Since I was in middle school, I always helped out after school when my parents had to stay at work. When neighbors left town, I always offered to check in on pets to walk and feed them throughout their owner's absence. As a college student now, I still take care of friends' pets if I have the availability in my schedule. When I am home on breaks, I am able to help my mom with our senior dog. He is still zooming around often, but helping him with grooming and feeding helped me learn how to care for senior pets. We also got a new puppy, Penny, around Christmas who has been a handful for my mom. I have been able to take Penny up to school with me on some weekends, reminding me how much attention and care these pets need at all ages.