I've been a dog owner and animal lover my entire life. I grew up around all kinds of animals, and my family always had a dog in the household, so I've been caring for them since I can remember. 9 years ago, I got my first dog that was entirely my responsibility, and he changed my life. My German Shepherd, Toque, was goofy, funny, fiercely loyal, smart, curious, clumsy but gentle, and full of sass. He had the biggest personality—he loved car rides and going on vacation, playing with his Chihuahua brother Dash, napping on every cozy piece of furniture he could find, and fetching things out of the water. He was a frisbee-catching champion, an amateur squirrel hunter, and his favorite activity of all time was bobbing for giant rocks at the lake. He passed away recently, and I love and miss him every single day. Saying goodbye to him was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do, but it deepened my understanding of the powerful bond between people and their pets. That experience is something I carry into every pet I care for—I know how much they mean to you, and I treat them like my own. I still care for my two small dogs—Toque’s younger siblings—Dash and Willow. Dash has skin allergies that I manage with oral medication, special baths, and occasional ointments. Toque had joint and back pain in his later years, so I gave him daily supplements, oral medication when needed, and took him for regular cold laser therapy. I’ve cared for dogs of all ages and health conditions—from day-old puppies to senior dogs with no mobility, vision, or hearing. I also do training and grooming for my own dogs and am comfortable managing special care routines. What sets me apart is my personal experience, patience, and genuine love for dogs. I truly love dogs, and yours will be no exception.