Introducing Me

A day in the life of a zookeeper.  Okay, so I'm not exactly a zookeeper, but I often feel like one.  A relatively quick rundown of my four-legged (or something close) family in the order of acquisition or addition, whichever you prefer: Tanner, the mutt-butt canine I've loved since high school; George, the little cattle dog mix I adopted during my sophomore year in college; Goldie, the brilliantly named Ryukin goldfish; Dancer, the gorgeous, albeit a bit clumsy, Thoroughbred gelding I bought as a late graduation gift for myself; Teddy, the re-homed rat that rules the roost; and finally, Gideon, the little stray kitty I've only had for a month or so.  I know of only one other person my age in college with a collection that rivals mine.

I am a senior in animal science (no, I don't plan on being a veterinarian; yes, there are other things you can do with an animal science degree). My passion for animals, especially horses and dogs, pervades my life.  My love for horses in particular is so great that I would love to sing a little song about it, if only I could find the words… however, this is most beneficial to you, as I am no American Idol.  I would dance a jig for you instead, but I've never tried, so it would look quite silly, and you couldn't see it anyway.  So you'll just have to take my word on it. 

I am loud, opinionated, and unyielding… if I am arguing against something inanimate.  In person, I think I am a bit more sedate, a little less sarcastic, and much more understanding. 

Putting these things together, I tend to get very adamant about animal issues.  I have more education about animals than the average Joe, but I get that I don't know everything, and I'm certainly no expert on any one topic.  When determining my stance on issues, I try to fall somewhere between emotional reaction and cold logic.  Something like warm rationalization. 

On a totally different note, if you're still with me on this winding path of an essay, I feel that I am a very creative person.  My writing is not that great because I have never put much effort into it.  I love writing still, but I have so many other things to do.  Since my passion in life is horses, I put most of my creative juices into horseback riding.  It is mentally and physically challenging, but when done correctly, horse and rider have created a beautiful masterpiece that rivals Mozart or DaVinci. 

Well, there is me in a nutshell at 4 am.  So, take me for who I am, and I am what I love and what I do.