Born in Guyana, South America, Bronx resident Dion Small wondered as a child whether he wanted to grow up to become a pilot or work with animals. He chose the latter and has spent his life helping furry creatures.
Small, 55, of Pelham Bay, started his career at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center (AMC) as a veterinary technology extern in 2002 – and has been with AMC ever since. Today, he is a licensed veterinary technician (LVT) and director of the cardiology, primary care, internal medicine and special care unit. AMC is the world’s largest non-profit animal hospital and is located on the Upper East Side.
Growing up in Guyana he was surrounded by animals. His mother Claudette had four dogs and a parrot, and he was instantly drawn to the warmth they provided.
“Dogs are so loving,” Small told the Bronx Times. “They love you regardless.”
However, Small always envisioned himself flying above the skies. According to Small, it was not easy to become a pilot in Guyana. It was pretty much join the Army or there was no other option. He had no desire to serve in the armed forces, so that dream was dashed.
Once he recognized flying was not feasible, Small pivoted to animals. He went to a school in Guyana focused on public and veterinary health. Then after high school, he worked on a farm from age 18 to 27. That was a life-changing experience, he told the Times.
Small woke up at 4 a.m., worked in the dairy field or was on call to help animals giving birth. In fact, the first day on the job, he did a c-section for a calf.
“It taught me great work ethic and discipline,” he said. “When you have to get up and supervise that early, you have to make sure you are up and ready.”
Working on the farm for nearly a decade helped prepare him for a career of working with animals. So, wanting more opportunities in education and jobs, he immigrated to America.
With his dad Clarence already living in Brooklyn, it made the transition a bit easier. He moved to the Castle Hill section of the Bronx while going to Mercy College in order to become an LVT. He holds an associate’s degree in animal health and veterinary public health and obtained a Bachelor of Science in veterinary technology.
Small did am internship at AMC and six weeks into it, got offered a job.
“One of the things about AMC is it’s a really good teaching hospital,” he said. “My whole experience coming as a student I was able to work with people who were always open to questions. I was blessed to have really good mentors.”
Two veterinarians at AMC who impacted his career were Jody Schumacher and Steve Baker. They taught Small “how to approach cases and what a good technician does.”
Small told the Bronx Times he knew how much Schumacher trusted him when he put a catheter in her dog.
After working overnights for about five years as an LVT, he transitioned into management by working as an assistant supervisor in patient care. He was subsequently promoted to LVT manager.
At AMC now for more than three decades, Small has found a second home. Small cares for patients/pets, mentors and educates new staff, and even works with high school and college students to train the next generation of vet techs – including Bronx Community College.
He looks forward to work every day and doesn’t regret not being a pilot.
“It’s not just a job, I’m doing what I love,” Small said. “It helps that I work with a group of people that are supportive and have the same goals.”
Small lives with his two dogs – a mixed terrier rescue named Mandy, and a rat terrier named Naomi, who was abandoned after coming to AMC with a right broken leg. Her owners abandon her at the time, so Small stepped in.
When he’s not working and at home in the Bronx, he likes to travel with his extended family.
“Being around dogs and other animals gives me tranquility,” he said. “When I walk my dogs, I don’t look at my phone. I just think about them and life.”
