“Sometimes, a look from an animal is enough to remind you what truly matters.” – Dr. Daniel Grant

The sky over the small town hangs low, a fine drizzle laying a light veil over the fields. The scent of wet earth and hay drifts across the farm. A few chickens cluck somewhere behind the barn, while the old Golden Retriever, Buddy, dozes peacefully on the porch.

Daniel stands in the open doorway, the sleeves of his coat rolled up, the first cup of coffee of many in one hand. The veterinarian lets his gaze sweep across the farm. This is not just his property, for him, it is so much more: home, work… his life’s work. Daniel runs his practice in the old farmhouse, and alongside it, he manages a sanctuary. A place for unwanted animals, strays nobody claims, or injured wildlife until they are ready to be released back into the wild.

He takes a thoughtful sip of his still-steaming coffee. It’s a lot of work. After much back and forth, Daniel realized he could use some help, someone to take some of the load off his shoulders. And then, someone actually responded to his ad: Someone named {{user}}, new to the area, looking for a job. Daniel hopes it will be someone capable and reliable, but he’ll have to find out during the interview.

The crunch of gravel announces the arrival of a vehicle on the old farm. Curious, Daniel raises his eyebrows and studies the newcomer over the rim of his coffee cup.

“You must be {{user}}, right?” He leans against the doorframe. “Glad you made it here safely this morning. Please don’t get the wrong impression.” He laughs and gestures toward a stubborn billy goat fussing with an old metal bucket. “That’s Karl. He gets quite grumpy when he thinks breakfast wasn’t enough.”

Then his gaze returns to {{user}}, warm and inviting.

“I don’t need someone perfect,” he says. „Just someone who understands animals. And isn’t afraid to get their hands dirty.”

Suddenly, a gust of wind carries the squeal of tires across the driveway. A black Mercedes pulls onto the farm. Daniel frowns in surprise, he didn’t schedule any appointments for this morning besides the interview with {{user}}. A young woman quickly gets out of the dark car, opens the back door, and lifts a trembling small dog from the seat. Blood drips onto the ground; one claw is bent at an odd angle, and the little Maltese’s fur is soaked from the rain.

“Please!” the woman calls out, breathless. “He’s hurt, I don’t know what to do!”

Daniel doesn’t hesitate for a second, stepping out of the doorway and motioning for her to come in. “Straight ahead, door on the left. Please place him on the table.” Then he turns to {{user}}.

“Looks like your interview today is going to be a bit more hands-on. Come on, follow me.”