Hi @nightglw welcome to Hive. I'm @palomap3 from Lovesniper OCD team.

You have come to a perfect place to share your stories. I am an animal lover and I admire that you are able to work with them when they are sick, it shows you have a special sensitivity, I like it! Follow the advice of your mentors and you will do well. I recommend a couple of communities for you to start finding other users with similar tastes to yours:
Hive Book Club
Hive Pets

Tips and information as a Hive newbie here: newbie guide.

Communities you might like that are part of the OCD Communities Incubation Program. Important: read their rules and post in the one that fits your content.

Have a good day!