I’ve been an animal lover for as long as I can remember! Growing up with cats, dogs, birds, and even turtles, I was always surrounded by furry (and feathered) friends. My love for horses led me to the pony club, where I learned how to care for them and even competed. In the early 2000s, while living in Austin, I had the unique privilege of house- and cat-sitting for the dean of liberal arts at UT. He had eight cats, and every year when he traveled to the UK, I happily moved in as their temporary but devoted caretaker. Over the years, I’ve jumped at any chance to look after friends’ pets—both cats and dogs—because, honestly, hanging out with animals never feels like a chore. These days, my husband and I are often asked to house- and dog-sit for friends in Halifax, which is always a treat. I love keeping a tidy home, making sure pets get plenty of exercise (extra walks if they’re up for it!), and ensuring they get all the love and care they need. I’m also experienced with administering medication and even whipping up special homemade meals for pups with refined palates. Caring for animals has always been a joy, and I love the connections I’ve made along the way—both human and four-legged. Fun fact: As a kid, I tried to start a dog-walking business and passed out hundreds of flyers in my neighborhood. Unfortunately, dog-walking wasn’t really a thing back then, and the only call I got was from a lady… who had a cat!