My family has always had pets: cats, dogs, and a variety of others! I adopted my first dog, Monty, as an adult in 2016. He was my whole heart and soul, and I would not be the person I am without him. I adopted him off the euthanasia list at an estimated 9 yrs old with heartworms. I knew it would take some TLC to unlock his sweet goofy side. I learned very quickly (day 2!) that his unknown past left him with severe destructive separation anxiety and elopement tendencies (if he couldn't jump/climb over a fence, he went through it)! We tried medication, specialized training with a behaviorist, and crate training, but he could not be contained or soothed unless his momma was nearby. I found a reputable cage-free doggy daycare that accommodated his needs and kept him safe during the day. For the last 5 years, I have worked part time at that facility, learning and implementing rhe art of introducing dogs to each other, observing their behavior to determine temperament, handled reactive dogs, broken up the occasional fight, captured the occasional escapee, bathed them, dried them with a high velocity dryer, clipped their nails, coaxed them into eating with calm body language and words of affirmation, administered oral/topical/injected medication as prescribed - you name it, I've probably done it. If I haven't done it, I'm willing to learn! At your pace and, most importantly, at your pet's pace! Additionally, I've fostered and found homes for several dogs, whelped and weaned foster puppies, researched and participated in obedience training, reinforced skills as needed, among many other necessary tasks. Again, you name it and I'm willing to learn!