I got my first dog when I was in the fourth grade, and I've had at least one ever since. My husband and I currently have two dogs that are our babies. They are members of our family, and I believe that your dogs should be treated the same while you're away! I dog sit for my parents' two senior dogs while they are out of town. I frequently dog sat while I was in college and for about a year afterwards. Dogs are our greatest animal companions, and they deserve all the love and care we can give them!