Julia is my sister, a happy fact which has given me a lot of time to observe her with my dog, as well as her dog. Since Julia was about 6, we've had dogs in our home, and growing up with dogs that you love eventually makes those dogs family. Nobody I know has been more "dog-fam" than her; it's actually kind of odd how she can talk to her dog now and tell him to do things in plain English (which I know for a fact he doesn't speak fluently) and he seems to understand her, and do her bidding. I'm no fido-ologist, but I think this odd pup-telepathy has something to do with how much they love each other: Julia treats that dog more kindly and fastidiously than most people do their children, and you can tell her loves her for it by the way he looks up at her adoringly. Even if a dog is not her own, Julia is able to create a bond with nothing but a few gentle words and a pat on the head. I don't want to misrepresent Julia and make it sound like she's some sort of female Doctor Doolittle, but I do often find myself impressed by the way she seems to elicit comfort from animals near her. If I can't find Julia at a party or gathering, I find the animals. Inevitably, they'll be with Julia, and she'll be with them. Any dog would be lucky to walk with her, and I'm sure she'd feel just as lucky to walk with it.

Julia has a connection with animals that is truly special. She adores dogs and cats alike and they sense that, thus she's able to form a connection right away. When she's with her canine charges, she's kind, yet in control. Julia is great with our animals, and I feel confident they are safe and loved when they are in her care!