I've been around dogs since I was 9 when I started volunteering with my dad at a local shelter. In my 20s, I adopted my first dog and cared for him until he passed from stomach cancer at age 10. His loss inspired me to start volunteering again, this time at a rescue in Las Vegas where I walked and fostered over 10 dogs. Most of them were strays who needed leash training, stair practice, and basic commands like sit and shake. I eventually adopted my rescue pup, Ollie (he’s the one in the Thanksgiving hat in my photos). After moving to Washington, I began volunteering at Seattle Humane and gained more experience working with dogs of all sizes, including those with reactivity—something I manage daily with Ollie. My fiancé and I also have a tripod rescue cat, Terry, so I’m comfortable and experienced with cats too!