My parents used to joke that we were running an illegal zoo at our house. I’ve been surrounded by dogs, cats, snakes, pet mice, rats, birds, and even horse all my life. I grew up in one of those places where you didn’t have to lock your front door, where people knew your name and asked how your family was doing every time they saw you, where people stopped on the side of the road to pick up a lost or stray dog. It’s not just about where I grew up––I’ve always had that innate sense of wanting to care for living creatures, especially our four-legged canine friends. Anyway, my family took in so many abandoned dogs, we even started a dog rescue for a while. Mistreatment of animals gets me fired up and I want to do my part to be a force of good in the world. My love of travel has taken me to a lot of different places, and moving here I realize I want to be surrounded by dogs again. My lifestyle didn’t make it possible to be a good dog parent because I moved around quite a bit, but now that I’m settling in here, I really want that sense of being in a big family, with lots of adorable, loving dogs in my life. As I explore new places to go hiking or climbing, I’d love to have your pup as my companion. I know it may seem strange to compare yourself to a dog, but I can honestly say dogs are my spirit animals. Like them, I am outgoing, energetic, and sweet. I like to goof around and not take things too seriously. What is so rewarding about dog-sitting is all the different kinds of dogs I will meet and nothing make me happier than to get to know each and every dog individually. Each pup has his or her own personality, even if it’s the same breed, and that’s what I love most about dogs––they are like their human counterparts without being judgmental or mean. To spend more quality time with our four-legged friends would be good for my soul, and I look forward to meeting you!