A Young Dog Lover Worth Emulating

Remember last week when we promised to introduce you to a young lady who has found her calling? Well, Parental Unit and I were able to interview our friend, Meg just yesterday, and we're thrilled to bring you excerpts from that interview today. Meg is the daughter of one of Parental Unit's friends, who we know to be a long-time animal lover. And we also know that Meg has been shadowing a veterinarian, her chosen career, for over four years. Now get this: Meg just turned twelve, so that means she's been shadowing this vet since she was about seven or eight years old. (Parental Unit says she could probably say "Hello" pretty well at that age, but that's about it).

So here's what Meg has to say about helping animals in need, her chosen career...and a new addition to their household this spring.

Parental Unit: So Meg, I hear you did something pretty special for your birthday celebration this year.

Meg: I  invited a few friends over for a party and decided to ask them to bring a small donation to the American Humane Society instead of bringing presents for me.

Parental Unit: We think that's pretty nice of you, Meg! How much were you able to donate?

Meg: We donated $250 to the Humane Society.

Bocci: Whoa! $250 bucks! What a lotta loot for treats nice sum of money to donate. I'm sure they'll appreciate it.

Parental Unit: What did your friends say about your unusual birthday request?

Meg: My friends thought it was a great idea-they were excited to give!

Parental Unit: I know that you want to be a veterinarian, and you've been shadowing a vet for  quite a few years, Meg. What exactly do you do when you visit the clinic?

Meg: I go with the veterinarian and her staff when she sees each patient, help out when I'm asked, and usually just listen and learn a lot from the experience. I also get to observe during surgeries, "I don't get freaked out by blood and all that other stuff."

Bocci: Blood? I'm starting to feel woozy...clunk!

Parental Unit: Just ignore Bocci, he'll be fine. Do you plan to help out any other animal organizations in the future?

Meg: I have a good friend who's interested in helping animals, too, and right now we're doing some research on puppy mills. We'll probably write letters [to raise awareness] when we get more information. And we're looking into more ways to raise money-we're  probably going to expand into [more formal] fundraisers soon.

Bocci: O.K. I'm feeling better now-just had some water and a biscuit to normalize my blood sugar. Great about that fundraising thing, Meg. Just let me know when you get more loot money to donate. I've got just the dog treats to buy animal organization that would be grateful for your donation.
Speaking of dogs, I hear you've got plans for a new addition to your household!

Meg: Yes, Bocci, this spring we're looking forward to bringing home a Wired Hair Pointing Griffon puppy!

Parental Unit: That's exciting, we'll look forward to visiting and taking lots of pictures!

Bocci: Oh boy, I can hardly wait to meet the little rascal! I'll be happy to pass on all the ways I've learned to avoid getting caught doing something bad to strictly obey all of Parental Unit's commands.

Meg: Sure thing, Bocci!

P.S. Parental Unit and I can't help but wonder how many animals in need or other causes could benefit if more young folks would ask for a "donation to a charity or cause instead of presents" for just one birthday... We love this idea!

A hearty "thank-you" to Meg and her family for allowing us to publish this inspiring interview. We'll leave you with a picture of Meg and her late dog, Kelley, whom they lost to old age last year.

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