**Dogs** I had my best friend Nila, a Jack Russell Terrier, for 17 loving years. Caring for Nila was the biggest joy in my life, and now I'd like to share that joy with other pets! Things that I learned along the way include positive reinforcement training, leash manners, socialization, grooming, and medication administration: - Positive Reinforcement Training: Jack Russell Terriers are very smart and high-energy. Nila thrived with positive reinforcement training and enjoyed learning many useful commands. She loved playing on playgrounds at the park as make-shift agility courses, and continued to eagerly learn new tricks throughout her life. I'm happy to work together to keep your training consistent- even when you have to be away. Maintaining their familiar structure keeps the training active, reduces your pet's stress, and even helps them learn new tricks more quickly! - Leash Training: Nila loved both short and long walks, both in new places and in her familiar neighborhood. Her leash manners and experience in various terrains made our walks more fun. Being trained to focus on my direction and guidance, she knew was safe with me. Feeling safe helps pets focus on the best part of their walk- the smells! If you need help with leash manners or just want to maintain your current leash training, I'd love to help you guide your pup. - Socialization: Due to constant adventuring, Nila loved other dogs, loved people, and respected cats and their claws! I enjoy paying special attention to the communication of beloved seniors and adult dogs. Learning the unique language of each pet is important to me so that I can anticipate their needs and ensure they are comfortable. This keeps them safe and happy and helps prevent mishaps. If socialization is important to you, I am confident I can safely and slowly introduce new experiences to your pet. - Grooming: Nila enjoyed her "spa days": a bath in the tub, drying off with a towel, being brushed, having her teeth brushed, and her nails clipped. I am experienced in helping dogs become acclimated to being handled and groomed. If your dog has grooming needs such as being brushed often, I'm happy to help! - Medication Administration: In our last years together, from 2021 to 2023, Nila took medications and supplements for her arthritis on a schedule. Over time my experience includes: pill tablets, liquid via an oral syringe, powder from capsules mixed into food, and treats. I do not have experience with injectable medications, but am happy to learn. **Cats** I recently cared for an 11yr old senior cat, Rosie. I enjoyed her company for a year before she found her furever home. Rosie is a complete sweetheart and I realized that although I've always considered myself a "dog person"- I *adore* cats. I just needed to learn more about them. By paying close attention, I found ways to improve Rosie's quality of life. When she arrived she had mats in her fur. After consulting the vet, she now takes Cosequin supplements and is able to groom herself more appropriately. Also, her original litter box was not working well for her. After observation, I realized she urinates while standing- so her litter box experience (and mine) improved when I incorporated a larger, taller litter box. Rosie taught me about litter box training, adventure training (in a halter and leash), playtime, feeding, body language, and grooming. I feel confident in: - Keeping your kitty happy and healthy with a clean litter box - Being mindful and fastidious about safety when it comes to any outside time, adventuring, or playtime - Consistency with feeding and following care instructions - Respecting your cat's body language and communication around being handled, approached, or groomed so they will feel safe with me - Keeping track of how a kitty is particular and their consistent schedule