Whether you see her caring for puppies or answering phone calls at work, she always has a smile on her face and is willing to help with anything.
Addison Rhodes is a sophomore at Lakeland high school who currently works at Emergency Pet Care in Post Falls.
Addison loves animals and has two pets of her own. A dog named Yukon and a cat she rescued from her work, Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
Her cat was found and was put online and after 10 days no one claimed her. When Addison first saw the cat she immediately knew she was going to take her home. Addison says that the cat was the dream cat she always wanted.
“All of my animals come from EPC and everyone has a story,” said Addison.
Rhodes has been hanging around the clinic since the age of seven but she was inspired to work at the clinic after watching her mom work there for 15 years. Annie Bowes, the doctor that works there, has known Addison since birth.
At the clinic, Rhodes paints dog kennels with bright positive murals like aquatics and flowers.
Her favorite mural she has done was an eight foot painting of a tiger lily.
She also answers calls and tends to animals, making sure they are healthy. Addison also gets to assist with surgeries in the summer, while keeping everything clean.
Her favourite part about working at the clinic is when she gets to help with the puppies after c- sections.
One thing she finds herself doing a lot is pulling porcupine quills out of dogs so that doctors are able to focus on more urgent matters, this can take 1-2 hours depending on the severity.
“I love being able to see animals in critical condition that thrive after our care,” Rhodes said,”It’s very rewarding.”
She says the hardest part about working in pet care is when an animal comes in that is in critical condition and they cannot save it.
One thing is for sure, no matter where she goes she will bring love and care to everyone and every animal she meets.
Animal Loving Addison
