I grew up just a few blocks from Care Animal Hospital and never knew it was here!  I initially went to college for performance clarinet in Philadelphia, and got a degree in astronomy and anthropology from CU-Boulder in 2005.  When I couldn't envision any of these as lifetime vocations, I called local veterinary hospitals to see if any of them wanted a volunteer.  In addition to wanting to be an astronaut, museum curator, paleontologist, archaeologist, and mad scientist, I had, after all, wanted to be a veterinarian at some point! 

After speaking with Dr. Garnett on the phone, I knew that I wanted to come visit her hospital.  Within just a few hours of volunteering in January of 2006, I knew that I wanted to stay.  Care offers the level of veterinary care that I always wanted for my animals, and the level of camaraderie among staff members (and clients!) is phenomenal. 

I started working as an exam room assistant in May (2006), and have since expanded my repertoire to include reception and web design.  I've learned that working in veterinary medicine is a great (and rewarding) way to interact with lots of interesting people and animals.  My only regret is not having called Dr. Garnett sooner!  My plan is to apply to Colorado State University's D.V.M. program the fall of 2007.  Until then, I'm looking forward to meeting you and your animals at Care!

My Animals

Pictured above are Dickenson (left) and Dylanoff.  Dickens(on) was purchased from a breeder right before several of her animals were found neglected and in need of euthanasia.  Although he technically isn't a rescue, we're sure that he wouldn't be alive today without a home.  Dylanoff is a rescue from a local pet store.  He had been sold at a high price, and the new owner's veterinarian discovered that he had a heart murmur.  When the pet store had to refund the owner's money, they figured that they would try to give Dylan away that day; after that, they would have had him euthanized.  One of my coworkers at the Butterfly Pavilion picked him up and I immediately fell in love with his smirk and big feet.  We've been best buds ever since.  Dylan's heart condition is monitored by Dr. Karen Sanderson, who recently reported that it's stable and shouldn't affect him much!

I acquired Hilly the giant orange tabby from an apartment in a friend's building.  The owners were moving and couldn't take Hilly with them.  They wanted to find a good home for him, but were considering euthanasia as an alternative.  Although I had never owned a cat, I figured that Dr. Garnett could help me navigate the territory.  And of course, my lifelong love of orange cats played a part in the decision.

Finally, I own 3 birds.  Kiwi the Quaker talks up a storm, and Amadeus the sun conure loves to dance to all kinds of music.  Panzy, the household matriarch, loves to shred paper.

 

Panzy, household matriarch	Amadeus engaged in his favorite pastime!