My interest in animals started at a young age when we got our first family pet, a grumpy cat called Smudge. Smudge gave me the understanding of dealing with an animal and this is where my passion grew from. Smudge was grumpy but loving and taught me how to understand animal behaviour in order to build a relationship with them. After a few years when several more cats had taken residence in the household we then got a dog - an energetic blue staffy who taught me how different animals need different types of care. This interest has led me to work voluntarily at a local vets, pet shop and RSPCA and this has enabled me to experience all different kinds of animals on a daily basis. I have learnt that patience is key and I have been told that I am very confident when it comes to handling animals as I fully appreciate that animals require an understanding when being handled. Working in a vets has taught me that helping animals recover is not the only part of the job. I am a hard worker and my experience of volunteering in the RSPCA cleaning the small mammal and reptile cages daily can prove that I have the willingness to turn my hand to any unpleasant and dirty jobs.