I truly love doing this and I believe that comes through, both for the pets I care for and their owners. I've been doing it full time for several years now and it's been one of the most enjoyable times of my life. I have a great deal of experience taking care of dogs - everything from puppies to rescues to seniors with medical needs. I love all breeds but grew up with hounds (beagle, pointer, foxhound) and, as an adult, have owned a golden retriever, lab, border collie, coonhound and a bloodhound. They were all medium-sized dogs but I'm comfortable with, and have sat for, any and all kinds. I've also worked with American Lab Rescue doing interviews and home inspections for them. I felt it was important to do as two of my dogs were rescues (one badly abused, sadly) but they just enriched my life in innumerable ways. I'm an avid hiker / walker and (sometimes) runner and will happily take any interested pooches along. It's actually the perfect break while I'm writing, allowing me to let my thoughts settle while they stay happy and healthy. I love cats as well! It wasn't until I was an adult and lived with one that I realized how truly amazing they are. Since then, I've taken care of many, both long-haired and short. The most I've watched at one time is 8 (!) but they were all sweet and it wasn't quite as chaotic as that might sound. I always send daily videos or pictures of what I'm doing with the furry one(s) while you're away. I know when I was away from my own, it was just reassuring to see them happy and settled and helped me enjoy my trips that much more. I'm neat, clean, responsible and respectful and will give your pet time and attention, caring for them as if they were my own. I have also owned a home in the past and understand and respect what it means to allow someone into yours.