Intern extraordinaire Abby

Meet former animal care intern Abby. For two months, she dedicated herself to the farmed animal residents at the sanctuary. Mucking out barns, assisting with medical checks, and  helping with animal feeds, she was an integral part of the Animal Place team! See what she has to say about her time spent here at the sanctuary!

How did you develop your interest in vegan lifestyle?

The first step for me was going vegetarian, inspired by the simple realization that I did not want to eat my friends. As I got older I became more interested in animal rights, educating myself further on the horrors of animal agriculture, and cutting out all animal products. Going vegan is the best thing I have ever done!

Is there a particular animal on the farm that you connect with?  

Taylor the chicken.  I love her so much and she is perfect in every way! She is just so beautiful and sophisticated. I love sitting with her and discussing our favorite Taylor Swift songs.

Besides animals, what else are you passionate about?  

I enjoy cooking! I love to make things for my friends and family and show people that compassionate food choices can be delicious and simple.

What advice would you give people interested in transitioning to a vegan diet?

Focus on why you are doing it and stand behind what you feel is right. For me, one of the challenging aspects of transitioning to a vegan diet was facing criticism from my friends and family. It can be hard at first, having others not understand and even make you feel upset or uncomfortable because of your diet. Just remember that your decision to adopt a compassionate lifestyle is something that should make you proud.You are making a difference for the animals, our environment, and your health!

Have you learned anything in your internship at Animal Place that you can apply to a future career or your home life?

I learned much through my internship at Animal Place. Something that really stuck with me was seeing how important it is to be passionate about your work and career. I have seen directly how dedicated the staff at Animal Place are to their cause, and how it drives them and inspires them every single day. Surrounding your life and career around something you deeply care about is so important!

What has been your most memorable experience in the Animal Place internship program?

I have had so many incredible experiences and opportunities here at Animal Place, it is hard to choose just one!  That being said, I enjoyed helping move the cattle to their new pasture. My job was to ride in the 4WD vehicle and lead the herd, calling out for the cows and luring them with grass hay. Other members of staff/interns followed behind and kept the cows moving forward. It was incredible to look back and see the herd marching along, enjoying every minute of their little adventure. When the cows got to their new pasture it was amazing to see them explore and enjoy their new surroundings and fresh grass. I absolutely love cows and think they are the most beautiful animals.

Do you have any advice to anyone interested in applying to the Animal Place internship program?

Go for it! I know it can seem scary to put yourself out there in a new place, with new people, but this internship has been such an amazing experience! You will learn so much, working alongside such a compassionate and dedicated group of people. You won’t regret it!

Interested in interning? Apply for a life-changing residential internship with Animal Place!

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