My mom is allergic to feathers and fur, and unfortunately that includes dogs. So I've never been able to own my own dog, but that doesn't stop me from loving them. So I've spent my whole life trying spend as much time with them as possible! I think all of my stuffed animals as a kid were in dog form. I've dog-sat throughout my life, and even taken a class on puppy training and trained some friends' dogs. I am Wilderness First Aid and CPR certified. I believe dogs can be extremely influential, and that the affection is a two-way street.