I’ve spent my life around animals, ranging from family pets (dogs, cats, rabbits, small rodents) to shelter animals through my volunteer work with local shelters between Maine and the DMV. I love dogs and cats, but can’t own them full time due to intermittent traveling. This led me a few years ago to volunteering as a foster parent for the HRA here in D.C. as well as Homeward Trails in VA, and later as a case manager to other foster parents. I’ve personally fostered 10 dogs the last two years, some for a couple of weeks and others for several months, seeing them through the adoption process. Most recently I have turned to online case management to help other foster parents through the process and it has been so rewarding. I have learned a lot about how to care for and handle animals (even behaviorally challenged dogs) and care very deeply for them. Dog walking and pet sitting in my free time has been a great way to be able to spend time with pets even if I don’t always have the schedule to own or foster myself!