What animal doesn't love butt scratches?!? Hello, my name is Ellie and I LOVE ANIMALS! Growing up on a hobby farm, I have cared for and trained animals all my life, including dogs, cats, birds, rats, rabbits, horses, livestock and more. When I was little, I had multiple books on dog breeds and memorized as much as I could about them. In high school, I was in the FFA (Future Farmers of America) where I specialized in equine science. I have a bachelor's in a STEM field with a minor in biology, and have taken coursework in zoology. I exercise veterinarian approved, AKC and AHS guided pet care. I have previous experience working at a grooming salon and a veterinarian’s office. I currently volunteer at an animal shelter as well! I understand how the breed of a dog can inform but not dictate its behavior - in other words, don't blame the breed, but understand its background. Being a current German Shepherd mom myself, I am comfortable with large dogs including Pit Bulls/American Staffordshires, Mastiffs, Alaskan Pyrenees, Akitas, and more. What about cats, you say? As a lifelong cat owner myself, I know each cat's personality is wonderfully different. I know how to approach cats, how to read their body language, and how to get them to tell me best places to pet them, so that when I visit them in your home, they will be happy! :-) I enjoy an active lifestyle personally and so can mold my walks or sittings to your dog's activity level by providing lots of playtime, whether its walks or runs, or even just cuddles. I am comfortable with special needs dogs and cats, behaviorally and medically, so if your furbaby needs extra attention in some way, let me know and I will be happy to work with you and them!