I have been dog sitting for family, friends and neighbors ever since I was in the 6th grade, 1996. My family moved around with the Air Force, so we had many new neighbors with pets who needed to have someone look after their dogs when they traveled to see family or for TDY trips. My first job was with a couple of beautiful and silly golden retrievers that lived next door. My mom said I was the first person in the family to go out and meet new neighbors and their dogs. We always had dogs and cats growing up, and even with the moves, they went with us. Our pets are family. I am a believer that when you adopt it is a lifetime commitment. I also believe that dogs have their own personality and that it is important to learn their individual needs to care for them. So, when I sit for a dog, I learn their routines from their family and try to keep things as normal as possible for them. While my dad was stationed in Okinawa I worked at the kennel where pets were quarantined upon arrival from the States and helped with getting local dogs adopted. I also apprenticed for two years in high school at the base veterinary clinic where I learned to give shots, gently restrain animals, pill animals and clean up a ton of messes. I am currently not working so I am available Monday through Sunday.