I’m a hardcore animal lover. Growing up, there was never a time when a dog was not running around my house. After my first dog passed away unexpectedly when I was 9, my family quickly adopted a new dog from the local pound. She’s and adorable cairn terrier (and she’s played Toto in 2 local productions of The Wizard of Oz). Growing up with dogs in the house, I learned quickly about the responsibility necessary to care after pets. Since I was a bit too young to provide substantial care for my first dog, it was my duty to feed and walk my second one. Both being terriers, I’m used to high amounts of energy and excitement. In college, both of my roommates had cats. So even though I never owned one personally, I would take care of them while my roommates were away.