My animal experience started at home with cats, dogs, fish & small rodents. I started farm camp in middle school & became a camp counselor at the same farm once I was old enough. Those were pivotal moments for me. Working with 30+ kids & caring for a broad range of farm animals (with other farm staff, of course) was exciting, challenging, & a good fit for me. Chickens, pigs, cats, dogs, goats, donkeys, ducks, and rabbits were some of the species on the farm. Those experiences inspired me to study animal science in college. In those 4 years I interned at rescue zoos & took a course in domestic & wildlife care in Belize. Now, out of college & continuing to collect experiences, I am working/living on a farm with chickens, sheep, ducks, pigs, goats, & cats. The garden has been another huge focus & exciting learning point this year. Earlier this year, 2019, I was asked to care for my friend’s new dog while she was at work. A blue nose pit bull with a history of abuse. The first day I met her she was very nervous, scared to trust, & it took an hour for her to crawl down the stairs. Her name is Petal, & today she is the most exuberant, loving, gentle pup, who plays with other dogs, explores, & fearlessly runs up & down the stairs. Getting to know & care for Petal over several months while watching her transform into her true self, a self without fear, is one of the main reasons I am signing up for Rover. It was a joy to go on hiking adventures & walks with her, where I learned about different dog parks and hiking spots close to where I live. As my interests expand on the farm, my heart still rests with a compassion for animal care. I enjoy getting to know individual animals, building an environment of love & trust, & helping as I can.