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Fueled by a lifelong passion for animal care and grounded in the outdoor experiences she shared with her father and grandfather, Mia’s dream took shape early, but her journey was far from easy.

From a young age, Mia Keddy knew she wanted to become a large animal veterinarian. Growing up surrounded by animals—dogs, cats, small pets—and spending time outdoors with her grandfather and father, her passion for animal care developed early. At the age of 12, her interest in large animals blossomed, beginning with horses and eventually expanding to cows, goats, sheep, alpacas, and other farm species.

“I’ve always loved animals and was drawn to science-based concepts,” explained Mia. “I played outdoors a lot, my grandfather brought me hunting and fishing, my father brought me to a trail riding ranch many times, and I always grew up with a dog, cats and even small rodents at one point!”

Mia was the recipient of a Dalhousie Entrance Scholarship, the Dr John Bubar Scholarship, the Harrison McCain Renewable Scholarship each of her three years on campus and the Clint McLean Memorial Scholarship.

While she spent most of her time at the AC focused on academics, Mia made the most of practical opportunities outside the classroom. She volunteered at the Ruminant Animal Centre (RAC) during lambing season and milking and participated in College Royal where she showed a cow for the first time—an experience that was both educational and rewarding.

“The Ruminant Animal Centre staff always taught me so much and gave me so many opportunities to try new things,” she said.  “There were so many staff and professors at the AC that forever touched my heart including Jean Lynds and Holly Hines at the RAC who were the reason I gained such valuable animal experience. Dr. Jin Yue, Margaret Hartling and Dara Pelkey-Field were the best instructors and truly helped me understand some complex topics.”

“Mia was one of those students who demonstrated so much energy and enthusiasm as she embraced the opportunity to learn all she could about sheep and cows in support of her pursuit of a career in veterinary medicine,” said Jean Lynds, Operations Manager, Farms.  “Mia demonstrated compassion and commitment to the welfare and well-being of animals, and she will make a valuable contribution to the field of veterinary medicine.”

During her first year Mia experienced the tragic loss of her father.

“I lost my best friend -my father- to cancer in October,” explained Mia.  “I had lived with my father since I was 12 and he always supported and encouraged my dream of being a veterinarian,” she added.   “But there came a point in my life when I began to doubt my abilities as a student. The AC, my father and my partner are the reason I started to believe in myself again.”

Despite her loss, Mia continued to pursue her goals, gaining the courage to apply to the Atlantic Veterinary College during her third year and was thrilled the admissions team saw her potential.

“I was lucky enough to be accepted to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at the Atlantic Veterinary College in PEI,” said Mia “I decided not to defer my acceptance because I want to contribute to the profession while helping to address the ongoing shortage of large animal veterinarians. I’m so grateful the AC has allowed me to explore veterinary school while still providing me with my Animal Science degree.”

Now, with one year of veterinary school complete and a degree from Dal AC soon in-hand, Mia plans to return to her home province to serve her community as a large animal veterinarian.  Her goal is to work with horses and food animals and to contribute to maintaining the safety and quality of Canada’s food supply.

“I am proud to call myself an Aggie not once, but twice, and am deeply grateful for the opportunities, education and support I received at Dal AC. Without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”