Thick, liquid soap ebbed and flowed between the fibers of a raggedy washcloth, which I lightly applied near the velvety fur withers. The crystal-clear faucet water soon took on an off-putting, charcoal hue as it swirled around the sink’s drain. I observed closer, noticing peculiar specks that began to dye the fur with a spattering of deep red blotches. As I dutifully dabbed at them, I noticed that these dangerous specks started to crawl up my forearm. My arm hairs stood on edge with instinctual discomfort as the fuzzy specks ascended my limb.
Rhipicephalus Sanguineus—known as the brown dog tick—was the particular species infesting Snoopy, the frail Border Collie. Out of all the dogs I had previously fostered, none had showcased the intense concentration of Snoopy’s mind, nor had they shared his currently grim circumstances. As I calmly focused on removing each of the forty ticks for hours on end, I realized that this entire ordeal could have been prevented.
At an early age, I developed a tenacious attitude towards protecting animals; I would compassionately rehabilitate the dehydrated worms left stranded after a torrential downpour, and I’d always relocate trapped spiders that were clueless to their destiny of being brutally squashed. I was forever appalled by some people’s disregard for these voiceless individuals possessing distinct, intricate emotions. Yet, I realized that in order to assist even the smallest creatures, I had to cater my articulation to my audience.
The first application of this was when I helped a friend convince the local community to assemble Mason Bee Houses in our area and surround the enclosures with native plants. Initially, I encountered harsh criticism: plenty of pollinators were attracted to these plants, and the stings that they produced were far too painful for the community’s wishes. However, I knew how to persuade the skeptical opposition by presenting the economic advantages: by purchasing perennial flowers, funds could be allocated to perpetually enhance the community’s aesthetic appeal in other areas.
After successfully constructing the bee houses, I felt motivated to volunteer with Safe Haven Dog Rescue, an organization that transports dogs out of a town called West Helena, Arkansas. This once bustling civilization had become desolate and thickly overgrown with English ivies that strangulated the tragically crumbling bricks. For a moment, an irrational fear engulfed my thoughts and hindered my ability to ask to foster. It shaped itself into a rational thought, internally assuring me that someone else would take action and that I didn’t have to take responsibility. Yet, I thought about Snoopy, an overlooked, innocent soul unable to reach his full potential. His dire situation became my motivation. Instead of backing away, I chose to spread awareness in my community, contacting friends about the dogs at risk of euthanasia. This action led to some of them deciding to foster, which increased the number of rescued dogs and spread to those who weren’t able to help through shared posts online.
With this newfound outlet, I felt a sense of fulfillment. Time fluttered by, accelerating me into a state of productivity and contentment. A sense of confidence slowly enveloped my perception of community change projects, allowing me to become more publicly outspoken despite the negative reception towards my ideas. Feeling the need to continue this feeling of joy, I introspectively considered other possible career paths. A combination of spending hours at Indian Prairie Animal Hospital, learning about medicine, and embracing my empathy for animals soon inspired me to pursue a career as a veterinarian. I hope wholeheartedly that saving pets will initiate others’ journeys of self discovery in the way Snoopy the Border Collie’s soft, amber eyes did for me.
Author’s Note:
This is dedicated to my previous foster dog, Snoopy, who, in just a few months changed my outlook on life. He helped me rediscover my passion for creativity along with many other forgotten hobbies.
Aniela Ehrlicher | 18 | Naperville, IL | @aniela_ehrlicher07 on Instagram
