I have grown up with dogs and cats my entire life, as well as a few birds and many fish. Tyson the Boxer, my grandfathers dog. Smokey, the cat my mother said not to pet or he would follow us (and he did! Best friend for 13 years). Woody, the mini Australian shepherd that was my childhood dog who taught me so much about caring for a pet. And also Pepper, the black lab chow mix that my grandfather gave to us when he got too old for Pepper's energy. All of these I had the privilege to take care of and become friends with. My first job was pet sitting for our neighbors in the townhouse we lived in - making sure their golden retriever Tucker was walked and happy before Mom and Dad got home from work. This relationship last until we moved away but finding a way to make some money while getting to take care of and hang out with animals left its mark. My most recent pet success story is that I have been able to convince my no-pet landlord to allow me to have a cat, when they saw me interacting with their own animals. I would love to have a dog but do not currently have the space. I am able to live vicariously through my brother's puppy (A Goldador) who I help with whenever he is away from work. Life is just better with a furry friend.