No matter the size, breed or personality of your pet, earning their trust and friendship (along with your own trust) is my top priority. As a lifelong animal lover, I grew up in a multi-pet household taking care of dogs, birds and small animals. Since then, I have taken care of horses, anoles, cats, parakeets and my curiosity for getting to know an animal's individual personality has only grown over that time. I currently have two dogs: an Australian shepherd and border collie mix, both of whom I raised from puppies by myself. We are an active family, walking/hiking and in general spending time exploring the neighborhood for hours a day, traveling together for camping or cabin vacations in our spare time. It's cliche, but my dogs are truly my family and as a long-time Rover user on the customer side, I understand what it means to have a sitter/walker you can trust while you're away. I love finding people who strive to understand them as individuals and who are sensitive to their needs. My border collie is highly sensitive and I have learned to work within his limits, giving him the stimulation he needs by finding more isolated parks to sniff around, mental challenges inside, etc. that keep him entertained while reducing stress. I am more than comfortable getting to know your own pets' quirks and finding ways to keep their days consistent and stress-free.