I can't remember a time in my life without animals (we currently have FIVE)! I've always grown up around cats, and finally convinced my parents to get our dog my sophomore year of high school which was definitely the best decision we have ever made as a family!! Growing up around pets, I've come to understand that caring for an animal is so much more than walking, feeding, giving medicine, and taking them out - they're a part of the family and should be treated as such. Animals play a very important role in my family and my promise is to respect and love your pet the same way I respect and love my own!