There are so many reasons why I've decided to become a pet sitter and care giver to animals. One is my immense love and compassion for these special animals and another is the love that they give us in return. In addition to those reasons, I experienced a tragic event with an Italian Greyhound who was hit on a highway. It changed me forever. Driving home from the store I noticed a little brown dog trying to move in the middle of the highway. Another guy had already pulled over to stop traffic so that he could pick the dog up. I pulled over as well and it was clear this poor little dog was in such pain. He was covered in his own feces. Another woman also came over to help and called 911. 911 did not care about the dog, they were more concerned about our safety. They told us to leave him there. I was like "NO WAY!" I googled the nearest vet and took him there. I sobbed the whole way and kept talking to him as I drove. He did not survive and there was no way to contact his owner (No chip no collar). His injuries were so bad that the vet said even if I was his owner and could afford to pay, it may not be enough to save him. I was so upset and heartbroken he did not have anyone with him so they asked me to stay. I did and from that moment I knew I had to get involved some way, some how. So I became a rescue volunteer and have enjoyed giving back to other animals as much as possible. My main point in mentioning all this is that I really do see all dogs as my own. I looked at this poor helpless animal and just could not imagine doing anything less than I had done - I would want someone to do the same for my Cocoa! So here I am today embracing every minute I have with these amazing creatures. They are not just our pets, they are our best friends. ❤️