Young and aspiring student senior Lia Figueroa is determined to open a shelter for homeless animals to train and rehabilitate for future homes. In a time when many animals need love and care, they need another contributor to this cause.
“They’re vulnerable and need a helping hand, and my heart only aches for them,” Figueroa said.
Drawing from a traumatic experience from a trip to Mexico, she discovered puppies were being eaten due to the conditions people were living in. Startled, she couldn’t understand why it had to be this way. This event shook Figueroa and had her rethink many of her past choices leading up to that moment. Although a devastating experience, it sparked new intuition within her.
“Hopefully, I can follow my dreams and that will, in turn, help out animals in need,” said Figueroa.
With a new past behind her, her heart is set on helping animals in need. She aims to open a home to aid them and help them integrate into a loving home, hoping a community can come together to support and get involved. There are crucial roles to be played, and she is stepping up to take these roles.
“I just want to do what I believe best, and I think there needs to be more people contributing to such a cause,” she said.
Taking the first steps toward her dreams, she decided to take them to another level by working with animals. Currently, she is working at Discovery Valley Animal Hospital, where she aids a doctor at his appointments. She is also learning to talk to patients, clean animals, and calm them. She hopes to become more knowledgeable and compassionate from this experience to help all animals in need. With high hopes that this job experience will help her achieve her goal, she is determined to learn all she can.
“Hopefully this shelter can be non-profit and will aim to care for animals in need,” said Figueroa.
With a new passion for doing what she believes best, it is clear that her dreams cannot be stopped.