I’m the person who stops mid-sidewalk to crouch down and say hello to every dog I come across! I was fortunate enough to grow up with dogs, but over time I’ve learned that loving them and understanding them are two very different things. Part of that comes from my sweet girl, Remy, an aussie/border collie mix who's been with me since she was ten weeks old. We are truly the best adventure duo. We're outside constantly: parks, forest walks, swimming, camping (but swimming is her favorite). She's extremely well trained, with a calm, shy demeanor and near perfect recall. I don't say this to brag (maybe a little) but to point out that even now, at ten years old, we’re still learning together. That process taught me that knowing a dog isn’t about affection alone. It’s about paying attention. I bring that same mindset to every one of my friend's and family's dogs that I care for. Each one has their own logic and their own way of moving through the world. Fisher, a golden, craves attention, so when she’s with me we build that into the day. She even has a standing date at a local cider spot. Oakley lives for the water, so that’s where we go. And then there are the subtleties, like how Fisher will dodge you if you walk toward her mid-play, but will come straight to you if you ask for a touch. These aren’t things you pick up from a guidebook. They come from watching closely and adjusting. My goal is always the same. Figure out what makes each dog feel safe, engaged, and understood, and meet them there.