Pets aren't just lap-lounging, toy-playing, tail-wagging sources of joy — they're adopted children with vibrant personalities and quirks all their own. You deserve the peace of knowing that your dog or cat is well taken care of while you're away. That's where I come in. My relentless love of animals prompted my parents to bring home a yellow lab early in my childhood, and later, to rescue an orange tabby. In my pre-teens I watched pets often, including a diabetic, blind elderly pup requiring regular insulin injections. Then, I graduated from pet owner and pet-sitter to shelter volunteer at age sixteen, staying at the Central Texas ASPCA for upwards of six hours at a time during the weekends — walking and playing with dogs, socializing and grooming the cats, cleaning up around the grounds, and generally doing whatever the staff found helpful. That's when I developed my love for rescue animals ("shelter specials," as I like to call them). In college, I spent two separate month-long stints house-sitting and watching an energetic brown lab while friends toured the national parks, and our rompings were always great reminders of how much I missed the opportunity for furry friendship. I've never met a dog or cat I couldn't win over, even when working with animals from painful pasts. I know to be gentle and reassuring amidst skittishness and firm and patient with rambunctiousness. I'm equally down to cuddle and play, and your dog is welcome to join me on one of my daily runs. Who knows — your dog might even learn a new trick while you're away. It's happened before (with pet-parent approval, of course). You'll find me warm and communicative and eager to get to know your four-legged friend. Feel free to reach out, and let's talk about how we can give your pet the best experience.