LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Each day this week we're introducing you to 'Remarkable Kids.' Today, we meet a kid who is passionate about pets.
For as long as he can remember, animals have been a huge part of Nick Moore's life.
"There's not been a day in my life we've never had a pet," he explained.
For the past year and a half, he's volunteered at the Little Rock Animal Village.
"You have kittens that have been abandoned," he said, "you have dogs that have been abused, or even got lost, and they've probably never seen love in their life. It's just a friendly atmosphere. Knowing you're helping something out and you're contributing in a way."
Despite what other may expect, he has been contributing.
"When we first started here, they did not think we were going to do much," he remembered. "Especially me."
The expectations were low, he said, because Moore is a recent graduate of the Arkansas School for the Blind.
"It's like looking into a foggy glass," he explained.
He said doctors don't know exactly what caused his vision problems, but he has overcome them thanks in part to World Services for the Blind.
"Nick is one of those who sticks out in the crowd," said WSB CEO Sharon Giovinazzo. "He helps his peers," she added, "whether they need help in the cafeteria line or navigating campus, he's just always willing to help somebody."
Nick went from just cleaning the facility to working with the animals four days a week. While he still cleans up, he also checks on the animals, and works on their social skills to help them get adopted.
Entering Joey's Playhouse, Moore said it is for cats to get exercise and socialization.
"You can come in here, play with the kittens," he said. "Get a chance to enjoy being outside of a kennel. They love it, they get to climb, pounce on each other, it's fun."
As far as the future?
"Ten years from now," Moore said, "I see myself with a bachelors or masters degree in zoology and biology. I plan to start an exotic zoo, endangered species. Breeding them, distributing them and possibly teaching, explaining to kids why these animals are important."
Nick is heading off to college next month. If you'd like to check out any of the animals we showed you, the Little Rock Animal Village is open for adoptions Tuesday through Saturday. The kennels are open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.