Carlos, the duckling was in critical condition; a wide laceration was gaping open on his side. I gently held a needle in one hand and secured his body with the other. I had seen this procedure done before, but it felt so intimidating making the first stitch. In just a few short minutes, I was done. I handed Carlos back to my little sister, satisfied with her bright smile. Carlos is a stuffed animal, but my dream is to one day perform surgery like this on a real animal. Seventy percent, or about 90.5 million homes, of US households are pet owners. People naturally gravitate towards these creatures because of their loving, loyal nature. In times of need, you can count on them to stick by you and listen to what you have to say without judgment. They provide unconditional love regardless of financial or social standings and require little in return. It’s no surprise that they hold positions as service pets for all kinds of needs. Pets are crucial to humans’ quality of life, and the veterinary field is a necessity in caring for these beloved creatures. My passion for animals helps me to connect with people. Animals can teach us a lot about interacting with the world around us. Their social interactions can lead to incredible revelations about ourselves. For example, many animals will dedicate their lives to a pack, pod, flock, or the like exemplifying the loyalty and unity we should extend toward our own communities. Animals can help provide an outlet for typically private persons to venture out and converse with other pet owners, allowing for a conversation with a stranger that would have otherwise gone ignored. It’s in witnessing these relationships that I grow as a person. I can empathize and find compassion to devote myself to the study of animals and their relationships with humans. I want to learn how to communicate effectively with both the owners and pets so that I may provide the best service. Whether it’s a routine procedure or the incredibly difficult decision of putting a loved one to rest, I want to provide medical and emotional comfort for all parties. To invest in my passion, I shadowed Dr. Kube and Dr. Sampson, veterinarians at a local animal clinic. It was there that I was surprised to discover that stitching a wound wasn’t that different from the stitches I had learned to sew tailoring clothes. During my time shadowing them, I witnessed a number of animals receiving checkups, dental procedures, or sterilization surgeries. One time, I was even supposed to observe an amputation, but thankfully, they were able to save the leg. When I saw these animals receiving their treatments and reuniting with their owners, I could sense the trust and honesty in the pets and the happiness of their owners. The clinics weren’t just providing a service for the animal. They were helping provide health services for family members. Becoming a veterinarian isn’t something I want to do because it’s a profession; it’s because it brings purpose to my able hands. When I work with animals, I come to appreciate the delicate and precious nature of life. I learn more about the world around me; I learn more about the varying illnesses and conditions that can bring great suffering; I learn more about human nature and our role in taking care of the world around us; I learn more about myself. There isn’t a thing in this world that engages me more than the bond that I feel when working with these amazing animals.