Pinup Girl An intern creates a calender to help
promote adoption of the lesser-
known dogs at the sanctuary
Almost Sisters
Laurel Holding and Melissa Espino left California as strangers, but as Best Friends interns, discovered they had a lot in common, including a newfound love of horses.
"We both live in the Bay Area," said Melissa. "We're both from Asian descent. And while we were here, we both liked working with horses."
Laurel, who knew only that she might like to be a vet, is now thinking of becoming an equine veterinarian. "I didn't have the opportunity to get to know horses before," she said. "Here, you get to work in all the different animal areas, and get experience you can't get at home."
Melissa agreed. "I've never had the chance to work with horses before. And I am in love. They're so majestic!"
Melissa would like to pursue a career as a veterinary technician, and also as a vegan chef. She expected her internship to be just about her vet tech interests, but to her delight, she discovered that Best Friends has a vegetarian and vegan lunch room. Hence, she is the first intern ever to devote a big chunk of her time to studying in the kitchen!
"They really know their business," she said. "I've learned how to orchestrate an entire meal for 30 people in less than four hours. Being a vegan chef is my dream." So she has decided to be both a vet tech and a gourmet vegan chef.
All in all, was it worth it? Did they enjoy their six-week internship? "How could I not?" laughed Melissa.
"I came here hoping to add depth and breadth to my knowledge of animals," said Laurel. "And this has been very moving to me."
