I've grown up around dogs in my family, from my dad's many Bichon Frises and my aunt's Yorkies. Being around the dogs was always something I looked forward to growing up. Still, I always desperately wanted my own dog. I used to joke that my "doggie biological clock" was ticking. Finally, I adopted my own dog when I lived in Peru. She went everywhere with me, and when I couldn't take her I looked forward to coming home to see her. Making her life better and training her to be on her best behavior was a true joy. She still lives with my "Peru Family", where she gets to play on a farm with 4 other dogs. They send me pictures and video of her, and I know how important it is to see those things when you're away from a beloved pet. We now have a Mini Aussie Shepherd, Sadie, and a puppy mix, Gidget, who always wants to play. We have a cat, Theodore, and he and Gidget love to play. I currently work full time from home, and my partner is also home for part of the week. A lot of people in my life don't understand why one would have a dog. For me, it's never been a chore. In our house, we're dog lovers and playing with and caring for your pets is a priority. I’m working from home, so pet care is an ongoing, all day part of the routine. The doggy door allows for the dogs to run outside and play whenever they want, and I take breaks to play with them inside and outside. We have a fenced in yard and a doggy door. I also have a baby gate to make sure part of the house is cordoned off when I want to keep an eye on the dogs, and for the cat to be able to have his space when the puppy gets a little too rambunctious.