I have always loved and owned animals and can't (and don't want to) imagine a world without pets of all kinds. I have worked professionally with animals for the past 7 years, 3 of which included working in both adoptions and animal behavior at a local shelter. This experience has made me comfortable working around a wide variety of animals and given me an understanding of many different animal behaviors. I have worked with just about every breed of dog, from chihauhua to mastiff, as well cats of all personalities, from cuddle bug to quite literally feral and unhandleable. (And horses, reptiles, rats and other small mammals, and even a tarantula as well!) I am comfortable, willing, and maybe even prefer working with timid, fearful, or otherwise anxious pets and can absoltuely accommodate both behavioral and physical special needs. I have an understanding, albeit very basic, of animal medicine and am comfortable administering oral, intranasal, and injectible medications and am certified to administer vaccinations. I am certainly not a veterinarian and could not treat your pet medically but I am able to administer basic first aid. I do not condone the use of shock collars, prong collars, physical force, or other adverse and painful training approaches and am not comfortable administering them. If you prefer this approach, please be advised I will not utilize these methods while caring for your pet. I am happy to utilize positive reinforcement methods to help encourage good behavior and basic manners.