I am very sensitive to the fact that pets have "real" feelings. I learned a lot from our own pets, especially our shitzu and 17 year old sheltie. Pets can feel sad, jealous, embarrassed, lonely, shy, proud, left out etc. Acknowledging this and responding to it, is just one of the attributes that set me apart as a caregiver for your pet. Older pets and ill pets have additional feelings to consider, of arthritic pain, the pain of adjusting to hearing loss, visual impairment, pain in doing everyday activities like eating or trying to jump up to their favorite places. Older and ill pets particularly need the extra attention and love a Grandma has "the time" and the heart to give. As a Biology teacher, I took time off for several years, to be at home with my 3 children ( all under age 5) and, and their increasing menagerie of pets. They had several ducks, several rabbits, dog, cat, 3ft iguana, bearded dragon, red tailed boa, leopard gecko, overweight pony, octopus, and every injured bird and duckling that found its way onto our dock. Children gave me the perfect excuse to have every pet I (they) ever desired! My Education I am a retired credentialed High School/College Biology and Anatomy/Physiology teacher with both BS and MS degrees in the Biological Sciences. My pet care experience is quite varied. I participated in our local oil spill rescue work. My job was doing the gavage feeding of the western grebes. I also have experience in animal CPR. I first experience was on pet rabbit Clifford. His CPR included the mouth to mouth resuscitation part! My children will never let me forget that scene! Lastly, I want to share my amazing ability of "patience". My first grandchild (before my human grandchildren were born) was a Beautiful Siberian Male Husky Puppy. From him (that breed in particular) I developed more patience than I ever thought possible.