Like many others, I've cared for a variety of animals since I was a child. The farm animals were fine, but it is the dogs and cats that really drew my love. Other than my college years, I have never been pet-less during my entire life. So you can rest assured I will treat your pets with the same care I do my own. Recently I was a "puppy raiser" for Leader Dogs for the Blind, which meant I raised and trained a dog (Betty) from roughly 2 months old through 13 months old. Upon her return for formal training, the breeding department selected her to be a breeding mom. So I therefore hosted her during her pregnancy, and she birthed her puppies in my home. And after 7 weeks of caring for those little bundles of joy, returned them to continue on their training with new host families, at which time Betty was officially retired and has become a member of my family. The puppy raising and participation in the breeding program gave me additional training, education and insights into the world of dog care.