In my mid-20s, while living in Pensacola, Florida, my husband was away for six months at a time. I found myself wondering: What kind of work could I do that I would enjoy and that could move with me wherever we went?
The answer came naturally—animal care. My love for animals had always been immense, so it seemed like the perfect path.
My first job was at an animal hospital in Florida, where I cared for boarding animals. My responsibilities included feeding them, monitoring their eating habits, cleaning their areas, and making sure they had toys to keep them happy. Before they went home, I would give them baths—some loved it, some didn’t. But no matter what, I showered them with love. That, to me, was the real reward.
The owner of the hospital would often laugh and say the animals didn’t want to leave because I took such good care of them. That always made me smile.
Twelve years passed, and I found myself in Jacksonville—a big city, a stark contrast to the rural settings I was used to. But my passion for animal care remained the same. I quickly found a new job at a boarding facility for cats and dogs, continuing my work with animals.
Eventually, we returned home to Maine, and I kept doing what I loved. I found a job at an animal hospital—my favorite place to work. It was more than just dogs and cats; we cared for lizards, turtles, and even the occasional wild animal. Customers loved me, and I even helped out with their pets at home sometimes, which was always fun.
One day, a beautiful white swan came in with an injured foot. We treated it, and when it was time for a bath, I ended up just as soaked as the swan! Once it was healed, we found a safe sanctuary for its long-term care.
During certain seasons, we cared for wild bunnies, squirrels, birds, and even baby raccoons. We treated turtles with broken shells, carefully repairing them so they could return to the wild.
Beyond medical care, we also arranged visits to nursing homes, bringing animals for pet therapy. Seeing the joy on residents’ faces, hearing their laughter, and watching their smiles grow as they interacted with the animals was incredibly fulfilling.
My love for animals has always been a guiding light, not just in my career but for my mental health as well. They bring me peace, purpose, and a kind of happiness that nothing else can match.
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