My husband and I live in North Capitol Hill with our Malinois and German Shepherd. As the owner of a dog I trust with very few people, I understand how stressful it can be to hand someone else the leash or access to your home. My goal is to work closely with you, follow your instructions carefully, and make sure your pet is treated with patience, attention, respect, and genuine affection. My strongest experience is with large, intelligent, high-energy dogs. I have raised both of my dogs from puppyhood: a German Shepherd and an 85-pound rescue Belgian Malinois with anxiety and reactivity. Caring for dogs who are strong, athletic, sensitive, and constantly thinking has taught me patience, consistency, calm handling, and how to anticipate problems before they happen. I regularly walk both dogs together, managing nearly 200 pounds of energy, strength, and occasional squirrel chasing. On walks, I am fully present and not distracted by my phone. I continually monitor for approaching dogs, traffic, cyclists, tight spaces, environmental triggers, and safe alternate routes. I understand that responsible handling often means preventing a difficult situation instead of waiting until one has already developed. That same awareness carries into the home. I am used to dogs who can open doors, get past barriers, jump onto counters, move large objects such as trash cans, and reach hazards that many people would never anticipate. I carefully check for medications, food, trash, unsecured doors, and anything else a curious or determined pet might access. With smart dogs, the smallest overlooked detail can quickly become a much larger problem. My experience also includes: • Puppies, including house-training routines, frequent potty breaks, consistency, and managing chewing or mischievous behavior • Senior dogs who may require a slower pace, extra patience, mobility accommodations, or closer observation • Anxious and reactive dogs who benefit from structure, space, calm communication, and predictable routines • Cats, including feeding, litter-box care, play, companionship, and following each cat’s preferred level of interaction I do not assume that experience with my own pets means I automatically understand yours. Every animal has different routines, triggers, boundaries, medical needs, and quirks. I welcome detailed instructions and honest information about behavior, anxiety, reactivity, past incidents, or anything I should avoid. That information does not intimidate me. It allows me to provide safer and more confident care.