My Love of Animals
By Rachel A.
Since my freshman year, I have worked the night shift at an animal hospital. From six to eight Sundays and Tuesdays, I have the hospital clinic all to myself surrounded by the most amazing companions. I have cuddled with whole litters of four-week old kittens in my lap. I chased a pair of dachshunds that escaped the grounds and captured them in the nearby woods. I have broken up near-death dog fights. I have administered countless shots, received constant kisses, and endured plenty of scratches. Along with all of my experiences there, I have seen a fair amount of depressing sights. I saw a cocker spaniel with a tumor the size of its leg hanging on its chest. I watched as a perplexed golden retriever struggled to stand up and then collapsed. I have witnessed procedures to try and save animals’ lives, only later to stumble upon their remains in the refrigerator.
Looking for Forever Homes
But the most disturbing sights I have seen are the animals available for adoption. They are the most grateful animals in the world. Yet they are trapped in cages for 12 hours at a time. They are perfectly able pets, desperately
craving to be loved. I try to pay special attention to them. I provide them with special blankets and beds; I feed them extra treats, and I give them very long walks. I know that they are basically permanent residents. I know that it is highly unlikely that they will go to a forever home with a warm, caring family that will scratch them behind the ears and snuggle up to them by the fire on a snowy winter evening. Currently, I attend to a Chihuahua mix that would delight in the lavished affection of the company of a little girl, in attending tea parties, sleepovers and spa days. I walk a snow-white, blue-eyed, stunningly gorgeous husky that would be the perfect companion to accompany an explorer on travels, hikes and everyday adventures. I handle a Labrador mix and a shepherd, that would thrive in an atmosphere with a young and bustling family. I care for a beagle that would serve as a fabulous lap warmer to a grandpa and an entertainer to his fascinated grandchildren.
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MetroPet Magazine | December 2013
www.petsmart.com
Don’t Forget the Cats!
A surfeit of kittens and cats also inhabit the veterinary clinic. At the moment, I nurture five cats and eight kittens. Some of the cats have been there for over six months. The restless kittens frequently cry to be taken out of their cages, and although I allow them to be free for a moment, I know that their plea often goes unheard. I constantly envision the possibilities of these animals and the potential joy that they could provide to their owners. Sadly, I also am forced to