I grew up with two dogs—a Chow Chow and a German Shepherd/Collie mix—and caring for them helped shape my lifelong love of dogs. As a kid, I also helped my mom with her dog walking business, which gave me early hands-on experience working with dogs of different sizes, temperaments, and energy levels. In my 20s, I regularly cared for friends’ and roommates’ dogs while they were traveling, and over the past 10 years I’ve continued dog sitting as a trusted side business. Through that experience, I’ve become comfortable caring for a wide range of personalities and routines, and I always aim to make pets feel safe, comfortable, and well cared for while their owners are away. About a year ago, I adopted my dog from the Oakland SPCA, and through their training classes I’ve learned a great deal about dog behavior, communication, and care. I believe strongly in positive reinforcement and science-backed training methods that help dogs feel confident, safe, and understood. When caring for a dog, my priority is building trust and creating a calm, secure environment where they can feel comfortable. I understand that every dog has a different personality, energy level, and comfort zone, so I try to meet them where they are with patience, consistency, and kindness. Whether your dog is playful and energetic or more shy and cautious, I’ll make sure they feel cared for and respected.