Rachelle Smith has always enjoyed caring for others — that’s why she spent seven years working as an LPN. “I love health care and being able to help someone feel better,” she says. But recently, she decided to try something new. “I originally started in human medicine,” she says, “but I’m finding now that I enjoy working with animals.” She’s been at Surface Creek Vet for a couple months now, working as a vet technician in training. Since this is her first veterinary job, Rachelle has learned a lot quickly. “It’s pretty busy,” she says, “so I jump in wherever I’m needed and pick up whatever I can.” Her responsibilities include maintaining cleanliness, monitoring the animals, and checking their vitals. Soon, she hopes to be able to give injections and perform other minor procedures. Rachelle has spent most of her life in Colorado and loves living in the area. She has three children — an 11-year-old son and daughters who are 7 and 3 — and she’s been married to her husband, Kory, for six and a half years. They live with Veyla, a pit bull, and a cat named Chunky. “My daughter named her,” Rachelle laughs. When she’s not caring for animals or other humans, Rachelle enjoys hiking but notes, “I don’t get to go as often as I want.” She also enjoys arts and crafts, especially sewing, and she’s made several stuffed animals for her children. Above all else, she loves spending time with her family. “I’ve always had a passion for animals and taking care of them,” Rachelle says. “So it’s a joy to be able to do that.” So far, she’s enjoying learning the ropes and working with the team at Surface Creek Vet. “They strive to do good here and help everybody as much as they can,” she says. That attitude aligns perfectly with her own values, making the office a perfect fit. CARING FOR HUMANS AND ANIMALS Meet Veterinary Technician Rachelle Smith! The Best Companion
MEET YOUR NEW FAVORITE WINTER SPORT Snowshoeing Is a Fun, Easy Option for All Ages When celebrities jet off to Aspen, Colorado, for their winter vacations, they might not all be going to ski. According to Forbes, Aspen is also a top snowshoeing destination — and that’s a sport that celebrities and ordinary people of all ages can enjoy. Snowshoeing is a simple activity that dates back at least 6,000 years. It involves strapping large flipper-like attachments called snowshoes to your boots. The attachments distribute your weight and let you walk over banks of powder without sinking. You can use them to navigate flat plains, rolling hills, or steep mountains depending on the type of shoe you invest in.
On top of its unique history, these three major perks to snowshoeing just might make it your favorite winter sport.
1. If you can walk, you can snowshoe! Unlike other energy-intensive sports like skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing is safe and relatively easy for folks of all ages. Some outdoorsmen and women snowshoe into their 70s and beyond, so a snowshoe outing is a great way for grandparents and grandkids to bond while getting some aerobics in. 2. Speaking of aerobics, snowshoeing is also a great workout . When you strap on your snowshoes, you can burn up to 50% more calories than you would while hiking (depending on your pace and the type of terrain). Athletes who want to really amp up the exercise can even invest in jogging snowshoes! 3. Last but not least, snowshoeing is scenic! When you’re whizzing down a mountain on a snowboard or skis, you don’t have time to take in the view. But on snowshoes, you can soak up all of the winter beauty around you. You can even bring your camera along on your trek to capture pictures of any flora and fauna you see. If you want to try snowshoeing this winter, make sure you start with an easy trail and consult your doctor and/or physical therapist before you go. Always bring along a backpack of emergency supplies like a blanket and first aid kit, too, and consider purchasing or renting hiking poles along with your snowshoes to boost your stability. For more insider tips, visit SnowshoeMag.com.
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