For James Zechin, the biggest joy in his job as a kennel technician is seeing clients’ happiness when their pets are successfully treated at our clinic. “Just being able to help the patients get better and seeing the appreciation on clients’ faces when you’re done” is the best part of his work, he says. “People’s pets are their family. There is a strong connection there, and I enjoy being able to help people with that.” James, a veteran of three tours of duty with the U.S. Army in Iraq, joined us after our new office opened in Hotchkiss. His wife Angela, a customer service specialist for a payment- processing company in Delta, texted him the news one day saying, “You should apply!” James recalls. He followed her advice and soon landed a position as a kennel technician. A War Veteran Finds Joy in Caring for Animals Passion for Pets His tasks include setting up for surgeries, cleaning up afterward, and performing a variety of other duties as needed. “I do a lot of pet holding. That’s one of the best parts of the job,” he says. “Every day is different. There is a new surprise every day. You never know what or who is going to walk through the door.” James enlisted in the Army at 17 after the 9/11 attacks and served three tours of duty in Iraq before being medically retired a few years later. He and his wife Angela have 40 acres in the Hotchkiss area and have two dogs, a silver Lab named River and a pit bull named Sara. James did this interview with one of our clinic’s two black staff cats, Peek-a- Boo, on his lap. “We have become very good friends, he and I,” James says. “I love animals. I always have. I was raised with animals and have been around them my whole life,” he says. “They seem to understand me, and I understand them.”
Nature photography offers a great way to get outside and capture the beauty of the natural world. Whether you’re new to this hobby or have been snapping photos for years, you can always enhance your skills with these four tips for producing compelling outdoor photos. Plan Ahead Before heading outside with your camera and other gear, research your chosen location and the subject you aim to photograph. Understanding the local wildlife, plant life, and weather conditions can inform your equipment selection. Timing is also key. Early morning and late afternoon, known as the “golden hours,” offer soft, diffused light Quick Tips for Better Outdoor Photos CAPTURE NATURE’S BEAUTY LIKE A PRO
that enhances natural scenes. Master Your Equipment
Be sure to familiarize yourself with your camera’s settings. Some of the most important include aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, which control exposure and depth of field. For instance, a wide aperture (low f-stop) can help create a shallow depth of field and isolate your subject from the background, which is particularly effective for wildlife photography. Conversely, a narrow aperture (high f-stop) is ideal for landscape shots because it increases the depth of field and helps keep
more of the scene in focus. Consider Composition
In photography, composition is key. When taking nature photographs, apply compositional rules such as the rule of thirds (placing subjects off-center), leading lines (guiding the eye with pathways or rivers), and framing (using natural elements to highlight the subject). Experimenting with different perspectives and angles can also add depth to your photos. Be Respectful Whenever you’re out in the field, respect the environment by following local guidelines, maintaining a safe distance from wildlife, and minimizing your impact on natural habitats. Always stay on designated paths and never remove any natural objects. Following a few simple rules protects wildlife and the landscape and maintains the integrity of your photography. With these tips in mind, you’re ready to enjoy the outdoors while capturing images that reflect the beauty of the natural world.
Like the true Coloradan he is, James loves fly fishing, backpacking, and camping in the summer and snowboarding and snow-shoeing in the winter. He and Angela also have a greenhouse, where they successfully grew vegetables last year. On tap this year: Planting some young fruit trees. “My newest hobby, ” James says, “is gardening!”
To Our Valued Clients Heads Up! Book April Appointments Early We want to provide the best possible care for your pets this spring, and we know that requires advance planning on your part. Please be aware that Dr. Jeff will be away this month following elective surgery. We will be operating with one less vet than usual! Please help us out by scheduling essential appointments well in advance. We appreciate your help!
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