Growing up, my parents gave me a great deal of responsibility when it came to taking care of the family dogs: feeding them, picking up after them, setting up their pens, and taking them on nice, long walks so that they get their outdoor exercise. Consequently, I have a great deal of patience for dogs that are a little more rambunctious than others, though my patience also has a lot to do with my general love for them. Moreover being a graduate student gives me limited time and financial resources to own a dog myself, so I am especially eager for the opportunity to spend time and care for others' dogs. Ultimately, I recognize the importance of caring for animals that depend on you, not just for their basic requirements (bathroom breaks and food) but their emotional requirements (playtime, etc). As a graduate student, I generally take classes at Stony Brook University's main campus, though I do most of my work at the Southampton campus. Because I live in Port Jefferson Station, I can take care of dogs in the morning before I drive east, and spend as much time as required in the evening with them when I come home. Overnight dog sitting also gives me the opportunity to do some computer work should the need arise.