What Previous Interns Have To Say .....

What Previous Interns Have to Say…

On Their Most Memorable Experience…
“The entire experience was probably one of the top 5 most memorable things I've ever done. Going so far away from home, alone, for as long as I did was something I never did before.” Leah, 22, Baltimore, MD

“My most memorable experience at Best Friends was working with Pookie the pit bull one on one for four weeks. I really enjoyed working with the trainers at Best Friends to put together a sort of program. It was a blast taking her to Angel's Landing and on hikes by the creek. It got to the point where I'd show up at her octagon and you could see she was so excited because she recognized that we were going to be doing something fun. Developing that kind of bond with an animal was extremely memorable for me. And Pookie just got adopted a few weeks ago! I'm so happy for her, and I hope that my work with her will help her adjust to her new home.” Stephanie, 20, Boston, MA

“My most memorable experience was shadowing the vets both at the clinic and at horses. Watching them work with dogs that were seizuring, pigs with a foot problem, cleaning horse teeth, and spay/neuter rekindled my passion and determination to go to vet school.” Erin, 21, Newport Beach, CA

Their Expectations…
“I knew that the town would be small but it was bigger than I expected. I knew that the sanctuary would be big but I could never have imagined just how big it actually is. I’m so impressed with the sanctuary and how it’s run.” Bernadette, 24, Los Angeles, CA

“I was not expecting such a large, beautiful sanctuary. I was surprised by how clean and nice all the buildings are, as well as how each animal is treated as an individual.” Stacy, 21, Dallas, TX

“Pretty much all my expectations were met (they were pretty high) in terms of the animals, the layout of the sanctuary, the beautiful setting, the tranquility of Angel’s Landing…” Lesley, 33, Santa Cruz, CA

How the Internship Has Changed Their Lives…
“My life is now dedicated to animal rescue. I am in the middle of changing jobs so that I can better focus on animal rescue.” Lisa, 39, Montgomery, AL

“I've known for a long time that I want to work with animals when I get out of college, but I haven't really decided what exactly I want to do. Before coming to Best Friends I didn't have any plans to work in the "shelter" world because it just seemed so heartbreaking. Best Friends really turned that image around for me. The organization helped me to view animals in a different light. I was really able to see that not only are they out there rescuing animals but they are also working toward a mission, they have a goal and watching people come together for that goal is truly amazing.” Stephanie, 20, Boston, MA

“My goals kind of changed mid way through the
internship. To begin with, I was here to see if I
could figure out what I wanted to study for a new
career. About mid way though, I became more
interested in finding ways to stay involved with the
animal welfare movement and how to better help Best
Friends get their message across.” Lesley, 33, Santa Cruz, CA

What They Wish They’d Known Before Coming…
“I wish I had known how dry was the air was. My skin and hair really suffered.” Lisa, 39, Montgomery, AL

“Slightly more detail of the few town activities (like the Monday movie at the Crescent Moon, or the biweekly Best Friends movie at the Crescent moon) like days, times, location, and price. It took us awhile to figure out our options.” Leah, 22, Baltimore, MD

“The sand gets everywhere! Socks didn’t really help either. I also wish I’d known how small the vegetarian freezer sections are.” Bernadette, 24, Los Angeles, CA

What They Liked Best…
“I liked everyone's friendly attitudes; I have never been in such a generally friendly happy place, with such a hodgepodge of people from such different backgrounds.” Leah, 22, Baltimore, MD

“I loved being surrounded by people who have a similar outlook on life. It’s a refreshing change from my normal life.” Bernadette, 24, Los Angeles, CA

“1. Having the chance to really experience all sorts of
things to do with animal welfare and the running of
the sanctuary. And then being able to concentrate on
areas that are of real interest.
2. Lunch!
3. Getting all the hands-on experience with the
animals (for me, the dogs).
4. Proximity to all the national parks = fun weekends.”
Lesley, 33, Santa Cruz, CA

