It's A Wrap!

As I bring March to a close, I promised I would post the list of Orange Roads for the dream of working with animals. This list was compiled from a very informal survey I took on facebook. The point is simply that when you ask, "Where can I go?" The Orange Roads rise up to meet you! Ask! Ask! Ask!

Here's the list:

Safari Guide

(Domestic or International) Animal Rights Advocate

Animal Dietitian

Parasitologist

Captive Animal Enrichment Specialist

Animal Biologist

FDA Inspector

Veterinarian

Groomer

Pet Sitter

Animal Chiropractor

Dog Walker

Animal Trainer

Zoo Keeper

Farmer

Dog Show Handler

Dog Shoe Helper

Jockey

Rehabilitation Specialist

Animal Educator

Guard Dog Trainer

Therapy Dog Trainer

Pet Psychic

Pooper-Scooper

Ecologist

Zoo Management

Wildlife Specialist

Forest Ranger

Habitat Design

Conservation Manager

Be A Sponsor - Orange Road #9

Every time I discover another Orange Road on the subject of bringing animals into your life, I find it leads me to two more! This one could be an initial step for someone who needs a little more prep time to actually prepare to get animals in their life. Sponsor an animal for someone who is ready to embrace and love that dog, cat, horse, or even a fish!

Sponsoring an animal can be as informal as getting a pet for someone who really wants one to providing ongoing support in terms of food and regular veterinary care. That gift will be the gift that keeps on giving for both (or all) of you!

Just For Fun!

California has been getting slammed with rain! We are at 130% rainfall for this year and our snow is equally abundant it the Sierras. I can't help but think of the biblical story of Noah's Ark.

"God saw how great wickedness had become and decided to wipe mankind from the face of the earth. However, one righteous man among all the people of that time, Noah, found favor in God's eyes. With very specific instructions, God told Noah to build an ark for him and his family in preparation for a catastrophic flood that would destroy every living thing on earth.

God also instructed Noah to bring into the ark two of all living creatures, male and female, along with every kind of food to be stored as food for the animals and his family while on the ark. Noah obeyed everything God commanded him to do.

After they entered the ark, rain fell on the earth for a period of forty days and nights. The waters flooded the earth for a hundred and fifty days, and every living thing on the face of the earth was wiped out. As the waters receded, the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat. Noah and his family continued to wait for almost eight more months while the surface of the earth dried out.

Finally after an entire year, God invited Noah to come out of the ark. Immediately, he built an altar and worshiped the Lord with burnt offerings from some of the clean animals. God was pleased with the offerings and promised never again to destroy all the living creatures as he had just done. Later God established a covenant with Noah: "Never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth." As a sign of this everlasting covenant God set a rainbow in the clouds." Genesis 6:1 - 9:17


From About.com - Christianity.

Become a Foster Parent - Orange Road #8

Many local shelters have foster programs that allow you to be a Foster Parent to a dog, cat, bunny, or even Guinea pig.

My understanding of how these programs work is that you register with the shelter and when they have an animal come in that matches your parameters (size, breed, temperament, etc), they call you to come pick up your house guest. I also know some rescue groups (breed specific) look for foster parents for the animals they are working to place. Many times, fostering is the beginning of growing your family, after all, some of those babies are just too darn precious to let go of! Dave would never let me foster Cocker Spaniels, I would never let them leave!

This is a great way to help our furry friends and do it on a more temporary basis in terms of time and long term commitment. You can always say no if the time is not right for your schedule.

The List is Long! - Orange Road #7

In my research to find all the Orange Roads for how to incorporate working with animals in your life right now, even I'm amazed at how many opportunities there are. I'm going to post the whole list I compiled at the end of the month, but suffice it to say, if you just open your mind and start thinking with, what's available, which are the options I know I can do? you will see how many options there are.

I believe that that which you put your attention on grows, and this just proved it to me again. I have had my eyes peeled for different ways to work with animals and I even noticed a traveling reptile show driving down the freeway! Hey Lisa, do you want to collect snakes, turtles, and lizards and travel around to elementary schools? Smiling!

Become a Dog Show Handler - Orange Road #6

Have you ever had an interest in dog shows? I used to show my horse and I loved show day! The anticipation of the events of the day, the smells of lineaments, coat conditioners, and Show Sheen, a product designed to make a horse darn near sparkle! Everyone was in their finest clothes and of course, horses and their people were groomed impeccably. It was all very exciting.

This is one of those Orange Roads that may feel like you are backtracking or maybe even going the wrong way because this one is a little more extensive. You can start right now by finding out when the next dog show is going to be within driving distance. Start going to shows and watching handlers do their jobs. Pay attention to the dogs that win and think about what that handler did that maybe the others didn't do. Next, you will want to work with a breed you love, for me, it would be Cocker Spaniels. If you can, get a puppy from a breeder and start learning with your own dog. You will learn what the grooming requirements are and you can start teaching your puppy to stand in show pose and use the proper gaits. If you can't take on a puppy of your own right now, this is where you work with someone who can use your help and doesn't mind teaching you. Sign up for an attend classes given my the American Kennel Club. You can find clubs in your area by visiting the AKC website. Work with an experienced handler to find out what exactly paid professionals are responsible for. It's not uncommon for a handler to board the dogs, guide their show careers, train and condition them for exhibition and choose what shows to attend. If you get this far in the journey and find this is for you and you've gained some experience as a professional handler, register with the AKC or with the Professional Handlers Association

Becoming a Dog Show Handler won't be an easy task and to actually start making money doing it will take some time, but it's an Orange Road so roll up your sleeves and enjoy the journey!

Work With Rescue - Orange Road #5

There are many organizations all over the country that rescue animals, all kinds of animals. I know of a woman who takes in all kinds of unusual animals like gophers, birds, chipmunks, and even an elk! You primarily see rescue organizations when there is an oil spill and the wonderful beings who do this work step in and save all the birds coated in oil.

Another organization is Animal Rescue Association of the Americas. This group is the first and only membership association of its kind for the animal rescue community. They represent a mighty volunteer force with a passion for justice and a commitment to bettering the lives of companion animals. If you can't give of your time, you can certainly find organizations like this one to support financially.

As a note, just giving your money would be a last resort in my opinion. It's certainly a great way to help out any number of worthy organizations, but the goal here is to get you living your dream and to me, that means doing. Go get 'em!