Ever since I was little, I have had a strong passion and love for all animals. In 2004, I was given my very first pet, a betta fish named Glacier. Since then, I have been involved in animal and pet care in various capacities. In 2007, my family welcomed our very first dog named Jacques and our second dog named Emmy in 2011. In 2015, we welcomed my grandpa’s dog Nikki into the family. I have been involved in every aspect of their care from taking them to the vet to feeding them. Growing up, my neighbors had cats and I was given the opportunity to feed them and empty their litter box when they were on a vacation. In terms of senior care, I have given shot injections to an old diabetic cat and have given various medications to the now geriartric Jacques and Emmy. They require medication twice a day and have food allergies. I have experience with special needs and senior animals. In high school, I volunteered for a zoo and helped with animal care. I have walked and fed alpacas and socialized baby penguins. When I went to college, I majored in fish and wildlife which gives me an innate understanding of animals and their behavior. During my undergraduate career, I volunteered at an animal shelter for native wildlife. Some of these animals included baby birds and raccoons. I prepared food, cleaned the enclosure, bathed the animals, created enrichment and administered medication if needed. In my graduate career, I helped teach an animal science course which involved caring for domestic livestock. I taught undergraduate students how to properly handle and groom livestock and what to feed them. During my time in graduate school, my brother and his wife rescued two cats. I have taken care of them on numerous occasions when my brother and his wife were on vacation. In October 2020, I rescued my own dog named Cashew and have been showering him with love since. He is a 10 pound chihuahua mix. Due to Cashew’s anxiety before vet visits, I have experience squirting medicine (e.g. gabapentin) into a dog’s mouth. He also has food allergies. In addition to caring for both exotic and local animals, I have a strong background in animal behavior and welfare. I have taken both undergraduate and graduate level animal behavior and welfare courses. When I was an undergraduate, I studied the behavior and welfare of captive Asian elephants in a zoo. Currently, I am working towards a graduate degree in animal behavior. My background in animal behavior and welfare help provide me with an understanding of the best ways to care for an animal. I plan to use my animal behavior background and animal care experience in providing the best experience for your furry friend. Also, I am allergic to cats, so no cat requests please.