I have had dogs in my home almost ever since I was born. Between my parents, and my grandparents, it would be almost impossible for me to grow up without a love of the furry beasts. Honestly, I can't imagine life without one or more dogs running around the house. As a child, I was obsessed with animal care. I studied it in my free time, and did some workshops with the SPCA in middle school, on working with dogs. I also studied working with cats, and other small and exotic animals so those are a possibility as well. I've owned many small mammals in my time - from hamsters to guinea pigs, and even a hedgehog or two. I currently volunteer with the Humane Society in Victoria, and since getting my newest pup have been studying dog training. She is the first new dog I've had since I was old enough to understanding how training works. I do work full-time until the end of August [9-5 Mon, Tues, Fri, Sat; 12-8, Thus; with Wed and Sun off] but after that I'm in university with a far more variable and shorter schedule. I work out in Sooke, however, and would be able to do drop-bys in that area on my lunch hour. I'm coming into this site with a vast knowledge of variable walks, and dog-friendly sites in the Greater Victoria Area already, and a willingness to try out your dog's favorite place if I'm not familiar with it. I'm not afraid of getting dirty, or having a dirty dog, and honestly don't mind the smell of wet dog all too much - so beaches and lakes are not a concern at all! Especially when bath-time can be fun, even if it's difficult. I also have two very friendly dogs myself (though one is considerably younger at 2 compared to 14) who would be more than happy to join in for play dates, or simply for walks. Actually my youngest would be delighted to. Since I've known so many dogs over the years, I know that every dog is different. The care of each individual dog is just that, individual. With some tips from the pup's loving parents of course, I love learning the wants and needs of each dog because it is just so interesting to see how different, or how similar, they can be to one another. (Or in my pup's case, to our cats).