An Animal in Need by Jessica

An Animal in Need by Jessica - January 2017 Scholarship Essay

An experience that has changed my life forever is the opportunity that I have had to serve at my local animal shelter. This is a non-profit, no kill shelter. It is a place maintained and run by those who have found it in their hearts to serve on behalf of animals. I find so much happiness in caring for a creature that cannot care for itself. Days at the animal shelter can be filled with poop and lots of heart ache as you see animals come in who have been neglected and denied simple creature comforts; but more than anything, my days at the animal shelter have brought me joy, companionship, and hope. It is so beautiful to see the recovery of a malnourished dog or flee ridden cat. It is life changing to see the glow of love that a dog has for the loving human hand. Are not we all animals?

A day in the life of the animal shelter lacks no adventure. My first day on the job, it was my job to scoop poop and this required climbing in the cages with the wild beasts. I took my first timid step into the cage of a muscled Boxer male. He was very aware of my entering his cage and within moments had my leg mounted and was showing me who was boss. I scurried out of the cage like a wounded rabbit hoping no one had seen. I despised the Boxer for the humiliation I felt. I just about turned in my volunteer apron. This was the beginning of my life lessons through the eyes of dogs.

I learned that being timid with them would get me no where, through the weeks I was able to feed this same Boxer Loui and he came to deal with the fact that I was no longer afraid, I was in charge and I was doing him a favor. We developed a bond and the cleaning of his cage began to be the highlight of my time at the shelter. I looked forward to Loui's welcoming kisses. I learned from that lovable dog that all it takes is concern and a loving hand. My fear would get me no where and through perseverance I was able to have experiences I never would have had if I had given into my fears.