Tuesday, September 27, 2011

You Want My Job?


I can't tell you how many times a day we hear the words, "I wish I had your job." When people say that to us they are usually watching us hold puppies & kittens as they are watching Howard (the owl) roaming the reception area. They are probably also looking out the big windows and watching all the wildlife roaming around our property.

Yes, my job can be fun. I do get to hold puppies and kittens. I get extremely close to the wildlife that most people can only see from a distance or in a photograph. And what I've learned! You wouldn't believe how much I've learned in the past three years since I started there. We work one on one with the humane societies and it's so rewarding to help every animal that we can. I can't complain about the hours either. Seven to three and off on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. And as for Doc, he's quite generous. Our pet's care costs us next to nothing and that includes our surgeries. He also keeps us stocked up on all the chocolate you could ever want. Ok, maybe that goes with the "cons."

But what they don't see is how we go into rooms with clients, and cry with them and hug them while they are putting down their beloved pet, their family member. They don't see some of the many animals we get in that have been so neglected or abused, that the images keep me up at night. That is the hardest part of all because those cases don't have to happen!!! The only way I can get past that is to remember how many animals we have saved from those situations and how many animals we are able to save from illness or injury (like my Bubba).

Then there's the fun of working in one of the busiest clinic in Northwest Indiana where the phones don't stop ringing. Sometimes we are lucky to sneak bites of our lunches here and there. That place is crazy! There are also the physical battle scars of being scratched and bitten. Thank God we have the greatest kennel staff who are so helpful when we are releasing or checking in aggressive animals.

So that's a little bit about my job and my typical day. I look forward to retiring someday and spending my days crafting and creating. I also look forward to the traveling my husband and I are planning in the future. For now, I'll be hanging out with my four legged and slithering (yes, we see reptiles) friends.

Photo above: one of the squirrels we raised.

16 comments:

  1. I wish I had your job!!

    .... :P But really.... that's amazing. I always thought I wanted to do something with animals (and I still would) but the thought of being around all the neglect and abuse.. and having to see animals put down.. just the thought breaks my heart. But you are doing such an amazing thing! Jealous. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I think your job would be so fun :) But you are right, it takes a special person to be able to care for animals the way you do...and to care for their families when they need it as well. I'm grateful for people like you :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Very thankful for people like you and the humane society, you are the last chance for so many of the innocent animals.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I also think your job would be fun, being so close to the sweet animals. But I can imagine how difficult it is when someone's pet has to be put down. I've had several pets over the years that had to be put down, and the kindness of the people who worked at the vet offices helped our family through those very sad times. I'm thankful for people like you!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I think your job sounds very interesting, but I don't think I could handle the sadness that goes along with all the fun.

    I'm glad to hear you enjoy it though! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  6. There are down sides to every job. I think the images of the neglected/abused animals would be the hardest for me. I'm glad you can help them.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Your job has many perks, like playing with puppies and kitties! I still don't think I could handle the hurt, injured, or dying animals. I'm just too soft...my heart is made of mush.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Every job has it's rewards and challenges, but it sounds like you have a good balance. Having to deal with sad situations is countered by all the animals you are able to help. And you are there for people when they need you. The clinic is lucky to have you! Plus, your schedule is awesome. :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. I was going to say the same thing as My Hideaway. It's true every job has ups and downs. But, I could not do yours. I love animals, but I can't stand to see the hurt. Every time that dang commercial with the Sarah Maclachlan song comes on, I have to turn it off. So sad. But, those animals need people like you!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I guess I'm one of the few that wouldn't like have your job. It takes a very special person to do what you do, and it's not me. I would want to keep all the animals myself. I also couldn't handle being with there for other while they said goodbye to their beloved pet. I recently watched the movie "Marley and Me" and it like to have killed me. I boo-hoo'd till I was sick (I never want to see that movie again).

    ReplyDelete
  11. Sher,

    You are very special and I know that I could not do your job. Keep up the great work for as long as you can.

    ReplyDelete
  12. We have a dog boarding kennel, I love dogs :)
    My other job though is driving a school bus - have never had anyone envy that job LOL!

    ReplyDelete
  13. What a truly interesting job you have. I'm thankful for you and others like you who can do what I wouldn't be able to!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thank you for being one of those loving people who really do care for the animals and their owners. Love your new header too!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Oh, how I love your new blog look!!!

    I believe that staying close to animals helps us regain what we've lost - a human touch. I am sure that your job is a mixture of emotions but the positive ones are more!

    Awesome photo!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Any job looks great until you actually have worked at it for a while :)

    ReplyDelete

I LOVE to read your comments!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...