5.0

I am an avid animal and plant lover, with years of experience in both. Starting from a young age, I raised and trained a Golden Retriever, Puggle, Alaskan Husky, and an American Staffy Mix (aka Pitbull). I supported each of their physical growth and social development, from puppies into adulthood, while reading countless training books and listening to videos from trainers speaking about the importance of positive reinforcement. My primary companion, Lunesta the Puggle, had a mind of her own, and I learned a great deal of how to attend to the different activity and emotional needs of each individual animal and how much energy levels can vary based on dog breed and personality. From high school on I often house sat for friends and coworkers, caring for cats, cleaning litter boxes, doing laundry, and any other miscellaneous tasks. I've also lived with several indoor/outdoor and house cats over the years, although I was not the designated primary caretaker. I also have experience working with animal assisted therapy with horses. This included helping people with a range of abilities and physical/cognitive needs engage in an Adaptive Riding program while also volunteering to care for the horses, their stalls, grooming, and groundwork. In my early years, I wanted to become a veterinarian with my curiosity of biology and passion of caring for animals, while also figuring out remedies to alleviate suffering. Instead, I chose a career to help humans, in the medical field/direct patient care initially, and transitioned to a focus on mental health as a therapist. My grounded presence seems to soothe animals, and I have a knack for reading their unspoken body language.