The New Best Friend Growing up in "the country" as we say in Small Town, USA, meant growing up surrounded by more animals than people. From small critters to large, four-legged fur balls there wasn't an animal we would not adopt as our own. This also made it extremely easy to scoop up strays around town and tell my Dad they "just showed up" at our house. Although a lover of all animals, dogs always had a slight edge above the rest. You see, my first official pet was a red Pekingese named Biff, and it's been a deep love affair with canines ever since. I have been caring for dogs, from the tee-tiny Teacups to the massive Mastiffs, for a little over 20 years. I began officially fostering and adopting for the last 10 years. I have fostered more than 10 dogs and have adopted two, Bowen and Maple. I have also volunteered at local shelters for more than 15 years and recently raised over $2,000 for St. Landry Parish Animal Control Shelter in Opelousas for building supplies needed to construct more shaded areas and cover for the animals. As you can see it's no secret I dig dogs, and like me, your pups are your family. Rest assure, your kids will become my extended family and may return home a little more spoiled and tad bit chubbier. The Needs Although caring for your dog is like a vacation to me, their health and needs are top priority. Does your pet have any allergies or foods they can not eat, should they be kenneled when I am not home or bed time? How are they with other dogs? Are they active and want to play or are they more chill and would rather take it easy? Whatever your pet likes or dislikes, I am their go-to-gal. Although, I hope one like is peanut butter because I could use some help not eating it all myself!