Hi! Animals have always been a part of my life. Growing up on a farm, I was surrounded by a diverse range of creatures – chickens, geese, goats, sheep, alpacas, llamas, horses, bunnies, and more. I even inherited the family dog, a lovable but rather pungent fellow! My family also had a heart for rescue, rehabilitating and re-homing dogs, particularly cocker spaniels, from less-than-ideal breeding situations. My first solo canine companions were a Great Dane and a Bouvier, both welcomed into my life at 15. These 11 and 13 years were filled with joy and invaluable lessons, particularly about the unique challenges of living with giant and herding breeds. Since then, I've always had at least one dog by my side. Currently, I share my home with two energetic young Border Collies. They are incredibly fun but demand a high level of canine enthusiasm! Their playful nature, including barking and jumping, doesn't bother me at all. I understand the breed's inherent drive and strive to honor their spirited personalities. For me, the most important thing is to respect an animal's natural instincts and individuality. As long as they are neither aggressive nor fearful, I encourage them to be themselves.