What she wanted to be when she grew up
“What didn’t I want to be? Journalist, veterinarian, background singer for Eric Clapton…”

How she ended up here
Sarah earned her bachelor’s degree in communication from the University of Colorado. She has been a veterinary writer and editor since 2011, when she was hired as a copywriter for the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Sarah started Rumpus Writing and Editing in 2016.

Why she loves veterinary medicine
“Veterinary medicine is a profession full of people working toward the same goal: improving the lives of animals and the people who care for them. And, there are so many ways to contribute toward that goal, whether you decide to work in practice or you decide to support the profession in another capacity. The possibilities are endless.”

Why she loves writing
“Words are truly powerful, and I love that we can make a difference for pets, pet owners, and veterinary professionals through words. I also love interviewing people for editorial articles. I grow so much from hearing their stories and perspectives.”

Who her furry family members are

What might surprise you about her
“I lost more than 110 pounds in 2003 and have successfully kept it off.”

What she wanted to be when she grew up
“From doctoring our family cat’s wounds from a wild animal attack, to making oatmeal daily to feed my childhood hamster with missing teeth, I’ve always loved animals and knew I wanted to be a veterinarian.”

How she ended up here
While pursuing her bachelor’s degree in biology, Angela started calling veterinary hospitals in the phone book until she found one to hire her for the summer so she could decide if she really wanted to be a veterinarian. She worked there for two summers before starting veterinary school, and earned her DVM from Ohio State University in 2003. After working as an associate for two years, Angela joined Bradford School as the veterinary technician program director, building the program from the ground up. In 2018, Angela was the second freelance writer to join Rumpus Writing and Editing.

Why she loves veterinary medicine
“I love the medical aspect of veterinary medicine. I love understanding the body’s anatomy and physiology, and how pharmacology has been developed to manipulate it to treat disease.”

Why she loves writing
“I love trying to find the perfect words to describe something or convey an image.”

Who her furry family members are

What might surprise you about her
“I love cheesy horror movies, especially if they are about sharks or other animals, like giant snakes, gators, or piranhas.”

What she wanted to be when she grew up
“A pilot, but women could not be pilots back then. Then, I tried to be a flight attendant—I wanted to travel—but I was too short. It’s neat that my older son is a pilot.”

How she ended up here
When Paulette was first married and was attending journalism school, she worked as a secretary at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Melbourne, Australia, where her husband was a veterinary student. She eventually earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Florida. For the next 20-plus years, Paulette worked as an editor for a small daily paper, a large daily paper, and a financial paper. She also reported business news for the local NPR radio station and did freelance work for various veterinary schools. In 2014, Paulette was offered an editing position with Brief Media and Veterinary Team Brief, and she joined Rumpus Writing and Editing in 2019.

Why she loves veterinary medicine
“Most veterinary professionals are in the field because they want to improve the lives of animals, and not for the money.”

Why she loves editing
“I love being able to take someone’s good work and—hopefully—make it clearer and better.”

Who her furry family members are

What might surprise you about her
“My husband and I vacationed in Lesotho a couple of years ago. They seldom get tourists, and I have never met another person who has been there.”

What she wanted to be when she grew up
“I grew up on a farm in central Mississippi. We had an array of animals, and I always knew that taking care of them was my job. I never considered any other profession than veterinary medicine.”

How she ended up here
Jenny completed undergraduate and veterinary school at Mississippi State University, and then went on to an equine medicine and surgery internship at Louisiana State University. She next landed in Northern Virginia, where she practiced as an equine ambulatory veterinarian for 16 years. After deciding to leave practice in search of more creative pursuits, Jenny joined Rumpus as a full-time writer in April 2021.

Why she loves veterinary medicine
“There are so many interesting aspects to veterinary medicine! It merges science with ministering to all kinds of special creatures. The many differences between various unique species are truly fascinating, and I find the ability to help these animals live a healthy and happy life fulfilling.”

Why she loves writing
“Words are extremely versatile. They can evoke everything from laughter to tears. They can convey information, love, hate, and compassion. To be able to craft words in the right way to deliver the intended message is very powerful.”

Who her fuzzy family members are

What might surprise you about her
She has a little obsession with Italy and has been trying to learn Italian—albeit not very successfully—during the past year.

What she wanted to be when she grew up
“Growing up, my two greatest passions were animals and writing stories. On any given day, I could have told you I would be a writer or a veterinarian/dog trainer. I am proud that I have stayed close to those youthful dreams, and found a way to combine them.”

How she ended up here
Jaime earned a bachelor of arts degree in theatre and English from Saint Louis University in 2008, but her love of dogs drew her to a local veterinary technology program. She earned an associate of applied science degree in veterinary technology, and became a registered veterinary technician in 2012. She has worked in a range of hospitals, from a one-doctor practice to a large specialty and referral hospital, where she was a surgery technician. Jaime became a certified canine rehabilitation practitioner (CCRP) through the University of Tennessee in 2017, and a professional certified training partner through the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA-CTP) for animal training and behavior in 2018.

Jaime began exploring copywriting as a potential side business in 2020, and left the grind of tech life to find a fresh way to use her talents and education. Shejoined Rumpus as a full-time writer in 2021, and hasn’t looked back.

Why she loves veterinary medicine
“I love to know the ‘reasons why,’ and I adore the academic challenge of medicine. I am a perpetual student and am always in pursuit of learning—especially if it involves animals! Providing highly skilled nursing care to patients and witnessing the beautiful bond between pets and their owners is emotionally rewarding.”

Why she loves writing
“I experience the world through words. Sometimes I am not sure how I feel about something until I write about it. I am quiet by nature. I am an observer. I don’t immediately have a ‘take’ on every situation. Writing allows me to process and develop my perspective—like an old photograph—through exploring a topic or scenario. The versatility of the written word allows me to simultaneously be a student, teacher, and artist.”

Who her fuzzy family members are

What might surprise you about her
“While writing a play in college about an animal rights activist, I decided to avoid eating meat until I finished the script. I completed the play, and while I am by no means as radical as my main character, the dietary choice stuck! I have been a vegetarian since 2006.”

What she wanted to be when she grew up
“I was obsessed with animals and wanted to be a veterinarian, marine biologist, or animal trainer.”

How she ended up here
Elizabeth made it halfway through a kinesiology degree before deciding that animals and the environment were her true passion. She switched gears, earned a bachelor’s degree in biology in 2008, and decided to test the waters in veterinary medicine. After only a few months working as a veterinary assistant, she applied to veterinary technician school and graduated from Purdue University’s program as a Certified Veterinary Technician in 2010. Elizabeth always enjoyed reading and journaling, and writing came easily to her. Looking for a way to beat burnout and take her veterinary career in a new direction, she jumped at the opportunity to join Rumpus in 2021.

Why she loves veterinary medicine
“I love helping to put together the puzzle pieces and diagnose an animal’s problem, and I am a self-professed science nerd—I truly enjoy learning how bodies work, why things go wrong, and how we can innovate to fix them.”

Why she loves writing
“I’m a very fact and science-oriented person, but writing taps into my creative side and lets me use my brain differently—I’ve always been able to craft a thought on paper in a way I could never convey otherwise. Reading is how I learn and absorb, and writing is the other side of that.” 

Who her furry family members are17

What might surprise you about her
“I have an unhealthy desire for Taco Bell all the time. It’s a problem.”