Animal House

Well, today I picked up my official job offer from The City.  Starting January 1, 2007, I will be employed with The City's animal control division.

This is a very exciting opportunity for me.  I'll be running an office that is in desperate need of organizational help.  It was all I could do to not look like a kid in a candy store when my new boss detailed all that she hopes to see happen in the department.  This is an organization that has been suffering from neglect, and is just now coming into all of the good things that it deserves.  I get to be there to help them rise from the ground and grow upwards towards better things.

I had the opportunity to meet most of the staff that I will be working with today - office staff, cleaning crew, adoption center personnel and the guys that go out and take care of the animals in the community.  They seem like a great group ~ and the office environment seems like one that will be really fun to work in!  I can't wait to get started!

I'll be working with people and animals in this new environment.  The people that work at this facility, both as paid employees and volunteers, are passionate about animals.  I'm really looking forward to getting to know them and their stories.  Animals tend to bring out the best in people, and we'll have a revolving door of critters moving through - both the people and animals will touch my life, I'm sure. 

I really think that this position will give me a chance to grow professionally and personally.  I will get the chance to really develop my professional office skills...something that has languished over the past year or so in a position that wasn't utilizing my skills to their full potential.  I'll get the chance to meet and bond with some really great people and develop my passion for critters.  I can already tell that it's going to be hard not to adopt every furry thing that crosses my path, but I'll be making new friends and hopefully seeing many go on to new homes. 

It's a great work environment - in a great location - a fabulous opportunity - and great pay.  It's like this opportunity was meant to be...just lying quietly on the side of my path waiting for me to stumble upon it.  This is one of those things that I've learned to go look for - good things are out there, just waiting to be found. 

It feels like this is just another stepping stone in my ever-growing path.  With patience and persistance, and by accepting whatever comes my way and finding a way to make it work in my life, I've managed to overcome another obstacle and grasp this brass ring.  It feels good.