5.0

**Available for the holidays!!** **For Housesitting: I will most likely need to bring my own dog along with me. She is a very friendly and chill older labrador who is good with other animals of all kinds, and while some pets love having a new friend visit for awhile, not everyone is ok having another dog in their space. Please consider before requesting.** I am an animal lover in general, but dogs will always hold a special place in my heart, as they do for many people. I think that may have began when, a week after I was born, my dad brought home a German Shepherd puppy, who quickly became my protector and best friend for a decade. There have been dogs in my home and in my care ever since then. Besides a lifetime of experience caring for my own (and friends'/family's) dogs, I have completed a yearlong internship working as a trainer/training instructor with a service dog organization. I helped to socialize and train future service and therapy dogs for wounded veterans. In my spare time, I continue to help other trainers care for and train service dogs, pets, as well as search & rescue dogs. I enjoy training and love improving my skills and continuing my education in the field. Dogs truly are amazing animals that can make such a profound difference in peoples' lives. They deserve the best! I would describe my "sitter style" as calm and consistent. I love to get down on the floor to play with them or chase them around the yard, and love the settle-down petting sessions just as much! I love showering pets with affection and treats, but rest assured I have an iron will in the [super cute] face of whining, begging, or jumping. I like to bake simple homemade dog (and cat!) treats, and they are always a big hit! If your dog really loves them, I could even arrange to sell you a batch or two. ;) I have spent time with dogs of just about every size and temperament, and am a devoted, patient, and experienced caregiver.