My first experience caring for a pet was when my sister got her rabbit, Cinnabun, when I was 10. Over the course of her long, happy 13 years of life, I treated her as my own, learning how to clean out her litter tray, washing her lettuce, and playing with her. On sunny days, we would take her outside to hop around on a blanket. When we adopted our beloved family cat, Wally, his curiosity got the best of him and he'd stick his paws inside her cage and mess with her fur. I took the time to get the two acquainted so that he wouldn't mess with his big sister anymore. During the final few days of Cinnabun's life, I spent my time with her while my sister was away at college so that she would feel comfortable and know she was loved as she peacefully passed away from old age. Wally, happy and healthy at almost 12 years old, has been the favorite member of the family since his arrival. While living at home I consistently cared for our little guy, making sure he was well-fed, his litter box area was clean, playing with him, cuddling with him, and making sure he knew just how loved he is. Since moving out, I make sure than any time I visit home I dedicate time to spend with him so that I'll always be his favorite human. Most of my pet-care experience is with cats - including, of course, Wally, in addition to my sister's Tuxedo cat, aptly named Tux, and the newest cat addition to my life, my friend's kitten Cannoli (my furry god-daughter). Over the course of the past 12 years I've consistently cared for cats, including the day-to-day cat care with feeding, litter scooping, nail clipping, and playing, as well as post-surgery care on a few occasions (Wally's neuter/a separate stomach surgery, and Cannoli's spaying) which required administering medication, assisting in using the litter box, keeping the space extra clean, and an extra gentle touch with the pets. I've cared for Cannoli on several occasions while her mom was out of town, building our bond and increasing her sense of trust with me. Within the past few years, I've experienced dog-sitting with Nala, my favorite hyper Golden Retriever, and her big (small) rabbit brother, Pluto. On several occasions I've cared for Nala and Pluto for an extended amount of time while their parents were away, making sure they always had fresh food and water, playing with them, keeping their spaces clean (Pluto can make a big mess for such a little bunny), and particularly for Nala, taking her for multiple walks per day, playing with her outside in the yard, keeping a consistent bathroom break schedule, and giving her extra cuddles at night while we watch TV. My main priority with each visit has been to maintain their regular schedules and reduce any stress around their parents being away. In Nala's case, extra cuddles and the occasional pup-cup does the trick.