For 17 years I have been taking care of dogs (really animals of all kinds, shapes, and sizes) both of my own and for others too. There has never been a point in my life that I have not had a dog. Right before I was born, my parents got a beagle that I grew up with. I started taking care of her at a young age (I’d say even later than 17 years ago, just not notable enough to count for it) when she needed special baths for her skin condition, treatments for her ear infections, and catering to her broken arm after getting run over by a car. Before she passed, we got a husky. I helped train (on and off leash commands), groom, trim his nails, and learned how to speak husky. He was a very loved hand full. I learned so much from him because of all the trouble he made from running away, eating glue, chewing up the entire house… you name it, he did it. Through these lessons I have learned not only how to retain my patience and grace, but also how to be a beacon of support and reservoir of love for all fur babies. Nevertheless, when he got older, I gave him shots for his hip dysplasia and ensured he was most comfortable until the day my sister and I sat in the room with him on his way up to doggy heaven. Today, I have a great pyrenees who is a bundle of joy. Again, I have trained her, happily cater to her persistent anxiety--especially with thunderstorms--ensure she is exercised, groomed, and feeling loved.