Dog-watching has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I have been fortunate enough to have been entrusted with the care of many different dogs over the years, each with their own unique personalities and needs. One of the most important things I have learned as a dog watcher is the importance of patience and understanding. Dogs are creatures of habit, and they need time to adjust to new environments and routines. It's important to take the time to get to know each dog individually, to understand their likes and dislikes, and to work with them to develop a routine that works for both of us. In addition to patience and understanding, I have also developed a keen eye for reading dogs' body language and understanding their behavior. This is especially important when working with dogs that may have been mistreated or abused in the past, as they may have trust issues or other emotional scars that need to be addressed. One of my favorite experiences as a dog watcher was raising and training my Australian Shepherd Virgil from a puppy. Watching him grow and develop into a well-behaved, obedient companion was incredibly rewarding, and it gave me a deep appreciation for the importance of training and socialization. Another experience that stands out in my mind was helping my second dog Audi adjust to his new life in an apartment downtown. Coming from a home with six other dogs, Audi was used to having lots of space to run and play. But with patience and perseverance, I was able to help him adjust to his new environment and develop a routine that worked for both of us. Overall, my experiences as a dog watcher have taught me so much about the importance of patience, understanding, and compassion when working with animals. It's a job that requires a lot of hard work and dedication, but the rewards are truly priceless. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with so many wonderful dogs over the years, and I look forward to continuing to do so in the years to come.