When thinking about a future career, I wanted a job where I would keep learning and be challenged. Working with animals has done this for me. It may not be the first job people think of as meeting that criteria, but animals have taught me more than I could have ever imagined.

They teach me patience. We do not communicate in the same ways and are not always on the same page. Those difficult situations, while frustrating, have taught me that taking the time to figure things out alongside your animals is worth every minute.

Animals have taught me that problems can be worked through. No matter how tough the situation may seem, there is a way to get through it. When I feel like giving up, they show me that it is not worth it and that giving up only makes things worse. If they can work through their own problems then so can I.

Just like me, I watch the animals have good and bad days. They show me that tomorrow is always a new day and that we will all be going through everything together. No matter how bad my day is, I cannot help but smile when I am greeted by the animals I work with.

They have taught me to care for them regardless of how difficult they make it. I want the best for all the animals I care for and always have their best interest in mind. Spending that much time with anything will make you care.

They have taught me to value the simple things in life. Sometimes, I take this for granted. They are happy when I bring them food or clean up. Such a simple gesture gets appreciated. That does not happen every day or with every animal, but when it does I am reminded that I should be grateful for the simple things too.

Most importantly, they teach me that life goes on and that I am never facing it alone. Whether an animal is sick, upset, or overjoyed, life keeps going. We all get up every morning and go to sleep each night. Most circumstances are beyond our control, but whatever happens, I not only have support from people but also animals.

These are just a few of the many lessons I have learned from animals.

Each animal is unique. Just like us, they have their own strengths and weaknesses. From them, I have learned so much and will continue to learn.