I've never not had an animal or two (or more!) to love and care for. I've been pet sitting for and dog walking friends' animals for a long time. I was deeply honored when a friend asked if I would take her cat if she died. Not sure there's a higher compliment. I love them all but have a particular soft spot for senior animals, as well as quite a bit of experience with caring for them, including administering medications. Each animal has their own unique personality, needs, and sensitivities, and I think it's vital to approach each one with care, love, and empathy. I recently came across something that captures my feelings about our solemn obligations to our animal friends: "In Hawaiian you don’t call yourself your pet’s owner. You are their Kahu. Kahu has many meanings. Guardian. Protector. Steward. Beloved attendant. Basically someone entrusted with the safe keeping of something precious." As I see it, you are entrusting me with the care of someone precious, to be a steward, guardian, and protector, and my job is to care for, love, and reassure them until their favorite person in the world gets back. We have the privilege to be entrusted with their care and a sacred duty to give them a good life filled with joy and love, and that's a good and necessary thing we can do in the world.