I grew up with pets my whole life; we always had a family dog. My brother loved cats so we always had a family cat also. My mom has a Yorkie, Coco, and my dad has a Shiba Inu, Eponine. So when I moved away from home, I craved a dog of my own. I love dogs of all shapes and sizes but I have always been a sucker for English Bulldogs. I love their funny personalities, their funny faces, and the funny way they look at you when they want something. Anyone who knows me isn't surprised that at one point in my life, I lived with three bulldogs and they changed my life forever. The love I had for them is unexplainable, undeniable, and everlasting. I loved them more than anything in the world.
Last year, in April 2012 and June 2012, I lost two beloved dogs. An Olde English Bulldog, named Domino and an English Bulldog, named Marley. Domino died at the age of 9 for unknown reasons and Marley died at 7 from what we believed was a brain tumor. Though I only knew them for three years, I was completely devastated. My heart was broken and losing both of them so close together was almost unbearable for me.
Domino
Marley
After Domino passed away, I thought a lot about what I wanted to do with my life. I was 27 years old, still working in the restaurant industry after 8 years. I struggled for many years trying to figure out what I wanted to do and what I was meant to do. I went to college right out of high school, going from one major to another. I attended an art school for a year because I thought I wanted to be an interior designer. I was never sure of what I was doing and never content. During all this, I worked full-time at a restaurant that allowed me flexibility and kept the bills paid. I decided to take some classes to get into nursing school; I figured it would be a fulfilling career and I wanted to make a difference in people's lives. But after Domino died, I felt empty. I wanted to make a difference in a pet's life while at the same time, making a difference in their owner's life. I knew I wanted that for Domino and Marley- people who loved and cared for them like I did.
After doing a little bit of research, I decided to enroll in a Veterinary Technician program to become a LVT. My nursing classes actually helped out a lot in understanding the math and science of the field. I started looking for jobs in the veterinary industry and was hired as a receptionist at an animal hospital in D.C. and eventually got some experience working as a technician. I fell in love with the job and the industry and knew this was where I was meant to be. I am now enjoying a new position as a vet tech/assistant at an animal hospital closer to home while finishing classes to become a licensed veterinary technician.
This brings me to the point of why I want to blog. The relationships I have built with every dog I've had in my life inspired me to believe that I could be whatever I want, have the kind of career I want and live the kind of life I want to live. I've learned in the 28 years I've been on this earth that following your passion is the best thing you can do for yourself. For me, that is our love for our furry friends. I hope that this blog grows and inspires the same way my job and my dog inspire me. I live with and work with dogs every day, so I have many stories to share! And yes, I kiss my dog goodnight every night....
After doing a little bit of research, I decided to enroll in a Veterinary Technician program to become a LVT. My nursing classes actually helped out a lot in understanding the math and science of the field. I started looking for jobs in the veterinary industry and was hired as a receptionist at an animal hospital in D.C. and eventually got some experience working as a technician. I fell in love with the job and the industry and knew this was where I was meant to be. I am now enjoying a new position as a vet tech/assistant at an animal hospital closer to home while finishing classes to become a licensed veterinary technician.
This brings me to the point of why I want to blog. The relationships I have built with every dog I've had in my life inspired me to believe that I could be whatever I want, have the kind of career I want and live the kind of life I want to live. I've learned in the 28 years I've been on this earth that following your passion is the best thing you can do for yourself. For me, that is our love for our furry friends. I hope that this blog grows and inspires the same way my job and my dog inspire me. I live with and work with dogs every day, so I have many stories to share! And yes, I kiss my dog goodnight every night....
Rolo at 8 weeks old. Love at first sight.
Rolo at 16 months and about 56 pounds here!
You can follow Rolo on Instagram @rolypolyf
