Ivan epitomizes the best in humanity. In 2012, desperate for a dog walker for our dog-aggressive, 75 lb pit bull/lab rescue and his bossy mini dachshund sister, we posted an ad on CraigsList seeking someone we could trust with our dogs, and with the keys to our home. Ivan's response to the post stood out. He'd been honorably discharged from the Navy after serving as an engineer on a nuclear-powered vessel, and was living with his wife and her grandparents while he sought civilian work. Who doesn't want to help a veteran during their transition? Ivan's military background spoke volumes about his capacity for responsibility and self-discipline. That he'd grown up with, and currently owned large breed dogs reinforced our confidence. We met up with Ivan and handed over our big aggressive baby, then walked behind him to watch how he handled our dog. I'm not exaggerating when I say that to this day, 4 years later, if you asked me to think of the most easy going, congenial, kind human I've ever met, I actually would still tell you it's Ivan. You'll see it for yourself when you meet him--Ivan smiles in the face of stress, and remained consistent and kind, even as he went through what is surely among the most devastating experiences once can face in their personal lives. We trusted Ivan so much that he became our house sitter as well. Eventually Ivan went back to school, excelled in student government, and got a more substantial job. While we were sad to lose him, its impossible to not be in that guy's corner, cheering him on and wishing him all the success he deserves. We miss you Ivan!