Hello! My name is Dara and I love dogs. Like, really love them! I have shared my entire life with dogs (and cats!) and animal advocacy is truly my life's work. I've been married for 14 years and my kids are 12, 11, and 8. My childhood was spent surrounded by dogs, cats, horses, birds, and goats. I grew up in the country and stray animals were very common. Our home was a beacon of hope for countless homeless animals. I can honestly say we never turned any of them away. Thanks, mom! My beloved childhood dog, Scarlet, was by my side from age 1 to age18 and that started this passion and love I have for dogs. I currently am a stay at home mom of school age kids with a bit of time on my hands. I had cancer surgery last summer and successfully completed treatment last fall. I am a determined, strong person. I'm physically fit, tall, and have no issues handling large dogs. We have 4 dogs (all rescued terriers) one 15 year old Siamese mix cat, and one 7 month old kitten that adopted us when we were trick or treating with our kids last year! It's a full and busy house. I'm proud to say we have a lot of love here. I foster for a breed-specific dog rescue and 2 of our dogs are "foster failures" that I just couldn't bear to part with! My former fosters have included special needs dogs of many sorts. Amputees, blind, seniors, etc. One of my own dogs is deaf. Placing dogs in their forever homes is pretty darn amazing and I try to keep that in mind when they leave. I cry every time but I try and see the big picture. I believe spaying and neutering is the only way to prevent the homeless animal crisis we have here in the Central Valley, so I spread that message via my social media- and anyone who'll listen! I also support and advocate for our local no/low kill shelter in Fresno county. I am a mom, wife, and animal advocate. I feel most comfortable in the presence of animals, and I'm not embarrassed to admit that! I will treat any animal in care as my own. If there is a dream job for someone like me, this is definitely it! Thank you for considering me to provide outstanding care for your precious ones.