Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven Hester.
Hi Steven, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi, my name is Steven, and I’ve been with Eno Animal Hospital for about two and a half years now.
I would say my story into the world of pet care starts early in my life. My dad was a dog breeder and trainer, so very early I was assisting with the care of dogs — even before I can personally remember. Working with dogs for so long, my love of animals grew, and I knew I wanted to work in a field that included them.
Originally I wanted to be a veterinarian. As time went on, I found that being a vet wasn’t actually what called to me. Yes, I loved the idea of helping animals, but the technicality of it didn’t speak to me. My end goal with animals would be something like animal rescue, rehabilitation, or sanctuaries.
Eno has been a great help in discovering my love for animals and where I think I belong. Eno Animal Hospital is like a second home to me, where I can build a strong bond not only with pets and pet parents but also my teammates.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My biggest challenge for sure is learning to restrain animals properly. It’s difficult for me to hold animals because of my build, and mentally because I’m afraid I may hurt them. It always ends up OK, and the animal is great. It’s just something always in the back of my mind.
Besides that I feel it’s been a relatively smooth ride. From when I interviewed to where I am now, Eno is a very nice place to work. I was accepted into the Eno team quickly and found myself making friends before I knew it. Now it’s hard to imagine work without these people.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My job title is Boarding Assistant. I care for the animals staying overnight in our boarding suites for however long they may be there. This includes cleaning cages and feeding, and all the way up to giving them physical and mental stimulation to keep them happy during their stays.
Eno is pretty affordable and flexible. For boarding you can bring toys, blankets, beds, food, and more. Whatever you think will help your pet be comfortable, we will usually accept and use it to help your pet be happy. (Although we can’t use raw bones or raw food.) We also have perks to choose from while your pet stays with us: extra play time, an agility course, even making a painting. Other perks are more practical, like a bath, groom, or nail trim.
I also assist the medical team with pets, as well as clean the hospital. I’m probably most known for my height. I am often called to help reach something, or you’ll see me cleaning the ceiling vents.
I’m also known for having a really great affinity with animals. We have many dogs who have alerts on their medical records that they dislike men, yet for some reason they seem to like me a lot. I’m definitely not upset about it!
Getting to be loved by an animal is something everyone should feel, be it a dog, cat, rat, snake, or lizard. I don’t think anything in particular sets me apart from anyone (other than the physical difference), and I don’t think anything makes me special or different from my team. We all work to make the lives of pet parents and their pets better, and that’s enough.
What makes you happy?
What makes me happy? Getting to make a bond with the pets for sure.
Every time dogs come in and we get to play for a bit or I hang out and pet them, then the next time they come back they see me and get excited. It brings me joy knowing the pets don’t see the vet hospital as a bad place. When they come here, they can be happy.
It’s even better when some dogs don’t even want go home after boarding and having such a good time.
My team also makes me happy. We’ll go out together and hang out, or have a party at Dr. Grinstead’s house all together. We are “coworkers,” but when I say they are like a family to me, I mean it. The bond we all have with each other is one that not many businesses can achieve on their best day.
Pricing:
- Boarding night for dogs $50
- Boarding night for dogs 100+ lbs $65
- Doggie day boarding $40
- Boarding night for cats $30
- Kitty day boarding $20
Contact Info:
- Website: https://enoanimalhospital.com/
- Instagram: @enoanimalhospital
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/enoanimalhospital/
- Youtube: @enoanimalhospital116
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/eno-animal-hospital-durham
