Hi, I'm Kirsten! I'm a huge animal lover and a dedicated rescue & animal rights advocate 🤍 I’ve been fostering dogs for over 10 years—many of whom needed extra support, including dogs with medical needs, anxiety, behavioral challenges, and puppies still learning about the world around them. I’m especially comfortable with dogs that may not be the “easiest”—they tend to be the ones I connect with most. My rescue/activism work is entirely volunteer-based and has come with a lot of personal time and expense. I'm joining Rover to help me offset some of those costs, but what matters most to me is being able to continue helping all dogs feel comfortable, safe, and cared for. How I support dogs with extra needs: Dogs with Anxiety or Behavioral Challenges 🧠🐕: I create a calm, safe, and loving environment, and I meet every dog where they’re at—with patience, understanding, and compassion. I have extensive experience working with behaviors such as resource guarding, severe anxiety, reactivity, and socialization challenges. I pay close attention to each dog’s boundaries, offer consistent reassurance, and let them settle in at their own pace—whether that means playing, exploring, or simply relaxing. House Training 🏡: One of my strengths! Most of the dogs I’ve cared for were not fully house-trained when they arrived. I help build strong habits through consistency, frequent outdoor time, and positive reinforcement only. I am very patient and I love making dogs feel proud of themselves for each success- rewarding with treat & a lot of praise! Puppies 🐶: I help puppies learn the basics in a gentle, consistent way—redirecting teething, encouraging good habits, and setting them up for success. My home is always fully puppy-proofed so they can safely explore and learn. Medical Needs 💊: You can count on me to stay on top of your dog’s care. I’ve worked with a wide range of medical needs and take monitoring seriously. I follow all care instructions closely, keep a careful eye on any concerns, and provide regular updates so you feel at ease. Companion 🐾: I do not overlap bookings (or with fosters), so your dog will always receive my full attention Your dog will also be spending time with my 5-year-old rescue, Shia—who has helped many foster dogs feel safe and settle in. He’s extremely intuitive, respectful of boundaries, and non-reactive. He’s happy to play or cuddle if your dog is interested, but just as content giving them space. 🤍🤍 At the end of the day, my goal is simple: I want every dog in my care to feel safe, cared for, and truly happy.