I’ve grown up around dogs my entire life, so caring for them has always felt very natural to me. My last dog was with me for 14 years, and I got to experience every stage of her life with her. I went from playing with her as a little kid to taking her on walks and eventually helping care for her as she got older. Having her alongside me for so many years made her feel like a constant part of my life, and I really grew up with her in a way that I’ll always be grateful for. My current dog has been with me for four years and was rescued from a breeding farm. When we first brought her home, she was extremely nervous and wouldn’t even leave our mudroom. It took a lot of patience and consistency for her to become comfortable, but now she sleeps in my bed and follows me everywhere. That experience taught me that every dog has a different personality and comfort level, and sometimes they just need someone willing to give them the time to adjust. Maple (Her name) has taught me so much about her, myself, and how to care for different dogs. Given that she lives at home with my mother while I’m at school, I miss her like I’d miss a sibling or parent and we both always get unbelievably excited to see eachother when I am home for breaks. I genuinely enjoy being around dogs and building a relationship with them. Whether they’re energetic, shy, older, or just love attention, I like figuring out what makes each dog comfortable and happy. I think caring for pets gives me just as much joy as I give them, which is why I take it seriously and genuinely enjoy spending time with them.