Our guest blogger Sarah talks about helping animals, her ambition to become a veterinarian, and her small business that creates pet products.

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My name is Sarah and I am a rising 7^th grader at MLK Academic Magnet School. I have always had a passion for helping animals, and plan on becoming a vet. My family has enjoyed raising cows, chickens, horses, pygmy goats, and rescue dogs. These experiences have fueled my interest in helping and enjoying animals. I appreciate how animals play many roles including work, therapy, leisure, and companionship. Personally, I love how animals often seem to listen and provide comfort. I have enjoyed making homemade dog bones and play toys for local animal shelters.

Recently, my mom met fellow volunteer Lisa Thomas at The Nashville Food Project. Lisa explained Tails of the Trail and asked if my mom and I would be interested in making Bake-A-Bones for Tails of the Trail. I thoroughly enjoyed walking Maggie from Bonaparte’s Retreat and making all of the treats for the sweet dogs. It was a great time for Maggie, my mom, and me. I know Maggie would make a great pet for someone! Throughout the whole hike, Maggie and many of the other dogs were wagging their tails, smelling the ground, and giving many loving licks. Our canine buddies loved the freedom and fresh air.

After the hike, all of the dogs gobbled down their “pupsicles” and enjoyed being around the other dogs! I gave the Bake-A-Bone to my dogs for Christmas this year, and I have enjoyed making them for many dogs. Tails of the Trail was a great experience to see how different the dogs can act when they are not in a shelter environment. They really open up and show their full loving and spunky personalities.

I have always had a dream, which will hopefully come true, of becoming a vet. Since a young age I have always wanted to help animals and growing up with many different types of animals has shown me how much they can help me and always make me feel better. This is why I want to give back to animals as a veterinarian.

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My cousin, Ellie, and I have a small business where we make dog and cat products. We also donate some of our products to animal organizations, just as we have done for Tails of the Trail. Our website is www.TheArtsyAnimals.weebly.com, if you would like to check us out.