Charlize Leonhardt - Cliffdale Animal Hospital -Veterinary Assistant

Charlize Leonhardt’s path into animal care is not something you hear about daily. It's a journey that crosses continents, from Utah to Germany and finally to North Carolina, where she now works as a kennel assistant at Cliffdale Animal Hospital. At just 20 years old, Charlize's experiences have shaped her future ambitions, pushing her toward a veterinary technician (vet tech) career. Her story exemplifies how passion, dedication, and a deep connection with animals can lead to a fulfilling profession.

A Love for Animals Born Early
Charlize's love for animals began in her childhood, growing up in Utah as one of four siblings. Her household was always full of pets, and animals were a part of daily life. French Bulldogs were a constant presence, as her mother bred them, but Charlize's home also hosted a variety of other creatures—cats, birds, fish, and even snakes. Charlize fondly recalls her tuxedo cat, Paddy, who became her "soul cat," staying with her for 19 years, almost her entire life. Paddy was more than just a pet; she was a calming, grandmotherly presence that shaped Charlize's connection with animals.

This early exposure to animals didn't just give her a love for them, but it also gave her practical experience. Charlize learned how to care for a wide range of pets, developing an intuitive understanding of animal behavior. This foundation would later prove invaluable when she pursued work as a kennel assistant.

A Global Journey to Animal Care
While Charlize grew up surrounded by animals, her early life also involved a lot of movement. After living in Utah and Virginia, Charlize moved to Germany due to her stepmother's military career. In Germany, she first faced the challenge of being unable to work at a young age. Unlike many of her peers who got their first jobs at 15 or 16, Charlize could only start working once she returned to the United States.

At 18, she relocated to North Carolina and knew it was time to start building a career. Scanning job boards, Charlize was naturally drawn to animal care. Her lifelong experience with pets seemed like a perfect fit. She landed her first job as a kennel assistant, and after gaining some experience, she applied for a position at Cliffdale Animal Hospital, where she's been working for one year, demonstrating her dedication and commitment to her chosen career path.

Life as a Kennel Assistant: A Learning Experience
Being a kennel assistant involves more than just feeding and walking pets. Charlize describes her day-to-day duties as varied and demanding. Every day is different, and much depends on the number of pets boarding at the clinic. On busy days, Charlize prioritizes the animals in her care, ensuring they are fed, walked, and comfortable. However, her responsibilities extend beyond that.

Charlize also assists veterinary technicians and doctors with procedures, whether holding animals during exams or helping with nail trims. One of the unique aspects of her role is assisting the groomer, especially with larger dogs that need help getting into the bathtub or staying calm during grooming. Her physical strength and calm demeanor are invaluable in these moments, especially when dealing with nervous or difficult-to-handle pets.

Cleaning and organization are another essential part of the job. Charlize explains that a clean, well-organized clinic isn't just important for appearances; it helps the entire team function efficiently, reducing stress for both the staff and the animals. Her attention to detail ensures the hospital remains a safe and calming environment for everyone involved.

Memorable Moments and Learning Curves
One of the most significant moments in Charlize's early days at Cliffdale involved administering insulin to a diabetic cat. Having never given an injection before, Charlize was understandably nervous. To make matters worse, the cat had a reputation for being grumpy. But Charlize quickly learned that the growls were just the cat's way of communicating. Over time, she developed a bond with the animal and became confident in her ability to administer the insulin. The experience taught her an important lesson in reading animal body language and understanding that initial impressions aren't always accurate.

It's these types of experiences that have helped Charlize grow in her role. She's become adept at interpreting the subtle signals that dogs and cats give off, which has made her more effective in her job and more compassionate toward the animals in her care. Charlize's journey is not just about her love for animals, but also about her personal growth and the lessons she's learned along the way.

Managing Stress for Both Animals and Staff
One of the key aspects of Charlize's job is ensuring that the animals boarding at the clinic are as stress-free as possible. This can be challenging, as some animals experience significant anxiety when away from their homes or during veterinary visits. Charlize recalls a particularly anxious dog who couldn't stop panting and was injuring himself by jumping on the kennel bars. Recognizing the dog's distress, Charlize worked with the clinic's veterinarian, Dr. Chavis, to administer medication that calmed the dog down. The transformation was immediate, and the dog became noticeably more relaxed and comfortable.

Charlize emphasizes that reading an animal's body language is critical in these situations. Knowing when an animal is too stressed to proceed with certain procedures helps prevent unnecessary discomfort for the animal and ensures the safety of the staff. Charlize takes her time with anxious animals, getting to know them and helping them feel more comfortable before moving forward. This patience and attention to detail make a big difference, especially for pets that may have had negative experiences in the past.

Emotional Connections: The Hardest and Most Rewarding Part of the Job
For Charlize, one of the most rewarding aspects of her job is the bond she forms with the animals. These emotional connections can be both a blessing and a challenge, particularly when an animal's health declines. Charlize recalls one case involving an elderly dachshund who was a frequent boarder at the clinic. Charlize had developed a close relationship with both said dog and his owner, taking special care to monitor his health and well-being during his stays. When his health deteriorated, and he needed to be euthanized, his owner requested that someone be there to hold him during his final moments. This was an incredibly emotional experience for Charlize, but it was also a profound reminder of her owners' deep trust in her. It's these emotional challenges that make the job of an animal care professional both difficult and rewarding.

Being able to provide comfort to both the animals and their owners during difficult times is one of the reasons Charlize is so dedicated to her work. The bonds she forms with the animals often extend beyond the clinic. Charlize remembers receiving a heartfelt card and a photo of the dog from his owner as a thank-you for the care she provided. It's these moments that remind Charlize why her job is so important, and they continue to fuel her passion for animal care.

Looking to the Future: From Kennel Assistant to Vet Tech
Although Charlize initially considered other career paths, such as psychology or equine therapy, her experiences at Cliffdale Animal Hospital have helped solidify her desire to become a veterinary technician. The hands-on experience she's gained as a kennel assistant has prepared her for the next steps in her career. Under the guidance of her colleagues, Charlize is learning more advanced skills, such as blood draws and other veterinary assistant tasks, which are helping her build confidence in her abilities.

At just 20 years old, Charlize has a bright future ahead of her. The lessons she's learned, from managing stressed animals to providing emotional support to their owners, have given her a strong foundation to continue working in animal care. Whether she pursues a career as a veterinary technician or explores other roles within the field, Charlize's love for animals and dedication to their well-being will guide her every step.

Charlize Leonhardt’s journey from an animal-loving child in Utah to a kennel assistant at Cliffdale Animal Hospital is a story of growth, compassion, and discovery. Her work is more than just a job; it's a calling. Through her daily interactions with animals and their owners, Charlize has developed a deep understanding of what it means to provide care, not just in a medical sense but also emotionally. Her story is a testament to the profound connections that can be formed between humans and animals, and it offers a glimpse into the rewarding world of veterinary care.

As Charlize looks toward the future, her passion for animals continues to shape her path. Whether comforting a pet during its final moments or helping a nervous dog feel at ease, Charlize's commitment to making a difference in the lives of animals is clear. This journey is only beginning for her, but it's already been filled with love, learning, and a deep sense of purpose.