I've grown up with animals and been dog sitting for over 15 years, you're dog and or cat will be just as important to me as my own pets are amd have been. Most of all they will be as important to me as they are to you. I have experience with special needs pets, giving shots and pills, special dietary issues and so forth. I'm not intimated by large dogs or barking, they tend to warm up to me quickly. Pets can simply tell when you're a pet lover. I do my best to leave homes the way I found them, my goal being that you wouldn't know I've need there if not for mail waiting on you and a happy, well cared for dog, cat, what have you.