VetCandy Interview: When Life Doesn't Go According to Plan (And That's Actually Perfect)
Dr. Gal Chivvis never imagined she'd be where she is today, and she wouldn't change a thing
There's something refreshing about talking to someone who admits they don't have all the answers. Dr. Gal Chivvis, an emergency veterinarian, is quick to laugh about the illusion we all grow up with: that becoming an adult means suddenly having everything figured out.
"When I was young, I never expected to be where I am now," she admits. "I never would have imagined becoming a veterinarian, supporting a family, moving around the country, and exploring what this beautiful world has to offer."
It's the kind of honest reflection that defines Dr. Chivvis, both as a veterinarian and as a person. She's built a career managing complex emergency cases while raising children, writing award-winning books, and somehow finding time to bake and wrangle three Pomeranians. But if you're expecting a polished story about work-life balance perfection, you're in for a pleasant surprise.
The Path Through Vet School (And What She'd Do Differently)
Dr. Chivvis's journey through veterinary school was marked by one constant companion: anxiety. She spent four years studying almost around the clock, driven by self-doubt and the persistent whisper of imposter syndrome.
"I was so nervous," she recalls. "I constantly questioned myself and was always on edge, worried about how I would do in my classes. I am not someone who can absorb complex information on the first try. I am someone who needs to dedicate time, energy, and focus in order to successfully learn and master what is expected of me."
The hard work paid off. She graduated with high ranks. But looking back, there's one thing she would do differently: breathe more. Take more deep breaths, calm her nerves, and prioritize relationships a bit more.
"As I've gotten older, I've realized how impactful, valuable, and fulfilling relationships can be, even if they're not very close ones. I think I likely missed out on some of that during vet school because I was so anxious and dealing with so much imposter syndrome."
Her message to her younger self, and to anyone currently grinding through veterinary school, is simple: "Keep taking small steps forward. Even if it feels silly or impossible, and despite failures and rejection, just keep going."
The Reality Behind the Instagram Feed
Ask Dr. Chivvis what human qualities she most admires, and she doesn't hesitate: kindness and authenticity. But it's her explanation that really hits home.
"We're surrounded by constant reminders of what we 'should' aspire to: the large house, always clean; the perfect marriage, always loving and supportive; the perfect children, always quiet and well behaved; and the perfect job, where you're always admired and respected. And of course, we're supposed to cook, clean, do fascinating art projects with the kids, get eight hours of sleep, eat healthy, and exercise."
She pauses before adding, "These subtle reminders, through advertisements, commercials, social media, and more, create an unrealistic standard that many of us end up comparing ourselves to."
Dr. Chivvis has a lot on her plate. She deals with imposter syndrome. She compares herself to ideals that are likely unachievable. Sometimes anxiety gets the best of her. Her life is far from idyllic perfection. But overall, she's very happy with where she is, despite the mess and the chaos.
"I deeply value others who allow themselves to be authentic and a bit vulnerable," she says. "People who say, 'Hey, today's not a great day. Today was rough. I tried something and it didn't work.' These are the people I admire and the people I want to compare myself to. You don't need to be perfect. You just need to be you."
The Mission: Simple But Meaningful
Dr. Chivvis's mission in life isn't grand, and she's completely okay with that. She's never had big aspirations for fame or fortune. She's always wanted to be financially comfortable, to feel content as part of a family and a community, to love and be loved, and to contribute meaningfully to others.
She found her incredible husband in high school, and together they've built what she calls "a small and happy family." It's not perfect. Life is messy and chaotic, and some days aren't the best of days. But it's theirs, and it has brought her immense joy.
In her emergency veterinary work, she knows she's making a difference. It may be stressful, and not everyone is always grateful, but she's doing everything she can to help animals, relieve suffering, and provide quality care to the best of her ability.
For a long time, though, she felt like she wanted to do more.
The Unexpected Turn: When Motherhood Led to Authorship
Dr. Chivvis always knew she wanted kids, though she admits she was never particularly interested in other people's children. But having her own changed everything in ways she never anticipated.
"Having my kids has changed my life in so many meaningful ways," she reflects. "Not only has it affected the day-to-day, as you would expect, but it has pushed me to be a better version of myself, for them."
And then came the surprises. COVID pushed the family toward homeschooling, which turned out to be a wonderful experience. Her children's immense love for books lit a spark that inspired her to create books of her own.
"If it weren't for my kids, I never would have pushed past the dream, which felt impossible, and, against all odds, published my first book."
Now, as an award-winning author, Dr. Chivvis creates books and educational materials that help bridge the gap between pet owners and veterinary professionals. She's published multiple books designed to support education and understanding for both adults and children. Her ability to connect with pet owners and provide education has expanded far beyond the emergency room.
"I love knowing that the books I create have the potential to offer real value," she says. "With goals of education and entertainment, I hope that my work leaves a lasting impression and that I add meaning and value to this world."
You can find her books on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, where she's built a collection that reflects both her veterinary expertise and her commitment to accessible education.
What She Wants to See in the World
When asked what change she'd like to see in the world, Dr. Chivvis keeps it simple: assuming positive intent in others and extending kindness.
"Too often, we judge others without understanding the intent or emotions behind their words or actions. We make assumptions when we don't have the full story," she explains. "I believe that much good comes from taking a moment to pause before making judgments and considering that people's actions may be coming from a good place."
It's a philosophy that shapes how she approaches both her emergency work and her interactions with clients. Clear communication and collaboration are central to her practice, and she takes time to educate pet owners and offer practical, compassionate solutions tailored to each family's circumstances.
"After all, no one likes feeling judged," she points out. "And when we feel that others are responding with kindness, understanding, and acceptance, we can be more comfortable showing our authentic selves."
The Messy, Beautiful Truth
Dr. Chivvis's story isn't about having it all together. It's about perseverance, about taking small steps forward even when you doubt yourself, about finding your path even when it looks nothing like what you imagined. It's about embracing the mess and chaos and finding joy anyway.
She's made about a million mistakes along the way. But she wouldn't change anything. She's simply kept pushing forward, through vet school anxiety, through the challenges of emergency medicine, through the surprises of parenthood, through the seemingly impossible dream of becoming an author.
"You never know where life may take you," she reflects. "You never know whether the chances you take will pay off. You never know whether you'll end up where you intended to be, or somewhere completely different, possibly even better than what you imagined."
For now, you'll find her in the emergency room, managing high-pressure cases and building genuine connections with clients. Or at home with her husband, children, and three Pomeranians, probably baking something while contemplating her next book project. Or maybe traveling, making memories, and continuing to figure things out as she goes.
Because that's the secret Dr. Chivvis has learned: nobody has it all figured out. And that's not just okay. It's actually perfect.
Dr. Gal Chivvis is an internship-trained emergency veterinarian and award-winning author. When she's not caring for patients, she creates books and educational materials for both pet owners and veterinary professionals. Learn more about her work at her Amazon author page.
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