My first pair of dogs were small breed. Current pair are large, lab and German Shepherd. I worked briefly in an animal hospital and learned a lot there, always asking questions. Whenever I'm out in public and I see a dog being walked, I always have to go and say hi to the Lovie Loverson! And sometimes they come to me first because they can just tell I'm a dog lover. I'm not overly friendly with new dogs, however, because I understand that trust has to be established, so I usually take my cues from the dog of when to start petting and being affectionate, usually after they start being affectionate with me. My German Shepherd, Hogan, is the protector of the house, and can read me like a book and he knows when I'm feeling down or stressed because he gives me extra attention. I call him my Medicine Man! Rocky is our lab and he's just a little ball of sunshine.