Growing up in a home with cats, dogs, and fish (plus the nearby countryside), I have always adored being around animals and taking care of them. Since I was a kid I have helped neighbors, family, and friends with their pets and it has always been a delightful time. My first experience with taking care of pets, besides those in my childhood home, was helping neighbors while they were away. I became the regular sitter for a few families, including one that asked me to stay overnights with the dogs. One neighbor had a cat and three bulldogs, the oldest dog needed her wrinkles gently cleaned and an ointment applied so I have some experience with requests like that or specially preparing meals. I am from the midwest and moved to Boston in 2012 to go to BU. Most of my roommates over the years have had pets and I enjoy helping them with letting out and going for walks. For three years I lived with a rescue dog that was aggressive towards strangers so I learned to understand his special needs, keep constant supervision and take precautions like crossing the street to avoid passing people closely on the sidewalk. Later I lived with another rescue dog that was aggressive towards other dogs, so similarly I was very careful when out walking and designed routes around the neighborhood that would make it easy to avoid other dogs. Currently I also work at a restaurant so my availability is around that schedule. During Wednesday-Saturday I am available in the morning/midday (before 2pm) for visits to check-in, go outside plus some play time, or potentially longer stays with dogs and cats, that might need the supervision or like company. Regardless of the length of time I spend, I like to keep the routines that pets are familiar with and I am great at following directions. I respect animals and their people, so I pay attention to any individual needs and special requests, such as longer walks for more energetic dogs!