YOUNG LEADERS by Bek Mitchell-Kidd photo courtesy of Rescue Ranch
Caring for the Pack Rescue Ranch employee thrives in animal care
Madison Hess works at Rescue Ranch as their Animal Care Assistant.
Madison Hess’s love of animals was fostered by her family at a very young age. “Growing up, we always had rescue dogs and cats, and owned guinea pigs, rabbits, birds, fish, and even a potbellied pig,” says Hess. “My first pet was a guinea pig named ‘Pearl,’ who showed me how much responsibility and love are required to care for animals. And, my love for animals has only grown since then,” she adds. Hess, 22, is a graduate of Davidson-Davie Community College with an Associate Degree in Zoo Science Technology. During her studies, she interned with Rowan County Wildlife, the North Carolina Zoo, and Rescue Ranch. “The internships were one of the greatest experiences of my life. I loved Rescue Ranch more than anything in the world,” says Hess. “I continued to volunteer with them and was lucky enough that the Animal Care Assistant position opened up and they called me. I’ve now been working there for over a year, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.” An average day for Hess on the Ranch is a busy one. Working with Leslie Smith, Animal Care Coordinator, and the only other staff member on the animal care team, they oversee the care of more than eighty animals. With the help of volunteers, they clean enclosures, rake the yards in the agricultural center, dispense medications, make fresh meals, provide enrichment and more. But Hess thrives in the job. “The animals are the best part about 24
LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | JULY 2021
working at Rescue Ranch,” she says. “It’s just really cool to see people learn more about the animals and gain a new respect for them. I also am lucky enough to have fantastic coworkers who really make my job even more amazing!” One of those coworkers is Amy Kwiatkowski, Manager of Development & Volunteers. “Maddie is an inspiration for other young people looking to work in the animal care industry; she shows that a great attitude and hard work really do pay off. Maddie also is inspiring because she has been fostering dogs for quite some time, not as a means to make money, just because she is passionate. Her love for animals goes far beyond a paycheck,” Kwiatkowski says. Hess’s family is currently fostering two dogs, Koda Bear and Mila Grace, with the non-profit Catering to Cats and Dogs, but they have been in the foster game for more than 14 years, beginning when then 9-year old Hess fell in love with a Great Dane from a rescue set-up out the front of Birkdale’s Barnes & Noble. “My family is the whole reason I’m here today and am able to do a career that I love,” she says. “I am lucky enough to have a family who loves animals just as much as I do. They love me and support me in everything I do, and I am so thankful for them every single day.” Hess recommends to anyone wanting to get into animal care to never give up. “Animal care is wonderful, but it can also be a very difficult field to get into. It can be tiring as well but it is a career of passion and is so worth it. If you have a passion for animals and know it’s truly something you want to do, it’s worth every second.”
