Dogs (and animals in general) are naturally loving, loyal, and accepting. They give us unconditional acceptance. I believe in returning that love back to them and their families. I want to help pets and their pet parents. I have made it my life goal to keep my career within the animal field and will do whatever I can to help these amazing creatures. I've always been around dogs since I was a child and feel happiest when I can interact with them on a regular basis. I have a lot of experience working with animals in many different capacities. I have done pet sitting/house sitting since I was ten (14 years approximately). I have volunteered at multiple shelters for 3-5 yrs (varies on which shelter) and worked in their behavior/socialization/training departments as well. I worked with both dogs and cats at the rescues as well. I am also a full time dog groomer! I have been working in the grooming industry for over three years. I was a bather for little over a year, then trained to become a dog groomer and haven't looked back. I have owned or had dogs, cats, or other exotic animals for my entire life. Currently I have four dogs (half of which are seniors). They are an 8-month-old Standard Poodle, an 11-year-old Labradoodle mix, an 11-year-old Chihuahua-Dachshund mix, and her daughter, a 5-year-old Chihuahua-Dachshund-Terrier mix. They are like my children and I do everything I can to make them happy and comfortable! My schedule is a balance of school and work currently. I find a balance though for playing and tending to the pups in my care and my work/school schedule. My goal is to show the love and compassion I have for pets in everything I do! By talking with the pet parents and getting to know their pets I will endeavor to find what each of the pets unique needs are and fulfill them. I will work with pet parents on any specifics they have for their pets and fulfill what they are looking for. I will respond promptly to all requests and keep the owner's in the loop throughout their pets experience. And most importantly I will love and care for each pet as if they were my family! A big part of getting to make sure every stay is a dream come true is having the opportunity to meet first. I will introduce myself to them appropriately (friendly, on the same level, and at their own pace). If pet parents are comfortable, I will have them bring their pets favorite treats and toys to the meet and greet. This will ensure a positive response to my presence. By rewarding them when I am near, it teaches them that good things come from my presence. For dogs I'd love to do meet and greets at a local park, that way they don't feel they need to protect their territory from a stranger. I am fine working with all breeds! I love pets in all shapes and sizes from chihuahuas to pit bulls to great danes to mastiffs and any in-between. I would want to know about training the pets have, any special needs, and their behavior to other animals and outside stimuli. For me, I would want to know if the dog shows any signs of do aggression that I will have to be careful of or if they are owner protective, etc. I also would like to know (for large and extra large breeds) how they are on a leash. If say a Great Dane or St. Bernard are not trained properly on a leash for walks, for example, then I will not be comfortable taking them on walks. I am strong for my size but I do not want to be dragged down the street if they see another dog or stimuli etc.