2023-07-24 11:00:00
Present in the media sphere for several years, Sébastien Kfoury exposes his professional universe in the series Dr Sébastien, Vétérinaire, the first season of which can be seen on Radio-Canada. In the show, it is particularly a question of euthanasia, an ordeal that the doctor experienced this spring with the death of his royal poodle, Gaïa.
• Read also: Here’s the completely surprising latest addition to the Miller Zoo
• Read also: Dr Kfoury takes us behind the scenes of the veterinary profession
It is out of a desire to show behind the scenes that veterinarian Sébastien Kfoury wanted to show viewers his world at the emergency room of the Center Vétérinaire Rive-Sud.
“A lot of times people say they wish they were vets, that it’s the perfect job, but I’m not sure they understand the ins and outs of the stress and responsibility that comes with the job. Some situations that veterinarians find themselves in make it a great job, but there are also things that are sometimes difficult, emotional and anxiety-provoking. I find it fun to be able to show the general public what happens behind closed doors and the type of human who works there. It’s really important for me to show behind the scenes.” The first season of the documentary series Dr Sébastien, veterinary, currently broadcast on Radio-Canada, was also shot in the midst of a pandemic.
“There were not only people affected by the pandemic, but also the surplus of animals that arrived at the clinic, while we were recovering from a cyberattack. We got used to having a film crew a bit in the legs, but they were always very respectful of the space we needed to work. Especially since, in the first season, it is about euthanasia. “What I found difficult was being able to ask pet owners for permission to film them and tell their stories while, at the same time, doing my job as a veterinarian, which is not to influence them too much in their decision so that they can make it for themselves.”
Photo : Paul Ducharme / TVA Pub
With his documentary series, the veterinarian hopes to change the mentalities of people who don’t have animals. “I would like to change their vision so that they understand pet owners more and judge them less in situations where they have to invest money or when they are going through difficult times. When people have pets, they are family members. One of the biggest wishes I have is that people listen to the show and no longer see the animal as an impulse buy, but as something for which you have to take the time to decide which breed you are going to choose, to understand what the risks are…” The second and third seasons of the show are available on Extra de Tou.tv. “We are having discussions with Radio-Canada for a fourth season, but we have to see if we have material to show, if it is relevant, if we have time to do a fourth … We will see how people are received with the first three seasons.”
A PAINFUL MOMENT
While the sixth season of hairy aired in the spring, we can currently see revivals of the animal talk show. It was on this show that the public discovered Gaïa, Sébastien’s female standard poodle, who died in March of a brain tumor at the age of 13. “I still have a hard time considering another dog in my life. I’m not ready. Gaia has been such a big part of my life! She was there not only at home and in the clinic, but also in my television appearances. I had other dogs, but it wasn’t the same relationship I had with them. This is the first time that I have experienced a very strong mourning. He was the one who euthanized her.
“Gaïa and I were very close. She felt confident with me. My wife (Lyanne, also a veterinarian) and I, they put in his IV. I bawled quite a bit. She fell asleep softly in my arms. Her children, Noah (19) and Gaëlle (16), preferred not to witness the euthanasia. On a softer note, the veterinarian and animator will spend his summer holidays in the Magdalen Islands, as is the case every year.
Season 1 of Dr Sébastien, Vet airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on Radio-Canada. Seasons 2 and 3 are on the Extra of Tou.tv. In addition, reruns of Les Poilus are presented on Sundays at 7:30 p.m. on Radio-Canada.
• Read also: Discover the first images of François Bellefeuille’s series
SEE ALSO: 27 Quebec stars who get involved and give back:
1690204204
#Kfoury #euthanize #dog