I tend to lavish attention on animals, because I think that they represent the best attributes that a friend could have. Dogs don't care about who loves them, just so long as they get love, which I think is really beautiful. I grew up with a beagle-hound mix who required a lot of care, so I have experience dealing with dogs that might have delicate tummies or specialized diets. Since then, I've been watching my friend's and professor's dogs, so I have a routine for taking care of dogs that fits with my everyday life. I'm a graduate student with a flexible work schedule and office policy, so I can bring dogs to work some days. Rice's campus is very dog friendly, and there are areas where I can take them out during the day. I also live close to work, so I can make quick trips back during the day.