We all think we have breed preferences, until that moment when we fall in love with a dog of a breed we thought we had no affinity for, right? For instance, one version of myself thought that I didn't find Greyhounds attractive or appealing, until the winter that I lived with two former racing greyhounds-turned-rescue dogs-turned amazing friends and companions. After tromping around on the trails and beaches of a small, west coast Canadian island and napping in front of the fire in a small cob house with them for three months, I am absolutely smitten with Greyhounds. So no, no preferences. Regarding what I'd like to know about a dog before having them as a guest in my home, I think I'd like their companion/owner/caretakers to read my profile and get a sense of my personality and think about their dog's personality and if it would be a good fit, a good time, for all of us. I'm a great fit if your dog enjoys a lot of deep connection with a human, less so for a puppy or breed that needs to tear around and go berserk all the time. Bless their little Going Berserk hearts.

I used to be a massage therapist and I find that most dogs, especially the elderly with those old, arthritic hips, greatly enjoy receiving touch and massage. Light massage is a huge part of my communication and bonding with dogs, as well as being of soothing and pain relieving benefit to them. So there's lots of that going on in my home. I love grooming and connecting with animals through that activity, so please feel free to drop off some brushes and grooming aids when your friend comes to stay. That is not to say that grooming services are something I offer, but that grooming will likely be a part of how I bond with your loved one. I live in a residential neighborhood that has a field across the street and Laurelhurst park about a 25 minute walk away. I enjoy long walks in the morning and afternoon and evening, and the pre-bedtime "gaze at the moon" walk together before getting tucked in for the night. I like to follow the dog's lead when it comes to hanging out and getting to know them. Hang out, be available, let them see me, tell them what's going on, let them know that they are included and cared and provided for and then don't overwhelm them, these are dog-relating ways and means that have served me (and them) very well over the years.