There is carelessness and neglect everywhere in this place.

Earlier this morning, Stevie was playing with and chewing on something in the yard. Figuring it was grass, I walked over to get a closer look. It was styrofoam. I quickly took it away from him and threw it in the trash, and looked around the yard for more. The whole backyard is littered with trash. Plastic, styrofoam, broken glass, and general garbage.

It hurts me to see the people in this house treat animals the way they do. There's an older dog that lives here who has been very sick the last few days. This morning she pooped in the hall for the third time this week, and her stool has blood in it. On top of that, she's been vomiting daily. I told her owners, and they responded "So?"

I let them know that blood in the stool was grounds for an immediate vet call, and they ignored me. This dog is clearly very ill and they tell me "Then she'll die soon, one less animal."

They collect animals like they're cheap toys and don't give them the proper attention or care. Dogs rarely have food or clean water, there are six cockatiels being kept outside with dirty water, they never receive attention, their cages are never cleaned. There's a chicken and a rooster that live in the backyard, and every morning they're searching desperately for water and seed. I've been feeding every animal in this house for a couple months now, and trying to keep up on water.

I'm going to be moving out of here in a month and I'm terrified for all these animals. I want to be a vet one day, and seeing this much neglect really hurts my heart.

I was always taught from a young age to love and respect every animal I see, and that when I have a pet, I'm responsible for that animal's life, including their comfort and wellbeing. Apparently not everyone was given the same message.

My shirt is covered in dirty pawprints. Evidence of a romp in the backyard with my best friend.

He is a curious little cat, already two feet in length at the tender age of four months. Striped, black and grey with small white and brown patches here and there. I'm certain he's a bullseye tabby.

Stevie has large ears and a keen instinct. He often hunts bugs and birds in the yard, lying flat on his belly and stalking prey like a pro. He can jump nearly four feet in the air already, and I love watching him twist and turn as he pounces upon an unsuspecting fly.

When he isn't on the prowl, Stevie enjoys napping wherever he finds comfort. He's very well-mannered and clean in his habits. He never leaves a mess of the litter box, and will even eat bits of food that get spilled outside of his bowl.

I've recently discovered that Stevie will dig holes to go to the bathroom in, as well as use his litter box. I was very proud of my efficient hunter when I noticed that behavior! Such a good cat he is.

Above all, Stevie is my best friend and I love spending time with him more than anything. I'm so happy that I get to see the world through his eyes for a long time yet.

I have always held an interest in animals, greater than that of my peers.

I suppose it was only a matter of time before I found my way here.