Pathways to Success

Garden Spot High School

3

Zoe Weir – Animal Care Internship

I started interning at Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue (DVGRR) in Reinholds at the beginning of the second semester. I wasn’t planning on doing an internship mostly because there were not many options for my career choice. Mrs. Hackman informed me that she had a dog rescue interested in having an intern that she thought I would enjoy. I went in for my interview and loved the environment and people instantly. Everyone was just as excited to have me there as I was to be there.

Starting at seven I make the dog’s breakfast which is where I read their dietary cards and put their medication and specific food preparations into each bowl. Depending on the day of the week I will fill kongs with peanut butter, cream cheese, or frozen beef broth. I do all this while the other workers take the dogs out, so they don’t have to worry about getting it done when they come in. After handing out the breakfasts we collect the old bowls where I wash, sanitize, and put them away. By the time I finish all of that it is time to take the dogs out again for playtimes.

On Wednesdays, instead of helping with playtime, I will go down to what we call the house where we keep dogs who need more one-on-one caretaking. Most dogs at the house are more shy and timid towards people. My job is to sit with them to become more comfortable with having a human around them. Sometimes I will give them motivation through food like meatballs, hotdogs, and treats. This is my favorite part about my internship because I get to connect with the dogs on a different level than I usually would during playtimes. Working with them every week and seeing that progress gives me the motivation I need to continue to stay in this line of work.

Interning at DVGRR has shown me that I really enjoy the caretaking aspect of working with animals. Working with them so closely and consistently is what I want in my future career. Creating that relationship with the animals you are working with is just as important as giving them their food and a bed to stay in. I highly encourage you to try an internship! They are a great way to experience working in a field you are interested in while also having the comfort of doing it through school and not totally by yourself like how you would in the real world.

animalcareveterinary

jhackman • May 9, 2022


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Comments

  1. Ardell McCarra May 14, 2022 - 12:20 am Reply

    Is that you with Lilly the golden retriever. She was there over the winter. We adopted her and she is becoming a beautiful loving dog. 🐶❤️

  2. Ardell McCarra May 14, 2022 - 12:22 am Reply

    Is that you with Lilly the golden retriever. She was there over the winter. We adopted her and she is becoming a beautiful loving dog. 🐶❤️. We are so happy with her.

  3. Melanie May 14, 2022 - 6:34 pm Reply

    This is such a rewarding experience for you. I’m sure the dogs are loving your attention to them I’m thrilled that you will be seeking a career working with animals in need.

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