Even as a kid, I was the primary caregiver for my childhood dog, Zoey. I took responsibility for making sure she was fed and watered, taking her for long walks and playing with her in our backyard. I knew that when I grew up, I would adopt a dog as soon as I could. A few months before I was discharged from the Marine Corps, I reached out to my hometown's local animal shelter about Baron. Baron was a 2-year-old, Boxer/Pit mix and from the moment I saw his picture, I knew he was going to be my boy. I called the shelter regularly to see if he was still there and let them know the day I could pick him up. I drove from my base in California to my Mom's house in Florida, dropped my stuff off, and immediately went to the shelter to adopt Baron. For the first few months I took him everywhere I went. All my friends and family knew that if Dan was coming, so was Baron. A few years after adopting Baron, I shared pictures of him with a girl I was talking to, and she immediately wanted to meet him. I took him for a walk with her and, as they say, the rest is history, she’s my wife. She brought two cats to the relationship, Teyla and Cara, and I eventually adopted a third cat, Ahsoka, with her. I cared for Baron together for 10 years. In 2022, he was diagnosed with bone cancer in his jaw, and we decided to try surgery, chemo and radiation. My wife and I got another 3 years with him, when the vet had told us he had 6 months to live. In 2025, his cancer returned, and he passed away just a few months before I got married. I spread some of his ashes at our wedding ceremony at one of the purest lakes in New Zealand and his name is engraved on our wedding bands. Shortly after saying goodbye to Baron, my wife and I adopted our fourth cat, Leia. I like to say she is Baron reincarnated because she follows me everywhere and has taken his place begging for food at the dinner table. I love meeting new dogs and cats, and have never met a dog that doesn't like me (I think everyone knows that cats aren't always that easy to win over!). As the caregiver for your pet, I bring years of experience caring for dogs and cats. I have experience with puppies, kittens, and senior dogs and cats. I am experienced with delivering oral and topical medications, and hand feeding. I am experienced with obedience training and basic commands, crate training, walking on a lead, different types of dog collars, and off leash e-collar use. I understand how to safely have dogs meet, and what signs to look for to signal aggression, discomfort, fear, or playfulness when around other dogs. I understand that pets have routines and schedules, and I will adjust my day to make sure your pet can keep their routine. I know what it's like to have another person care for my pets, and I will make sure to send photos and messages with updates to let you know your pet is safe and happy. As a stay-at-home trophy husband and cat dad, my day is flexible and I can ensure your pet's care and comfort is my top priority.