Stuck at work unexpectedly? Invited to a last minute engagement? Need someone to give your pup some extra activity and attention while you're away? Hi! I'm Emily, an active animal enthusiast with a great adoration and admiration for the dog. Beyond years of personal experience in growing up with and raising and adopting dogs in adulthood; pet sitting for neighbors, family and friends; and avidly walking and jogging with my own pups, past and present, my pet care experience spans professional arenas, too. I love learning and my passion for animals is so great, I went back to school to learn how to best care for them. I am a 2012 graduate of San Antonio's Palo Alto College Veterinary Technology Program. There, I earned an Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology. I am a Licensed Veterinary Technician (License # LVT-178). As a prospective vet tech student, I volunteered to provide daily care and socialization of rescues at The San Antonio Humane Society. There, I also assisted in the clinic and surgical suite. As an enrolled vet tech student, I gained 2 years hands-on experience under the supervision of prominent DVMs and LVTs. Prior to graduation, I completed a summer internship at a 24/7 veterinary hospital as a student technician; thereafter, I was offered a full-time position. Shortly after graduation, I accepted a position with Nestle Purina's, then, PurinaCare. Although a Licensed Veterinary Technician, I am not actively practicing in a clinical setting. Why? To enrich the lives of dogs and their owners full-time as your dog's personal walking buddy. Professionally speaking, preventative care is best practice in veterinary medicine. I recognize your dog's activity is a variable easily controlled to promote disease prevention and lifespan longevity. Walking routines also provide abundant mental stimulation. I'd like to help your pet of any breed or need live a healthy, active lifestyle to enrich and extend the bond you share with your beloved "furmily" member. Personally speaking, I want to help make your experience of pet parenting the easiest and most fulfilling it can be by lending a hand in your pup's daily care or by providing the perfect staycation activity. To maintain licensure I participate in annual continuing education. Aside from my professional pet care experience, I maintain certification as a teacher (EC-4th grade) in Texas. My experience includes both classroom teaching and community education. Rest assure your pet is in the hands of not only a knowledgeable, licensed professional but someone with a positive, gentle, nurturing, patient nature. I am confident in safely handling all breeds. In my lifetime, I have lovingly raised large and energetic breeds such as the German Wirehaired Pointer and the mix I affectionally refer to as the "Colliedor" (Labrador/Border Collie cross). Schnauzers, too! In my professional experience, I have cared for numerous other breeds, from the tiniest to most gigantic and from the reserved to most spirited. I am comfortable in providing activity for all ages and needs. At one point, I lovingly devoted my time to three of my own dogs who were senior to geriatric in age with special orthopedic and cognitive needs. Pups with Cognitive Canine Dysfunction (Senility) benefit greatly from environmental enrichment. Osteoarthritis and IVDD (Intervertebral Disk Disease) can't keep a good pup down; I have experience in handling dogs in assistive carts. My husband, Matt, a Financial Director, at a medical device company, shares the same love of animals. He has a knack for instantly befriending the four-legged kind and his instinct for assessing their unspoken need is sharp! Although Matt and I do not have any two-legged children of our own, our adopted"Colliedor" Hank, and Jack, our outdoor cat, stand in that place. Our pets are beloved family members, and they deserve and receive our best. This same care I aim to deliver to your beloved family member. With my professional and personal experience and my adoration and admiration for dogs, rest assure your pup is in as loving, caring hands as your own. I look forward to being a part of your pet's good day!