I am simply an animal lover! When I'm with your pets, they will always be treated and loved as much as my own pets. Update 2019 - I am now working full time for a mental health facility, but thanks to Rover my desire to work with fur babies can stay alive! *Weekday availability is flexible if the dates/times are acceptable to you as the pet owner according to my work schedule.* I've gained my knowledge and passion for animals working as a kennel technician and working for a veterinary practice. I have experience with all domestic animals (dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, rats, guinea pigs, birds, but limited reptile experience). I have two dogs of my own and foster cats for local rescue organizations. Both of my dogs are rescues. Baxter, was a multiple surrender to a shelter due to separation anxiety and destruction issues. My husband and I had an extensive adoption interview for Baxter, but we were ready to commit to giving him a forever home. It took us over a year to calm his anxiety, and reassure him that we would never let him down. After we had Baxter for about two years we decided he deserved a companion. We got a puppy, since we met with many different dogs and Baxter was unsure of most of them. An 8 week old puppy was another huge commitment for us, but it's been worth every second of chaos! They are now the best of friends. They're also my best friends; actually they're my whole world. I started fostering kittens to help them reach healthy adoption weight or overcome sickness, like the common kitty cold. I've fostered a lot of kittens! Recently I started fostering older kittens and adult cats who are semi-feral, or displayed temperament issues, and needed help learning to love and become socialized. Fostering has become a dedicated hobby for me, and seeing my fosters grow and become adoptable is why I love being a foster mom! I am able to administer medications and handle animals of all temperaments and needs. I have experience with tablet, liquid, and injected medication, as well as medicating animals that are stubborn about swallowing their medicine! I have worked with dogs of all sizes and a wide variety of breeds; from chihuahuas, or many toy breeds, to mastiffs, danes, pyernees, and new foundlands . At work I am known as one who takes the time to help with animals that need extra socialization or aren't comfortable with other technicians. For my safety at work and working with foster cats, I have been rabies vaccinated, and am always up to date on tetnus. I'm very careful with understanding pathogens and the scare of contamination. I will be sure your pets do not ingest anything toxic or have experiences that are unsafe for their health. I am always cautious with dogs, especially meeting new dogs out on walks because I have a sincere sense and understanding of body language among canines. I am always willing and prefer to meet pets prior to an assignment if possible in order to help them be comfortable around me if they are usually timid with strangers.