you think of one in particular that you’ll never forget?
“MANY. Too many, BUT Churro Maiz will forever be a patient that holds a special place. He was hit by a fire truck…on a walk with his owner. They only spoke Spanish (as well as Churro Maiz), so I was able to be a part of his intake and care. He was a nervous guy, very shaken up and needed a back leg amputated. He had a rough time but through the weeks he was in our care, we bonded. I’ll always remember him running towards me with his three legs. He was a special guy.”
If someone is considering a career in shelter medicine, what would you tell them?
“Do it. It is a place that gives you the most feeling of satisfaction. It can be hard, emotional, physical. But when you look past that, and look at that animal who has been here for awhile, or an animal who has been surrendered, or an animal who fought through a sickness or injury.. When you finally see them walk out the door to happiness and their forever home, you’ll never be able to tell me it’s not worth it.”
This #VeterinaryAppreciationDay, we’re celebrating Naadia and all the compassionate, skilled veterinary professionals who make stories like this possible. Make a gift in their honor and support the lifesaving work they do every day.“To hear a vet or, even a tech, say “Oh this? We got this.” are words a lot of shelters want to hear. I work with a team that is full of heart and confidence. There is no animal that we don’t go the full mile for… to be a part of a team that can really do it all – it’s unbelievable.”
9 Comments on “Pets and People: Naadia’s Journey into Veterinary Medicine”
Naadia saved my dog from choking to death once and I will forever be grateful for her skill and fast thinking in high stress situation!
Naadia got me into the medical volunteer group as a surgery recovery assistant. I love the work and the team. I will be ever grateful for her!
I was an HSSV volunteer from about 2010-2020 and I remember Nadia. She always seemed to go the extra mile. Nice to see her success and being honored. 🥳👏🏻💐
So happy you joined HSSV and appreciate all you do for the animals!
Hi l am exited to hear all coment about nadia and hhsv my daugther was volunter on it but she is traying to get work on it in vet assistent she apply many times but nobody anser who can help her know if she can qualify to work on it she loves animals and she is stady for technician vet but she want to lear whit hands on it help for her studies
Naadia is Amazing! She is definitely a most cherished member of the team.
Nadia’s demonstrates a strong commitment to veterinary medicine through her meticulous attention to detail and compassionate approach to animal care. A true key contributor to the team!
Quite often when I see or hear about animals needing extensive medical care here at HSSV, I learn “they are being fostered by Naadia” and I think “of course they are!” And they are very fortunate animals indeed. She works miracles.
So proud of this young woman! As a little girl Naadia had an overwhelming compassion for her pets and provided such loving care to them all! It shows you love what you do!!