Abby Laury

My family has always been a dog family. From the moment I was born and every minute after that, there was always a four-legged friend roaming the house. When I took my first steps I had to navigate around our first family pet, Jessie. A fifty-pound yellow lab made the perfect childhood best friend for both my older sister and me. After many summer swims in our backyard pool back home and many sad trips to the local veterinarian, Jessie had to cross the rainbow bridge.

The presence of a dog had become such an integral part of my family so it was not long before we were welcoming a three-year-old rescue dog named Drew into our home. With much smaller legs than Jessie and a snaggle-tooth that made for a very funny smile, Drew was a little ball of light. Unfortunately, he had more health problems that came along as he grew. By the time I was reaching the end of middle school I realized how much I wished I could help Drew conquer his illnesses and other animals like him.

Even though none of us were ready to say goodbye, we had to let Drew join Jessie when his illnesses became too much for his little heart. It took my family a little more time after that loss to start searching the shelters again, but a couple of years later there was yet another shaggy tail wagging in the Laury house. It only felt appropriate that we name him DJ (pictured with me) in honor of the friendly faces before him. Each dog, with its own personality and unconditional love, helped me find my passion for veterinary science. I will always hold them with me wherever I go and I know I will see their funny smiles in any animal I can hopefully help in the future.