Marla is one of the most wonderful animal caretakers I've ever had experience with. True, I may be biased because she's my partner, but still: I have rarely seen a dog as well-loved and well-cared for as her (now our! <3) pup Luna. Marla is meticulous about the details of Luna's care, and is attentive to her mood and what she might be trying to express to us (since, as of yet, she isn't speaking English). Marla cares what kind of day Luna is having, and loves playtime and cuddle-time and walk time just as much as Luna does. She understands that consistency (in schedules, training, etc.) is key for helping Luna feel secure and stay healthy. I had never been around animals as much before knowing Marla and Luna, and every day with them is a wonderful adventure, because Luna is not treated as our "pet" or accessory, but as a member of our family with her own beautiful and unique personality, needs, and desires. What's more is that I've seen Marla interact with several other dogs and other animals, and she is literally always addressing them as individuals, attentive to their routines, which words they've been trained with, etc. She knows from her work at the SPCA and at the Animal Care Center how to give them cues that they understand, and how to pick up on clues that they might have a health issue. When we've taken care of our friend's Australian cattle dog, Chai, or our other friend's two cats, Marla gives them all the love and attention she'd give Luna at home on a regular day. Being with animals makes Marla happy - and I never fail to see them happy to be with her.