I'm a lifelong animal lover who grew up with a small menagerie of pets. I also took care of my neighbors' dogs when they traveled. When I was 13, I started volunteering at my local animal shelter, where I learned how to handle cats and dogs with different levels of socialization. As an adult, I adopted a dog with severe separation anxiety and later managed his other health issues as a senior. I also rescued a feral kitten from the street and then foster failed with another kitten. So if your pet is a rescue and/or nervous around strangers, I will be sure to treat them with extra patience and care.