Adams County Pet Rescue: Beginning a new life with mixed emotions

OTHELLO – This week, Michelle Murillo is setting off on a new adventure. With her associate’s degree in hand, she is heading to Washington State University to study veterinarian medicine.

Murillo didn’t expect to be taking this turn in life. But after high school, she wanted to get a job and went out to Adams County Pet Rescue on a whim.

“I started volunteering and was eventually hired,” Murillo said.

So, after three and a half years, she is leaving with mixed emotions.

“I don’t want to leave; we’re like family,” Murillo said. “I’m glad I worked here or I wouldn’t have gone to vet school.”

She said it was Kyya Grant, ACPR director, who convinced her to apply for the program. She was genuinely surprised to be accepted at WSU.

“She (Grant) is happy for me,” Murillo said.

Murillo definitely has a step up as she begins this new phase in her life. She already has some experience, thanks to ACPR. Through her work there, she has learned to tell ages and breeds, as well as give vaccinations. On top of that, she has had opportunities to help with prepping animals for surgery.

But her favorite part of working at ACPR has been experiencing how to interact with the staff in that type of environment.

“I always like to come to work,” Murillo said. “I like animals, so I don’t mind coming here.”

She plans to start her own vet business after she graduates from WSU. Of course, she hasn’t decided yet where that will be, but she believes it will all be worth it.

Adams County Pet Rescue is located at 1962 Bench Road near the fairgrounds. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The facility is closed Mondays and Thursdays.

To contact ACPR, call 509-488-5514 or email adopt@AdamsCountyPetRescue. Be sure to visit the website at www.adamscountypetrescue.com and “like” their Facebook page.