Inspiring the next generation

Humane Colorado opened our Veterinary Hospital at CSU Spur in 2022 with a clear, primary goal: to keep pets healthy and with the people they love through expanded access to care. Since that time, our veterinary team has provided tens of thousands of animals and their families with donor-subsidized preventative services, urgent and lifesaving treatment, and much-needed peace of mind. As one of the few (but growing!) hospitals offering a spectrum of care approach, we also mentor veterinary students and new doctors through hands-on education, and have recently led research that will further increase access to care far beyond our four walls. All of this, of course, is only possible because of the compassion and generosity of supporters like you.

Because our clinic is located on a free and public campus, we’ve also long been committed to creating an environment where people from all walks of life can learn and be inspired. Specifically, we seek to engage the community in the essential work of veterinary professionals and expose young people to STEM careers so they can begin to envision themselves in these roles. Our veterinarians perform many surgeries “on-view,” giving visitors the unique experience of observing our work through glass and display screens. These procedures are often narrated by CSU docents, who describe the activity and field questions for our community veterinary team in real time.

It was an experience like this in 2024 that convinced AzaiLia, a then-11-year-old aspiring veterinarian, that surgery was the path for her. When she and her siblings, Aleks and Lailani, visited CSU Spur on a homeschool field trip, AzaiLia was particularly drawn to seeing kittens being spayed and neutered.

“We stood there watching for so long,” says their mother, Karina, reflecting on the day AzaiLia “found her calling.” AzaiLia remembers too, adding:

Not long after, the family decided to give back by volunteering through our shelter’s foster care program. Still buzzing from that day at Spur, AzaiLia was eager to care for animals in need of special attention. Her older brother, Aleks, was also looking for an opportunity to connect with kittens, since his and his dad’s allergies to adult cats made adopting them impossible. Becoming Junior Fosters seemed like the perfect fit for everyone, with 12-year-old Aleks eligible first (due to our age requirements) and AzaiLia and Lailani soon to follow.

Over the past two years, the family has fostered an incredible 40 kittens, eight puppies, and one mama dog, providing medical support, training activities, and new experiences to help them gain comfort with others when they’re ready. Car rides, visits with extended family, and cuddling next to the kids during lessons and schoolwork are all common rituals for the lucky animals in their care. “I like to bathe them a lot, too,” says AzaiLia, now 14, with a gentle lilt.

Having not grown up with pets herself, fostering has been rewarding for Karina as well, especially when she and her husband, LeDaniel, witness the impact it has on their children.

Tragically, the family lost their first child and oldest brother, Jayden, 15 years ago when he was just 3 and a half. Karina remains grateful to this day for his team of providers and the care they gave them all before Jayden’s passing – a deep compassion she now sees when watching Aleks, AzaiLia, and Lailani treat and comfort an ailing foster pet. “I love seeing kids play with animals who are happy, tails wagging, jumping all over the place,” she says. “But, for me, it’s just special when you see them really embrace being there in such a sacred moment.”

As a nurse herself, Karina often works with AzaiLia to help animals recover from a variety of ailments, including upper respiratory and severe eye infections, gastrointestinal complications, and panleukopenia exposure. This process has helped AzaiLia gain skills and insights essential for an up-and-coming veterinary surgeon! For example, she has learned to measure and give oral medications, administer eye drops, prepare syringes, and calmly hold kittens who need subcutaneous fluids.

I love animals… healing them and helping them get ready for their new homes.

For Karina, the experiences they’ve all had at Humane Colorado and CSU Spur have been truly remarkable. “It’s been wonderful to see as a mom – to see her have this passion.”

Find your own calling. No matter the season, we’re always in need of volunteers – and our team is here to support you in whatever role you choose!