Most people who watch pets learned to love animals as adults. I didn't have that learning curve — I grew up with dogs, cats, reptiles, and insects from age 5, which means I've been reading animal behavior my whole life. I notice things: a subtle shift in posture, eating less than usual, a dog that's friendly but actually anxious underneath. That kind of attention comes from decades of hands-on experience, not a weekend certification. I'm also comfortable with animals that other sitters turn away. High-energy breeds, strong personalities, dogs with a history — I've handled them. I grew up around pit bulls, rottweilers, and boxers, so I'm not rattled by size or intensity. For senior dogs, I understand that slower doesn't mean less — they need more patience, more observation, and a sitter who notices when something's off. I give that naturally. What you won't get with me is performative care. No staged photos where your dog looks confused on a couch. Real walks, real attention, real updates — because I actually enjoy this.