VIDALIA, La. – In Dr. Debbie Guillory’s profession she had to learn how to not get bit – quick reflexes helped.

&uot;I always wanted to be a veterinarian. When I was in the first grade, my best friend’s grandpa in Winnsboro was a veterinarian and that’s when I knew that this is what I want to be.&uot;

Guillory owns the Miss-Lou Veterinary Clinic in Vidalia.

And though she still gets bit about once every two weeks, she loves what she does.

&uot;You have to be passionate in life about something you do or else you lose what you’re living for, because what you’re living for is to make a positive influence on people,&uot; Guillory said.

&uot;I don’t think you can be good if you don’t care.&uot;

Guillory has to be able work with animals and their owners.

&uot;To me a veterinarian has to have more trust than any other doctor. You have to learn how to convey the fact that you are telling the truth as well as you know it.&uot;

Guillory knows the importance of trust…&uot;it’s just like leaving a kid.&uot;

And she means that. &uot;We personify every dog here,&uot; she said. &uot;We talk for them and say what they’re thinking.&uot;

Intuitively Dr. Guillory understands what they’re saying, but since they don’t speak English each case is like a puzzle.

&uot;You have to take all the history and decide what you’re gonna keep. You have to be a good listener which is hard because if you miss something, that could be the key.&uot;

Guillory’s love for her work sparkles in her eyes and beams in her smile.

&uot;It’s about who you come in contact with and how you treat them.&uot;