I started caring for neighborhood pets in middle school by simply walking dogs or caring for cats for a few days while their owners were out of town. As I grew up I began to also care for dogs long-term by staying in the family's home. In high school I began working with veterinarians as an intern to learn more about what it takes to care for animals and keep them not only happy but healthy too. I spent many years working in the nature center at my summer camp caring for a wide variety of animals from reptiles like snakes and turtles to mammals like rabbits and goats. I've even spent a summer working as a kennel technician and veterinary technician assistant at an animal hospital.