Page 5 - Kind News, March/Apr 2022

I posted fun videos while working in the field
and kids would comment on those videos
saying, “I didn’t like animal control officers
growing up, but you seem so nice!” When I
am on patrol, people (both kids and adults
alike) will think that I am out there to catch
and hurt the animals. Animal control is there
to help both humans and animals. I try to
provide pet food and supplies to those who
need them, or I will direct [people] to places
where they can get help.

KN: Tell us about the book you wrote!
JT: I became inspired to write a book about
this spread: jess thedinga/redrover, adobe stock illustration.
my experience as an animal control officer,
and my second book will be published soon.
The new book is called Helping Pets Home.
It is a collection of animal rescue and reunion
Jess with Koala, the Sphynx cat.
stories. At the end of the book, there is
information on pet identification, where to
go to find your lost pet, and what to do if
you find a pet. educate people in all aspects of animal care.
During wintertime, people will call about dogs who
KN: What does a typical day look like? are left outside. I come out to check on their health
JT: The best part of the job is that every day and let families know when it’s too cold (or too hot
is different. The spring and summertime during summer) for the animal.
months are very busy because of all the baby
animals. I try to educate people about wildlife KN: What are the top two favorite parts of
and how to interact with them. I want to your work day?
JT: I love when I learn that an animal who was lost
has been reunited with their family or adopted by a
Jess rescues a wild baby raccoon. new family. I also love safely interacting with and
helping wildlife.

KN: What are some ways kids can
help animals?
JT: Kids can help animals by volunteering at their
local animal shelter or by holding a bake sale and
donating the proceeds to help animals in need.
Kids can help by simply being kind to animals they
meet. A word of advice for kids: If you find an
animal, call animal control so they can go through
the proper channels to make sure the animal
doesn’t belong to someone and then help the
animal find a home.

Mar/Apr 2022 | 5