When I think back to where my journey in animal caregiving truly began, my mind always returns to my time volunteering at the Helen Woodward Animal Center in Rancho Santa Fe, California. I started in 2019, just hoping to help out—but those two years shaped me in ways I never expected. Every day I worked with dozens of dogs and cats, making sure they were socialized, groomed, exercised, and emotionally supported. I didn’t realize it at the time, but those simple routines—brushing a nervous pup, sitting quietly with a shy cat, helping adoptees feel safe—played a part in increasing adoption success and giving each animal a better chance at a new life. I learned the rhythm of shelter care from the ground up: cleaning kennels, refreshing blankets, washing food bowls, and following strict hygiene and safety guidelines. 

I completed more than 40 hours of hands‑on training with senior staff, who taught me proper handling, grooming techniques, and how to read an animal’s body language with confidence. Volunteering there wasn’t just skill‑building; it was grounding. It gave me purpose, comfort, and a sense of belonging. Those experiences opened the door to the world of animal caregiving for me—and they continue to inspire the way I care for pets today.