I’ve always loved dogs, but couldn’t have them growing up due to allergies in the family. So I had to find other ways to spend time with dogs. I volunteered at puppy adoption events, watched dogs for neighbors and family friends, and took every opportunity I had to interact with them. I started walking my neighbor’s two dachshunds at age 11, and was their primary dog walker until I left for college at age 18. I often took care of them when my neighbor was away, and would sometimes come over just to keep them company while I did homework. Both dogs were seniors (about 15 years old) by the time I left, so I got a good deal of practice giving them medications, changing puppy pads, and adapting our walk routines to accommodate worsening arthritis. I loved those dogs like my own and missed them terribly when I went to college. My roommate during my sophomore year in college brought along her deaf Jack Russell-dachshund mix to live with us, and I became a second carer for her. I watched her when my roommate was in class, took care of her when my roommate went on trips, took her on walks, and gave her a skunk-bath when she tried to make friends with the local wildlife. I had been planning to adopt my own dog after graduating college, but moved my plans up sooner when Covid hit. I adopted Pickles, my dachshund-mini pin mix in August 2020, from a family who was rehoming her. She knew her name and to come when she was called, but had no other training. I taught her all the basic commands myself using positive reinforcement training and we took a formal obedience class to solidify our skills the following year. While most of my experience has been with smaller dogs, my parents adopted a 70lbs English Shepard a little over a year ago, who I have helped them care for and train.