I worked with the C.A.R.E. Evanston Animal Shelter for about five years, caring for stray and given up dogs. Most of these dogs were pitbull mixes and boxer mixes, many of them younger and with higher energy levels (and all of varying aggression levels - a very important thing I've learned with this shelter was how to handle and care for mistreated dogs). I also worked with older dogs of varying breeds, caring for them and helping them stay happy without as much physical activity as the younger pups. On occasion, we would even get a litter of puppies! While cleaning their kennels was never very easy, having a swarm of little ones run at you and lick your face really, really makes up for it. This shelter is also where I gained experience in training younger dogs, from how to sit to how to behave well on a leash and not tug. These training methods never involve hurting the pup or depriving pups of any necessities. I also have never spent a day in my life where I didn't own a pet - I've always had at least one cat (when I still lived with parents, we had up to four cats once!), and as i was growing up, I owned two dogs, one of which is still around for me to bother when I visit parents once a week.