What They Liked Least…
“I was over the small town thing after about a week. I found it so hard to deal with since I’m used to a big city where there’s a lot going on and everything is so close.” Bernadette, 24, Los Angeles, CA

“The drive from Fredonia to the sanctuary everyday.” Lisa, 40, Arlington, MA

“1. Having to share a house with a stranger for
accommodations. If I were to redo it, I would have
camped or found a furnished apt. for rent like a
previous intern did
2. Especially since it was the summer, it took two
weeks to get used to climate and altitude and made
for tiring hard days.” Lesley, 33, Santa Cruz, CA

What They Learned About Themselves…
“I learned that I do not have the patience to be a dog trainer, or to work "hands on" with dogs all day long. I am much better suited for "behind the scene" work.” Lisa, 39, Montgomery, AL

“I learned that I wasn't actually very comfortable
with dogs, which wasn't something I had realized before. One on one, I am okay, but I get nervous when they are in groups and the sound is deafening, etc. But, I am working on getting over that!” Leah, 22, Baltimore, MD

“I know I’m a cat person but I realized I was more of a dog person than I thought.” Lisa, 40, Arlington, MA

Their Favorite Animal Area…
“Horse Haven, with Birds in a very close second. I am a horse person, and I loved that the employees at Horses recognized my skills and treated me appropriately. I appreciated how much they appreciated me, as they were very short-staffed while I was there. I felt like I was more useful at Horses because I didn't need to be taught, and that I learned a lot at Birds, so it was a good combination!” Leah, 22, Baltimore, MD

“I loved Dogtown Heights! My one on one dog and the dog I want to adopt were both in that area. I soon realized that it was much more fun and rewarding to work with the dogs than in any other area.” Bernadette, 24, Los Angeles, CA

*Tips for Incoming Interns*

* There is lots of sand at the sanctuary and it gets everywhere, plan accordingly.

* If you have car trouble, visit Kanab Tire. They give a Best Friends discount and are very helpful.

* Rewind Diner has great food and they even have vegan options!

* Don’t plan on losing weight; the sanctuary lunch is delicious. You will probably serve yourself seconds 

* You will hate yourself if you don’t bring bug spray.

* If you can’t find housing for the entire six weeks be sure to contact Jill.

* If you’re renting a car try www.carrental.com.

* If you’re interested in a particular department tell Jill early on so that you have a good chance of meeting with them.

* Buy/bring your own water instead of drinking from the tap. Mt. Olympus water is a good local choice.

* Consider ahead of time and decide if you can take
an animal home...and what kind. You will fall in
love with lots of animals and will want to adopt - it
will be easier on you if you've already decided if you
can or cannot bring anyone home.

* Plan on feeling tired the first two weeks as you
adjust to the climate and altitude.

*If you decide to stay with a staff member, make the
effort to call them and have a conversation with them
before agreeing to rent their room. It's worth
finding out if you think you'll be compatible.

* If you come in the summer, bring lots of light
weight pants/shorts and shirts. It's hot.

* If you are a vegetarian or vegan, plan on bringing
some of your favorite foods, the selection in the
super-markets is lacking in good veggie options. Be
prepared for poor produce selection.

* If you make a budget like, plan to have at
least $100 for the Best Friends store - there are
loads of goodies in there that you will want to have.

* Ladies - if you die your own hair, bring a box of
your color with you as there are very very few
choices in the stores here.

* Buy the annual national park pass if you plan on
visiting them on the weekends. It’s well worth it if you put it to good use.

* Use lots of sunscreen - even on the overcast days.

* If you decide to, you will work with a dog one on one so keep an eye out in those first 2 weeks for dogs you may want to work with.

* Don’t bring anything new and expensive; it will very likely get ruined.

* Eat lunch at the cafeteria. It’s a great way to get to meet people.

* Get to know the other interns as you will be spending 6 weeks with them. The best way to do this is through the Network as everyone interested can see what things are discussed and what your plans are once you arrive.

This article was researched and written by intern Bernadette.