For the past seven years, I worked at a dog-friendly brewpub in Calgary, where dogs were welcome both inside the taproom and on the patio. It wasn’t unusual to have 40 or more dogs on the premises at once. Part of my role was actively caring for the dogs and anticipating potential issues before they arose, which required closely observing behavior, understanding individual temperaments, and responding to dogs’ needs in a busy, public environment. I’ve grown up with animals my entire life bunnies, gerbils, cats, and dogs and caring for them has always come naturally to me. At any gathering, I’m usually the one sitting with the dogs or patiently winning over a shy cat (often with a Churu in hand). I currently have a cat named Griffin, a true diva who has taught me a great deal about patience, trust, and cat communication. Working with her quirks, I successfully leash trained her and gained a strong understanding of feline behavior and play styles. I know how difficult it can be to trust someone new with your furry family member, I’ve been there myself. If it helps everyone feel more comfortable, I’m always happy to do a few meet-and-greets at no charge before a first booking to make sure it’s a good fit for both you and your pet.