Animals lovers come from all over. German veterinarian students Silvia Bartsoch and Kersten Tauscher took their devotion across a few continents to learn how to treat the creatures someday. Their English is broken, but their enthusiasm for their profession is strong.

They arrived on April 19, and are assisting doctors at the Western Veterinary Clinic for six weeks.

What brought them here?

"We can do this practical training in other countries, but we decided it would be good to work with other animals - large, small and birds," explained Tauscher.

They found the clinic on the internet and were willing to travel. "For me, it's the first time I've been in the U.S.," she commented. "We looked for a town that would not be too big, and had a lot of promise."

Bartsoch expects to work with a lot of farm animals someday, just like here.

They said they have found many friendly people with all kinds of pets and animals to aid. They also like getting lots hands-on experience in surgery and C-sections, something that will be essential in their future careers.

"We can really work here," said Tauscher.

They said about 90 percent of veterinarian students in Germany are women.

"I like animals. I want to help animals. I like surgery. It's a different job. I can work with animals and people," Bartsoch said.

"For me, I like medicine," Tauscher said. "I find it interesting to work with muscles and skins, nerves and surgery is very interesting for me."

Tauscher drew her interest in animals from a small farm her family owned. Bartsoch grew up riding horses.

They will end their studies in March of 2009.

"We are working with large animals and small animals. We do surgery, C-section, vaccination and all kinds of work," said Tauscher.

Bartsoch said the veterinarians at the clinic are teaching them many techniques and procedures in caring for the animals. She said she is gaining valuable experiences in the process for when she becomes a full-time vet someday.

"For me, learning about the large animals is important," Bartsoch said. "Then, there is the C-section. I worked with Dr. Vince Stenson on a little ranch in Williston.

They said the challenge with working with animals is the patients cannot tell you what is wrong, it is up to the veterinarian to find the medical problem and treat it.

"We must speak to the owners and sometimes we must look in the book," Tauscher said.

Bartsoch said through this experience, she has better learned to work with animals and their owners. She said although busy, the clinic is well-organized in receiving its patients.

"The people here are really busy, but not stressed," agreed Tauscher. "The owners are really nice."

For the most part, the pets are well-behaved as well. She said that makes the work more simple.

They agree their work in North Dakota has been a helpful boost to their careers.

"I hope that I have helped a lot," Sylvia said. "I hope I am a good veterinarian."

"We hope we learn a lot of different things and different surgeries so we have more ideas when we work at home" said Tauscher.