I enjoy loving and caring for pets. I currently have two large breed dogs of my own (Rhodesian Ridgebacks) and have owned dogs and cats all my life. I also own several types of tropical and domestic fish in my home aquariums and in my backyard pond. I have sat for both large and small dogs alike for friends and family. I’ve owned my two dogs since they were 8 weeks old (now ages 7 and 10 years old) and fully understand both the needs of small puppies and those of an aging, senior dog. I’ve trained my two Ridgebacks and have assisted family in training their pets as well. I have a thorough understanding of the behavior indicators of dogs. I can most often tell when they are stressed, in pain, uncomfortable, fearful, content, relaxed, need attention, have to potty, and so forth based on their facial expressions, body gestures, and other behaviors. For pets who cannot speak for themselves, I believe understanding and reading these signals are essential to proper pet care. The safety of pets is of utmost importance to me. Like small children, I feel it is essential to protect pets from a harmful environment. In doing so, I’m always in tune with where a pet is and what a pet is doing in order to keep them out of harm’s way. I give back to the community by volunteering with the Southern Region, Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue organization Paws Between Homes by fostering dogs and have volunteered with the Royal Animal Rescue by driving hundreds of miles to transport animals to and from rescue organizations, foster care homes, and medical facilities. I’ve provided foster care for dogs pending their adoption and have visited homes on behalf of the rescue organization to evaluate the demeanor of pets that will be moved to foster care. I am eager to love and care for your fur-babies as much as I do my own and provide them with a secure and neutering environment while you are away.