About Jeni Q

Jeni Q is an animal guru! She has been cuddling critters as long as she can remember (including her first pet guinea pig, Blinky, at age 4). She is currently following her dreams (and her heart) to become a pet vet while doing volunteer animal education work with her local zoo. She hopes to someday open a ranch in Missoula, Montana where rescue dogs can run free and therapy horses can help kids with physical, emotional, and social disorders such as autism and ADD. "Animals help heal people and I help heal animals," she smiles.

Name: Jeni Q

Location: Davis, CA

Q & A

Job:

Student at UC Davis College of Veterinary Medicine & volunteer for the Sacramento Zoo's ZooMobile Outreach Program for kids

Favorite Food:

It's a toss up between Swiss Fondue and Greek Falafel (I'm a vegetarian veterinarian in training—a veggie vet—go figure!)

Favorite TV Show(s):

Meerkat Manor is my new fave. I also like It's Me or The Dog (good tips for dog owners like myself), and the Blue Planet series on Discovery is fascinating!

Favorite Actor(s):

Leonardo DiCaprio & Abigail Breslin (Olive from Little Miss Sunshine :))

Favorite Hobby(s):

Horseback riding and taking my 6-month-old Labradoodle, Dandy, to the Toad Hollow Dog Park

Favorite Video Game:

Frogger... NOT! Those poor little guys don't have a chance. I like Viva Piñata and Sonic the Hedgehog.

Why I love my job:

When I see animals, I melt. I was raised playing with dogs, cats, guinea pigs and a really old tortoise named Fred, so all animals are near and dear to me. As far as animals' role in my future, I really don't think I could do anything that doesn't involve them—it's like my career chose me! There's nothing that compares to the great feeling of being able to help something you truly love with all your heart.