Animals have always been a huge part of my life. I grew up with both a cat and a dog whom I adored dearly, and after recently saying goodbye to them, being around pets again means the world to me. My hands-on experience started early—around age 10, I began house sitting and checking in on my neighbors' two Greyhounds, learning how to manage larger breeds and respect individual pet routines. Most recently, I spent time volunteering at my hometown Humane Society through their "Doggie Day Out" program, taking rescue dogs on outdoor adventures, walks, and park outings. Volunteering gave me great practice handling dogs of different temperaments, leash manners, and energy levels with patience and care. And it made my love for animals grow even stronger.