Hello! My name is Ashlei and I am looking forward to meeting your pet! I am a responsible, caring, and mature person, and will treat your pet as my own. As a lifelong animal lover who has always had pets, I am prepared to love, care for, and meet the needs of just about any critter. Growing up, my family had dogs large and small, cats, guinea pigs, hamsters, and fish. In addition, we also fostered animals for our local humane society. As I became older, I spent my time volunteering at our humane society, first as a dog walker, where I was eventually promoted to the volunteer supervisor and the person who cared for all the dogs that required high levels of skill (dogs that had bite histories, aggression, fears, were under-socialized, had disabilities, etc.). In addition, I worked in the spay and neuter clinic, where I prepped animals for surgery, assisted with surgery, and cared for animals while in recovery. As a college student, I also took coursework relating to animals and their care. This history has allowed me to have experience with all sorts of animals and their myriad of needs. I love all types of dog temperaments and personalities and am very patient with the shy ones. I am always a favorite of any animal I meet, they love me and are so excited anytime they see me. I am excited to meet your furry friend as well! My experience: -25 years experience living with, and 16 years caring for animals (dogs, cats, guinea pigs, hamsters, fish) -Experience fostering dogs and cats for the humane society -Years of experience volunteering for several humane societies, veterinary clinics, and an organization that provides veterinary care for pets of homeless individuals (dog walking, dog playgroup, socializing, training, bathing, assisting with surgery, trimming nails, etc.) -I have had pets that were paralyzed and in wheelchairs, missing a leg, were deaf, were blind, and who required medication administration. I have had pets from birth through death, and every stage in between. I have also had dogs large and small. I am experienced with fear-based aggression, under-socialization, reactivity, etc. -Coursework in animal science and veterinary medicine -Experienced in positive reinforcement and clicker training, agility, and dog socialization -Experience with walking and petsitting a multitude of animals -Many people have said I am an animal whisperer. Even the most fearful and distrusting animals not only trust me, they love me, are excited by me, and allow me to build up their trust in others. Even with having spent time with thousands of animals, including some with aggression and bite histories, never once have I been bitten or otherwise harmed. I am extremely skilled in reading body language and meeting animals where they are at. I am certain that I can handle challenges your pup might throw my way. I can't wait to meet you and your furry friends! Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions. I look forward to hearing from you! :)