We offer a clean, non-smoking home in Salem with lots of attention from two mature adults and our own dog-child, a rescue that we suspect is a Lab-Pit mix. Luna loves having friends over for a play date in the back yard or at the park, to run and box and play keep away with the magic stick du jour. She is a service dog in training who picks up items from the floor, delivers bottled water from the kitchen to the living room, and closes the back door after she lets herself in. Luna's enthusiasm and energy can be overwhelming for some dogs, so our home will be best for larger dogs who will appreciate Luna's "in your face" play style. Our privacy fenced yard is small, so we like to go for walks in Richmond Park (which is literally a few steps from our front door) and off-leash adventures in Salem's newest dog park (at Cascades Gateway) Why we love dog sitting: I was the kid who brought home every stray, and occasionally convinced my parents to let me keep one. I've owned and trained a few UKC-registered hounds and dozens of mixed breed dogs. As an adult, I've adopted training techniques based on positive reinforcement. We are often complimented, even by those who don't identify as "dog people," on our service dog's unobtrusive good manners in public. Training is ongoing and unique to each animal, and (imho) should always enhance your relationship with your pet rather than just having them perform parlor tricks to impress others. Each pet has their own strengths and personality and if you pay attention, they will tell you what they want to learn and accomplish with your guidance. With that in mind, we reinforce behaviors and basic commands for Luna that we can expand upon later as she graduates from "In Training" to Service Animal. My partner, Patch, is a former firefighter/paramedic who is now a full-time stay at home doggie Dad. He has raised AKC registered Bassett Hounds and German Shepherds, and even had two of his pups recruited by federal agencies for K-9 officer training. Our experience administering medication: Patch was a paramedic for over two decades and can administer IV fluids or subcutaneous as well as injections if needed. We always have a supply of pill pockets for oral meds. Meet our pets: Luna, a four-legged comedian with a LOT of energy and enthusiasm for all things interesting, which for Luna, includes all things. About our yard: Small, fully fenced (and locked) back yard. A few steps beyond our front door is Richmond Park, an excellent place for a walk but not a designated off- leash area. For big fun and room to run, we like Keizer Rapids dog park best.