Pet Pals Pack Compassion Award

Everyone's familiar with the stereotypical dog breeds that Hispanic families own. Dogs like pit bulls, chihuahuas, and any little, crusty, white dogs are usually the main ones. I'm certainly not beating these allegations as someone who has owned two of the breeds listed. But, these breeds also influenced me to begin my veterinary journey. When I was younger, so far back that I can hardly remember, my parents owned a pit bull. They'd had her for a few years already before I was born. My dad bought her for my mom, who then named her Patches. She was a good dog, the best, even. Whenever my brother and I were in the yard, front or back, she was by our sides. Although I don't have many memories of her, Patches was loyal, loving, and a gentle giant. After she'd passed away, her daughter, Midnight, took over guarding duties. No dog could ever replace another, but she protected our family as Patches did. Even after Patches and Midnight were gone, my family owned more dogs, most of which were pit bulls. So, growing up, I was naturally obsessed with the breed. As I grew with them, I began to notice the opposition they faced: abuse, neglect, dog fights, and even killings of pits. Some vet clinics even refused to see breeds underneath the "pit bull" description. Witnessing these atrocities against an animal that knows nothing but love and loyalty broke my heart. This sentiment began to apply to all animals. Why, as beings who are considered to be emotionally intelligent, do we harm and hurt animals who only know love? Why isn't there more people willing to save them? We, as humans, crave companionship. The same can be said for nearly all domestic animals and even wild. I decided to pursue veterinary medicine because of this. My main goal in this field is to provide for creatures who can't help themselves, have been subjected to abuse, and have been thrown away like objects, to give them what they need most: companionship. This idea particularly pertains to shelters. Giving strays a second chance at a home, providing dogs labeled as aggressive a safe environment, and helping new mothers save their babies. Shelters are overrun with pets. An overwhelming amount of strays flood into facilities at an alarming rate, and the ones injured or labeled aggressive are the first ones they weed out. Most don't ever consider livestock or large animals like horses. It's not the shelter's fault. To keep a stream flowing, you have to clear the dam, or it will get backed up. I want to help keep the waters steady. I want to provide sanctuary for scared, hurt, and ill animals. I've always known what I wanted to be since I was young. Patches, Midnight, and every pet I've ever met have influenced me. It's soul-crushing to see these magnificent animals harmed at the hands of those who are supposed to care for them. It's heart-shattering to see an animal, who's made for companionship, only know survival. I want to be the person who picks up strays off the side of the road. I want to be the person who shows them what love is. I want to be the person who shows them that they don't need to fight anymore. Every animal, dog, horse, cat, and even cow should know what it's like to have a family and a home.