The other day I had to accept that I am getting old. Surely the expanding waistline and the growing crow's feet were a sure sign of that, but I am usually able to hide those things with clever outfits or cosmetics. But this week is the 20th anniversary of Shark Week on the Discovery Channel. I cannot seem to comprehend that I have lived long enough to have done something 20 years ago.
As with most animal lovers, I not only occupy myself with the trials and tribulations of the family companions. I have a thirst for knowledge about all kinds of animals. I often amaze friends with a plethora of facts such as the gestation period for an African Elephant (22 months), the top speeds of emus and ostrich (30mph), and which types of sharks lay eggs or have live births. This type of knowledge might be useful on Jeopardy but has otherwise not gotten me very far in life.
I have loved sharks since I was a kid on Long Island. Back when I was growing up there were still fish and a thriving fishing industry in the area. There were always fish tales about sharks getting stuck in nets and ripping holes in them, or sharks eating a hooked fish right off the line. Many a child from Long Island was threatened with becoming "chum" for shark fishing when we were naughty. I did a science project for school on sharks when I was in 7th grade which got me a 2nd place ribbon for a state science fair competition.
So, naturally, when the first Shark Week came on 20 years ago, I was rapt with awe at the amazing discoveries in the world of sharks since the time of my 7th grade triumph. I lived with my Aunt and my Grandmother at the time, and me and Gram would watch Shark Week programming all evening. I have watched it faithfully every year since. It has never gotten boring.
It is hard to remember what my life was like at the time.
I was still in school. I was working in an animal hospital as a Vet Tech. I was fostering "Lincoln" for a local shelter, he was a Lab mix with a stump for a tail. I also was the proud owner of Pete the cat, who became mine when my Grandfather passed away. If someone told me then that I would be living in Wisconsin and working in an animal shelter in 20 years, I would have told them that they were crazy.
Twenty years is a long time. I think back on all of the animals that I have had the good fortune to become acquainted with and the people who loved them. I can remember all of the dogs that I have fostered and helped find new and permanent homes, the many kittens I bottle fed. It can almost be discouraging to know that I have worked so hard on behalf of so many animals, and I know so many people who have worked so much harder and it seems like there is still so much more to be done.
At the end of the day, I am pretty happy that life took me to Elmbrook Humane Society. It is hard work, the hours are long, and I will not retire a millionaire. But I am really proud to be a part of something so special. The staff and volunteers amaze me every day. The animals are always wonderful. The work we do is so important, and so necessary.
Today we had a couple of great adoptions, Bailey the Lab went to a new home with a super nice couple. Paddy the Standard Poodle got a great new home. I even got to take a puppy and a kitten to a photo shoot for an animal health product that will be in veterinary magazines. I will be here a bit longer finishing up a couple of projects, then go home to my kids and dogs, and Shark Week!
Have you purchased your Waggin' Wheels Car Raffle tickets yet? Call me (262-754-6597)! I have plenty!
