From the time Killian was 5 years old she begged me for a dog. Knowing what a huge responsibility a pet is, I told her she had to demonstrate her ability to take care of other peoples animals before she could have her own. For the next five years she watched my best friend's cats while he traveled abroad for three months every summer as well as dog sat for several friends when they would go away for weekends. For a young girl she was sensitive, caring, and affectionate toward her furry, four-legged responsibilities. When Killian turned 10 I bought her her first dog, Saoirse. She was the cutest little Shepard/Husky mix and really picked Killian rather than the other way around that day at the shelter. The two of them became best friends and for fourteen years Killian did everything she could to make her dog feel like a loved part of our family. Killian now lives in a situation where owning a dog is not possible between work and preparing for a PhD program but she misses having a canine connection. She will be fantastic with your family's pet and in return will get time with something she has loved since a young girl.

I am writing this letter in regards to Killian Barry. I have known Ms. Barry for 4 years and had been her roommate for 2 of those years. During our time together, I have gotten to know Ms. Barry's interactions with dogs. Ms. Barry is very caring and shows patience with dogs. I learned that she grew up with a family dog who lived to be 14 years old. I have been around her and her family's dog numerous times and it is easy to see she has a passion for being around dogs and being their friend. Numerous times she has watched my family's dog while my family and I have been out of town because she shows a tremendous amount of trust to be around pets. It is my recommendation that Ms. Barry be approved for the opportunity she is requesting.