Aside from growing up with dogs, I was the Animal Care Supervisor & Surgery Assistant at the Champaign County Humane Society (I have also worked in Adoptions and Medical Lab). Over my five+ years there, I oversaw and provided the feeding, cleaning, and general care for shelter pets, worked to modify challenging behavior in dogs, administered medication to animals, and helped prep/monitor patients under anesthesia (occasionally scrubbing in to emergency surgeries). Working in the shelter, I've handled reptiles, small mammals, cats, dogs, and birds. I've personally owned dogs, cats, birds, fish, and hamsters, but dogs will always have my heart! I grew up with a German Shepherd, but love working with any and all dogs. I am very patient with animals and understand that every dog is an individual who needs specific attention and unique care. My patience has proven to be a strong characteristic for dogs who are high energy, elderly, sick, or timid. Many of them need special time set aside so they are still enriched and kept healthy and happy, which is one of the most satisfying feelings in the world. Dogs truly are the best.